He had just returned from Cloud Shinobi Village with the Raikage, and yet the Akatsuki had already captured the Two-Tails Jinchūriki using the Wooden Golem?
The masked man scoffed and mocked the Raikage. "You're far too lax in protecting your Jinchūriki."
"How could a few Jōnin possibly stop the actions of the Akatsuki?"
With that, the masked man stood and declared, "I've said what I needed to say and asked what I needed to ask."
"Since none of you are willing to join my plan, then there's nothing left to discuss."
"Before I came here, I heard the Five Kage were planning to form a coalition to wipe out our Akatsuki organization, yes?"
"Well then— I, Uchiha Madara, hereby declare war on all of you."
"The Fourth Great Ninja World War begins now!"
After his shocking proclamation, the masked man glanced at Morkel deeply and said, "Next time we meet, it will be on the battlefield."
Crash…!
Following a ripple of unknown energy, the masked man vanished.
The moment he disappeared, Morkel's expression shifted slightly. He seemed to have sensed Sasuke's chakra in that brief moment.
Could it be…?
After the masked man left, Mifune said gravely, "This meeting location was extremely well-guarded. I didn't expect Akatsuki to find us."
"There's no time to dwell on that now," said the Tsuchikage, hands clasped behind his back. "Uchiha Madara has officially declared war."
"Peace in the ninja world barely lasted a few years, and now chaos will reign again…"
Kurotsuchi, standing behind the Tsuchikage as a guard, looked at her grandfather and asked, "I've never seen a war before. What is a large-scale war like?"
Tsuchikage shook his head solemnly. "It's something you never want to see."
The Raikage, impatient as ever, cut in. "Enough talking. Let's return and prepare."
"The enemy is hidden in the shadows while we stand in the light. We must form a coalition quickly and proceed cautiously."
Thus, the Five Kage Summit concluded, and each Kage prepared to depart.
Before leaving, the Raikage approached Morkel once more.
This time, before the Raikage even opened his mouth, Morkel spoke first.
"You want me to help you find the Two-Tails Jinchūriki?" Morkel asked.
The Raikage nodded. Tianfen added with a grin, "I didn't expect Akatsuki to move so fast."
"As long as you can bring the Wooden Golem back safely, your reward will be doubled!"
Though the reward was tempting, Morkel didn't rush to accept. "I've fought the Akatsuki many times. They've developed ways to counter my chakra perception. I can't guarantee I'll find her…"
The Raikage waved it off. "I won't force you to retrieve the full Tailed Beast. It's enough that you survive. I believe in your abilities."
Morkel responded, "If you say so, then I'll take the commission."
After escorting Tsunade and the others back to Konoha, Morkel set off toward Cloud Shinobi Village once again.
Meanwhile, in the ruins of an ancient battlefield in the Rain Country…
Kabuto was cloaked in a wide robe, casting a forbidden jutsu on a captive ninja. With a strange set of hand seals, the living man was quickly covered in mud—and transformed.
Kabuto asked eagerly, "Are you the former leader of Rain Shinobi Village—Hanzō of the Salamander?"
The reanimated ninja scratched his head shyly. "Uh, I'm not Lord Hanzō… I was his right-hand man."
Kabuto was still hopeful. "Then you must be strong."
The man replied, "Well, technically I'm the right-hand man of Hanzō's right-hand man's right-hand man. Everyone calls me 'Useless Aki.'"
Kabuto's face immediately darkened. "That's enough introduction…"
Kabuto had aligned himself with the masked man, knowing that open war with the major villages was imminent. His mission was clear: grow stronger—fast.
But personal training wouldn't be enough. That's why he turned to the forbidden technique: Impure World Reincarnation.
By reviving powerful deceased ninjas and imprinting them with control seals, Kabuto could create an immortal army.
However, the technique required remains of the deceased, prompting Kabuto to begin a grim scavenger hunt for remnants of legendary ninjas.
Elsewhere, in a different dimension—
Sasuke, Karin, and the others stood tensely, eyes on the masked man who had appeared suddenly.
"What do you want with us?" Sasuke demanded, gripping his blade.
The masked man ignored the question. "I've already declared war on the major villages at the Five Kage Summit."
"My Eye of the Moon Plan will soon be complete."
"Ha!" Karin snapped. "Keep dreaming! As long as Morkel's around, your plans will never succeed!"
The masked man smirked. "That's exactly why I've prepared a special plan just for Morkel."
"I look forward to seeing his expression when he dies."
Karin, a die-hard Morkel fan, exploded in anger. "Morkel will be fine even if you die a hundred times!"
"You coward—always hiding behind a mask!"
Even Suigetsu flinched at her words. Was this the power of unwavering loyalty?
