Yugito Nii was a talented shinobi from Kumogakure, known for her determination and formidable skills. Despite being a Jinchuuriki, she strove to prove her worth beyond carrying Matatabi, the Two-Tails Bijuu. The mission in the Land of Fire was a crucial opportunity for her to showcase her abilities. If successful, it would be a significant step toward gaining recognition as a Chuunin.
The mission was an escort assignment, classified as Rank A. The objective: to ensure the safety of a highly influential merchant who needed to traverse a dangerous route in a region frequently targeted by bandits and rogue ninjas. Yugito's team, consisting of herself, two companions, and their experienced sensei, was focused and vigilant.
They advanced through the forest, moving with calculated precision as the sensei led the group. "We're close to our objective. Once we complete this, the mission's done. Understood?!" the leader's firm voice echoed through the trees. He was a strict but fair man, determined to prepare his students for the challenges of the ninja world.
"Yes, sensei!" the three students responded in unison, their voices filled with determination. Yugito, always at the forefront of her group, was particularly focused. She knew that a single mistake could come at a high cost, and she was determined not to be a burden but the strength they could rely on.
Suddenly, a sharp pain struck her stomach like an invisible blade. The pain was intense and unexpected, causing Yugito to stop abruptly. "Ahh..." she groaned, clutching her stomach, her face contorting in discomfort.
"Yugito, what's wrong?" one of her teammates asked, concern evident in their voice, while the sensei quickly turned toward her. The leader's alert stance shifted to something more worried, though his eyes still scanned the surroundings, searching for potential threats.
"I... I don't know... something feels off," she replied, her voice unsteady. The pain wasn't normal; she could feel that something strange was happening within her. The connection to Matatabi pulsed like a distant drumbeat, but it didn't seem to be an attempt at communication — rather, it was a vibration of discomfort or a warning.
The sensei stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Yugito's shoulder. "Take a deep breath. It could just be exhaustion or something you ate before the mission. But stay alert for any changes. Can you keep going?"
Yugito took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Yes, sensei. I'm fine... it's just a passing pain." Even as she spoke, something within her whispered that this sensation was not something to ignore. There was a tension in the air, as though they were being watched, and an invisible shadow seemed to loom over them.
The team resumed their march, but Yugito continued to feel the pain, a silent warning she couldn't ignore. Little did she know, this moment would mark the beginning of a series of events that would change her life forever.
As they moved forward, the forest grew eerily quiet, as if nature itself was holding its breath. Without warning, a figure emerged from the trees like a lethal shadow. His golden eyes, marked with concentric circle patterns that spanned most of his eyeballs, glowed like beacons of destruction in the emerald twilight. It was Ryu, moving with terrifying speed and precision.
Before anyone could react, he descended with a devastating flying kick aimed directly at Yugito's chest. The impact was so powerful that she was hurled to the ground, her breath cut off abruptly. The blow knocked all the air from her lungs, leaving her gasping and disoriented as she struggled to process what had just happened.
"Yugito!" shouted Asato, the team's sensei, his eyes widening as he saw his student being attacked. However, his moment of concern proved fatal. Distracted, Asato was struck by a devastating blow from another attacker. One of Musashi's squad ninjas suddenly appeared, taking advantage of the opening to knock him down with a sidekick that sent him crashing into a nearby tree.
The two genin, momentarily frozen in shock, tried to react but were quickly overwhelmed. Two of Musashi's squad ninjas emerged like predators from the shadows, each movement precise and calculated. The young shinobi stood no chance. Before they could form a single hand seal, they were caught in a coordinated attack. One was disarmed and dropped with a hook to the jaw, while the other was immobilized with a sharp blow to the nape, falling unconscious.
Yugito, still trying to catch her breath, struggled to stand. The impact to her chest had been brutal, and every attempt to draw air felt like a battle against her own body. She looked up, her eyes burning with determination despite the pain. Before her stood Ryu, his overwhelming presence seeming to eclipse the world around him.
"Who... are you...?" she managed to whisper, still gasping for air. Ryu's golden gaze remained unwavering, showing no apparent emotion. He stepped forward, each movement laden with an authority that made the ground seem to tremble beneath his feet. The hunt had begun, and Yugito was about to face the greatest challenge of her life.
"Me? That's not something that matters to the people of this world." Ryu's voice echoed cold and controlled, as if he were declaring an absolute and indisputable truth. He stepped forward again, his golden eyes with concentric patterns radiating an almost divine presence. The rain falling around him seemed to avoid touching him, shaped by the overwhelming aura of power he exuded.
