331-335

Chapter 331: Aizen's Weakness?

Above the Five Kage Summit building, the sky was still blanketed by heavy snowflakes. Below, however, it was complete chaos.

"What exactly happened here?"

Obito, who had just arrived, looked at the endless forest of wooden stakes in shock.

There's no mistake—this is Wood Release. And it's not an ordinary Wood Release.

The sheer power of it far exceeded what he or Yamato, as half-baked users of the technique, could achieve.

"It’s Aizen. Somehow, he’s learned Wood Release, and it's as terrifying as the First Hokage's technique. He’s driven the Five Kage into a desperate situation," a voice said.

Zetsu emerged from the ground near Obito, his green plant-like body splitting open to reveal White Zetsu’s face.

"So, what’s the situation now?" Obito asked grimly.

"I’m not sure. After the Third Tsuchikage barely countered the Wood Release with his Dust Release, Aizen used an even larger-scale Dust Release, enveloping all the shinobi and warriors from the Five Great Nations. I didn’t dare get too close—Dust Release is too dangerous. Even I wouldn’t survive if hit by it," White Zetsu explained, his tone dripping with mock seriousness.

"Oh, and it seems Kakashi is in there too," he added with a meaningful grin.

"Pointless," Obito shot White Zetsu a glare before vanishing in a flicker, heading straight for the center of the wreckage.

---

“We’re saved!”

As the Dust Release barrier vanished, the surviving shinobi let out a collective sigh of relief. The warriors, however, were so terrified that they collapsed onto the ground.

Gasping for air, they celebrated the simple fact that they were still alive.

Gathering near the tree trunk where the Hokage stood, Kakashi hesitated before asking, “Hokage-sama, just now…”

He wanted to know how Tsunade had managed to evade Aizen’s detection. It might be the key to defeating him.

The others also turned their curious gazes toward her.

Aizen’s extraordinary sensory abilities were no secret. Everyone was dying to know how Tsunade managed to sneak up on him unnoticed.

At that moment, Chika appeared beside Tsunade, breaking through the wooden barriers with her Chidori. “It’s simple,” she said, improvising. “That special sensory ability has a brief delay when Aizen is performing jutsu.”

“If a jutsu lasts longer than a minute, there’s a five-second gap where his sensory ability is disabled.”

Five seconds?

Everyone exchanged glances, their expressions darkening. Who could possibly force Aizen to maintain a jutsu for over a minute? If not for the unusual circumstances just now, they would all have been obliterated by a single Dust Release.

Clap, clap, clap.

As they debated, slow clapping echoed from a nearby tall wooden stump.

“Well done, my good student. Discovering this weakness means you haven’t disgraced me,” Aizen said, stepping into view with the sun at his back.

His Akatsuki cloak was in tatters, revealing a tight black combat suit underneath and a Zanpakutō at his waist.

Everyone froze, their expressions turning grim.

Despite Tsunade’s famed monstrous strength, Aizen appeared completely unscathed, his clothes being the only casualty.

“Of course. After all, my talent surpasses yours. Given enough time, I’ll surpass you completely,” Chika said, winking playfully at Aizen.

Father and daughter tacitly began their theatrical act.

“Looking forward to that day,” Aizen replied, his smile fading as he turned to the side.

“Well, you’ve certainly caused quite a stir, Aizen,” said Obito, stepping out of a distortion in space with his arms crossed.

“Something like that. The Five Kage aren’t much, but there are a few decent shinobi among the Five Nations. It’s been worth the effort,” Aizen replied, calmly watching Obito’s posturing.

“I see.” Obito nodded before addressing the battered shinobi and warriors below.

“My name is Uchiha Madara. I have something to discuss with you all. Afterward, I’ll ask for your cooperation.”

“What?” Raikage, supported by Darui, was still furious despite his injuries. He glared at Aizen before turning his wrathful gaze toward Obito.

“My goal is the Eye of the Moon Plan,” Obito declared, revealing his Sharingan with a sly smile. “Surviving Aizen’s onslaught is no small feat, Raikage. You’ve earned my respect.”

“You bastard!” Raikage roared, activating his Lightning Release Chakra Mode and charging at Obito.

Boom!

Raikage’s punch was effortlessly caught by Aizen. With a single hand, Aizen crushed the Raikage’s armored wrist guard.

“You…” Raikage stammered, his voice trembling as his arm throbbed with pain.

