For ninja capable of crossing the continent in a week with full-speed Body Flicker, the shinobi world was a small place.
Especially since the majority of this landmass was divided among the four great nations, making it seem even smaller.
Thus, when significant events occurred in the four great nations or their ninja villages, news spread rapidly to every corner of the shinobi world.
The annihilation of the Uchiha clan years ago was one such case, and now, the Konoha Crush and the deaths of two of the Five Kage were no different.
To exact a heavy toll on Sunagakure, to put Konoha in a morally superior position, and to avoid appearing passive, neither Konoha nor Sunagakure concealed the incident. Instead, they publicly released detailed intelligence.
Their combined statements amounted to this:
Konoha's S-rank rogue ninja, Orochimaru, assassinated Sunagakure's Fourth Kazekage and impersonated him, deliberately breaking the alliance treaty between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire. Collaborating with the notorious mercenary group Akatsuki, he led a faction of Sand Ninja and his own Sound Village ninja to launch the Konoha Crush during Konoha's Chunin Exams.
In this battle, Konoha's Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, fell in combat.
The Root organization was entirely wiped out, with its leader, Danzo Shimura, killed by Akatsuki members Sasori of the Red Sand and a mysterious figure wielding the Rinnegan, the foremost of the three legendary dojutsu.
The survivor spared by Izayoi was Sai, skilled in drawing, who vividly sketched the likeness of Pain's Deva Path.
Konoha's leadership promptly placed bounties on Sasori and Pain's Deva Path in the black market, offering sums so staggering even Kakuzu would be tempted.
Moreover, Konoha disclosed that Sasori could control numerous puppets without chakra threads, that the Rinnegan wielder could endlessly manipulate repulsion and attraction, that the "demigod" Hanzo was likely killed by this figure, and that Akatsuki's headquarters was in the Rain Village—all made public.
As the saying goes, one stone stirs a thousand waves!
Whether Konoha's claims were true or not, the revelation of the Rinnegan—said to be the eyes of the Sage of the Six Paths in myth—Hanzo's fall, and Akatsuki's base location successfully diverted the attention of all factions, turning their gazes toward the obscure Land of Rain.
Nagato and Sasori, suddenly the shinobi world's focal point, were utterly baffled.
"Nagato, you went too far!"
"I know Danzo Shimura was involved in those past events, but you've held back until now, Leader. Why couldn't you wait a bit longer?"
"Now the Rinnegan and Akatsuki's headquarters are exposed, and the Three-Tails won't revive for a while. What do we do next?"
Uchiha Obito and Black-and-White Zetsu immediately confronted Pain's Deva Path with accusations.
If Pain's Deva Path had killed Hiruzen Sarutobi or another Konoha figure, Obito and Zetsu wouldn't have believed it.
But since it was Danzo Shimura, it seemed entirely plausible.
Only the motive of killing Danzo would explain Nagato forgiving Orochimaru.
After all, Konan's ring was still in Orochimaru's possession.
He could contact Nagato.
Even as a mere corpse, Pain's Deva Path struggled to maintain composure.
To preserve his authority, he replied expressionlessly, "It wasn't me. Since our ambush on that mysterious figure failed, I haven't left the Rain Village."
Konan emerged from the shadows, corroborating, "I can confirm neither Nagato nor Pain has left the Rain Village."
"So it was that mysterious figure who acted?!"
Beneath his mask, Obito's face darkened considerably.
He didn't doubt Pain's honesty; a shinobi of his caliber had no need, nor would he stoop, to lie.
"Transformation Jutsu requires a reference," Black Zetsu rasped. "The Leader rarely shows himself. Those who've seen him either join us or become corpses. Logically, that mysterious figure shouldn't know the Leader's appearance, unless…"
"Unless he can see us, but we can't see him," Konan added, her expression grim as she shared her analysis. "That day, he didn't leave. He was watching us from the shadows, witnessing our departure and return to the Rain Village."