Yugito, despite the pain and the earlier impact, was not someone who gave up easily. Her claws began to glow with blue chakra, her body emanating the fiery energy of Matatabi. With a swift and fierce movement, she charged forward, attempting to strike Ryu with a direct blow full of determination.
However, Ryu remained unfazed. He raised only one hand, his fingers relaxed, as if the attempted attack were insignificant.
"Shinra Tensei," he declared calmly, but his voice carried a weight that reverberated through the surroundings.
Boom!
An invisible wave of force erupted from Ryu's body, like a silent and devastating explosion. The repulsive energy collided with Yugito before her claws could even come close, sending her hurtling backward like a ragdoll. The force was overwhelming; she was flung through several trees, the sound of trunks splitting echoing through the forest like thunder. Branches and leaves scattered as the impact ravaged the terrain.
Finally, Yugito came to a halt, crashing violently into a massive boulder that cracked under the impact of her body. She collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain as she tried to rise again. Her eyes glowed with Matatabi's energy, but now they also carried a mix of surprise and apprehension. The attack had been so swift, so relentless, that it had momentarily shaken her.
Ryu, standing amidst the shattered trees, appeared untouched. He lowered his hand slowly, his expression unchanged.
"You're not ready to face something beyond your comprehension," he murmured, as the rain began to fall once more around him, as if the very heavens were mourning the uneven battle.
Yugito panted, her muscles tense as she struggled to stand. Using the cracked stone for support, she managed to get to her feet, though her legs trembled with the effort. Her eyes still glowed with Matatabi's fiery energy, but the determination they displayed was accompanied by the evident pain of her battered body.
Ryu watched her in silence for a moment, his expression unreadable. To him, this battle was already over. With a sigh that bordered on disappointment, he raised his right hand, his chakra flowing like an extension of his will. Chakra rods began to materialize around him, glowing with an ominous hue.
Without hesitation, he launched two rods directly at Yugito. They pierced her hands with unerring precision, pinning her against the stone behind her. A cry of pain escaped her lips, echoing through the forest as she struggled futilely against the force holding her. Before she could attempt any further resistance, Ryu summoned another rod and sent it toward her feet, pinning them firmly to the ground.
The rain continued to fall, mixing with the blood streaming from her wounds. Yugito was completely immobilized, every attempt to move resulting in excruciating pain. Even so, her expression still carried a spark of defiance, as if she refused to fully surrender to the situation.
Ryu took a few steps forward, stopping just a few meters away from her. His golden eyes locked onto hers with the intensity of a predator ready to deliver the final blow.
"Now," Ryu declared in a cold, calculated voice, "I will take Matatabi."
"Summoning Jutsu: Gedo Mazo!"
Ryu's voice thundered through the air, filled with determination and absolute power. He slammed his palm onto the ground, and in an instant, the summoning seal expanded beneath his feet, glowing intensely with ancient and intricate runes. Thick, dark smoke enveloped the area, merging with the relentless rain that continued to pour down.
Boom!
The ground shook violently as the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path emerged, its titanic presence dominating the battlefield. The massive, mummified figure exuded an aura that seemed to drain the vitality from everything around it. Its gray, rough skin contrasted with the empty, menacing eyes, while the long spikes protruding from its back reflected the lightning that cut through the skies.
With a controlled motion, Ryu formed a hand seal, and the mouth of the Gedo Mazo began to open slowly, revealing a dark void of pure energy. From within that abyss, an invisible force began to take shape, pulsing with intensity.
Wooooom!
A stream of spectral energy surged forth, moving like a predatory serpent toward Yugito. The young Jinchuriki, already weakened and bound to the stone, felt the impact of the Gedo Mazo's overwhelming presence. Her eyes widened in despair as a sense of emptiness began to invade her body.
The blue-fire chakra of Matatabi, the Two-Tails Beast, began to be extracted violently. It took the form of a mass of bright, incandescent energy, being pulled directly into the open mouth of the Gedo Mazo.
Yugito let out a cry of pain, her body arching as she felt the connection with Matatabi being ripped from within her. Each second felt like an eternity as the beast's chakra was transferred into the statue.
Ryu, standing beside the Gedo Mazo, watched the process with a serious expression, his golden eyes reflecting the intense blue light of Matatabi's energy. He kept the hand seals steady, controlling the extraction with relentless precision.