“Listen to what he has to say first. Fight later if you wish. But be prepared for the Fifth Raikage to take your place because I won’t spare you a third time,” Aizen said coldly, tossing Raikage aside like garbage.

Darui and C gestured for Kakashi to catch him, managing to stop his tumbling.

“Thank… thank you,” Darui stammered, while Kakashi returned to Tsunade’s side.

Tsuchikage, meanwhile, spoke up. “Raikage, let’s hear what this so-called Madara has to say first.”

Obito gave Aizen an approving glance before continuing. “Raikage, don’t be angry. Aizen is a once-in-a-century genius, second only to Hashirama. Losing to him is no disgrace.”

“Enough talk. Get to the point,” Tsuchikage interrupted impatiently.

Obito smirked and sat cross-legged, explaining his plan for Infinite Tsukuyomi and demanding the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails.

His proposal—to create a world without barriers or war through a massive genjutsu—was met with immediate rejection.

Raikage refused first, unwilling to hand over his brother.

Gaara and Mei Terumī followed suit, condemning the artificial peace.

Tsunade was just as firm, refusing to surrender Naruto and keeping her gaze fixed on Aizen. She was determined to uncover why he had allied with someone as dangerous as "Madara."

Finally, Tsuchikage spoke.

“A unified world? It sounds more like a world created for your benefit alone,” he said, challenging Obito. “If you’ve decided on the Moon’s Eye Plan, why involve Akatsuki? With your power, you shouldn’t need a plan at all.”

Chapter 332: Tsunade Becomes the Allied Commander

Kakashi stepped forward with a question that had been troubling him. “And the time when we pursued Itachi—if you were truly Uchiha Madara, there’s no way we could’ve forced you into such a dire situation.”

“In the Battle of the Final Valley, I didn’t die in my fight against Hashirama, but I sustained grave injuries. The current me has no power,” Obito replied with a pre-prepared answer.

“Then what about Fujiwara Aizen by your side?” The Tsuchikage shifted his gaze to Aizen, his expression heavy. “From the power he displayed just now—Dust Release, Wood Release, speed surpassing the Raikage, and the ability to destroy Susano'o with a single strike—it’s clear his strength rivals the Madara I once knew. Capturing the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails should’ve been a simple task for him.”

“You could say I deliberately let the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails escape,” Aizen finally spoke.

His words drew a startled look even from Obito.

Aizen shrugged, tilting his head to gaze at the sky, his tone flippant. “The shinobi world has been at peace for far too long—or rather, the shinobi system has existed for far too long.”

“When I first joined Akatsuki, I observed the strength of its members. While each was a master in their own right, they were disorganized, and no one obeyed anyone else. There’s no way they could stand against the united Five Great Nations.”

“But if all nine tailed beasts were gathered, the Five Nations wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“So, letting the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails go was a move to balance the power between the Five Nations and Akatsuki.”

Hearing this, confusion appeared on everyone’s faces.

Gaara asked, “Aren’t you a member of Akatsuki? What do you gain from doing this?”

“Good question. Let me ask you something in return, Gaara: what’s the most powerful force that can unite people?” Aizen countered.

“An enemy!” Gaara realized.

Aizen nodded. “Exactly—an enemy. My original plan was to have the Five Great Nations join forces and clash with Akatsuki, both sides exhausting themselves. Then, I’d step in personally and take control of the shinobi world. Something like that.”

His words left not just the Kage but even Obito in a cold sweat. If Aizen had truly carried out such a plan, it could’ve spelled disaster at a critical moment.

The Tsuchikage frowned. “You’re undeniably strong. With Madara weakened and the First Hokage long gone, there’s no one in this world who can match you. But no matter how powerful one person is, there’s a limit. How do you intend to take control alone?”

“That’s why I gave up. Too much trouble. Now, isn’t there a simpler, permanent solution?” Aizen said, shrugging.

“Madara’s Eye of the Moon Plan?” The room fell silent.

At that moment, an abrupt voice broke the tension.

“Aizen, if I recall, you once said you slaughtered the Sarutobi and Shimura clans to protect Izumi and later joined Akatsuki for her sake. A former Akatsuki member even claimed you and Izumi had a child.”

