"Eighty. No less."
"Ten. That's it—no more, no less. For me, it doesn't matter whether I trade or not. I'm not fond of items from such a backward era. At most, I'll sell them to the village to make some money to buy materials for puppet-making."
"Chiyo, let me be clear. The number will not increase. It's ten—take it or leave it. If you're willing to trade, we'll proceed. If not, let's pretend this conversation never happened."
Shinki was too lazy to argue further. Ten wa...
2024-12-07 12:52:44 +0000 UTC
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The armistice had been signed, and Konoha's negotiations had secured a favorable outcome. However, in Sunagakure, the mood was far from celebratory. The village simmered with quiet resentment, especially among those who felt the Kazekage had mishandled the war.
Among them was a young boy with intense eyes fixed on the Kazekage's office. This boy was none other than Sasori of the Red Sand, a name that would one day be infamous across the ninja world. His small frame betr...
2024-12-07 12:52:27 +0000 UTC
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With the armistice agreement signed, the village finally exhaled a collective sigh of relief. The war was over at last. Both Konoha and Sunagakure quickly sent word to their respective frontlines, while the Hokage's Office issued an official announcement to the village.
The Village Reacts
"A new announcement has been posted in the Hokage Office Building!" someone exclaimed.
"What does it say? Read it quickly!" came the impatient replies.
A crowd gathered around the ann...
2024-12-07 12:52:11 +0000 UTC
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Mitokado Homura observed the Sand Village's desperation and commented, "The Sand Village must be anxious. Puppets have always been their hallmark. Now, faced with Shinki's dimensionality-reduction attack, many puppet ninjas are bound to question their craft. That level of doubt is devastating for Sunagakure's morale and future."
He continued, "Chiyo's willingness to strike a deal with Shinki isn't surprising. It's a desperate but logical move. Though it deviates slightly from our origin...
2024-12-07 12:51:52 +0000 UTC
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One moment, Chiyo was yelling furiously at Mitokado Homura, and the next, she wore an affectionate smile, turning to Shinki as if she were a kind old grandmother discussing cookies over tea. The transformation was so abrupt that it left everyone stunned, struggling to process the shift.
A Curious Proposal
Shinki, intrigued but wary, raised an eyebrow. "What deal?"
Chiyo's smile deepened, and she leaned forward slightly. "Puppets."
She continued in a consulting tone, "S...
2024-12-07 12:51:38 +0000 UTC
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Chiyo's guard looked perplexed, his mind racing. Did Chiyo-sama truly understand what she was saying? Using women to sway one of Konoha's top-ranking figures? Was this a joke?
Sure, Sunagakure had its share of beautiful kunoichi, but did Konoha lack stunning women? Certainly not. However, the guard dared not voice his doubts in front of Chiyo, lest he court trouble.
"It might be... difficult," Chiyo sighed, her voice tinged with resignation.
Even if Hyuga Shinki favored beau...
2024-12-07 12:51:20 +0000 UTC
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Chiyo sighed deeply. "It would be ideal if I could bribe Hyuga Shinki," she murmured, pondering the complexities of the current situation.
Shinki, however, ignored her musings and continued his thoughts aloud.
"If we let go of the puppet techniques we've clung to for so long, we can pivot to something more productive. Sand Ninja Village must realize that the puppets we once held in high regard are outdated in the face of dimensionality-reducing attacks."
He paused before con...
2024-12-07 12:51:02 +0000 UTC
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The Land of Fire was simply too prosperous. Signing a peace contract of this nature would leave other villages with no legitimate reason to initiate conflict. This would allow Konoha to develop peacefully, continuously accumulating strength and becoming an even greater powerhouse.
Not to mention the economic benefits of such a deal.
Take the current state of Kumo Ninja Village, for instance. They have significantly bolstered their military power purely through economic ventures. T...
2024-12-07 12:50:45 +0000 UTC
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In the pitch-black depths of their hideout, a group of cultists gathered around an altar. Their leader, dressed in a black priest's hat, spoke in a raspy voice.
"One of our teams was killed," he said gravely. "The village they targeted is abandoned. Something happened."
"Do we need to relocate?" another cultist asked, glancing nervously at the others.
"Relocate?" a more confident man scoffed. "There's no need. Even if we're discovered, what can they do? If someone comes here...
2024-12-07 10:09:01 +0000 UTC
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The aftermath of the earlier battle was a scene that words struggled to describe. The lone standing member of the Evil God Cult, clutching his scythe, trembled as beads of sweat fell steadily from his forehead. His mind teetered on the edge of collapse.
"Ahhhh!" he screamed, summoning what courage he had left and preparing to charge at Reiki.
But Reiki hadn't even looked his way. Instead, he continued calmly treating the injured cult members on the ground. His utter disregard for ...
