Rain Village.
Beneath the gloomy sky, on the tip of a sinister statue's tongue, sits Pain, indifferently overlooking the oppressive Rain Village.
"Pain."
Just then, the space behind him ripples, and the figure of Obito, the masked man, appears.
After Obito appears, he speaks in a deep voice, "You must already know the information about Konoha, about the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails!"
Clearly, in their intelligence, Naruto is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, but the sudden appearance of Uzumaki Karin seemed odd.
At this moment, the expressionless Pain calmly says, "You are disturbed; you have forgotten about Orochimaru."
"Orochimaru?" Obito's eyes sharpen suddenly, and he speaks in a deep voice, "Are you talking about Orochimaru's research?"
"The pseudo-Nine-Tails Jinchuriki cultivated by the Land of Fire with Nine-Tails chakra could unleash the power of four tails. It's surprising but not impossible that Orochimaru could create an even stronger Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
After Pain's indifferent voice echoes, Obito narrows his eyes.
"You're right. I saw with my own eyes the Fourth Hokage, Minato, sealing the Nine-Tails inside his own child. With the cost of extracting the tailed beast, it's impossible for Naruto to still be alive."
"And!" Obito says with a cold laugh, "This Uzumaki Karin, who suddenly appeared, has been, according to intelligence, always in Orochimaru's hidden Sound Village."
"It seems like another one of Orochimaru's test subjects. Otherwise, why would the real Nine-Tails of Konoha let go."
It's as if they had seen through everything.
"However! Orochimaru truly is a genius."
Orochimaru's talent is enough to attract their attention and apprehension, but they have already lost the opportunity to win him over.
"The plan to gather the tailed beasts will start normally in three years. The Nine-Tails will be your responsibility, Uchiha Madara!"
As Pain speaks in an indifferent tone, he emphasizes 'Uchiha Madara' even more.
Obito clearly understands the meaning. Now, without the mysterious aura of Uchiha Madara, he is no longer the formidable presence once feared by Nagato.
Even! He starts to question his own strength.
Behind his mask, Obito reveals a mocking cold laugh. A mere pawn, now possessing the Rinnegan, deems himself a god. Ridiculous.
"Sarutobi Asuma, after experiencing the annihilation of his clan, is barely qualified to join. Bring him into the organization. From now on, he will be in your team, responsible for gathering intelligence on the Ninja world, especially the whereabouts of the Jinchuriki. None must be missed."
Pain issues the order indifferently, and Obito, although resenting in his heart, responds firmly, "Fine, I will guide the newcomer well. But Sarutobi Asuma must also prove his worth."
If before they were aloof, now the threat of Uchiha Yoru from Konoha is too great, especially since the power of three major ninja villages has been integrated.
At this time, if Sarutobi Asuma is a spy and leaks their information, it would be dangerous.
…
Konoha.
Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro have already changed into their chunin vests, and all three have been promoted to chunin.
At this time, in the office, Uchiha Yoru calmly looked at the three.
"From today, you are chunin. Temari, your team leader jonin is Uzuki Yugao, who is also one of Konoha's elite wind-release jonin. Kankuro, I have seen your application, and from today, you are a member of the Police Force."
"Thank you, Lord Yoru."
Temari and Kankuro respectfully nodded. In the past month, they had experienced too much: being imprisoned, the fall of the Sand Village, the merger of the Land of Wind with Konoha.
Especially since his father, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, was killed by the Third Hokage Hiruzen, the two harbored intense hatred for the Sarutobi clan.
Especially after hearing that there were still remnants of the Sarutobi clan.
But now, they faced a choice: to join or to remain imprisoned.
Finally, the calm and rational Temari reluctantly persuaded her two brothers to surrender. The Sand Village still existed; it just had a new Kazekage and a god above him.
Especially after the chunin exams' apocalyptic battle, which had crushed her spirit of resistance.
Therefore, although Temari and Kankuro were disheartened, thinking of the continued existence of the Sand Village brought a forced smile to their faces. At this moment, both of them looked concernedly at their brother Gaara.
But Gaara remained silent, not saying a word. Over the past month, with his chakra sealed, he lost his power but also felt the care of his siblings Temari and Kankuro.
Seeming to have undergone a slight change.