“As far as I know, you’re not someone who would indulge in an illusory world. You care for your family above all else. If the Eye of the Moon Plan succeeds, not just you, but your wife and child will also be trapped in the genjutsu. Surely, you understand this. Why are you still going along with it?”

Kakashi stepped forward, trying to reach Aizen for Naruto’s sake.

“For that very reason,” Aizen replied, “the Eye of the Moon Plan is even more necessary to protect my family. Ever since Danzo used Izumi to threaten me, I’ve been considering this issue.”

“I spent years creating a special dimension. Before the plan activates, I’ll send them there. Once the Infinite Tsukuyomi ends, I’ll bring them back. By then, there’ll be no one left who can threaten my family.”

Hearing this, Kakashi recalled Aizen’s life before his betrayal.

Back then...

He was adored by the people of Konoha, a genius admired by both civilians and shinobi alike.

Kakashi said with a heavy heart, “Aizen, the person you were back then would never resort to such measures. You’ve fallen completely.”

Aizen removed his forehead protector with his left hand, brushing his right hand over his brow. “Don’t be so arrogant, Kakashi. Not everyone is like you, willing to grovel before Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, your father’s murderers.”

“No one starts at the top—not you, not me, not even the Sage of Six Paths. But this intolerable vacancy on the throne will soon end.”

Aizen slicked back his hair, leaving a strand hanging over his face, setting it with chakra. His icy expression and the sound of his forehead protector shattering exuded an overwhelming presence. “From now on, I will stand at the pinnacle!”

In that moment, even “Uchiha Madara” seemed overshadowed, his presence eclipsed by Aizen’s radiance.

“It’s time to go, Aizen,” Obito muttered, his lips twitching beneath his mask. It was the first time he had seen someone outdo him in theatrics. Struggling to bear it, he stood, activating Kamui as he addressed the Kage. “Well then, everyone, see you on the battlefield.”

Aizen placed his hand on Obito’s shoulder. “Farewell, shinobi, samurai, and Kakashi. Tell Naruto this—he’s quite an interesting jinchūriki…”

With that, the two disappeared into Kamui’s dimension.

---

“What should we do now?” Kakashi sighed helplessly, looking at the Five Kage.

Facing Uchiha Madara, seven tailed beasts, and Fujiwara Aizen—a man whose power surpassed the Five Kage—even they felt a deep sense of helplessness.

“These enemies are beyond anything we’ve ever faced. We’ll have to form a shinobi alliance,” Gaara sighed.

“We have no choice,” Mei Terumi added softly.

“I agree,” the Tsuchikage said, turning to Tsunade and the Raikage. “What about the Hokage and Raikage?”

“Do I even need to say it? There’s no way I’m handing over my brother!” the Raikage roared.

“I agree,” Tsunade muttered wearily, clearly in a foul mood.

Since Aizen was with the masked man, finding the masked man would mean finding Aizen.

Now, she wanted nothing more than to take Chihaya and find Aizen as soon as possible.

“Madara and Aizen’s ambitions don’t stop at the shinobi—they include us samurai as well. The Land of Iron will join the fight,” Mifune declared. “Now, the next issue is this: who will lead the allied forces?”

Everyone exchanged glances. When their eyes fell on the Hokage, even the Raikage and Tsuchikage looked at Tsunade.

“It seems the choice has been made,” Tsunade said.

Unlike the original timeline, Danzo hadn’t used Kotoamatsukami to manipulate Mifune.

The Raikage, humiliated by Aizen, had lost face in front of everyone.

Gaara was too young, Mei lacked seniority, and the Tsuchikage had tarnished his reputation by previously collaborating with Akatsuki.

In the end, the only viable choice for commander was Tsunade, who had “saved” them from Aizen.

(End of Chapter)  

Chapter 333: Tsunade’s Decision

“No, I am not suited to be the supreme commander.”

To everyone’s surprise, Tsunade refused without hesitation.

“Why?” A wave of astonished gazes turned toward her.

Becoming the supreme commander of the allied forces was an immense honor for both the individual and their village. It was hard to imagine anyone refusing such a role.

“There is something I need to confirm—something that concerns the future of the ninja world. I believe Raikage is more than capable of shouldering this responsibility.”

Tsunade sighed internally, considering this her way of compensating Raikage. Then, she turned to Kakashi.

“Kakashi, I’ll leave the negotiations for forming the allied ninja forces to you for now.”

