Was there anything more comfortable than sleeping?
Matatabi thought there was—waking up, strolling through the forest, crossing streams, watching the gentle flow of water among the lush greenery, listening to the crisp and melodious chirping of birds, scaring little animals into running away, and then… finding a spot to take another nap.
This beautiful and peaceful forest—though it had only been there for a day—was already deeply loved.
To Matatabi, it felt like paradise. It could sleep anytime, anywhere, completely immersed in sweet dreams, enjoying the serenity of time.
When sleeping became boring, and it wasn't in the mood to play with the little animals, it could watch the tiny humans roughhousing in a clearing among the sparse trees.
It enjoyed sneaking up on them, poking its big head out, and watching them get startled.
Yesterday had been the first time it had played like this.
So fun!
Did tailed beasts have physical sensations?
Could they feel pain like humans?
Could they feel comfort?
Did they experience heat or cold?
No one had ever asked a tailed beast these questions, and tailed beasts wouldn't bring them up in conversation either.
But they did have sensory organs. They looked like living creatures—just like Matatabi, which could hear with its ears, see with its eyes, and speak with its mouth. Though it didn't need to eat, it still slept.
It even yawned!
Right then, Matatabi felt incredibly comfortable.
The sunlight warmed its body, and the gentle forest breeze made it perfect for sleeping.
When it slept, it curled up into a ball, swishing its two tails back and forth on the ground. Gradually, when its tails stopped moving, it had fallen into deep sleep.
But even while sleeping, its ears remained extremely sensitive. At any sound, they would twitch slightly, and if an unusual sound approached, it would wake up immediately.
When it arrived at the simulated battlefield's edge, he could hear the big cat snoring from a distance.
Well… it wasn't exactly snoring. Matatabi… it ground its teeth in its sleep.
---
Masashi first leapt onto a tree and scanned the area. It didn't take long to spot the big, curled-up furball.
Sleeping soundly.
Wouldn't it be rude to wake it up?
So, he hopped between the trees a few times and landed on a large tree next to Matatabi.
A flock of birds took off in a flurry.
Matatabi's ears twitched, then perked up as it opened its eyes.
"Are you sleeping?" Masashi asked.
"???"
It leaned closer and saw Masashi clearly.
Oh, it's the good two-legged beast.
Recognizing who it was, Matatabi decided to continue sleeping. It stretched its front legs forward in a lazy stretch, then relaxed and curled up again—looking completely unbothered.
In his first previous lives, Masashi hadn't interacted much with tailed beasts, but he was sure of one thing—the ones he had seen back then were all very energetic.
So…
"You can't just sleep all the time. Come on, let's have some fun." He jumped onto Matatabi's head. Given its current mood, activating his Susanoo now would likely hurt the trust he'd built.
Petting the big cat… should wait until he raised its affection level a bit more.
Matatabi wasn't exactly pleased that he climbed on its head, but it didn't shoo him away either—it knew this human wouldn't hurt it.
"How about I give you a massage?" Masashi sat cross-legged on its head. "By the way, can you shrink in size?"
"No," Matatabi said gruffly. "We only get bigger. Controlling size is very troublesome."
Masashi nodded at the answer.
He had wondered about that when he saw the Eight-Tails.
Although that was a jinchūriki performing full tailed-beast transformation, the actual size was still the same as the Eight-Tails itself. But in his first life, he had seen the Eight-Tails looking even larger.
As chakra constructs, tailed beasts naturally converted nature energy into chakra—just like how the God Tree had once borne chakra fruit. The nine tailed beasts were all part of the God Tree's power.
It was Hagoromo that had granted them their independent will and names.
If you thought about it, it made sense. If they could create Tailed Beast Bombs, it meant their use of chakra, though crude, wasn't uncontrolled.
In fact, their mastery was better than most humans.
"Matatabi, want to come with me somewhere?" he asked.
"Where?" With the success of the Konoha Forest experience, it didn't mind tagging along to another place with Masashi.
"To our ally's territory," Masashi said. "I know you still have some doubts about the Uchiha clan. You can observe us there and see that the Uchiha are trustworthy."
"Is it far?" Matatabi thought for a moment. "Is there a forest?"
It didn't really care about the Uchiha clan. The only one it fully trusted was the old Sage of Six Paths.
Masashi and Yugito were both just "good two-legged beasts" in its mind. If the place was too far and lacked a forest, it wasn't interested.
"Not too far, shorter than the trip back last time. The place is called Sora-ku. It's a bit barren, but there's a whole hidden world underground."
"If there's no forest, I don't want to go," Matatabi said, yawning widely.
"Sora-ku isn't run by humans. It's run by ninja cats," Masashi added. "I know you don't trust people, but surely you trust cats?"
