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Root Operations Begin
"Ryoma."
A low voice echoed through the dimly lit chamber.
Whoosh!
A tall figure appeared instantly, kneeling before Danzo Shimura.
"You will take two squads to the Land of Spring," Danzo commanded, his tone sharp and unyielding. "Bring Shen and Hai with you. If you can convince them peacefully, fine. If not, use any means necessary. As long as I see the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, everything will fall into place. Do you understand?"
Danzo's cold, calculating gaze rested on his most trusted subordinate. Ryoma, an elite jōnin at the peak of his abilities, met his leader's stare without faltering.
"I understand, Lord Danzo. I will bring the jinchūriki back."
Danzo nodded, his trust in Ryoma evident. The power of a tailed beast was a threat that could not be underestimated, and Danzo was determined not to repeat past mistakes. With Ryoma leading a team of Root specialists trained in high-level sealing jutsu, the Six-Tails would be theirs, no matter the cost.
"Good. I trust this mission to you," Danzo said, his voice leaving no room for doubt.
Ryoma bowed once before vanishing into the shadows.
Moments later, outside Konoha, masked Root operatives clad in black ANBU gear emerged from the darkness. With silent precision, they leapt through the trees, heading south toward the Land of Spring.
---
Tsunade's Office
"So, the old man couldn't help himself after all," Tsunade muttered, reclining in her chair.
The Hokage's office was filled with tension as Shizune stood nearby, her brow furrowed with concern.
"Danzo never changes. Even with Orochimaru gone, he still sees tailed beasts as tools," Tsunade continued, her tone bitter.
Shizune hesitated before asking, "Tsunade-sama, should we send someone to intercept them?"
"No," Tsunade replied, shaking her head. "Danzo will have sent his best. Interfering would only escalate the situation. Inform Jiraiya instead—he's already on his way to the Land of Spring. He'll know how to handle this."
"Understood," Shizune said, bowing before leaving the room.
Tsunade sighed, staring out the window. Even as Hokage, she couldn't completely neutralize Danzo's influence. The elders—Homura, Koharu, and Danzo—had their hands in every aspect of Konoha's governance, and uprooting their authority would destabilize the village.
For now, all I can do is try to manage the damage, Tsunade thought grimly.
---
Far from Konoha, Menma moved through the dense wilderness with practiced ease. Avoiding major roads and concealing his chakra signature, he maintained a low profile. His transformation techniques kept his appearance ever-changing, and his sensory abilities remained on high alert.
Stopping at the southern coast of the Land of Fire, Menma surveyed his surroundings. His senses flared, detecting a hidden presence in the treetops nearby.
"Heh, as sharp as ever, Menma-kun," came a familiar voice.
Stepping out of the shadows was none other than Kabuto Yakushi, his smirk as confident as ever.
"Don't forget my last name, Kabuto," Menma said coldly, his piercing gaze locking onto the spy. "No one escapes my perception."
Kabuto's smile faltered for a split second, impressed by Menma's growth. He saw through me so easily... Interesting.
"As expected of you, Menma-kun," Kabuto said smoothly, recovering his composure.
"Enough games. Can you still track Utakata in the Land of Spring?" Menma asked, his tone cutting to the chase.
"For now, yes. His movements have been erratic, but I can pinpoint his general location," Kabuto replied, adjusting his glasses.
"And the Mist ninja? Any casualties in the last engagement?" Menma asked, his sharp tone betraying his need for precise information.
"No deaths, though several were injured," Kabuto confirmed. "Kirigakure hasn't sent reinforcements, and their forces remain stationed in the area."
Menma's eyes narrowed. "A rebel faction, yet unwilling to commit fully. Someone in their group has ties to this... Yūgure."
"And what is your plan, Menma-kun?" Kabuto asked, his smile returning.
"First, we meet this Yūgure," Menma said, his voice firm. "Then, you're up, Kabuto. Let's move."
Kabuto's smirk widened slightly, his tone professional as he replied, "Understood. Lead the way."
The two figures vanished into the forest, heading toward their next objective.