Seeing this, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but smile. Gaara's talent was undeniable, and he didn't want to waste it, which was why he had arranged this.
"Gaara, from today, you will join Team 7 under Hatake Kakashi."
"Team 7?" The three of them showed puzzled expressions. They were obviously aware of Kakashi's team, which usually consisted of a three-person squad.
Faced with their confusion, Uchiha Yoru calmly said, "Uzumaki Naruto will soon go to train with Jiraiya, so there's a vacancy in the team, and you, Gaara, are just right."
"If the Shukaku inside you becomes unruly, you can seek your team leader Kakashi, who also possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan."
Instantly, Temari and Kankuro understood. Hatake Kakashi, the genius jonin of Konoha and a strong figure in the ninja world, possessed one Mangekyo Sharingan and was Uchiha Yoru's trusted confidant.
Such a powerful and trusted ninja was clearly there to monitor and supervise the jinchuriki.
Regarding the reformation of the team, Gaara simply nodded lightly, "Okay."
Uchiha Sasuke, he had seen him. These days in prison, Uchiha Sasuke had also visited and spoken a lot, so they were somewhat familiar.
However, at this moment, the office door suddenly opened, and Uzumaki Naruto ran in excitedly.
"Lord Yoru, the tracking team has found Teacher Asuma's whereabouts. Please let us go after him!"
Naruto, who rushed in without any manners or etiquette, caused Uchiha Yoru, Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara to frown slightly.
Rudeness is never likable, especially in a stranger.
Familiar people, or friends, people conditionally accept some of their flaws, but not now!
"Asuma!"
Hearing this name, Uchiha Yoru frowned, crossed his arms in front of the desk, and looked at Uzumaki Naruto, speaking in a deep voice.
"Sarutobi Asuma made a choice befitting a Konoha jonin when his family planned an armed coup. He took on his responsibilities and chose to massacre the revolutionaries, killing countless innocents in the process. But that's what a ninja is!"
"Later, Sarutobi Asuma fled Konoha, and I did not issue a pursuit order, not even branding him a rogue ninja."
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru showed a serious demeanor, saying, "The spirit of Sarutobi Asuma is admirable, but the coup of the Sarutobi clan is also undeniable. In light of the principle of justice over family, I have not pursued their responsibility. Uzumaki Naruto, you should understand your identity!"
As for Uzumaki Naruto, he is responsible. The other party embodies the spirit of an ideal world, like a child's persistent belief in their worldview.
However, for adults, his thoughts are admirable, but that's all there is to it! Faced with the murderer of his teacher, he chose forgiveness. Faced with the murderer of his parents, he chose forgiveness again. It seems that in Naruto, there's a true understanding between people, and all hatred can be let go.
Such a spirit even makes one wonder if, in the future, if Uzumaki Naruto were betrayed in his marriage, he would also choose to forgive.
"Lord Yoru, please!"
Just then, Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, and Yamanaka Hi, in a panic, followed behind and urgently pulled the agitated Naruto, while Shikamaru pleaded respectfully.
Seeing this, Uchiha Yoru pondered, tapping his fingers on the table, and finally said in a deep voice, "Asuma has not declared himself a rogue ninja, but he is also a very dangerous existence. If you insist on this!"
"I can agree to let you leave the village to track Sarutobi Asuma, but there are no Jonin in the village now who can work with you."
Uchiha Yoru's intention was clear; this was a personal desire, and he could not possibly send a Jonin to assist them.
Nara Shikamaru, quick-witted, immediately understood and gratefully nodded, "Lord Yoru, don't worry, we have already sent a message to Uncle Yamanaka before coming here. He will join us..."
However, Uchiha Yoru casually waved his hand to stop the explanation, "This is your personal matter. Since a Jonin like Yamanaka agrees, you may go."
"Lord Yoru, may we invite friends from the village?" Shikamaru asked tentatively.
Uchiha Yoru looked at the boy indifferently, causing Shikamaru to break out in a cold sweat.
"You may!"
"Thank you, Lord Yoru."
The Sarutobi clan was already extinguished. Under the attack of the Sand ninjas, their families had paid a heavy price. His question was a probing one.
