A special thank you to all my patrons.
The List of The "ANBU" Member:
-ar4ngel
-Cain
-Ryan biggins
-Goha21
-Kreios
-Hotsuma68
-Sabo
You can read 30 chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.
P@TREON - p@treon.com/lessaservantofcosmos
(just replace the "@" with "a")
ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Let's begin."
In the darkness, the nine eyes of the Gedo Statue slowly began to open halfway.
"Sealing Technique: Phantom Dragon Nine Consuming Seals!"
With a loud shout from Pain, nine energy dragons shot out of the statue's gaping mouth, twisting and writhing as they descended, enveloping the unconscious Killer Bee lying on the ground.
Killer Bee's body began to rise gradually, his mouth unconsciously opening.
"Heh, this guy's finally going to die," Kisame remarked with a hint of satisfaction.
"You've got a grudge against him?" Deidara asked curiously.
"I know, I know!!!"
"Obito," currently acting as Tobi, responded in a playful tone.
"Hmm?"
"It's because his rapping is awful!"
"That's your reason, hmm?"
"He also gave Kisame-senpai a nickname—'Fish Demon!'"
"Hahahaha…"
Among the group, the seven others aside from "Obito" couldn't help but laugh.
Pain, Konan, Zetsu, Deidara, Sasori, Kisame, and Terai.
Even Deidara, thanks to certain dealings, knew a bit about Tobi's true identity.
Suddenly, "Obito" realized something. He was working so hard to play the role of Tobi… just for Sasori's benefit?
---
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The Rasengan exploded again, and countless of Naruto's shadow clones disappeared amidst clouds of smoke.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
"That's enough for now," Minato called out, stopping Naruto's movements. "It's lunchtime."
"Oh, I'm starving." Naruto rubbed his stomach.
"Let's head home first." Minato placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and waved to Jiraiya with his other hand. "Jiraiya-sensei."
"What, are you inviting me to lunch?" Jiraiya walked over. "You know, I'm quite picky about my food."
"Understood, Sensei."
Minato touched Jiraiya lightly, and all three of them vanished from the spot.
From a distance, Zetsu's head, covered in his signature Venus flytrap, rose from the earth and then sank back down again.
---
At Minato and Naruto's Home.
The trio appeared in the living room.
"Take a seat; I'll prepare lunch," Minato said, heading toward the kitchen. "Naruto, you're in charge of entertaining Jiraiya-sensei."
"Cooking yourself? Tsk, tsk, Minato, you're such a good husband," Jiraiya said smugly. "That's all thanks to my excellent teaching."
"Tch!"
Naruto shot him a look of disdain.
"What are you looking at, brat?! Didn't your dad say to take good care of me? Now go make me some tea!"
Jiraiya plopped down onto the couch, already giving orders.
---
Meanwhile, Akatsuki's Eight-Tails Sealing Operation Continued.
"Pain, my main body has located the Nine-Tails," Zetsu's projection suddenly reported.
"Oh?" Pain turned toward him.
"Just like the Eight-Tails, Konoha hasn't made any effort to hide him," Zetsu remarked teasingly. "Such confidence from the great shinobi villages, huh?"
"That makes it easier. Once the Eight-Tails is sealed, I'll personally head to Konoha to capture the Nine-Tails," Pain decided.
"Be careful," Zetsu added, revealing another piece of information. "The Fourth Hokage and Jiraiya are both protecting the Nine-Tails jinchūriki."
"The Fourth Hokage and Jiraiya, huh?" Sasori spoke up for the first time. "Both are formidable opponents. Shall I assist you, Leader?"
Konoha, with its rich resources, is a treasure trove. Accompanying the Leader there might yield numerous valuable materials for my collection.
Sasori was already scheming.
"Sasori's right. We can assist the Leader by handling Konoha's other forces, hmm!" Deidara chimed in enthusiastically.
If I can present my art in Konoha, everyone will have to acknowledge my brilliance, hmm.
What should I use to blow up the Hokage Rock?
I'll need to think carefully, hmm.
Perhaps creating an entirely new masterpiece would make it even more memorable?
"Very well," Nagato agreed after considering Konoha's current strength.
To ensure the jinchūriki doesn't escape…
"I'll lead the operation to capture the Nine-Tails jinchūriki, accompanied by Konan, Sasori, and Deidara."
"Yes," the three replied in unison.
"Leader, I request to join the mission as well," Terai, who had remained low-key since joining Akatsuki, suddenly spoke up.
"Oh?" Pain regarded him with mild interest. "State your reason."
"Leader, as a former member of Konoha's Root division, I'm intimately familiar with the village's defense systems, both inside and out. I also know the details of Konoha's sensory barriers." Terai laid out his credentials.
"Understood. I approve your request."
"Thank you."
For the first time, the usually emotionless Terai appeared slightly excited.
Lord Danzo, I will avenge you!
---
After Lunch at Minato's Home.
Naruto was sent to his room for a nap, while Minato and Jiraiya sat on the couch to chat.
"Jiraiya-sensei, you're back because of Naruto, aren't you?"
Minato poured tea for Jiraiya.
"Yes," Jiraiya replied, holding the tea cup. "From what I've learned, the Akatsuki has already captured the Tailed Beasts from One-Tails to Seven-Tails. If this continues, they'll soon target Naruto."
"That's true. The only ones left are Kumogakure's Killer Bee and my Naruto."
Minato, however, seemed unfazed.
"Do you know something, Minato?" Jiraiya asked, sensing something unusual.
Minato smiled. "Hasn't Lady Tsunade told you?"
"Told me what?" Jiraiya was confused.
"It concerns Uchiha Kaito's ultimate goal," Minato said, taking a sip of tea.
"Kaito?" Jiraiya frowned.
"I'd rather not explain it verbally anymore."
Minato put down his tea cup, disappeared for a moment, and returned with a notebook in hand.
"Here are the details. Take a look yourself."
He handed the notebook to Jiraiya.
"Oh? Why so secretive? Did something major happen?"
Feeling a sudden sense of tension, Jiraiya opened the notebook and began reading.
After skimming the first few lines, his expression turned from confusion to disbelief.
"This can't be true…"
"Jiraiya-sensei," Minato interrupted with a smile, holding his tea cup. "Why don't you finish reading before jumping to conclusions?"
"Fine."
Jiraiya resumed reading, flipping through the pages quickly.
However, as he read, his expression gradually softened.
Minato noticed the change and his mouth twitched slightly.
Jiraiya-sensei must be thinking the same as Kakashi…
"Impressive, Minato!"
Jiraiya closed the notebook with excitement, giving Minato a big thumbs-up.
"Hahaha! You nearly fooled me! This outline is incredible—combining a compelling story with shinobi history and current events. Brilliant! As expected of my talented disciple! Don't worry, Minato, as your literary mentor, I'll help you connect with a publisher!"
"This isn't a novel, Jiraiya-sensei," Minato replied with a calm smile.
"Uh…" Jiraiya blinked. "Well, whether you need a recommendation from a renowned author or a preface for your book, just say the word…"
Minato simply smiled without responding.
Jiraiya reopened the notebook.
"This isn't a novel?"
"It's not."