Meanwhile, the forest around seemed to react to the presence of the Gedo Mazo. The vegetation wilted, the birds fled, and the sound of the rain gradually disappeared, leaving only the echo of chakra being consumed filling the environment.
Finally, with one last roar of energy, Matatabi was completely sucked into the Gedo Mazo. The statue's mouth closed, making a heavy, final sound, as if sealing Yugito's fate forever.
Ryu lowered his hands, taking a deep breath, but maintaining his imposing stance. He cast a cold glance at the now-dead Yugito, his words full of resolve:
"Another Beast captured. Ame is one step closer to supremacy."
Ryu turned to Musashi and his squad, his golden, penetrating eyes gleaming with a terrifying coldness. His presence seemed to increase the pressure around them, making even the air feel heavier.
With a firm, cutting voice, he decreed, "Leave a messenger. Kill the rest, Musashi."
Musashi nodded without hesitation, his dark eyes reflecting the blind loyalty to the leader of Ame. Before starting the slaughter, he waited for Ryu to continue.
Ryu stepped forward, looking directly at the young genin, who was trembling uncontrollably, eyes wide and face wet with tears and rain. With a calm almost cruel, Ryu articulated the message:
"The message is simple: 'Prepare yourselves, Ninja World. The people in red and black cloaks are seeking the tailed beasts, and we will take them, no matter what it takes.'"
The atmosphere grew colder, terror seeping into the hearts of the survivors as Musashi and his squad advanced mercilessly. Yugito's sensei tried to raise a kunai in defense, but was quickly struck down by a clean cut that sliced through his throat. Blood mixed with the rain as his lifeless body fell to the ground.
The two remaining genin screamed in terror but were quickly silenced. The first fell with a precise blow to the heart; the second tried to run but was intercepted by a violent kick that broke his ribs, smashing into a tree and falling to the ground with force.
Musashi, clean in his movements, left only the 12-year-old genin, now paralyzed with fear, lying on the ground. He approached slowly, crouching to be at the child's level, and with an ironic, almost paternal tone, said:
"You heard your new master, didn't you? Go, little flame. Spread the message wherever you go. Make sure the world knows what happens when they challenge the Akatsuki."
The child, shaking from head to toe, barely managed to nod before getting up and running off without looking back, his legs barely responding as he stumbled through the mud and roots.
Ryu watched from a distance, his expression impassive. With a subtle nod of his head, he signaled that the job was done.
"Reassemble. Ame is waiting for us."
Musashi and the others quickly cleaned the area, erasing any trace that could compromise the operation. With the mission completed, the squad disappeared into the forest like shadows in the night, leaving behind only lifeless bodies and a message meant to shake the Ninja World to its core.
One month later.
Ryu and his group arrived in the desert of Suna under the scorching sunlight, the searing heat barely affecting them due to the cold, imposing aura emanating from the leader of Ame. With steady steps and watchful eyes, Ryu focused on the distinct energy he sensed with the aid of his Snake Sage Mode. The unmistakable presence of Shukaku, the One-Tail Beast, pulsed like a spiritual beacon.
Without delay, they located the refuge of the Jinchūriki. It was an isolated cave in the sands of the Land of Wind, guarded by an elite squad of ninjas. The rocks that concealed the entrance could barely contain the calming aura of Bunpuku, an elderly monk known for his unyielding patience and discipline.
Ryu stopped in front of the cave entrance, observing the guards in a defensive stance. With a subtle motion of his hand, he signaled for Musashi and the squad to remain on standby, ready to intervene if necessary.
"Stay here. This won't take long."
Ryu's eyes, with their pattern of concentric circles, glowed brightly, signaling the use of the Human Path.
Without effort, he advanced toward the guards, who immediately tried to attack him. Before they could get close, Ryu extended his hand, and an invisible force immobilized them. "There's no need for screams or resistance. I'm not interested in wasting time with you."
With a firm and cruel movement, Ryu activated the Human Path. He placed his hand on the head of the first guard, sucking his soul in seconds, leaving behind only an empty body that fell like a puppet with no strings. The other two guards looked on in horror, but they had no chance to react before suffering the same fate.
Silence fell over the entrance of the cave, and the sound of the desert wind became Ryu's only companion as he crossed the threshold.
With one last look back, Ryu spoke to Musashi:
"Guard the perimeter. No one comes in or out."
Musashi nodded and positioned the squad strategically around the cave, ensuring that any reinforcements from Suna would be stopped before approaching.