And with Uchiha Yoru's nod of approval, it indicated that he was letting go of the grudges against the Sarutobi clan's followers, disappearing like smoke.
"Shikamaru, let's go quickly."
An excited Naruto pulled Shikamaru and the others to leave, while Uchiha Yoru waved dismissively to Gaara's team.
Temari immediately understood the gesture and pulled her two brothers to leave.
After leaving the Hokage building, Temari wiped her sweat and looked at her brothers, finally letting out a sigh of relief, showing a smile like a burden being lifted.
"It seems Lord Yoru is as open-minded as the rumors say."
Facing his sister's words, Gaara remained silent, a cold response for his time.
Kankuro was puzzled and asked, "What do you mean?"
Looking at her two worried brothers, Temari helplessly held her forehead, explaining as they walked.
"Kankuro, being accepted into the police force shows that you have gained preliminary trust. You've seen the current situation. Also, don't hold grudges. In comparison…"
Speaking of this, Temari lifted her head, revealing a wistful smile as she gazed at the lush greenery of Konoha.
"Konoha with its green mountains and clear waters, isn't this exactly what our Sand Village aspires for? We are now enjoying it, and every Sand ninja has the opportunity to do so. In the past, it had to be seized through war, and despite many years of conflict, we gained little. But now, we only need to work hard to enjoy the resources our ancestors longed for."
Under absolute power, Temari felt not even a trace of rebellion in her heart.
"So, don't get the wrong idea. The Sand Village still exists, and we can return at any time. But in peace, all we need is to work hard and achieve the rank of Jonin to live in the fertile land of the Land of Fire. Isn't that good?"
Kankuro fell silent, as if what she said made a lot of sense. After all, the Sand Village made the first mistake this time, and indeed, life in the Sand Village is better than before.
All it takes is loyalty and hard work to reach Jonin and enjoy the life that generations of ancestors dreamt of.
"Also, in the Police Department, Kankuro, you need to behave. This is not the Sand Village. Our father, the Fourth Kazekage, is gone. No one will indulge us anymore."
With a heavy tone, Temari's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at Kankuro.
"So, drop your bad temper, be serious, and moreover, Lord Yoru gave us a chance. Practice diligently, and in the future, find a girl from Konoha to marry and have children."
Facing his sister's expectations, Kankuro turned his head away but still said solemnly, "I understand, sister. Don't worry, I won't cause trouble."
After speaking to Kankuro, Temari turned to look at her youngest and once most feared brother, Gaara, smiling sunnyly and stroking his red hair.
"Gaara, don't think that being assigned to Team 7 is to monitor you. As far as I know, Sasuke is Lord Yoru's personal disciple, and Jonin Kakashi is Lord Yoru's right-hand man."
"Kakashi's Mangekyo Sharingan can calm the turbulence of the Shukaku inside you and is also a renowned powerful ninja in the ninja world. You should learn well from him."
"Also, I think you know about the future of Sasuke. This is an opportunity given by Lord Yoru, not only to us but to all the Sand ninjas. So, get along well with Sasuke, and you will be companions in the future."
Temari made it very clear. By following such Jonin and building relationships with such companions, they are not just integrating into the Konoha but directly entering its upper echelons.
Undeniably, Uchiha Yoru's special treatment of powerful ninjas and Jinchuriki is no less generous than the Land of Lightning, treating them as heroes for nurturing.
"Okay!"
Gaara nodded silently, his brevity a golden word, which brought a smile to Temari's face and a look of astonishment to Kankuro.
"You don't have to worry about me. Uzuki Yugao is a famous Wind Release elite Jonin, known as the strongest female Wind Release ninja, and moreover!"
As she said this, Temari smiled, "Uzuki Yugao is Lord Yoru's confidant, so the Jonin leading my team will not only utilize my talents but also help me become a future female Wind Release Jonin."
Their talents were not buried but deliberately nurtured, reflecting Uchiha Yoru's magnanimity.
Such strategies also won the hearts of countless Sand ninjas.
After all, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro are the children of the Fourth Kazekage. They are now a family, but there had been conflicts before, and the grudge still lingered.
However, with Uchiha Yoru's arrangements, numerous Sand ninjas were sincerely convinced, especially the former supporters of the Fourth Kazekage, who nodded in approval.