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"You're inviting us to join the Kara Organization?" Mabui looked at the man before her, Jigen. "I've never heard of such an organization in the ninja world."
"Just because you haven't heard of it doesn't mean it doesn't exist." Jigen's voice was cold, or perhaps indifferent would be more accurate.
Having lived for a thousand years, he had seen and experienced much. Human emotions and the essence of humanity were slowly disappearing from him.
"I know what you need, and I can help you."
"I don't know you. Please leave." Mabui's face turned cold. "I'll count to three!"
Jigen remained motionless, ignoring Mabui's words, and continued speaking on his own.
"The Kara Organization has existed for a thousand years. Our goal has always been to..."
Slap.
Jigen raised his hand to block in front of him, catching Mabui's striking arm. His grip was tight, and no matter how much Mabui struggled, she couldn't break free from his hold.
As she struggled, Mabui's eyes flashed with surprise and a hint of fear. She could sense the strength of the man before her.
Looking at Jigen, Mabui felt as if she were facing Kyomu. The overwhelming sense of power weighed on her, making it hard to breathe.
"Let go!" Mabui shouted with false bravado.
Jigen had no intention of fighting with Mabui. He calmly released her wrist and took a step back, spreading his hands to show he meant no harm.
"I understand your apprehension and fear. I also understand the responsibility you bear. Your caution is understandable."
With a wave of his hand, a pitch-black space portal appeared between him and Mabui. "If you want to understand the Kara Organization, I can take you to see it. Once you reach our base and meet our beliefs, you might change your mind."
"After all, in the current ninja world, few can stand against Kyomu. Even if someone could, his subordinates are also formidable opponents. With just you and the children you protect, it's impossible. Those children won't survive to adulthood under Kyomu's minions' pursuit."
Demonstrating a simple display of power as a deterrent, Jigen sincerely explained the situation before making a courteous gesture. "Ms. Mabui, you've seen my sincerity. Would you be willing to come with me?"
Mabui fell silent.
Looking at the black space portal and feeling the vast chakra and spatial power within, Mabui was conflicted.
It was clear that the monk-like man before her could kill her in an instant. If he had malicious intent, there was no need for such elaborate measures.
"Let me think..." Mabui lowered her head, pondering for a while. After some time, she looked up at Jigen, who was still waiting for her response. "I'll go with you, but the children..."
"This isn't a matter of life and death." Jigen shook his head but did not refuse. "It's natural to be cautious when facing the unknown, even if I mean no harm. Go ahead, I'll wait here."
Receiving Jigen's answer, Mabui backed away, her eyes still wary.
She still didn't trust Jigen.
Watching her leave, Jigen didn't follow. He was confident.
In the current ninja world, aside from him, no one could oppose Kyomu. He was Mabui's only hope.
"Foolish mortals, you cannot escape." Jigen's eyes were deep as he waited patiently. "You'll come back to me soon."
Sure enough, after settling Naruto and the others, Mabui returned.
Running away?
Impossible, utterly impossible.
Rather than futile attempts, it was better to see what Jigen was really up to.
"Let's go."
Mabui looked at the black space portal and spoke to Jigen.
"Alright."
Jigen replied, turning and stepping into the space portal, disappearing.
Relaxing her clenched fists, Mabui took a deep breath and followed.
"Mabui-nee, where did you go?"
Naruto wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to the boy with a gourd on his back and the "love" kanji tattoo on his forehead.
It was Gaara.
"I don't know, but she seemed anxious," Gaara replied.
"Did Ryunin come to Sun and Moon Island?" Naruto asked again.
"No, it seems to be another issue." Gaara's sister Temari looked around. "I saw a monk-like man with strange face markings but no identifying features."
"Hey, stop talking and pack your things. We're moving to the backup hideout."
A young man with a ponytail and mouths on his hands shouted, "Don't drag us down if you want to die."
"Deidara, I was just curious." Naruto quickly followed but kept talking. "Aren't you worried about Mabui sister?"
"Worrying won't help." Deidara shrugged. "Not causing her trouble is the best way to help her."
Looking at the tall man beside him, Deidara continued, "Besides, there's Akatsuchi here. What's to worry about?"
"Enough, Deidara," Akatsuchi stopped him and turned to comfort Naruto. "Don't worry, Mabui will be fine."
Naruto hesitated but nodded, following the group. However, he kept looking back, worried about Mabui's safety.