Inside the cave, the environment was dark and silent, except for the rhythmic sound of breathing coming from its center. Sitting in meditation, Bunpuku was motionless, his hands resting on his lap, as if he had already been expecting Ryu's arrival.
"I knew someone would come," said Bunpuku, eyes still closed, his calm voice echoing off the cave walls. "Shukaku and I have been waiting for this moment. But tell me, stranger, why seek something that only brings destruction?"
"Destruction? Perhaps for others, but I want to protect my country and the person I love. Can you tell me if that is wrong?" Ryu asked serenely.
Bunpuku maintained his serene demeanor as he listened to Ryu's words. The cave seemed to suspend time, the desert wind completely silenced. Ryu's statement was straightforward, but carried a profound emotional weight that did not go unnoticed by the monk.
"To protect your country and the one you love..." Bunpuku repeated, his voice low, almost meditative. "No, there is no wrong in wishing to protect what is precious to you. But the question lies in the means you use to achieve your ends. That is something only you can answer."
Ryu stood still, his golden, penetrating eyes fixed on Bunpuku. For the first time in a long while, he did not feel the need to intimidate or subjugate with words. This was not an ordinary opponent; he was a man who had dedicated his life to peace, even bearing the burden of being a Jinchūriki.
"You are different from the others I've met," Ryu admitted, his voice maintaining its cold tone, but with a hint of genuine respect. "I admire your connection with Shukaku. Even being avoided, treated as a threat, you found a balance that few achieve. However..." He took a step forward, the shadows of the cave dancing around his figure. "I don't share your vision. I'm not an idealist seeking to save the world. My only goal is to create a future where Ame and those I love can thrive. The rest... doesn't matter."
Bunpuku closed his eyes once more, taking a deep breath. "Shukaku and I live in harmony because we understand each other. He respects me because I respect him. Even now, when I feel my life is about to end, I carry no hatred. Only hope that my existence can mean something greater."
Ryu remained silent for a moment, reflecting on those words. Although he knew that the monk had nothing left to offer but peaceful resistance, something in Bunpuku's serenity touched him in a way he didn't want to admit.
"You will have your peace," Ryu finally said, his voice firm. "I will not destroy the world. But don't expect me to save it."
Raising his hand, Ryu summoned the Demon Statue of the Outer Path, its imposing figure filling the cavern with a suffocating aura. Bunpuku remained seated, motionless, accepting his fate with dignity.
"Shukaku," Bunpuku said, his voice full of tranquility. "I will entrust you with my last wish. Please, do not carry the hatred."
The statue's mouth opened, and a fierce energy began to be drawn from the monk's body. Despite the intense pain of the extraction, Bunpuku did not scream. He simply held his posture, his gaze still firm and serene, as if he wished to transmit his inner peace to Ryu and Shukaku.
"A worthy man," murmured Ryu, watching the monk's body lose life as Shukaku's power was sealed. "If everyone else were like you, the world would be a better place. But that doesn't matter now."
As soon as the process was complete, the statue disappeared, leaving only silence and Bunpuku's lifeless body in the cavern. Ryu turned and walked toward the exit, his expression dark yet resolute.
As he exited the cave, he looked at Musashi and his squad. "The mission is complete. Let's return."
As they prepared to leave, Ryu cast one last glance at the spot where the monk rested. "Rest in peace, Bunpuku. Your sacrifice will not be in vain... at least not for me."
...
The Five Great Shinobi Countries were plunged into unprecedented chaos. The emergence of a mysterious and lethal group, the Akatsuki, brought a new level of threat to the world's balance. At first, they were only rumors, a shadow looming over the leaders of the nations, but within three short months, that shadow had transformed into a wild, uncontrollable flame.
The evidence of their actions was undeniable: the tailed beasts of Suna and Kumo had mysteriously disappeared, and Isobu, the Three-Tails, was also lost. Each nation desperately tried to understand the pattern and motivation behind the attacks, but the truth was clear: the Akatsuki were not just after the tailed beasts. They were destabilizing the greatest powers of the ninja world.
The Kages, normally figures of unwavering determination, were deeply concerned. The idea that three of the nine bijuu had already been captured in such a short time was enough to alarm even the most experienced leaders. The Jinchuuriki, once seen as supreme weapons, now appeared as marked targets, their lives hanging by a thread.
