Tsunade nodded thoughtfully.
"That's true, but we've always been at odds with the Hidden Cloud Village, and the Hidden Mist Village remains isolated from the rest of the world. It won't be easy to convince them to cooperate."
Jiraiya crossed his arms.
"Even so, they've suffered major losses as well. The Two-Tails Jinchūriki from the Hidden Cloud and the Six-Tails Jinchūriki from the Hidden Mist have already been captured. Under these circumstances, they may be willing to put aside their prejudices."
He paused before continuing.
"Speaking of which, there's another matter we need to discuss."
Kakashi stepped forward.
"While investigating Orochimaru's hideouts, we discovered several survivors. Most of Orochimaru's loyal followers were dealt with, but many others were simply test subjects imprisoned for his experiments. We released the majority of them."
He hesitated briefly.
"However, a few children no longer have a place to return to."
Tsunade frowned slightly.
"Go on."
"Two of them were brought back with us," Kakashi explained. "One is named Jūgo. According to our findings, he's the source of Orochimaru's research into the Curse Mark. He comes from a remote village rich in natural energy. The villagers possess extraordinary potential, but they also have a tendency to lose control of themselves."
"And the other?"
"Suigetsu Hōzuki."
Tsunade's eyes widened.
"Suigetsu Hōzuki? The Hōzuki Clan is one of the most prestigious clans of the Hidden Mist Village. Even the Second Mizukage came from that family."
"Exactly," Jiraiya replied. "Jūgo's village has been destroyed, so Konoha can take him in. But Suigetsu belongs to the Hidden Mist. He should be returned to his homeland."
A smile appeared on his face.
"And while doing so, we can use this opportunity to gauge the Hidden Mist Village's current attitude."
Tsunade immediately understood.
"Good idea."
She nodded.
"I'll personally visit the Hidden Cloud Village. As for the Hidden Mist Village, we'll send a team there under the pretext of escorting Suigetsu home while conducting a thorough investigation."
After a brief pause, she turned toward Kakashi.
"Kakashi, you've just returned from a mission. What do you think about leading this team?"
Kakashi smiled.
"I don't mind. However, the Hidden Mist Village is notorious for its secrecy, and the remnants of the Bloody Mist era still linger. Infiltrating the village won't be easy."
Tsunade's smile widened.
"That's exactly why I've assembled the best team possible for you."
"Oh?"
Naruto immediately grinned.
Tsunade pointed toward the three young shinobi.
"Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata. The three of you will accompany Kakashi."
Naruto froze for a second before jumping up excitedly.
"Amazing! Team Seven is officially back!"
Kakashi sighed.
"Team Seven was never dead to begin with."
Hinata immediately bowed.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Sasuke silently nodded in agreement.
Tsunade then turned her attention to Fū.
"As for you, I'd like to bring you back to Konoha temporarily for protection. Of course, that depends on both your wishes and Takigakure's approval."
The captain of the Takigakure shinobi immediately answered.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama. That was our intention as well."
Fū nodded politely.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Tsunade let out a relieved sigh.
"Good. Now, let's move on to the results of the Chūnin Exams."
---
Jiraiya and Kakashi temporarily left the meeting room with Team Seven.
As they walked through the hallway, Naruto enthusiastically recounted his battle against Akatsuki's Immortal Duo. His exaggerated gestures and dramatic storytelling made the battle sound even more unbelievable than it already was.
Even so, both Jiraiya and Kakashi couldn't help but become serious when hearing about Hidan and Kakuzu's strange abilities.
"Every member of Akatsuki possesses terrifying and bizarre powers," Kakashi muttered.
Jiraiya nodded.
"Even so, Naruto, it's remarkable that you managed to stop them."
He looked at the three young shinobi.
"Every other Akatsuki team succeeded in capturing their target Jinchūriki. You're the only team that managed to stop them."
He laughed proudly.
"Kakashi, Team Seven truly is extraordinary."
Kakashi scratched his head awkwardly.
"Jiraiya-sama, I can't really take credit for that."
"If anyone deserves praise, it's you and Lady Tsunade."
Jiraiya laughed loudly.
"No matter what happens, Team Seven will become one of Konoha's greatest pillars in the future."
His gaze swept over Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata.
"This mission with Kakashi is your chance to prove yourselves again."
He smirked.
"Who knows? Maybe you've already surpassed Kakashi-sensei."
Naruto immediately grinned.
"Perfect! I've got a brand-new secret ultimate technique to show everyone!"
"When you see it, you'll be completely speechless!"
Only Hinata knew what he was talking about.
She smiled quietly.
Sasuke, however, remained silent.
Jiraiya chuckled.
"A new secret technique? Now you've made me curious."
Suddenly, Sasuke spoke.
"Do I have to go to the Hidden Mist Village?"
Everyone paused.
Naruto blinked.
"Huh?"
Sasuke stared directly at Jiraiya.
"The gap between Naruto and me keeps growing."
His voice was calm but firm.