“If I don’t return to Konoha within a month, let Jiraiya succeed me as the Sixth Hokage.”

“Chika, we’re leaving.”

With that, Tsunade disappeared in a flash, with Chika following closely behind.

“What’s going on here?” The group turned their attention to Kakashi.

Onoki, the Tsuchikage, frowned in suspicion. “Kakashi, with the allied forces on the verge of formation, the Hokage making such a move could easily cause mistrust among the troops.”

“Not to mention, the weakness of Fujiwara Aizen is only known to that girl Chika. Without them, the chances of victory for the allied forces would drop drastically.”

“Onoki is right,” Raikage said grimly, recalling the scene of Aizen creating thousands of shadow clones.

“Fujiwara Aizen’s chakra reserves are beyond imagination, surpassing even the Tailed Beasts. He can create thousands of shadow clones, each with strength far exceeding that of an elite Jonin.”

“And that’s not counting the fact that shadow clones can’t use Dust Release.”

“If we don’t defeat him, this war won’t end, even if we overcome Madara and his seven Tailed Beasts.”

Kakashi scratched the back of his head awkwardly, secretly understanding some of what was going on.

He knew the gravity of the situation.

But precisely because of that, Tsunade had no choice but to go.

With that in mind, he made a decision aligned with the First Hokage’s “Will of Fire.”

Standing at attention, he bowed deeply to the group. “I ask everyone to trust the Hokage.”

Seeing Kakashi’s sincerity, the group fell silent.

Mifune stepped forward. “Since the Hokage has recommended Raikage, and the Hidden Cloud is the only village aside from Konoha with a Tailed Beast, I propose Raikage as supreme commander. What do the rest of you think?”

“The Hidden Sand has no objections,” Gaara said, crossing his arms. Despite Raikage’s repeated defeats at Aizen’s hands, he was more reliable than the stubborn Onoki. At least the Hidden Cloud never produced members of the Akatsuki.

The Mizukage also agreed.

Onoki, knowing no one would choose him and that opposing would be futile, relented as well.

Raikage clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking loudly. “Leave it to me. I swear on the name of the Raikage and my life that I will fight Akatsuki to the bitter end.”

He began issuing orders. “First, C, form a search team to locate Bee as soon as possible and notify me immediately. He won’t listen to anyone else.”

“Kakashi and Kazekage, on my way here, I encountered the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Although he has several guards, he’s still vulnerable against Akatsuki. He should still be in the Land of Iron. Kazekage, you’re familiar with him, so I’ll leave his safety to you and Kakashi.”

“As for the rest of you, I ask for your help in finding Bee.”

By the time Raikage finished his instructions, nearly ten minutes had passed since Tsunade’s departure.

Mei Terumi turned to Ao. “Ao, can you still sense the Hokage’s chakra?”

“It’s faint, but I can.” Ao activated his Byakugan, formed a seal, and focused. “She’s at seven o’clock.”

“Let’s go.” Mei quickened her pace, heading swiftly in Tsunade’s direction.

“But shouldn’t we focus on finding the Eight-Tails?” Ao asked, puzzled as he followed.

“That can wait. Others can handle it. There’s something I need to confirm with the Hokage.” Mei smiled at Chojuro. “You know why, don’t you?”

Chojuro nodded with a faint smile.

The two quickened their pace.

“Wait for me!” Ao muttered helplessly as he chased after them.

---

In the dim Kamui dimension, countless rectangular blocks of varying sizes stretched endlessly.

Suddenly, the space twisted, and two figures appeared—Aizen and Obito.

“So this is the alternate dimension created by your Mangekyo Sharingan? Truly impressive. I envy this power,” Aizen remarked, taking in his surroundings.

Obito didn’t waste time on pleasantries. “Let’s discuss your next move.”

“First, I’ll hand Danzo over to Sasuke.” Aizen casually pulled the tightly bound Danzo from his storage space and tossed him before Obito.

Having been out of the light for years, Danzo squinted at the sudden brightness. When he saw Obito, he gasped. “Madara! Why are you here?”

Obito ignored Danzo and kicked him aside. “I’m asking about the Fourth Shinobi World War.”

“You want me to stall the allied ninja forces?” Aizen’s smile was meaningful.

Obito nodded. “That’s right. Isn’t that your goal as well?”

“If the Moon’s Eye Plan succeeds and the world falls under an eternal genjutsu, no one will ever threaten your wife and daughter again.”