Scattered reports brought more details about the enemy. They wore black cloaks adorned with red clouds, a symbol that seemed as sinister as their actions. And the most disturbing part: the leader of the Akatsuki possessed the legendary Rinnegan, but with a golden hue, something never before recorded in ninja history. The Rinnegan was already feared for its divine power, but this golden variation hinted at something even more terrifying and incomprehensible.
The information about the golden Rinnegan sent a particular shiver down Konoha's spine. Yahiko, an unlikely informant, had shared that Ryu, the leader of the Akatsuki, had torn Nagato's eyes out. However, what Konoha and the other nations didn't know was that these eyes had evolved into a form beyond what anyone could imagine. And the destruction wrought by these golden eyes fueled everyone's fear.
In Konoha, Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, was consumed by concern. His mind was constantly preoccupied with the well-being of his wife, Kushina Uzumaki, the host of the Nine-Tails. Despite all his skill as a ninja and strategist, he knew that even the power of the Yellow Flash of Konoha might not be enough against such an unrelenting and enigmatic foe.
In the Land of Lightning, A, the Raikage, shared the same fear. His younger brother, Killer Bee, the Jinchūriki of Gyūki, the Eight-Tails, was not only an essential weapon for Kumo but also his family. The thought of losing Bee to the Akatsuki was intolerable, a wound the Raikage knew he could never heal.
These two Kages, despite their differences, shared a sense of helplessness that resonated across all nations. The Akatsuki, with their ability to move in the shadows, their relentless speed, surgical precision, and preparation, had become the nightmare that neither of them could ignore.
Meanwhile, tension in the villages was growing. Fear coursed through the veins of shinobi and civilians like poison, fueled by rumors and the lack of concrete information. How could they fight an enemy so fast, so silent, and so lethal? How could they protect those who bore the tailed beasts, the only things that seemed to matter to the Akatsuki?
The leaders knew that something needed to be done, but for now, they could only react, trying to anticipate the next move of an enemy who always seemed two steps ahead. Meanwhile, the flame of the Akatsuki continued to consume the ninja world, leaving a trail of destruction and uncertainty in its wake.
Obito, assuming the identity of Madara Uchiha, watched the events with sharp eyes and a calculating mind. The rise of the Akatsuki, led by the enigmatic Ryu, was something he could not ignore. With his ambitions focused on the Tsuki no Me Keikaku, it was crucial for him to control or influence this new group of renegades who, in such a short time, had already shaken the ninja world.
Initial attempts at contact were thwarted. The city of Ame was completely isolated by an impressive barrier, created personally by Ryu. Any attempt to enter without permission was met with an unrelenting electric shock, enough to incapacitate even the most skilled ninjas. Obito, known for his ability to pass through barriers and attacks, found himself powerless against this defense, being repelled time and again.
Each failure only fueled his frustration and determination. "Ryu is not an ordinary leader," thought Obito. He knew that any attempt at direct manipulation would be futile. Ryu was not an easy pawn to move on the board; his ambition and power were real, and he was protected by a formidable organization, as well as his golden Rinnegan.
With no alternatives for infiltration, Obito began to consider a different approach. If he couldn't control the Akatsuki, maybe he could negotiate with it. But what did he have that would be valuable enough to attract Ryu's interest? The answer came quickly: a tailed beast.
Of the remaining Bijuu, only one could serve as a powerful bargaining chip: Kurama, the Nine-Tails. The most powerful beast among all the bijuus, currently sealed within Kushina Uzumaki, the wife of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage.
Obito knew that attacking Konoha would not be easy. Minato was one of the most skilled shinobi of his generation, and the village was on high alert due to the recent actions of the Akatsuki. However, he also knew that there was an imminent moment of vulnerability: Kushina was pregnant and about to give birth. During labor, the seal that kept the Nine-Tails under control would be temporarily weakened.
This weakness would be his perfect opportunity. Obito began to meticulously plan his attack. He knew Konoha's security protocols and was prepared to use all the resources at his disposal to capture Kurama. He had already studied the nature of the Uzumaki seal and knew how to exploit it at the right moment.
"Ryu may have blocked my entrance, but he can't ignore an offer like this," Obito thought, a cold smile forming beneath his mask. "The Nine-Tails will be my bargaining chip. And, if necessary, it will also be my weapon against him."
Meanwhile, in Konoha, no one suspected the imminent danger. Minato and Kushina were focused on the birth of their child, unaware that their lives were about to be shaken by an attack that would forever alter the fate of the village and the ninja world. Obito, with his patience and cunning, waited for the exact moment to strike, determined to turn Konoha's vulnerability into his greatest advantage.