"Even if I accompany him on missions and manage to keep up, that won't help me achieve what I need."
He clenched his fists.
"To be honest... I'm talking about myself."
Naruto's eyes widened.
This wasn't something Sasuke would normally admit aloud.
Hinata immediately understood.
The earlier discussion about Akatsuki had brought up a name that Sasuke could never forget.
Itachi Uchiha.
Although Naruto had promised to help him, Sasuke still wanted to avenge his clan with his own strength.
Jiraiya looked directly into Sasuke's eyes and immediately understood.
"I see, Sasuke."
He nodded slowly.
"Both you and Naruto are my students. Since I've promised to guide you, it's my responsibility to make sure neither of you loses your way."
Kakashi's expression softened.
He knew Jiraiya was thinking about Nagato—the student who had eventually become Pain.
Perhaps Jiraiya believed that his former student's downfall was partly due to his own failure as a teacher.
Because of that, he felt an even greater responsibility toward Naruto and Sasuke.
Jiraiya's voice became serious.
"Very well."
"Kakashi, take Naruto and Hinata to the Hidden Mist Village."
"As for Sasuke..."
A grin spread across his face.
"I'll personally put him through the harshest special training imaginable."
Kakashi nodded.
"Understood."
Sasuke finally relaxed.
"Thank you..."
"Master."
Jiraiya burst into laughter.
"If we're master and student now, then there's no need to thank me."
He immediately turned around.
"Since it's decided, let's not waste any time."
"Sasuke, come with me. Training begins now."
His smile suddenly became frightening.
"However, prepare yourself mentally."
"If you want true power, you'll have to endure training that will be extremely painful."
Sasuke remained expressionless.
"I'm not afraid."
"Good."
The master and disciple vanished in a blur.
Kakashi shook his head.
"Naruto, Hinata, make your preparations."
"We'll be leaving for the Hidden Mist Village soon."
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei!"
---
Meanwhile...
Deep within an underground Akatsuki base.
The Demonic Statue of the Outer Path stood hidden in the darkness.
Most of its enormous body was buried beneath the earth, with only its upper half visible. Even so, it was unimaginably massive.
Its grotesque face resembled a monster whose mouth had been torn open. The sight alone radiated destruction and despair.
Nine gigantic eyes were embedded across its face.
One of them had already opened.
The eye slowly rotated, as though searching for prey to devour.
Suddenly—
Buzz!
Figures wearing black cloaks decorated with red clouds appeared atop the statue's ten massive fingers.
Pain stood at the center.
His Rinnegan gazed coldly across the gathered members.
"Itachi and Kisame have successfully captured the Four-Tails Jinchūriki."
"Deidara and Sasori have successfully captured the Two-Tails Jinchūriki."
"Konan and I have successfully captured the Six-Tails Jinchūriki."
His gaze shifted.
"Only you failed."
The pressure immediately settled on Kakuzu.
Kakuzu took a deep breath.
"Everything was proceeding according to plan."
"But a Konoha ninja suddenly appeared. Hidan was killed, and the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki escaped."
Pain's eyes narrowed.
"A Konoha ninja?"
"Who was it?"
Kakuzu replied coldly.
"Might Guy."
"And Team Seven: Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Hyūga Hinata."
When Itachi heard Sasuke's name, a subtle ripple passed through his eyes.
Deidara scoffed.
"Team Seven? Aren't those just a bunch of kids?"
"And who even is Might Guy?"
"You two actually lost to people like that?"
Kakuzu glared at him.
"Are you mocking me?"
Deidara shrugged.
"For someone who claims to have lived nearly a century, losing to a bunch of brats is pretty embarrassing."
"Hm."
Kakuzu's killing intent surged.
"Do you want to die?"
"Enough."
Pain's cold voice instantly silenced both of them.
No matter how powerful they were, everyone present understood one thing.
Compared to Pain, they were insignificant.
The legendary Rinnegan possessed power beyond imagination.
Pain continued.
"Despite the interference caused by Jiraiya's actions, this operation was ultimately successful."
"We have acquired four Tailed Beasts."
"The Two-Tails."
"The Four-Tails."
"The Five-Tails."
"And the Six-Tails."
"Following this operation, the Five Great Nations will undoubtedly strengthen their defenses. Capturing additional Jinchūriki will become increasingly difficult."
"However..."
"This is still our victory."
His gaze shifted toward the colossal statue.
"Before proceeding to the next phase, we will use the Gedo Mazo's Nine Dragon Seals to extract and seal the Tailed Beasts we have obtained."
"Once that process is complete..."
"We will possess another Tailed Beast."
Deidara frowned.
"Another one? Which beast?"
Pain answered calmly.
"The Three-Tails."
Kisame's eyes widened slightly.
"The Three-Tails?"
"The Three-Tails' Jinchūriki is Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village."
He looked at Pain.
"Leader, are you truly confident you can capture him without incident?"
In reality, Kisame already knew the truth regarding Yagura.
He asked the question deliberately.
And for the first time, a faint smile appeared on Pain's face.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)