Ultimately, perhaps to avoid further insults, the masked man vanished once again.
Realizing she was still alive, Karin wiped cold sweat from her forehead. "Wait... I'm not dead?"
Suigetsu patted her shoulder. "If he let you live, it means we're useful to him."
Jūgo nodded. "Makes sense."
Two days later, in Cloud Shinobi Village—
After the Wooden Golem's capture, Killer Bee had been placed under heavy surveillance.
"I can't stand being locked in the village!" Killer Bee ranted. "I need the open road, true love, and freedom!"
Omoi, sucking on a lollipop, said, "Master, calm down. Akatsuki is after the Tailed Beasts. You can't go wandering around."
Karui nodded. "Yeah, don't forget that time the masked man attacked you."
Just then, Killer Bee looked up—and spotted a familiar figure.
"Morkel?! And who's that on your back…? Is that… Wooden Golem?!"
Morkel had brought the unconscious Jinchūriki back to the Cloud Shinobi Village office.
Raikage greeted him gratefully. "If it weren't for you, she might not have made it…"
Morkel waved it off. "We arrived late. I didn't expect Akatsuki to cross borders and conduct the ritual in the Land of Slipping…"
"It's okay. She's alive. You've done well," Raikage said. "Do you want to rest here for a few days? Or I can send you to the island hideout…"
Morkel declined. "I have Flying Thunder God. I can return quickly. With war coming, I'd rather head back now."
Raikage nodded and sent him off with the promised reward.
Back in Konoha Village—
Tsunade's return coincided with the explosive news: the Fourth Ninja World War was coming.
At a village barbecue restaurant, Naruto, Kiba, Neji, and others who had taken the Chūnin Exam together were enjoying a meal.
"When war comes, it's such a drag…" Shikamaru muttered.
Ino nudged him. "Didn't the Hokage name your dad as a military advisor? He has more to worry about than you."
Chōji stuffed meat into his mouth. "Why not just let the Hokage do it? Why a military advisor for the military advisor?"
Tenten laughed. "Probably because she has bigger things to handle."
Rock Lee silently resolved to train harder after this meal.
Kiba rubbed Akamaru's head. "Let's not talk about war. Akamaru gets anxious."
Neji, more serious, whispered, "This time, war feels real…"
He glanced at Hinata, thinking about how soft-hearted she was. Could she survive the battlefield?
He silently swore to protect her.
Meanwhile, Hinata was lost in thought, eyes fixed on Naruto.
Should she confess before war began? No… maybe after…
Neji noticed this and glared at Naruto. "This guy better figure it out soon."
"Achoo!!" Naruto sneezed. "Someone must be talking about me…"
"Probably Morkel," he joked. "Bet he needs my help."
Sai quipped, "Without you, he'd move faster."
Everyone laughed.
"I wish Morkel were here," Ino said wistfully. "He should be eating with us…"
Naruto added, "Next time we dine with Morkel, remember to tap the table."
"Why?"
"He flipped the Five Kage table at the summit!"
Everyone froze. He flipped the Five Kage's table… and lived?
Then, a voice from behind interrupted.
"Is your melon sweet?" It was Morkel.
"Of course—wait, Morkel?!"
Morkel nodded. "War's coming. I rushed back from Cloud Shinobi Village."
"Perfect timing!" Kiba called. "Join us!"
The group shifted around to make room. Ino ended up with the seat next to Morkel, smiling as she offered it to him.
Naruto grumbled. "Shouldn't guys sit with guys?"
"Shut up," everyone replied.
As Morkel sat down, Naruto asked, "Shouldn't we join the war? It'd be a waste not to fight!"
Neji teased, "Morkel can carry us. You're just backup."
Naruto pouted. "Hey! I'm strong too!"
Shikamaru grew serious. "War isn't a joke. Tens of thousands died in past wars. It's wise to hide the Jinchūriki."
Kiba sighed. "Didn't we agree not to talk about the war?"
Silence fell.
Despite the cheerful setting, the looming war cast a heavy shadow.
Ino broke the silence. "Morkel, you've traveled a lot. Have any stories to share?"
"Or met anyone special…?"
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office—
Tsunade was deep in preparations. "We need more soldier pills and emergency medicine…"
Shizune reminded her, "We're low on herbs too."
Just then, Morkel appeared via Flying Thunder God. "Lady Tsunade, I'm back."
"Perfect! Start packing. I need you to head to the Land of Thunder."
Morkel groaned. "I just got back… can I rest two days?"
Tsunade nodded. "Fine. Visit Jiraiya in the meantime."
"Got it."
As Morkel stepped into the village streets, he noticed the rising tension.
War was coming—no one could ignore it now.
---!