Kitazawa quickly located the cave where Gaara was being held.
Gaara lay unconscious on the ground, his breathing faint.
The moment Chiyo saw him, her expression changed drastically. She rushed forward and began examining him at once.
But only a moment later, her face turned ashen. The One-Tails, Shukaku, had already been extracted from Gaara's body.
As a Jinchūriki, the moment a Tailed Beast was removed, the host's life began counting down.
The only known way to save him was the One's Own Life Reincarnation Technique.
Chiyo sighed inwardly. She was already old—giving her life to save Gaara would not be meaningless.
But there was a problem. The people standing beside her were not ninjas of the Hidden Sand Village, but ninjas of Konoha.
On one hand, she worried that Kitazawa might harm Gaara.
On the other hand, she feared that if Gaara woke up, he might attack Kitazawa.
Gaara had grown up under Rasa's cruel trials. To suppress Shukaku, he had gone years without proper sleep, shaping an irritable, violent personality.
If they didn't act now, he wouldn't survive long enough to be brought back to Sunagakure.
His life force was draining rapidly.
"I can save him." Kitazawa watched the change in Chiyo's expression and spoke calmly.
"You?" Chiyo instinctively showed doubt.
It was common knowledge—once a Tailed Beast was removed, the Jinchūriki would die.
Kitazawa didn't respond verbally.
He stepped forward and placed his hand above Gaara's body.
After learning how to preserve Jinchūriki following Tailed Beast extraction in Kirigakure, Kitazawa had researched the use of Yang Release to save lives.
The conventional method was to leave behind a portion of the Tailed Beast's chakra.
But Shukaku's chakra was completely gone. That left only one option—using the powerful Yang Release chakra as a substitute.
Terrifying Yang Release chakra surged from Kitazawa's palm.
Chiyo's breath caught, shock flashing across her face. Was this level of chakra something only Jinchūriki possessed?
Moments later, her eyes lit up.
Gaara's body was slowly stabilizing. At the very least, he would not die immediately.
After assessing the situation, Kitazawa withdrew his Yang Release chakra.
"Why did you stop?" Chiyo asked instinctively.
As a medical ninja, she knew Gaara was only experiencing delayed death—not true recovery.
"The amount of Yang Release chakra needed to fully revive someone is astronomical," Kitazawa said half-jokingly. "Even with my reserves, I can't revive him in a single day. I need time."
"How long?" Chiyo asked without hesitation.
"Six months." After a brief pause, Kitazawa added, "I can take Gaara back to Konoha for treatment."
"No!" Chiyo refused immediately.
"If the Hidden Sand Village can save him, then take him back yourselves," Kitazawa replied casually.
"…" Chiyo fell silent.
She was the most skilled medical ninja in Sunagakure, and even she had confirmed that conventional methods wouldn't work.
Only the One's Own Life Reincarnation Technique could save him.
If there were no alternatives, she would have used it without hesitation. But now, there was another path.
And Sunagakure's current situation was dire.
Rasa was gravely injured. Only Ebizo and a handful of others remained to bear the village's burden.
If she died now, Sunagakure would be left unprecedentedly vulnerable.
Other villages, Kumogakure especially, would not ignore such an opportunity.
"Don't worry. Konoha won't do anything to Gaara," Kitazawa added. "He's no longer a Jinchūriki. He holds no value to Konoha."
"Then why save him?" Chiyo looked straight at him.
"This is a deal," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Whether Gaara returns to Sunagakure after being saved depends on your village's sincerity."
Chiyo exhaled slowly. She understood now.
Kitazawa wanted Gaara in exchange for benefits. That was acceptable.
If it were merely a transaction, the solution was simple—Sunagakure would pay the price.
"I agree," Chiyo said after a moment. "I'll send someone to discuss compensation with you."
"Fine." Kitazawa agreed readily.
Under normal circumstances, this deal would proceed without issue.
But the Eye of the Moon Plan had already begun. Once Akatsuki's true objective surfaced, the entire ninja world would descend into chaos.
"Then I'll leave Gaara to you, Kitazawa," Chiyo said, taking a deep breath as she stood.
She had to return to Sunagakure immediately.
The two jonin who had withdrawn earlier would have already delivered the news. The village was likely in complete panic.
Moreover, there were still five poisoned Sand jonin who needed treatment.
As she thought of this, Chiyo suddenly looked back at Kitazawa.
She had briefly encountered Sasori's poison during the battle—and found no cure.
Kitazawa was Tsunade's student, the greatest medical ninja within the five great Hidden Villages after her. Since she already owed him twice, one more favor hardly mattered.
"Kitazawa," Chiyo asked directly, "Can you cure Sasori's poison?"
"I can give you a bottle of antidote," Kitazawa replied after a moment's hesitation. "Wait here."