---
Spring Country
A small island nation in the southern seas, Spring Country is modest in size compared to the Five Great Nations and even smaller than neighbors like Tea Country or Rainbow Country. Yet, it stands out for its remarkable prosperity.
The country's success can largely be attributed to its unique climate. True to its name, Spring Country enjoys a perpetual spring, with fertile lands capable of growing nearly any crop. This abundance ensures its people are well-fed and provides a surplus for export to neighboring nations, making agriculture a cornerstone of its thriving economy.
Its strategic location further elevates its status. Situated at the crossroads of trade routes connecting the mainland to southern nations, Spring Country serves as a vital hub for merchants and travelers. Even those from distant regions like Sushui Country stop here before heading to the mainland. This influx of trade and tourism has turned the nation into a bustling economic center.
In fact, Spring Country's per capita GDP rivals that of Fire Country itself. While its overall power doesn't yet compare to the great nations, the wealth and quality of life of its citizens are among the highest in the world.
Another factor behind its success is its stability. The Ninja World Wars never touched this land, and internal conflicts are rare. Even political rivalries among heirs to the daimyo rarely disrupt the nation's peaceful development. For decades—perhaps centuries—Spring Country has quietly thrived.
Its advancements in technology are equally noteworthy. While lacking the military technologies of larger nations, Spring Country has excelled in civilian innovation. Menma couldn't help but think that if its leaders prioritized science and modernization, the nation could one day surpass even the great powers in technological progress.
Still, in a world dominated by chakra and ninja, such advancements remain secondary. The great nations have shown little interest in pursuing such paths, a fact Menma found both intriguing and frustrating.
For now, his focus remained on more immediate concerns—growing stronger and defeating his enemies.
---
Menma stepped into the bustling port city of Spring Country, his sharp eyes scanning the vibrant streets. For the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of something unfamiliar: nostalgia.
"So, this is Spring Country," Menma murmured, a faint smile crossing his lips. "It's... more impressive than I imagined."
Beside him, Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses, his analytical gaze dissecting their surroundings. "There's a reason Orochimaru-sama chose this location for one of his bases. The flow of trade and information here is unmatched."
The two moved through the crowded streets, blending in seamlessly. Orochimaru had established a covert base along Spring Country's northern coast, strategically positioned to intercept intelligence from the endless stream of merchants and travelers.
Kabuto led the way, his demeanor calm, though Menma could sense a hint of unease in his movements.
"I've already informed Orochimaru-sama of our arrival," Kabuto said as they neared the base. "He'll be expecting us soon."
Menma said nothing, his senses remaining sharp. Despite the country's peaceful facade, he knew better than to trust appearances. Orochimaru always had a purpose, and if he had set up a base here, it meant there was more to this land than met the eye.
As they approached the entrance, a chill ran down Menma's spine. Something felt wrong. Kabuto stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing.
"This… isn't right," Kabuto muttered, lowering his voice.
The door to the base was slightly ajar, swinging faintly in the breeze. The stillness in the air was oppressive, a stark contrast to the lively streets they had just left.
Menma's expression darkened. Without a word, he and Kabuto exchanged a glance, understanding each other instantly.
"Stay behind me," Kabuto whispered, activating a Chakra Detection Jutsu. His fingers glowed faintly with chakra as he scanned the area. "There's been an intrusion."
Menma nodded, his hand instinctively brushing against the hilt of his blade.
The two entered cautiously, and the scene inside confirmed their worst fears. The base was in ruins—documents scattered, equipment smashed, and scorch marks lining the walls. Shattered glass crunched underfoot as Kabuto clenched his fists.
"We've been compromised," Kabuto said, his voice tense.
Menma's sharp eyes swept across the room. "By who? ANBU? Another village?"
Before Kabuto could respond, a faint noise echoed from the corridor ahead. Both men froze, their bodies tensing as they prepared for the worst.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, his tone cold. "Whoever it is, they won't escape unscathed."
Menma's grip tightened on his blade, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Let's make them regret crossing Orochimaru."
Kabuto, picking up on the implication, nodded thoughtfully.