"Cats?" Matatabi thought about it. After being sealed for decades, it still had a soft spot for small animals—especially cats.
They looked similar to it, after all. It had a good impression of cats.
Matatabi was intrigued.
Ninja cats were typically very timid. The Uchiha clan was one of the most aggressive among humans, yet they had managed to befriend cats?
Still, it was quite satisfied with its new home. It didn't want to leave so soon.
"Can't we go later?" it asked. "I just got out, and I don't want to move yet."
"Sure," Masashi said. "Just a casual suggestion."
Matatabi was satisfied and closed its eyes again.
A while later, Masashi heard it grinding its teeth again. This time, he didn't disturb it—he teleported away quietly with the Flying Thunder God.
When he reappeared, he was back in the Uchiha district, heading toward Setsuna's house.
Fugaku, since becoming the Advisor, had spent less and less time in the clan. His overtime hours had increased significantly.
Now, Masashi could barely find any of his new works at home—it was no wonder his art was fetching sky-high prices on the black market.
The clan's affairs were now being handled by several elders.
Some retired seventy-year-old warriors had been forced back to work—truly tragic.
Arriving at Setsuna's door, Masashi knocked.
The door opened, and Setsuna looked at him with a face like he was dealing with an annoying guest.
"Oh, it's you." His expression softened slightly. "What's up? Come in."
Masashi stepped inside and sat with him in the living room.
"So, what's the matter?"
"I'm planning to visit Sora-ku and take two people with me."
Setsuna immediately understood.
Sora-ku was at the border where the Land of Fire met the Lands of Taki, Iron, and Rice Fields. It was famous for its black-market ninja tools. However, due to their alliance, the Uchiha clan had been VIPs there for generations.
The current leader of the ninja cats was an old woman known as Granny Cat—but she wasn't a ninja cat herself.
She was human.
Since Sora-ku dealt with humans, the ninja cats didn't interact much with people.
"Who are you taking?"
"Haku, and Anko. After that, I'll visit Ryūchi Cave."
"Oh?" Setsuna rubbed his chin. "Ryūchi Cave… Why not bring a few more clan members? Is it safe?"
"Honestly, not really," Masashi admitted. "The snakes there are rough in both words and actions. But I can handle them."
"Well, then it's fine. Take Itachi and Sasuke with you—I think those two have great potential."
Great potential was an understatement.
If I weren't here, you'd probably be on your way to meeting one of your old idols in the afterlife via the Itachi express...
"I'll bring Sasuke," Masashi said. "He's young—it's time he saw more of the world."
Setsuna stopped rubbing his chin and gave him a look.
"Masashi… do you have some issue with Itachi?"
"What? No way. I'm his tutor, remember?" Masashi waved his hand. "Ryūchi Cave just isn't a good place for him."
"Alright, as long as there's no issue." Setsuna didn't dwell on it. "That kid's personality isn't the most charming, but he's not a bad person."
"Yeah, I know."
---
The rain in the Land of Rain never stopped.
With its growing strength, Akatsuki had established its own territory.
The days of being hunted by Ame were long gone. Now, Akatsuki was recruiting on a large scale across the Land of Rain, growing far beyond what it once was. They even had spies within Ame itself.
As for the former ruler of the Land of Rain, Hanzō the Salamander—no one knew what he was thinking. It seemed he had chosen to turn a blind eye, as Ame had made no moves against them.
To be honest, Akatsuki's base wasn't much compared to Ame.
It was just an ordinary small town. Once run-down, it had been repaired and revitalized by the influx of ninjas. Their presence had also drawn in many civilians.
Akatsuki treated the civilians who joined them fairly well, and the rogue ninjas who had joined were also well-disciplined. Over time, the town had become lively again.
"Hanzō is afraid, after all."
From the tallest building in town, Nagato stood on the rooftop, gazing in the direction of Ame. "A man so weak and decayed no longer deserves to represent the ninjas of the Land of Rain."
"He has seen your Gedo Statue. Of course, he's afraid," Konan replied as she walked up behind him.
Outside, the rain continued to drizzle, quickly soaking her clothes.
The black cloak with red clouds clung to her, revealing her well-defined figure.
"Masashi wouldn't be afraid," Nagato said. "The cowardly will always be eliminated by time. Hanzō's eyes can no longer see beyond his position as Ame's leader."
Konan remained silent.
Hanzō had once been someone they admired. The entire Land of Rain had once idolized him.
Though he had brought war to the Land of Rain, his purpose was to expand its territory and free it from being a mere pawn of the great nations. So, when he had waged war and triggered the Second Shinobi World War, no one in the Land of Rain criticized him. His ambition was shared by the entire nation.