Chiyo nodded.
To medical ninja, antidote formulas were tightly guarded secrets. She assumed he was going somewhere private to prepare it.
Kitazawa led Gaara and Naruto out of the cave. He activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, returning directly to the Ninja Academy.
"Naruto, the mission is complete. You can continue your training," Kitazawa said.
"Okay, Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto headed straight for the academy training grounds.
After he left, Kitazawa used the Flying Thunder God again. This time, he appeared at Konoha Hospital.
He handed Gaara over to Yakushi Nono, instructing her to keep him alive for the time being.
As a precaution, he placed sealing techniques on Gaara to prevent chakra usage.
At his current stage, Gaara's temperament was volatile—he tended to clash with everything around him.
In the original timeline, his personality only stabilized after being thoroughly defeated by Naruto.
Kitazawa then made his way to a laboratory within the hospital. He didn't need the poison sample.
Sasori himself was already in his possession.
After studying it and preparing the antidote, he used the Flying Thunder God once more. He reappeared outside the cave.
Entering, he handed the antidote to Chiyo. "Here's the antidote you asked for."
"Thanks." Chiyo suppressed her surprise and accepted the antidote.
She had assumed that preparing the antidote would take Kitazawa a considerable amount of time, yet it had taken less than half an hour.
That alone revealed the vast gap between them.
Chiyo couldn't help but feel a trace of envy.
Konoha truly gathered too many geniuses and powerhouses. By comparison, the Hidden Sand Village felt rather desolate.
"You should hurry."
Kitazawa reminded her calmly. "Although this is a slow-acting poison, its potency is terrifying. An average jōnin can only last three days at most."
"Thank you," Chiyo responded quickly. "I'll take my leave now. Please take good care of Gaara."
With that, she turned and hurried back toward the Hidden Sand Village.
Kitazawa withdrew his gaze and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, returning directly to the Hokage's Office in Konoha.
Tsunade instinctively became wary, then relaxed the moment she recognized him.
"I brought Sasori back," Kitazawa said bluntly.
"Sasori?" Tsunade froze for a second.
"It's Sasori of the Akatsuki—Chiyo's grandson from the Hidden Sand Village," Kitazawa said as he took out a scroll. "He's sealed inside."
"You killed him?" Tsunade looked startled.
Storage scrolls couldn't hold living people, so she instinctively assumed it contained Sasori's corpse.
"No," Kitazawa explained Sasori's condition in detail.
"He actually turned himself into a human puppet?" Tsunade shook her head. "That's sheer madness."
"I also brought Gaara back," Kitazawa added.
"…?" Tsunade subconsciously lifted her head.
One piece of shocking news after another left her momentarily unable to process it all.
Kitazawa then recounted the entire sequence of events from beginning to end.
"It seems Naruto's strength has already reached the level of an average Kage," Tsunade said after recovering, a smile appearing on her face.
The fact that Sasori had killed the Third Kazekage proved he was unquestionably Kage-level.
Naruto defeating him head-on spoke volumes.
As Hokage, Tsunade was naturally delighted.
Naruto was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki—the stronger he became, the more beneficial it was for Konoha.
With Kitazawa now possessing both Wood Release and the Flying Thunder God Technique, she even found herself faintly anticipating the coming storm of the Fourth Great Ninja War.
"I think this matter should be publicized," Kitazawa said seriously. "Naruto and the others have reached the stage where they can make a name for themselves."
"Isn't it too early?" Tsunade frowned slightly.
"Fame should come early," Kitazawa replied. "Kakashi was already famous around this age. More importantly, this news can't be hidden anyway."
"…True." After a brief pause, Tsunade nodded. "Then make sure their safety is closely monitored."
Fame carried both benefits and dangers. Once someone became well-known, other villages would inevitably keep their eyes on them.
Fortunately, Kitazawa had the Flying Thunder God Technique.
He could even distribute Flying Thunder God kunai to every student if necessary.
"Mhm." Kitazawa nodded. "I'll go to ANBU first and explain the situation."
"Keep a close watch on Akatsuki's movements," Tsunade reminded him.
"I understand." Kitazawa vanished and reappeared at the ANBU Base.
He glanced at the empty office and briefly thought of Konan, wondering when she would return.
"Asuma." Kitazawa quickly located him.
"Kitazawa?" Asuma smiled faintly. "It's rare for you to come looking for me. What's going on?"
Though he was the deputy commander of ANBU, Kitazawa seldom contacted him directly—orders usually came through ANBU intermediaries.
"I have news that needs to be spread across the entire Ninja World," Kitazawa said in a deep voice.
Asuma's expression shifted in surprise. What kind of news required that level of dissemination?
