As Allen entered a period of dormancy to focus intensely on his profession skills, the entire shinobi world finally began to settle into an uneasy quiet.
On one hand, the core members of the Akatsuki, having learned of Madara Uchiha's resurrection, ceased their support of the Resistance. They began preparing for the looming final showdown instead. Deidara, in particular, being the maniac he was, had secretly prepared enough explosive clay to level a large island, intent on showing Madara the true meaning of his ultimate art.
The Resistance, lacking top-tier combat power, dared not launch proactive strikes against the major hidden villages that still held trump cards. Instead, they entered a stage of strategic stalemate, desperately consolidating the territories they had seized. They worked to refine their crude internal systems and management models, laying the groundwork for the establishment of a formal nation.
On the other hand, the remaining four hidden villages, spurred by the efforts of Tsunade and Killer B, finally signed an offensive and defensive alliance, helping the Daimyō and nobles stabilize their dwindling lands.
Thus, a world plagued by upheaval welcomed a fleeting moment of peace.
Unfortunately, this peace was nothing more than a mirage.
When news of the wild Three-Tails' appearance broke, the Akatsuki (including Allen), the high-ranking officials of the four hidden villages, and even Madara and Black Zetsu, who had been wandering the lands, all moved simultaneously.
In less than three or four days, this once-deserted wasteland became incredibly crowded.
"Interesting! I didn't expect the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, to have such nerve, daring to lead a coalition to snatch the Three-Tails from us at a time like this." Obito stared at the shinobi setting up camp nearby, his tone mocking and playful.
He wasn't the alone; the reactions of the other core Akatsuki members were much the same.
Due to their frequent clashes recently, the two sides were already de facto enemies. The moment they met, the atmosphere became thick with tension, like a bow drawn to its breaking point. However, both sides maintained a modicum of restraint until the Three-Tails actually appeared.
"Should I go give them a lesson?" Deidara's eyes flickered with excitement and anticipation.
But Nagato, controlling the Deva Path Pain, shook his head. "No need. They won't affect our plan to capture the Three-Tails. Compared to them, Madara and Black Zetsu, hiding in the shadows, are the ones truly worth our vigilance."
"Don't worry. Madara and Black Zetsu won't make it to this operation," Allen said, the corners of his mouth curling into a knowing smirk.
"Oh? Don't tell me you..."
Nagato instantly connected this to the previous plan regarding Orochimaru's resurrection.
"Exactly. I imagine he's currently reminiscing with his old rival, and not just one of them," Allen hinted meaningfully.
Hardly had the words left his mouth when a massive roar and tremor erupted from the distant forest.
Looking up, they saw a deep blue giant, composed entirely of chakra, standing tall in mid-air.
Susanoo!
The unique ability of the Mangekyō Sharingan!
But before anyone could process what was happening, a similarly gargantuan Kannon statue with a thousand arms appeared out of thin air.
Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands!
There was no doubt: Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, the age-old rivals, were at it again.
"Such an incredible Susanoo and Wood Release! Could it be..." Itachi's expression turned grave.
"Yeah. Exactly. It's those two. It seems Orochimaru did a fine job. I believe we won't have to worry about Madara for quite a while," Allen provided the confirmation directly.
"Truly impressive, Allen. To think even someone like Madara could be played like a puppet in the palm of your hand," Kisame remarked, baring his rows of sharp teeth.
"No, it's just that Madara is too arrogant. He believes no one can stop him anymore. But he forgot one thing: returning from the dead isn't impossible in this world; it's just a bit troublesome. Let's go. Let's wrap up the Three-Tails and then move on to the Eight-Tails. Once we have those, all nine Tailed Beasts will be accounted for."
With that, Allen walked straight toward the misty surface of the water ahead.
Months ago, he had successfully extracted all of the Nine-Tails' chakra from Naruto and Minato. He had also drained about seventy to eighty percent of the Two-Tails' chakra and stuffed it into the Gedo Statue.
Now, his body had the capacity to seal both the Three-Tails and the Eight-Tails. Once he secured the final three Tailed Beasts, he would immediately retreat into a Dungeon for a period of time until he had siphoned off ninety percent of the medium. Only then would he reappear.
That would be the perfect moment to trigger the final war.
"Damn it! The Akatsuki members are moving!" a Sand ninja on lookout duty shouted nervously.
He couldn't help his anxiety. He had seen with his own eyes how Allen, leading just three subordinates, had entered his village as if it were his own backyard. Even veteran puppet masters like Chiyo couldn't stop him and were eventually forced to yield.
Unfortunately, no one was paying him any mind. Most of the coalition's gaze was fixed firmly on the spectacular clash between the Wood Release and the Susanoo in the distance.
Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, recognized the technique almost instantly as one only her grandfather could perform. Her entire body trembled with agitation, her eyes shimmering with intense emotion.
Just as she was about to dispatch two people to investigate, Kakashi suddenly lowered his voice and warned, "Hokage-sama! The Akatsuki are making their move! The leader is none other than Allen."
"What?!"
At those words, Tsunade snapped back to reality. She shifted her gaze toward Allen, who had begun searching and detecting beneath the water's surface. Without looking back, she barked, "Jiraiya! Take all the elites and cause as much chaos as possible. Today, no matter what, we cannot let them take the Three-Tails."
"Leave it to me!"
Jiraiya, having fully recovered from his severe injuries, patted his chest in a confident guarantee.
His near-death experience hadn't instilled any fear in the hearty old man. Instead, he had gained clarity on many things, he had even figured out a way to enter Sage Mode using his own talent, without needing to summon the two Great Toad Sages for help.
In the blink of an eye, he absorbed a massive amount of natural energy, entering Sage Mode. Immediately following, he charged onto the water, raising his hand to unleash Sage Art: Ultra-Big Ball Rasengan, slamming it down toward Allen with ferocity.
BOOM!
The high-speed spinning chakra released terrifying destructive power, kicking up a massive wave over ten meters high on the water's surface.
Several other elite Jonin followed suit, forming hand seals to unleash their most practiced and powerful Jutsus.
"Water Release: Giant Vortex Jutsu!"
"Wind Release: Blade of Wind!"
"Wind Release: Twister Jutsu!"
...
For a moment, the water's surface was a chaotic display of visually stunning ninjutsu.
However, when the mist and waves finally dissipated, Allen remained standing exactly where he was, completely unscathed. Not a single drop of water had even touched his clothes.
Not only that, he looked at them and asked with a deeply mocking tone:
"Is that all?"