2024-12-07 10:08:01 +0000 UTC
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Reiki's diligence and friendly demeanor quickly won over the people in the village. Not only did they accept him as one of their own, but they also gifted him seeds—a treasure in a poor village like this. He now had a small plot of land to his name, further cementing his cover as part of the community.
"Brother Reiki is here? My arm's dislocated again. Can I trouble you?" called a familiar voice.
Reiki had been using shadow clones to scan the surrounding area for signs of ninja ...
2024-12-07 10:07:01 +0000 UTC
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The woman couldn't quite understand why, but as she looked at Reiki's sunny and confident face, she felt a tinge of disappointment. She had initially been skeptical of him, but now it seemed clear that this Konoha medical ninja wasn't "that kind" of person.
"Master Ninja," she began hesitantly, "about what happened... it was two years ago."
She proceeded to recount the dark history of their village. Two years prior, a group of ninjas had appeared, claiming they were training and s...
2024-12-07 10:06:01 +0000 UTC
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Reiki had long left behind the emotional whirlwind of his encounter with Uzumaki Daemon. Now, he was traveling to the next village, determined to continue his mission: honing his medical skills, gaining experience, and finding hidden members of the Uzumaki clan.
His encounter with Daemon had sparked a thought—when the Uzumaki clan was annihilated, many of its members likely fled and concealed themselves among ordinary people. Unlike clans such as the Uchiha or Hyuga, the Uzumaki were ...
2024-12-07 10:05:00 +0000 UTC
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After hearing Reiki's explanation, Uzumaki Daemon's turbulent emotions began to settle. Although he had been cut off from the world for a long time, names like Mito-sama and Kushina Uzumaki still carried weight for him. He knew that someone connected to such prominent figures of his clan wouldn't go to the trouble of helping him if they meant harm.
Especially after witnessing Reiki's strength in their earlier clash—power that didn't even rel...
2024-12-07 10:04:01 +0000 UTC
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Uzumaki Daemon's face betrayed a flicker of panic as he was held firmly by Reiki. He knew all too well that even within Konoha, members of the Uzumaki clan were often targeted for their unique physiology. Their chakra-rich bodies made them ideal sources of energy for powerful ninjas with sinister intentions.
"Let me go," Daemon hissed. "You're a Konoha ninja. I won't do anything to you, but I don't want to endanger this village. So, if you don't want to die, release me now."
His w...
2024-12-07 10:03:01 +0000 UTC
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A faint light pierced through the darkness, illuminating a shadowy figure.
The person emerging wore a white robe adorned with intricate gold embroidery, resembling ancient and mysterious curse seals. Beside him stood a towering man wielding a scythe. A massive, unhealed wound crossed his chest, still bleeding profusely, yet his expression remained unnervingly gleeful.
"How about I go over and take a look first?" the tall man asked, a sinister grin curling at the edges of his mouth...
2024-12-07 10:02:01 +0000 UTC
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Seeing the stunned expressions of everyone around him, Reiki couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
It seemed that once again, he had unintentionally shown off, and in doing so, had unintentionally shaken the confidence of the members of the special training camp.
"I know ninjutsu," Reiki began, trying to clear the air. "But what I just demonstrated wasn't my own ninjutsu." He held up a small bead. "This is something Black Zetsu gave me."
With that, Reiki crushed the b...
2024-12-07 10:01:01 +0000 UTC
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After carefully processing Orochimaru's words, Reiki fell silent. The implications of what Orochimaru had discovered were significant.
Indeed, ensuring Orochimaru could master Sage Mode would undoubtedly elevate his strength. However, when compared to the potential of Yin-Yang Chakra, even a weaker Orochimaru—one who lacked proficiency in ninjutsu—seemed less pressing.
For now, Reiki's primary concern remained Tsunade. The ninja world currently lacked awareness of the transfor...
2024-12-07 10:00:08 +0000 UTC
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Naruto and Konoha's companions were shocked as they looked at the vanished figure in the distance.
It wasn't that they didn't want to chase him; it was simply that Satoru's speed was so fast, they had no clue which direction to even begin pursuing.
That speed—unbelievable.
Not even a chance for a glance back?
The entire process had taken only a moment.
They hadn't even had the chance to fight before Sasuke was taken right from under their noses.
Was this the...
2024-12-06 15:38:05 +0000 UTC
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Satoru reclined against the tree trunk, enjoying the gentle sway of the leaves. His relaxed posture and easygoing grin made him seem completely at odds with the tense atmosphere that seemed to plague the Akatsuki organization.
Being an alternate member of Akatsuki was, in his opinion, the perfect role—just enough involvement to observe but not enough responsibility to stress.
He let his thoughts wander. It's not laziness; it's strategic. Lying low while gathering intel is th...