If Mabui were gone, Naruto would truly have no "family" left in this world.
...
"Kushina, did you find anything?"
A travel-worn Minato came from the opposite direction, fatigue and sorrow in his eyes.
Six years. He and Kushina had searched the ninja world for six years. Apart from new leads, they hadn't seen Naruto once.
"They left not long ago, but the traces are well-covered. Whoever did this is skilled, at least in counter-tracking."
Kushina stood up, discarding a broken branch. "Other than this minor clue, I found nothing concrete."
"Let's search other parts of Sun and Moon Island." Minato sighed, embracing Kushina and letting her rest her head on his chest. "We'll find Naruto."
"Yes."
Responding softly, Kushina's eyes welled with tears, and she hated Jiraiya.
But Jiraiya had been killed by Kyomu in the Fourth Great Ninja War. Otherwise, Kushina would have sought revenge.
"According to White Zetsu, the remnants of the Four Nations used their pre-established secret routes to reach overseas. Their first stop was here."
Minato comforted her. "You know White Zetsu's intelligence capabilities. If his intel says Naruto is here, then he must be."
"I know Naruto is here, but..."
Leaving Minato's embrace, Kushina covered her face with her hands, tears flowing through her fingers. "But we've almost searched the entire island and found nothing, nothing at all."
"We'll find him if we keep looking." Minato assured. "I spoke to His Majesty. He promised that once the domestic rebel organizations are eradicated, White Zetsu will fully assist us."
Kushina nodded, drying her tears and regaining her determination.
"You're right, Minato. We will find Naruto." She clenched her fists to encourage herself. "Let's check the western side."
"Alright."
Minato followed Kushina, quickly leaving the area.
As they left, a black space portal appeared where they had stood.
A ninja shoe stepped out, and Mabui emerged.
As she exited the portal, it closed automatically. Jigen did not follow.
Glancing back, Mabui's face showed relief.
She raised her hand, examining the black marking on her hand – the Kama Seal.
Suddenly, Mabui smiled. "Kyomu, just wait. You'll pay back what you owe, with interest."
Mabui had joined the Kara Organization and received the Kama Seal's power, becoming one of Jigen's vessels.
However, Mabui was unaware of this. Jigen had not fully disclosed everything to her. His primary target was not Mabui but Naruto.
Unaware of this, Mabui was deceived by Jigen's words and intended to bring Naruto and the others into the Kara Organization.
"Mabui, is this true?" Akatsuchi frowned, glancing at the elderly Ebizo. "Senior, have you heard of the Kara Organization?"
"I've never heard of it and know nothing about it." The aging Ebizo shook his head, looking at the black marking on Mabui's arm. "Mabui, are you sure this is safe?"
"It's fine." Mabui raised her arm to eye level, studying the black marking with satisfaction.
She then shared her thoughts. "Joining the Kara Organization doesn't mean the children must immediately receive the Kama Seal for power. They can decide when they're older."
Ebizo nodded. "Your idea is good, but can you ensure our freedom once we join? Can you guarantee a safe environment for the children's growth? Have you considered that the Kara Organization's real target might be the children?"
He was cautious. Despite his age and frailty, his experience told him the Kara Organization was dangerous and not a safe haven.
"We aren't safe now either," Hozuki Mangetsu finally spoke. "Minato and Kushina have already arrived. We all know why."
"We can't abandon Naruto, and their presence means Kyomu's reach extends here. In less than a year, we might have no place left. By then, the oldest child will only be ten."
"Instead of a slow death, we should join the Kara Organization."
Mangetsu looked seriously at Mabui. "Are you telling the truth? Does the Kara Organization's base really exist in a separate dimension?"
"The base does exist in a separate dimension, with no fixed coordinates. Neither Kyomu nor Obito can find us."
Mabui displayed her Kama Seal again. "With the Kama Seal, I can access some of the Kara Organization's powers and communicate with their god. Once marked, we share power with Jigen. Though we might not defeat him now, he'd think twice before acting."
Ebizo lowered his head in silence, while Akatsuchi began to consider joining the Kara Organization.
Regardless of Jigen's intentions, obtaining power to kill Kyomu was worth any cost.
"Three to one, I have nothing more to say." Ebizo relented. "Let's hope we've made the right choice."
"We have!" Mabui's eyes were bright. "The Kara Organization's will is divine!"
(End of Chapter)