“You’ve mentioned weakening both the Akatsuki and the allied forces before swooping in to clear the board yourself. Even Madara and the First Hokage couldn’t achieve that.”

“I imagine you’ve built up considerable strength for this purpose.”

Aizen stroked his chin, eyeing Obito with interest. “I have accumulated some high-level combat power. But you’re not threatening me, are you?”

“Of course not. This is a partnership. Your goal is a world where your family is safe, and mine is the Moon’s Eye Plan. Together, we gain strength; apart, we invite failure. You understand that.”

“You could’ve said so earlier. I almost thought you planned to use this dimension to threaten me.” Aizen slung an arm around Obito’s shoulder and stepped on Danzo’s back. “Come on, let’s deliver Danzo to Sasuke first. Let him have his revenge, and then we’ll talk.”

With that, Aizen activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, vanishing with Danzo and Obito from the Kamui dimension.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 334: Danzo’s Downfall*

Somewhere in a cave within the Land of Iron.

“Ah, I’m exhausted. Sasuke, I didn’t expect you to be this heavy.” Suigetsu set down the blood-soaked Sasuke and turned to Jugo. “Jugo, keep watch. Get those little animals of yours to stay alert for any movement nearby.”

“Although the Five Kage are in a tough spot right now, there’s no telling what might happen. I’ll start emergency treatment on Sasuke first.”

“He’s badly injured. If we don’t treat him soon, he won’t make it out of the Land of Iron alive.”

“Leave it to me, Suigetsu.” Jugo nodded and left the cave.

Looking at the severely injured Sasuke, Suigetsu grumbled as he began to bandage his wounds. “Seriously, this is too much. Why’d you go and provoke that monster? Now you’re all beat up, and I had to abandon the Executioner’s Blade because of you.”

“I…” Suigetsu froze suddenly, feeling a chill down his spine. Stiffly turning his head, he saw Aizen standing atop an elderly one-eyed man, casually draping an arm over Obito’s shoulder as he made a grand entrance.

“Yo, Suigetsu, long time no see.” Aizen released Obito’s shoulder and waved with a cheerful smile.

Suigetsu was too shocked to speak. “F-Fujimoto…”

Behind Aizen, Obito stood motionless, his gloved hands slick with sweat.

That wasn’t reverse summoning; Aizen had teleported them to the cave instantly—without a doubt, it was the Flying Thunder God Technique.

If he had tried to turn against Aizen in Kamui’s dimension, he likely wouldn’t be standing here now.

When had Aizen learned such a skill?

Suddenly, an image of Orochimaru flashed through Obito’s mind. Was it that snake’s doing?

“Relax. I’m not here to kill you,” Aizen said with a faint smile, pressing his foot down on Danzo’s back. “After all, Sasuke once called me ‘father.’ See? I even brought Danzo here, just like I promised.”

Despite his dazed state, Sasuke snapped awake at the mention of Danzo. His eyes shifted to the one-armed old man beneath Aizen’s foot, and he asked with difficulty, “Is this… Danzo?”

“That’s right. It was him who ordered the Uchiha Clan’s massacre and pitted Itachi and me against each other.” Aizen pressed harder on Danzo’s face with his foot.

“Fujimoto Aizen! A man can be killed but not humiliated!” Danzo roared in fury. “I am the leader of Konoha’s Root and one of its elders. You were once a Konoha shinobi who followed my orders. You can’t treat me like this!”

“Oh, I can, and I will,” Aizen said coldly, stomping on Danzo’s groin. A pig-like scream echoed through the cave.

The sound made Obito, Suigetsu, and Sasuke instinctively clamp their legs together.

Jugo, returning from his patrol, froze at the sight, utterly dumbfounded.

“All right, Sasuke,” Aizen said, crouching beside him. “I promised you a fair fight with Danzo, but this cave is too cramped, and you’re in no condition to battle.”

Placing a hand on Sasuke’s chest, Aizen summoned a bright white light. Sasuke’s injuries healed rapidly, restoring him to peak condition—except for the strain on his Mangekyo Sharingan. Even his chakra reserves were replenished.

“This is…” Sasuke stared in disbelief as he stood up, flexing his fingers.

“Free Danzo and meet me outside,” Aizen instructed.

With a few stretches, Sasuke regained his usual arrogant demeanor, eager to settle the score with Danzo.

