At this time, the various powers of the Ninja World had not stopped their pace.
Beneath the calm surface, undercurrents capable of overturning the existing order were surging and converging at an unprecedented speed.
Land of Wind, Sunagakure.
The iconic circular buildings appeared somewhat dull under the scorching sunlight.
Inside the Kazekage office, Gaara stood quietly before a massive floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the villagers busy as a colony of ants below.
He had become the Kazekage, the youngest among all the Kage. Relying on absolute strength and his heart for protecting the Village, he had gradually earned the awe and respect of some villagers, yet that deep-seated alienation and loneliness had never truly dissipated.
He could only immerse himself in endless work and the obsession with becoming stronger, using the responsibilities and power of the Kazekage to fill the void in his heart.
The support of Temari and Kankuro was one of his few comforts, but they could not truly understand the curse and pressure brought by Shukaku within his body.
Recently, the Ichibi Shukaku inside him had become increasingly restless, as if sensing some ominous omen.
They had just finished discussing the Akatsuki Organization, knowing it was a group composed of ten S-rank Rogue Ninjas with the goal of collecting Tailed Beasts for unknown purposes.
"Collecting Tailed Beasts?" Gaara murmured to himself, a hint of gravity flashing in his amber eyes. He was the Ichibi Jinchuriki; sooner or later, he would have to face those guys.
He subconsciously touched the sand gourd on his back; the cold sensation brought a trace of illusory security.
No matter who the newcomer was, if they wanted to destroy this land of sand he had worked so hard to protect, they would have to step over his corpse first... Land of Rice Paddies, Otogakure Base.
In the dark and damp underground base, the air was filled with the smell of disinfectant and the unique fishy scent of snakes.
Orochimaru leaned back in his chair, his snake-like pupils flickering with unmasked greed and anticipation.
He extended his long tongue, licking his pale lips, and let out a low, raspy laugh.
"Heh heh heh... Sasuke-kun, my dear vessel, the speed of your growth is truly delightful."
He could clearly see Uchiha Sasuke Cultivating in another training field.
By now, Sasuke had grown into a young man. The only things that remained unchanged were the determination for revenge in his eyes and his icy expression.
Sasuke's movements were as swift as lightning. The light of Chidori Current flickered wildly in the dim space, and the crimson glow of the Sharingan was filled with a thirst for power and hatred for that man.
He was using the power of the Cursed Seal with increasing proficiency. Although he still harbored resistance, the temptation of power was gradually eroding his will.
"The Uchiha bloodline, the potential of the Sharingan is truly wonderful, Subarashii..."
Orochimaru's eyes were full of obsession. He couldn't help but lick his lips as Itachi's Mangekyo flashed through his mind.
"Wait a little longer... I need to be more patient. Wait until your body has completely adapted to the Cursed Seal, until your Sharingan evolves to a higher level... that is when this perfect vessel shall be mine."
His mood had been quite good recently. Although he was rather annoyed that 'Danzo' had stolen some things from him earlier, those losses were completely acceptable compared to the Uchiha Sasuke body he was about to obtain.
After all, possessing Sasuke's body meant possessing an infinite future.
"Sasuke-kun, hate to your heart's content, grow stronger to your heart's content... Your power, your eyes, your everything, will soon belong to me, heh heh heh..."
The cold laughter echoed in the empty hall, filled with a chilling possessiveness... Konoha Village, inside the Hokage Office.
In the Konoha Hokage Office, the sun was already setting outside. The orange-red light filtered through the glass, plating the room in a layer of warm color, yet it could hardly dispel the heaviness permeating the air.
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind the broad desk. The pipe in his hand had long since gone out, but he was completely unaware of it.
Spread out before him were several documents: an analysis report on the activities of Villages surrounding Konoha, a summary of the Akatsuki Organization's recent movements, and... an evaluation report regarding the successor to the Hokage position that he had been contemplating for a long time.
Time waits for no one. Even he could clearly feel his energy inevitably slipping away.
The experience of nearly losing his life made him realize deeply that Konoha needed a younger, more energetic leader.
It was time for him to retire.
His gaze lingered between several names on the report.
Danzo Shimura? No, Root's way of doing things was too extreme. Handing Konoha to him would only lead the Village toward darkness and isolation.
Jiraiya? He was one of the most suitable candidates—strong and with enough prestige, and he cared for Konoha. But his wandering nature made it difficult for him to ever settle into this position.
Tsunade... Thinking of his Disciple, a trace of complexity flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
She possessed the strongest Medical Ninjutsu and was the granddaughter of the First Hokage; her status and strength were enough to command respect. However, her Hemophobia and the successive deaths of her younger brother and lover had left her with trauma that she was still running from today.
"Sigh..."
A long sigh sounded in the office. Choosing a successor concerned the future of the Village and allowed for no negligence.
Ultimately, his gaze fell once more on Jiraiya's name.
"I'll ask for Jiraiya's opinion first. For now, he is the most suitable..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pen and made a mark on the document. Regardless, the Fourth Hokage, who could protect Konoha's future, had to be determined before the next crisis fully erupted... Land of Rain.
Meanwhile, in the distant Land of Rain, it was shrouded in rain all year round.
Inside a tower that pierced the clouds, Pain's voice echoed in the empty hall.
"The Ichibi Jinchuriki, Gaara of the Desert, is confirmed to be in Sunagakure."
Deva Path Pain expressionlessly conveyed the will of the main body.
"Deidara, Sasori, the mission to capture the Ichibi is entrusted to you."
In the image, Deidara excitedly licked his lips.
"Finally, a decent mission! Un! Let those Sunagakure ninja witness my art!"
Sasori did not speak. He was very familiar with that place; this mission was very appropriate for him.
The order had been given; the hunt was about to begin.
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