"It might be more than that," Obito said gravely. "He knew exactly about Hanzo's affair, meaning he's known about us for a long time and only acted now. He might truly possess a second pair of Rinnegan."
Black Zetsu remained silent but was certain—this was the person from the moon.
That unknown dojutsu, evolved from the Byakugan, boasted enhanced farsight and clairvoyance.
Perhaps he was watching them from the shadows even now.
This incident was his gift in return!
At this thought, Black Zetsu's mood grew heavier.
An enemy who could detect him while remaining unseen was terrifying.
Because… he was that kind of player!
Fortunately, for decades, he'd stayed hidden, existing in the Mayfly Technique's state.
When he reappeared, it was as Madara Uchiha's will, a product of Yin-Yang Release.
As his mother's son, a creation of the chakra progenitor's Yin-Yang Release, even his brothers lacked his immortality.
So Hamura was surely dead, and this descendant was likely born in recent decades.
He couldn't know Black Zetsu's true identity.
Relieved at this, Black Zetsu's mood lightened considerably.
As long as his true identity remained hidden, he held the initiative and advantage.
Still, this threat needed to be found quickly, or it would become the greatest obstacle to the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan.
Perhaps it was time to deploy those White Zetsu.
Black Zetsu mused inwardly.
Unless that person returned to the moon immediately after acting, the White Zetsu clones, spread like a net across the land, would detect him if he struck again, blending seamlessly with earth and plants.
No one knew Black Zetsu's thoughts.
Soon, Sasori arrived.
"Leader, any trace of that guy?" Sasori's tone was unusually excited. "He's a genius! How did he control so many puppets without chakra threads? It's unlike my puppetry or your techniques, Leader. He's a born artist!"
Unconcerned about being framed, hunted with a high bounty, or having his organization's location exposed, Sasori, like Deidara, now held Izayoi in high esteem.
This guy was their kind—a true artist who understood fleeting and eternal beauty!
"I don't know," Pain's Deva Path replied indifferently.
Obito and the others were speechless.
Seeing an outsider join, they dropped the Rinnegan and mysterious figure discussion. Black Zetsu asked, "We're now the shinobi world's focus. Whether factions believe it or not, they'll send scouts to investigate or test us. Capturing or killing them would expose us. Should we relocate the base?"
Pain's Deva Path replied coolly, "No need. No matter how many come… they will die."
Black-and-White Zetsu nodded, and Obito didn't argue.
Because… the Six Paths of Pain had that strength.
Unless the five great ninja villages united to exhaust Nagato's chakra, no matter how elite the team—even one led by the Five Kage—daring to infiltrate the Rain Village was doomed.
Aside from that mysterious figure with the Rinnegan or unknown dojutsu, no one in the shinobi world could match Nagato.
Without his invincible Kamui, Obito wouldn't even dare face Pain's Deva Path.
---
Knock, knock, knock…
One morning in a Konoha inn.
The knocking roused Izayoi.
"Who's there? It's early—why the knocking?!" Izayoi grumbled irritably.
He knew Hinata and Hanabi wouldn't knock; they'd wake him gently or playfully.
Without sensing, he was sure it wasn't the Hyuga sisters outside.
Click!
The person outside tried the door and actually turned the lock.
When it opened, a black-haired boy in a navy short-sleeved shirt and white shorts stood there, frowning slightly at Izayoi. "It's nine-thirty, and you're still sleeping? You're slacking, Izayoi."
It was Uchiha Sasuke.
"Ugh… new bed, couldn't sleep till late," Izayoi yawned, slowly rising to put on shoes.
"Hmph…"
Sasuke snorted, leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed, aloof. "Heard you're homeless. Want to move to my place? I've got plenty of rooms."
Izayoi's eyes lit up. "Oh, right! Almost forgot you're the Uchiha clan's 'patriarch.'"
Years ago, Sasuke would've exploded in anger.