“Not here,” Aizen interjected. “The Fourth Great Ninja War is about to begin. I spared the Five Kage so they could form an alliance. If we fight here, they’ll surely interfere. You don’t want that, do you?”

“…So where?”

“I have a place in mind,” Aizen said with a mysterious smile. “After all, Danzo’s death wouldn’t be complete without that bridge, would it?”

Meanwhile, en route with Tsunade, Chika suddenly stopped. “Mom, wait a second.”

“Did you find that bastard Aizen?” Tsunade asked, landing on a nearby branch.

Chika nodded. “Dad usually conceals his presence perfectly, so even my sensory abilities can’t detect him. But just now, I sensed the Masked Man and Danzo’s chakra.”

“Where?” Tsunade pressed urgently.

“At the hideout I mentioned earlier, but their chakra disappeared soon after.” Chika closed her eyes, pushing her sensory skills to the limit. “Got them—they’re now at a bridge on the border of the Land of Fire.”

“But someone’s following us. It seems to be the Mizukage and Sister Haku.”

Chika winked mischievously. “Mom, do you think it’s another one of Dad’s flings?”

“When he used Dust Release earlier, only you, me, and Sister Haku were spared. It didn’t touch the Mizukage at all.”

“That idiot… never changes,” Tsunade muttered, clenching her fists. Begrudgingly, she decided to wait for Mei and her group rather than let them keep chasing.

Soon, Mei, Ao, and Haku arrived. Mei had Ao stay behind as she approached Tsunade with Haku.

“What brings the Mizukage to follow us so persistently?” Tsunade asked, testing the waters.

“It’s nothing serious,” Mei said, pulling out a necklace from beneath her blue dress—a gold ring hung from it.

“So it’s true…” Tsunade gritted her teeth, showing the gold ring on her own left hand. “Yes, Chika is his daughter. And yes, I am his wife.”

“So, what now? You should know he’s changed—dangerously so.”

“I know.” Mei’s expression darkened. “That’s why I came to ask you… to beat some sense into that idiot.”

“Oh, I will. Let’s go, Chika.”

Neither mentioned Aizen’s name, yet both knew exactly who they were talking about.

As Mei and Haku watched them leave, Tsunade and Chika headed toward the bridge where Danzo, Obito, and Sasuke were waiting.

(Chapter End)  

Chapter 335: The Cunning One

While Tsunade and Chika were searching for Aizen, Kakashi arrived at the village where Naruto, Yamato, and their group were resting, accompanied by Gaara and his siblings.

Snowflakes still drifted through the air as Kakashi exhaled a puff of white mist and called Naruto and Yamato aside.

“The situation is like this,” Kakashi began. “Sasuke caused chaos at the Five Kage Summit, even clashing with the Raikage. Then Aizen appeared.”

“Sasuke, for some reason, used Itachi’s Amaterasu black flames and Susano’o to attack Aizen but was easily defeated. Aizen didn’t kill him, though.”

“Afterward, Aizen fought against the Five Kage. During the chaos, Sasuke’s allies rescued him, and he’s likely left the Land of Iron by now.”

“Meanwhile, Aizen’s power is beyond imagination. He controls multiple Kekkei Genkai, including Wood Release, and even possesses the Kekkei Tota Dust Release, like the Third Tsuchikage—but even stronger. Not even the Five Kage were his match.”

“The Raikage was effortlessly defeated, and all of us were trapped in a barrier created by Aizen’s Dust Release.”

“At the critical moment, if it hadn’t been for Lady Hokage and Chika exploiting a gap in Aizen’s sensory abilities to disrupt his jutsu, we might not have survived.”

“To counter Madara, the seven-tailed beasts, and Aizen along with the remaining Akatsuki members, the Five Great Nations have decided to form an Allied Shinobi Force to protect the Eight and Nine Tails and fight against the Akatsuki.”

Kakashi explained the events of the Five Kage Summit to Naruto and Yamato in detail.

“Not just Wood Release, but even Kekkei Tota... Is that Fujiwara Aizen really that powerful?” Yamato took a deep breath, unable to hide his astonishment.

He then asked, “So where did Lady Hokage and Chika go?”

Kakashi glanced at Gaara and his siblings, then smirked cryptically. “Lady Hokage entrusted me with representing Konoha in forming the Allied Shinobi Force. She and Chika left to handle something very important—something that concerns the future of the ninja world.”

