Chiyo squinted suspiciously as she glanced in the direction Shiro pointed. Moments later, "Rasa" appeared, striding confidently toward the group.
"Lord Kazekage, you're late," Chiyo said, her tone laced with discontent. Her sharp eyes scanned him, as if trying to uncover something beneath his composed exterior.
"I was delayed by other matters. Is that a problem, Elder?" Rasa replied curtly, his voice carrying an edge that stilled the tension.
Chiyo narrowed her eyes but chose to remain silent. Shiro stood calmly in the background, observing the exchange with a faint smirk.
Rasa approached Gaara, placing a hand gently on his head. The boy's sand instinctively stirred, but the One-Tail remained quiet within its vessel, subdued and unmoving.
Satisfied, Rasa turned to Chiyo. "There's nothing more to discuss. Let's move on."
Chiyo hesitated for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. Rasa led Shiro back to the Kazekage's office, leaving Chiyo deep in thought, her suspicions lingering.
In the Kazekage's office, Orochimaru, Kimimaro, and Kabuto greeted Shiro and "Rasa" with respect.
"My lord," Orochimaru began, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Your clone is a masterpiece. It's indistinguishable from the real Kazekage."
Shiro chuckled, casting a glance at the clone. "Is that so? Let's hope it holds up. We'll need this charade to last."
Orochimaru nodded. "It's flawless. The clone even carries the same chakra signature as Rasa's."
Shiro's expression softened with satisfaction. "Good. You and I will return to the Sound Village for now. Remember, the Konoha Collapse Plan begins during the Chūnin Exams in two years."
"Understood," Orochimaru replied.
As Shiro and his group prepared to leave, Chiyo stood outside the Kazekage's office, her fingers brushing against the door. Inside, "Rasa" was already in discussion with the Sand Village council.
"Lord Kazekage," Chiyo said as she entered, "I believe the One-Tail Jinchūriki remains a significant threat. The seal on Gaara may not be strong enough to control Shukaku."
"Oh?" Rasa raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but distant.
"The village is growing uneasy," Chiyo continued. "I suggest we strengthen the seal or demonstrate control in front of the villagers to ease their fears."
Rasa's gaze sharpened as he turned toward her. "Leave it to me, Elder. There's no need to interfere."
Chiyo hesitated, sensing the shift in his tone. "As you wish, Lord Kazekage," she said, bowing slightly before leaving. Her thoughts churned as she walked away. Something isn't right. This Kazekage feels… different.
---
Back in the Sound Village, Shiro stood before Orochimaru, his hand extended toward the snake-like man. A faint glow emanated from Shiro's palm, and Orochimaru's eyes widened as knowledge flooded into his mind.
"Fox Immortal Method," Shiro said simply.
Orochimaru fell to his knees, his face lighting up with an uncharacteristic joy. "Thank you, my lord."
"Focus on your research," Shiro instructed. "We'll make our move during the Chūnin Exams."
"Yes, my lord!" Orochimaru replied.
Shiro turned his attention to Kabuto and Kimimaro. "You two, prepare as well. We'll need everyone at their best."
With that, Shiro's figure vanished, leaving the others to their preparations.
---
Inside Naruto's mind, Shiro appeared before Minato Namikaze, who greeted him with a small bow.
"Any updates?" Shiro asked, stretching lazily.
Minato shook his head. "Sarutobi Hiruzen has been keeping to himself lately. There's little movement in Konoha."
Shiro smirked. "And what do you think would happen if Tsunade found out about Sarutobi's experiments with the First Hokage's cells?"
Minato's eyes widened. "If she knew? She'd turn the entire village upside down."
"Exactly," Shiro said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "This is going to be fun."
At a Konoha training ground, Might Guy stood before his three students: Rock Lee, Neji Hyūga, and Tenten. His green jumpsuit gleamed in the sunlight as he addressed them with fiery enthusiasm.
"Let's burn with the flames of youth! Lee, Neji, show me your passion with a sparring match!"
Rock Lee's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, Guy-sensei! I won't let you down!"
Neji, ever composed, nodded silently, stepping into position.
"Begin!" Might Guy shouted, stepping back.
Lee launched forward with incredible speed, his fists aimed directly at Neji. But Neji's Byakugan flared to life, and he twisted gracefully, activating his signature defensive move.
"Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation!" Neji declared, releasing a torrent of chakra that deflected Lee's attack.
Lee skidded back but immediately sprang forward again, his body moving faster than before.
"Eight Gates: First Gate—Open!" Lee's voice rang out as his chakra surged.
"Soft Fist: Eight Trigrams Air Palm!" Neji countered, firing a wave of chakra at Lee.
The two clashed fiercely, exchanging blow after blow. Neji's precision and Lee's raw speed created a spectacle that left Tenten gasping in awe.
"Guy-sensei, they're going too far!" Tenten pleaded.
But Might Guy's eyes sparkled with pride. "This is the beauty of youth, Tenten! Let them soar!"
Lee landed a decisive blow, his fist connecting with Neji's guard and sending him sprawling. Before Neji could recover, Guy stepped in, separating them.
"That's enough!" Guy declared, his voice firm. Neji, breathing heavily, collapsed to the ground, unconscious.