Back then, he was more of a heroic warrior than the leader of a hidden village—bold, charismatic, and full of spirit.
Even as defeat was guaranteed, he had led Ame's ninjas in resisting the combined forces of Suna and Konoha, ensuring that the Land of Rain was not destroyed. His very name kept enemies at bay. As long as "Hanzō" remained, even if Ame isolated itself, no one dared to make a move.
But when Akatsuki was formed, that Hanzō was already dead.
Time had eroded everything he once stood for. To protect his power, he had resorted to any means necessary. It wasn't that he had lost his ideals—he had betrayed them.
When Orochimaru, whom he had once spared, returned leading Konoha's army, Hanzō was easily defeated, and the Land of Rain was trampled underfoot. By then, the only thing left in his heart was his position.
The moment an idealist abandoned their ideals, they were as good as dead.
"Are you ready to make a move, Nagato?"
From within the rain, space twisted into a swirling vortex. A figure, clad in a black robe distinct from Akatsuki's, emerged from the distortion.
"Madara." Nagato's gaze turned cold. "What do you want?"
"Just checking on your progress," Obito said, staring into Nagato's Rinnegan.
The Rinnegan—truly a formidable power.
To wield Madara's Rinnegan to such an extent, he was indeed powerful.
"Akatsuki's affairs are none of your concern," Konan interjected.
This man, who called himself Madara, had been driven away by Yahiko before. Konan had no good impression of him.
But when he returned, Nagato had accepted him as an ally.
Since Nagato had decided, Konan would not oppose it.
Madara? Who knew if he was real or not? If he was, then he was nothing special.
Compared to Nagato's power, he was just a clown.
"Madara, you failed in Kiri," Nagato said. "Alone, you have no value to Akatsuki."
"It doesn't matter. There's still Kumo," Obito replied. "The village is weakened—it's the perfect opportunity to take control. The Land of Lightning is far stronger than the Land of Rain. With Kumo's strength, collecting the tailed beasts will be much easier. If you try in the Land of Rain, you'll become a target for the Five Great Nations."
"The Land of Rain's location is more advantageous." Nagato rejected Obito's suggestion outright—he never trusted him. "If you want to control Kumo, do as you please. But if you need support, you'll follow the rules—just like a hired mercenary."
"You claim to be Madara?"
A new figure appeared within the rain—Kakuzu. He stared at Obito. "Funny, I don't remember Madara having only one eye."
"I lost it back then," Obito said confidently.
During his time with the real Madara, he had learned many things, including how to imitate his identity.
Getting exposed by Masashi had been an unfortunate slip.
"Oh, really?" Kakuzu was increasingly skeptical.
If this were really Madara, he would've attacked by now, not stood here making excuses.
This guy was definitely fake!
Unlike Nagato and Konan, Kakuzu was only half doubtful. Given Madara's power, using some means to extend his life wasn't impossible.
He simply felt that this man wasn't the real Madara.
The legendary Madara carried a presence that this guy simply lacked.
His Earth Grudge Fear technique stirred restlessly.
"Kakuzu, there's no need for unnecessary action," Nagato suddenly said.
He no longer needed to hide behind puppets. Originally, he had used them because his legs were crippled, but Orochimaru had since healed them.
Now, there was no need to use the Six Paths puppets for mobility.
His real body was far stronger.
"Madara, pursue your goals as you wish. If you truly take control of Kumo, Akatsuki will cooperate with you."
"One more thing," Kakuzu spoke up. "Kumo hasn't paid up. I haven't received the money."
Nagato and Konan both looked at Obito.
"No problem. Once I control Kumo, I'll pay you immediately."
"Pay now," Kakuzu said discontentedly. "Otherwise, I'll go collect it myself."
"…"
They were literally just refusing to pay! What did they expect him to do? Where was he supposed to get the money right now?
"Then come with me to Kumo. My target is Dodai."
"Dodai? The one who owes the money?"
"He's now the Interim Raikage. I'll take control of him and make Kumo mine."
"No way, I need him to settle the debt first," Kakuzu snapped. "Otherwise, how is this organization supposed to function? So, a major hidden village can just ignore debts?"
"They can do plenty of things. What, are you planning to take on all of Kumo by yourself?"
"You got a problem with that?"
"Enough," Nagato interrupted their argument, growing impatient. "Madara, if you want to go to Kumo, go. I have no extra manpower to spare."
"Oh? So, you're really making your move?"
"No," Nagato's Rinnegan gleamed with killing intent. "I'm simply restoring order. The sky of the Land of Rain should have changed long ago. I just hope Hanzō still remembers my face. If not—I'll make him remember!"
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