Root base.
A young man wearing glasses, led by a Root Ninja, walked in.
As Kabuto observed the familiar surroundings, he couldn't help but feel a slight stir of emotions.
"Things are different now."
Beside him still stood a Root ninja wearing a mask, devoid of any visible emotion, but the owner of this place had changed.
Moreover, the one who was replaced happened to be the person Kabuto had hoped to destroy the most. But the one who took over was a newcomer, someone who had participated in the Chūnin exams this time with him, but Kabuto didn't even pay any attention to it.
But because of Sasuke, this person caught his eye.
Who could have anticipated that a mere 12-year-old would wield power comparable to Orochimaru's and possess one of Konoha's greatest forces, the Root, within his grasp? Now he believed that there exists a counterbalance in the world.
Especially all of this unfolds behind the scenes, concealing the true face of Naruto Uzumaki. Konoha has yet to witness the extent of Naruto's power. If not for the agreement between Naruto and Orochimaru this time, neither Orochimaru or Kabuto would have realized that Naruto's influence has permeated the entire Konoha.
Given Naruto's formidable strength, there may still be a possibility of finding a way to defeat him. However, when it comes to his marvelous mindset and cunning tactics, it was difficult to imagine anyone who could outmatch Naruto. Moreover, considering that Naruto is currently only twelve years old, with a long future ahead, it's uncertain who will eventually be able to surpass him. By then who will be able to defeat Naruto? Could someone guess how far Naruto Uzumaki can grow?
Even Sasuke, whom Orochimaru took a fancy to, was not so powerful. They were not even comparable!
…
While thinking, a voice suddenly sounded in the dark place.
"Kabuto, I didn't expect you to take the initiative to find me~ Why, have you thought it through?"
Naruto asked with a smile.
"Naruto-kun don't joke around, I will not betray Orochimaru-sama."
Kabuto smiled, without any thought in his heart.
"Then, what are you doing here?"
Naruto didn't worry about Kabuto's thoughts. He understood that Kabuto's hesitation originated from a lack of witnessing a successful resurrection firsthand. So Kabuto still harbored doubts, unable to believe that he could accomplish such a feat.
"Orochimaru-sama is unable to go out now, so he has sent me to inquire about the duration for which the Jinchuriki's power will be borrowed. He wishes to make the necessary preparations accordingly."
Kabuto had to admire Naruto even more.
He guessed that the rumors circulating in Konoha were deliberately spread by Naruto himself. Considering Naruto's current mastery over the Root, it was not surprising that he possessed knowledge about numerous secrets regarding the Third Hokage's past.
However, The only problem is that why did Naruto do this?
"Hm… tell Orochimaru that Gaara will be returned to him unharmed within a day, so be patient."
"A day? Ok, I will go back and tell Orochimaru-sama. "
Kabuto nodded and was about to leave.
"Wait, there's someone you might want to meet."
Naruto stopped Kabuto, got up, and led him somewhere.
Kabuto couldn't guess why he should follow behind. But still follow.
…
"He is... Danzo?! This state is… Impure World Reincarnation!"
Looking at Danzo filled with cracks, Kabuto instantly recognized the effect of ninjutsu. After all, he had done a lot of research with Orochimaru...
"Yes, and now he's atoning for his past mistakes."
Naruto smiled.
"Kabuto?! You have become a traitor too!!"
When Danzo saw Kabuto at the door, he was surprised at first, but when he saw Naruto with him, he immediately realized that Kabuto was together with Naruto.
"Danzo-sama, long time no see~"
Kabuto chuckled, his happiness evident. While he had been unsuccessful in personally eliminating Danzo, witnessing Naruto revive Danzo through the Impure World Reincarnation technique brought him even greater satisfaction.
'He truly comprehends the capabilities of this ninjutsu,' Kabuto thought to himself, a sense of fulfillment washing over him.
Also, it felt cool to be able to control others to do things they didn't even want to do.
"Thank you, Naruto-kun!" Kabuto said respectfully.
"You're welcome, after all, he was also my target for revenge."
"Hmph, you Nine-Tailed brat! Kabuto is nothing but a multi-faced spy. He is currently together with Orochimaru. Sooner or later, he will betray you!"
Danzo cursed.
"Hehe, don't bother Danzo-sama. Naruto-kun knows my identity very well, and Orochimaru-sama has had many businesses with Naruto-kun. We get along very well~"
"That despicable Orochimaru! I hope he meets a gruesome death!"
After Kabuto left, he used the Summoning technique to send the news to Orochimaru.
"One day..... If I knew it, I would have set a deadline of six days. Should I go to him tomorrow?"
Orochimaru looked at the note and thought.
"However, Danzo was resurrected by Impure World Reincarnation… Naruto-kun, where did you learn this Forbidden Technique? Did you also read the Book of Seals?"
"But, it's really interesting. To use this ninjutsu to take revenge on Danzo is just like Naruto-kun. Hehehe…"
… … … …
Early the next morning, the four upper floors of the Hokage Building were filled with Elite Jōnin, who were all waiting for the arrival of the Fourth Kazekage.
Today marks the fifth day. According to the initial attitude displayed by the Kazekage, it appears that if Konoha is unable to return Gaara and provide a satisfactory response, it is highly likely that the Kazekage will initiate a war.
Moreover, even if the Kazekage were to declare the start of the war within Konoha, Konoha could not coerce the Kazekage to stop. Should news of this situation spread, while facing the assault from the Sunagakure might be manageable, the other ninja villages, particularly Kumogakure and Iwagakue, would swiftly seize the opportunity to attack Konoha under the pretext of supporting the Kazekage's cause.
Thus, Konoha will be besieged again.
Therefore, the atmosphere in the office was very depressing. Everyone was waiting for the arrival of Rasa.
Suddenly, the door was knocked. The people in the office instantly went alert.
"Come in."
Hiruzen said in a deep voice. As everyone thought that they would see Kazekage walking in with his head held high and his face proud, only a ninja, named Baki, who was usually beside Kazekage, came in.
"Where is Kazekage?"
Hiruzen frowned and asked.
'Could it be that Kazekage had quietly left Konoha and gone back to prepare for the war?' he thought.
"Kazekage-sama accidentally caught a cold last night and is bedridden, so he sent me to inform Hokage-sama that we will discuss our matter later."
Baki's words caused all the ninjas of Konoha's expressions to change into disbelieving ones.
Caught a cold? Also, bedridden? A Kage-level ninja accidentally caught a cold one night. And you even said that he was bedridden.
Are you messing with us?!
What the hell is Fourth Kazekage doing?!
"I see, please tell Fourth Kazekage to rest well, I will go to see him when I have time."
"Thank you, Third Hokage!"
"Where's Kakashi? Call him over, I want to see if Kazekage is still in Konoha!"
After sending Baki away, Hiruzen shouted immediately.
Despite Hiruzen discovering that the Kazekage was in his place resting, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. As a precautionary measure, he discreetly assigned a few additional Anbu members for surveillance. This day again made Hiruzen feel anxious.
At last, he got a message the next day.
Sunagakure's One Tail Jinchūriki, Gaara, made an unexpected appearance on the roof of the house where he disappeared!
…