“That sounds tough,” Yamato sighed, turning to Naruto. “And now, even Madara has appeared. Not just Sasuke, but that Aizen, whose strength surpasses the Five Kage—how did they end up working with Madara?”

Gaara spoke up, “Perhaps, as Aizen said, this is all a product of the ninja system. As long as this system exists, hatred will spread. Hatred made Sasuke lose his entire clan and made Aizen lose his parents. They sought power and stepped into darkness.”

“Madara seeks to unify the world by trapping everyone in a false peace through genjutsu and thus started this war.”

“Aizen, on the other hand, cooperates with Madara to ensure that his wife and daughter won’t face the same fate as his parents.”

“And Sasuke, having lost his clan, now harbors a deep hatred for Konoha and seeks revenge.”

“Naruto, I understand the bond you have with Sasuke and Aizen. But let me make it clear: this is a war to protect the Eight and Nine Tails and to protect you.”

“As the Kazekage, if Sasuke and Aizen appear on the battlefield as enemies, I will not show mercy.”

Gaara walked up to Naruto, placing a hand on his shoulder. “But as your friend, I’ll say this: do what you believe is right for Sasuke and Aizen.”

Temari urged from the side, “Gaara, now that you’ve delivered the message and confirmed Naruto’s safety, it’s time we return to the village. The upcoming war won’t be easy, and Suna needs to prepare.”

Unlike Gaara, who had been softened by Naruto’s words and his own harsh past, Temari didn’t have the same sense of empathy. Regarding Aizen, while she didn’t hate him to the core, her feelings, aside from thinking he was handsome, weren’t particularly positive.

Seeing Gaara comfort Naruto while showing concern for Aizen irritated her even more.

“Alright, think carefully about what’s next,” Gaara said as he patted Naruto’s shoulder before leaving with Temari and Kankuro.

Naruto remained silent throughout, his pupils unfocused and head bowed.

Yamato moved to console him, but Kakashi stopped him, shaking his head. “This is something an outsider can’t help with. Let him have some quiet time.”

Unbeknownst to everyone, Sakura had been eavesdropping in the room behind them.

Her face was as pale as Naruto’s, but she took a deep breath and resolved herself.

She was going to find Sasuke, the one she held most dear.

---

In another place, Aizen arrived at a familiar bridge—known as "Danzo’s Half Bridge," the location where Danzo had once sealed himself to take down a powerful enemy—with Taka, Danzo, Tobi, and others in tow.

“Fujiwara Aizen, what are you planning to do with me?” Danzo snarled.

“Of course, I’m giving you a chance to live,” Aizen said with a smirk. “You see that guy over there? The second Uchiha—Sasuke. He already knows all about the things you and Hiruzen Sarutobi did to his clan. He’s been dying to kill you.”

“You want to survive? Kill him. Then you can reclaim your old position as the head of Root.”

Aizen, standing atop a circular stone pillar, kicked Danzo down. Forming a two-finger seal, he sent streams of chakra into Danzo’s body, unsealing his chakra flow.

Under the watchful eyes of Sasuke and Tobi, Danzo’s puppet arm regained chakra control, sprouting a blade that easily severed the ropes binding him.

“This technique... Is it a high-level sealing method like the Hyuga Clan’s Gentle Fist?” both Tobi and Sasuke thought to themselves.

“Now it’s your turn, Sasuke,” Aizen said casually. “The main culprit behind your clan’s demise—Hiruzen Sarutobi—is already dead. The other one is right in front of you.”

Sasuke, as cold as ever, leaped from the stone pillar with practiced grace, landing elegantly before Danzo.

“Uchiha Sasuke,” Danzo said, his gaze sweeping toward Aizen, Tobi, and the others observing from above.

“Whether it’s Aizen or Madara, I doubt they’ll let me go even if I kill Sasuke,” Danzo thought grimly.

His eyes flickered toward Sasuke as he began considering how to escape after killing him.

From above, Aizen’s voice rang out again with a teasing tone: “Watch out, Sasuke. Danzo’s about to use your clan’s ultimate dojutsu—Izanagi. It can turn injuries and even death into mere illusions while making its own attacks reality.”

“Its duration depends on how many Sharingan he has. Count his eyes, and you’ll know how long he can stay invincible.”

(End of Chapter)