Now, he just twitched with annoyance and stated his terms: "You'd have to pay rent."
"Money's no issue," Izayoi waved off grandly.
"I don't want money."
Sasuke's eyes burned as he looked at Izayoi. "I want your secret techniques!"
"So that's your game."
Izayoi smirked playfully, asking, "Want to learn Judgment or Roaring Light Cannon?"
"I want them all!" Sasuke said greedily. "And that Fire Release: Gaia Energy Cannon too."
"That's a steep rent. I'd rather stay at the inn," Izayoi teased, shaking his head.
Unable to resist the bait, Sasuke blurted, "If you teach me, I'll give you anything or do whatever you want!"
"Hmm, still not sincere enough," Izayoi hummed, grabbing a white robe and heading to the private bathroom to wash and change.
Sasuke stood frowning at the door, pondering Izayoi's words.
Why wasn't it sincere enough?
He'd offer everything—even the Uchiha clan's land. If Izayoi wanted it, he'd immediately request the deed back from the village.
He'd even be Izayoi's subordinate, doing whatever was asked.
Wasn't that sincere?
Did Izayoi mean he should reclaim the deed first as a gesture?
Suddenly, Sasuke froze, his cool demeanor stiffening as he wrestled with a thought.
But picturing the mighty Gaia Energy Cannon, Storm Release: Judgment, and terrifying Roaring Light Cannon, Sasuke took a deep breath and made up his mind.
When Izayoi emerged from the bathroom, Sasuke's face was taut, stammering, "B-Big… Big Brother—no, B-Boss…"
Izayoi blinked, staring at Sasuke, who was covered in goosebumps, practically crackling with static, and felt his own skin crawl with awkwardness.
Yet amusement overpowered the embarrassment.
Ahem…
Izayoi coughed twice, nodding approvingly. "That's sincere, but the flair's lacking."
"What do you mean?"
Relieved Izayoi didn't mock him, Sasuke's curiosity replaced his tension, though he looked puzzled.
But Izayoi's next words made the proud second son flush crimson.
Izayoi clasped his fists formally, intoning, "You should've said… 'Sasuke, adrift for years, has yet to meet a true brother. If you don't mind, I'd call you Big Brother.' Or perhaps… 'If you'll have me, I'll follow you, maybe even call you sworn father.' Though we're close in age, I wouldn't mind a sworn son."
By the end, Izayoi grinned wickedly at Sasuke, whose head steamed, face blood-red, resembling an overheated cartoon cat.
"Izayoi, I'll kill you!"
A roar shook the entire inn.
Like brawling with Naruto, Sasuke lunged at Izayoi, and they soon grappled in a tussle.
But Izayoi's words diffused the boy's embarrassment, turning the moment into a jest to move past.
Ultimately, Izayoi agreed to teach him the techniques, and Sasuke, beaten to a pulp, grudgingly forgave him.
Packing his belongings into a sealing scroll, Izayoi checked out and left the inn with Sasuke.
On the way, Izayoi asked, "Got any ingredients at home?"
"Nope. Too far to shop," Sasuke replied. "If I'm hungry, I catch fish or hunt."
"Let's buy some then," Izayoi said. "And kitchen tools and spices, since Hinata might drop by anytime."
Thinking of Hinata's appetite, Sasuke nodded silently.
After training, during picnics, he'd fish for an hour just to get a bite.
Unless he hunted a massive beast.
That woman's seven-tenths full rivaled Choji Akimichi's, and at full power, even Choji was no match.
She was a monster!
But recalling Hinata's "burdens," Sasuke sneered.
So what if she ate a lot or had more chakra? Even if she mastered Lightning Release chakra cell stimulation faster, her speed didn't match his.
Without her Byakugan, her acupoint-striking taijutsu, or her Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists that could kill with a second hit, her skills wouldn't beat him.
Once he learned Lightning Release chakra shape transformation and Izayoi's techniques, she'd never outmatch him again!
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