"It's possible," he said, his tone cautious. "But we should gather more information before jumping to conclusions. Speculation won't get us far."
Menma smirked, his sharp gaze fixed on the ruins. "That's your job, Kabuto-san. What I need right now is the location of the Six-Tails Jinchūriki—Utakata. This setback makes things inconvenient, but it doesn't change our objective."
At the mention of Utakata, a dangerous gleam lit Menma's golden eyes. His ambitions hinged on recruiting the Six-Tails' power. With Utakata in his grasp, his plans would take a decisive step forward. Failure wasn't an option.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, his demeanor calm but resolute. "The tracking team remains operational. This stronghold's destruction is a nuisance, but the mission isn't compromised. Rest assured, Menma-kun, we will find Utakata."
Menma chuckled softly, his expression both amused and threatening. "Good. See to it that you work quickly, Kabuto-san. If Utakata slips through your fingers, I'll be… displeased."
Kabuto nodded, fully aware of the unspoken warning. The loss of the base had delayed their efforts, but it hadn't crippled them. Through Orochimaru's vast network, rebuilding their surveillance on Utakata was only a matter of time—though time was a luxury they could ill afford.
Wasting no time, Kabuto summoned a snake messenger, its scales gleaming as it vanished into the shadows to deliver a report to Orochimaru. Orders were also dispatched to nearby outposts to intensify the search, leaving no stone unturned.
Far southeast of the ruined stronghold, deep within Spring Country…
"Kumo-nin? Why are you blocking my way?"
A lone figure stood amidst a circle of shinobi, his blue kimono swaying gently in the breeze. A bubble blower hung at his side, its unassuming appearance belying its lethality. His sharp, orange eyes narrowed as he studied his would-be captors. Each bore a Kumogakure forehead protector, their intentions as clear as the tension in the air.
"Utakata, the Six-Tails Jinchūriki," the leader of the group spoke, stepping forward. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with white hair and a calm, authoritative presence. His chakra flared subtly, hinting at the immense power he possessed.
Darui.
The right hand of the Fourth Raikage and a master of Black Lightning, Darui was among Kumogakure's most formidable shinobi. If he was here, this was no ordinary retrieval mission.
"The Raikage has extended an invitation," Darui said, his tone polite but firm. "We'd like you to come to Kumogakure… as our guest."
Despite the diplomatic phrasing, the threat beneath his words was unmistakable. Utakata's frown deepened, his gaze never leaving Darui.
"And if I refuse?" Utakata asked, his voice calm but laced with defiance.
Darui sighed, offering a faint shrug. "Then we'll have to insist. You know how this works."
The atmosphere grew heavier, chakra beginning to crackle in the air. Darui's hand began to spark with Black Lightning, the dark arcs dancing ominously. "You can come willingly, or we'll take you by force."
Utakata's grip on his bubble blower tightened, his jaw clenching. He had no illusions about the situation. Kumogakure was relentless in their pursuit of power, and Jinchūriki were valuable prizes. But he wasn't about to let himself be captured without a fight.
"Then I guess we'll have to do this the hard way," Utakata said coldly.
Darui's eyes narrowed. "So be it."
With a shout, Darui launched forward, his Black Lightning lashing out like a serpent. The air crackled with electricity as the attack tore through the space between them, aiming straight for Utakata.
But Utakata was ready. Bringing the bubble blower to his lips, he unleashed a stream of Bubble Ninjutsu, the chakra-infused orbs floating toward Darui. The first wave detonated on impact, the explosions forcing Darui to halt his advance.
The other Kumo-nin sprang into action, their coordinated strikes targeting Utakata from all sides. But the Jinchūriki's mastery of his unique jutsu turned the battlefield into chaos. Bubbles expanded and burst with pinpoint precision, creating barriers and traps that disrupted their movements.
Darui gritted his teeth, his respect for Utakata's abilities growing. "Looks like this won't be easy after all."
He raised his sword, infusing it with Black Lightning. The blade hummed with power as he prepared to break through Utakata's defenses.
The battle for the Six-Tails Jinchūriki had begun—and neither side was willing to back down.
---