2024-12-06 15:37:50 +0000 UTC
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The morning sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, and Satoru lounged lazily on a tree branch. The warmth seeped into his body, a rare moment of peace amid the chaos of Akatsuki's daily routine.
Step one complete, he thought, a satisfied smile on his face.
Step two... eh, I'll figure it out tomorrow.
His pale blue eyes narrowed contentedly.
Suddenly, a loud explosion shattered the tranquility.
"Bang!"
White smoke...
2024-12-06 15:37:33 +0000 UTC
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Satoru blinked, his pale blue eyes sparkling with amusement as the corners of his lips curled into a sly smile.
His ability to locate Kisame and Itachi had been effortless. With the heightened perception of his Six Eyes, no movement escaped his notice.
"'It doesn't matter at first'?" Satoru mused, echoing Kisame's earlier comment with a teasing lilt. "Well, when will it start to matter then?"
Without hesitation, he slipped into step with the pair, blending i...
2024-12-06 15:37:18 +0000 UTC
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Satoru rested his chin on his hand, observing the chaotic scene with a faint smile. His pale blue eyes curved slightly with amusement.
Looks like it's about time to leave.
There was no point in staying for a battle that didn't concern him. The only thing he needed to ensure was that his identity remained hidden—for now, at least.
As his thoughts wandered, Satoru recalled Kisame's earlier comment.
Join Akatsuki?
The notion lingered, and a knowi...
2024-12-06 15:37:02 +0000 UTC
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Hearing Jiraiya's question, Uchiha Itachi's expression remained calm, though his tone carried a trace of thoughtfulness.
"So Kakashi knew," Itachi murmured.
"I see. You were the source of that information."
Itachi's mind flicked back to their encounter in Konoha when Kakashi, alongside other ninjas, intercepted him and Kisame.
At the time, it was evident they were aware of Akatsuki's purpose—capturing Naruto. Now, Itachi understood how they had prepared.
His ga...
2024-12-06 15:36:44 +0000 UTC
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Uchiha Itachi's gaze rested on Satoru, standing not far away, his expression unreadable.
How does Sasuke know someone this dangerous?
Itachi's thoughts darkened.
What have the people of Konoha been doing these past few years? Have they forgotten their promises?
A cold glint flickered in his eyes.
For years, he had upheld his end of the agreement, taking every step to ensure Konoha's safety. It was not a responsibility he would allow them to trea...
2024-12-06 15:36:26 +0000 UTC
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Satoru wandered through the bustling market, a skewer of three-color dango hanging from his mouth.
"This place isn't bad," he said vaguely, his words muffled by the sweet snack.
His messy white hair swayed slightly over the bandage on his forehead, and his black robe rippled in the wind. His unusual appearance caused the ordinary villagers to instinctively avoid him, parting like waves around a rock.
Though unintentional, his attire also worked wonders when it came to cleari...
2024-12-06 15:36:08 +0000 UTC
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As Satoru and Orochimaru talked inside the barrier, the Konoha ninja outside observed them intently, their expressions a mix of worry and confusion.
"What are they talking about?" one ninja asked.
"I don't know," another replied. "Why hasn't anyone made a move yet?"
"Hokage-sama…" someone muttered anxiously.
"This time, we can't let Orochimaru escape," another said firmly.
Meanwhile.
"This is the end," Orochimaru said coldly, glancing at ...
2024-12-06 15:35:54 +0000 UTC
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Meanwhile.
Satoru's pale blue eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
Is this... Zetsu?
A villain who only appeared in the middle and later stages of the original story, contributing significantly to the main conspiracies.
Why is he here now?
This was supposed to be much later. He had no role during the Chunin Exams, as far as Satoru remembered.
What could his sudden appearance mean?
Satoru thought carefully a...
2024-12-06 15:35:34 +0000 UTC
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"Hey, really? Your Sand Ninja Village is in such a state of ruin?"
"If you're going to show off, what's Konoha supposed to do?"
The original plan was for Mitokado Homura to make a sharp point to put Chiyo in an awkward position, but now it felt like riding a tiger—he couldn't get off.
Shinki, who was seated closest to the Third Hokage in the conference room, couldn't help but smirk slightly. Although his expression quickly returned to calm, the corners of his lips involunt...
2024-12-06 10:09:00 +0000 UTC
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As the conversation continued, Tsunade turned to Reiki with a serious expression.
"You know my situation well. The magic of the Sage Land of Shikkotsu requires an immense amount of chakra. Even now, with the chakra I've accumulated over such a long time, it's still insufficient."
"So, we're asking you if there's a way to improve it—a method that allows us to truly master Sage Mode," Tsunade said, getting straight to the point.
Reiki scratched his head, looking a bit helple...
2024-12-06 10:09:00 +0000 UTC
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