Two small boats sailed through the thick fog.
In the first boat were Katahara, Momonosuke, Dabi, Kuzan, Kin'emon, and Ashura Doji. The atmosphere was tense, and the fog shrouded everything in a veil of mystery.
**Katahara:** — Fortunately, they managed to take the medicine to adjust their size; otherwise, we would have drawn too much attention.
**Dabi:** — So, in this world, people discriminate based on size?
**Ashura Doji:** — What a bunch of idiots...
**Momonosuke:** — Master, where are we headed?
**Katahara:** — We're going to meet one of the most powerful individuals in this world. And, of course, we'll try to establish a relationship with him. Who knows, we might achieve something more.
**Kin'emon:** — Are you planning to stop Momonosuke's training?
**Katahara:** — Momonosuke's training will not stop. That's why I brought him with me.
Meanwhile, on another boat, Laffitte was accompanied by several men and women, all dressed uniformly: dark long-sleeved shirts paired with light pants and standard ninja sandals. Only Laffitte stood out with his distinctive Akatsuki cloak.
**Laffitte:** — You all know your mission. As members of CP0, I shouldn't need to repeat it.
**Laffitte:** — Guernica and Conis, your mission is of vital importance. The coordinates are in your devices. If you fail or are discovered, capture is not an option. You can't even leave your bodies behind; that's why you have the grenade. Once we reach land, the mission will officially begin.
Days later, both groups disembarked on the shores of the hot springs territory.
**Katahara:** — Our journey begins now. Have a good trip, CP0.
At that moment, all the members of CP0 vanished in the blink of an eye.
**Laffitte:** — My lord...
As he turned into shadows and disappeared, Katahara began to levitate, lifting everyone present 30 centimeters off the ground.
**Katahara:** — We will travel at this height to avoid curious eyes.
What Katahara didn't know was that his arrival had altered the course of fate. The three sacred places of the world detected the change. Mount Myoboku and Ryūchi Cave sensed that something significant had shifted.
From a dark hideout, Black Zetsu watched with unease.
**Black Zetsu:** — Something has changed in this world. I can feel it in the air, in every shadow stretching beneath the moon. The very essence of reality seems to have been altered, and my unsettling perception cannot ignore this shift.
Meanwhile, on one of the sky islands, the Adeptus Mechanicus cloning laboratory was in full operation. Dozens of tubes filled with liquid contained people of various ages.
**General Judge of the Manufacturer:** — The cloning is about to be completed. Inform the council; they will need to authorize the creation of new facilities for the newcomers.
**Caesar:** — As for the Shimotsuki, their cloning is progressing much faster than we expected...
**General Judge of the Manufacturer:** — Prepare the new facilities. We will soon have new specimens.
His face reflected a mix of satisfaction and depravity.
Elsewhere on the sky island, the High Council of Terra was in session.
**Great Lord Boa Hancock:** — It's decided. I'll leave once I review the CP0's information, though we don't know how long it will take.
**Great Lord Boa Hancock:** — I don't understand how he managed to make most of CP0, who were loyal to the government, surrender and swear allegiance...
**Great Lord Hitsugisukan:** — Our lord is impressive...
**Great Lord Sonkire Ragnar:** — I'm eager to see the inhabitants of this place. I wonder how long it will take them to return.
The tension in the room was palpable. All the council members knew that the events unfolding could have unimaginable consequences.
5 Stones of Power: A Free Chapter"