"The message is this—Naruto Uzumaki, son of the Fourth Hokage, defeated Sasori of the Red Sand, the one who murdered the Third Kazekage."
Kitazawa spoke slowly and clearly.
"Huh?" Asuma's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
Sasori of the Red Sand was one of the most infamous figures in the Ninja World at the moment.
As deputy commander of ANBU, Asuma knew all too well—an Akatsuki member, Chiyo's grandson, the strongest puppeteer.
And now he was being told Sasori had been defeated by Naruto.
Naruto, who was only eleven. Was that even reasonable?
"Would I joke about something like this?" Kitazawa asked calmly.
"…." Asuma's mouth twitched.
If Naruto could defeat Sasori, then Naruto could defeat him as well.
He, the son of the Third Hokage and ANBU's deputy commander, being weaker than an eleven-year-old—who would believe that?
"I'll make the arrangements immediately," Asuma said, finally snapping out of it.
"Mhm." Kitazawa nodded. "Come to me if anything comes up."
Asuma left at once.
In less than an hour, the news swept through Konoha at a terrifying speed.
Part of it was ANBU's efficiency. But more than that, the news itself was explosive.
The more outrageous the story, the faster it spread. And this one sounded like pure fantasy.
---
Ninja Academy.
During a break, Naruto excitedly recounted his battle with Sasori to the Genius Class.
That was just his nature—he could never keep something like that to himself.
"An eleven-year-old controlling six tails…?" Sarutobi Hiruzen instinctively stroked his beard.
Naruto was the third Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. Hiruzen knew the previous two well—especially Uzumaki Kushina.
Even she hadn't displayed this level of control.
"Among all of us instructors," Kosuke sighed, "only you and Kitazawa could probably beat Naruto now."
"His growth rate is absurd," Kakashi muttered.
He had become a jōnin at twelve because of wartime circumstances.
Naruto was different. At eleven, he had genuinely defeated Sasori—a Kage-level opponent.
No, more than that. There was also the Third Kazekage. Naruto had essentially fought two Kage-level enemies and won. It felt unreal.
"His potential will likely surpass the Fourth Hokage's," Kosuke said firmly.
"They're different types of ninja," Hiruzen said after a pause. "But judging from this trajectory, Naruto will indeed become stronger."
"After this battle, Naruto's name will spread throughout the Ninja World," Kosuke said with a smile. "Who knows—he might even earn a title like the Fourth Hokage."
"Then they're all in for trouble," Hiruzen nodded. "I have a feeling many students in the Genius Class will receive such titles in the future."
"That's for sure," Chen replied calmly.
Meanwhile, the Genius Class was also in unusually high spirits.
After all, this incident had a tremendous impact on them.
Although they all knew Naruto was strong, they had never possessed a clear, concrete understanding of how strong he truly was.
The idea that Naruto had already reached a level comparable to a Kage-level ninja was difficult for them to fully accept.
Of course, the one who was the most shaken was Sasuke.
After awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan, he had felt that he had finally caught up to Naruto.
His first reaction was simple—Why didn't you call me?
His second reaction followed immediately—Damn it! Naruto beat me to it again!
Sasuke clenched his fists unconsciously, an intense sense of frustration welling up inside him.
He had already decided that the next time he saw Kitazawa, he had to talk to him about this.
Now that Naruto had already completed a solo mission, it was only natural that the next one should be his.
After all, how could someone bear the name Uchiha if they didn't enjoy standing at the center of attention?
By the afternoon, the news had already begun spreading to all the major ninja villages.
Konoha Village was riddled with spies from every direction.
Although most of them lacked high status, information of this magnitude didn't require much effort to uncover.
---
Land of Rain—Amegakure.
After receiving White Zetsu's notice, Konan arrived at the tower where the Deva Path of Pain resided.
"The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is Naruto." Deva Path Pain got straight to the point.
"How did you know?" Konan's pupils contracted instinctively as she blurted out the question.
"We just received word that Sasori has been captured." Deva Path Pain paused briefly before continuing, "It was Kitazawa and Naruto who apprehended him."
"What?" Konan was visibly shaken, shock flashing across her face.
"Although Kitazawa was present, he didn't intervene. Sasori was defeated by Naruto alone, using a partial Tailed Beast transformation."
Deva Path Pain continued in an even tone.
Konan immediately understood. That explained why Naruto's identity as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki had been exposed.
"Now that Naruto's identity is confirmed, you must not return to Konoha," Deva Path Pain said calmly. "A new round of captures will begin soon. Once that happens, Akatsuki will become the public enemy of the entire Ninja World."
Konan clenched her teeth. For a moment, her thoughts were in complete disarray, and she didn't know how to respond.
Plans, after all, never kept up with reality.
She had originally intended to use the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki as leverage to delay things by another six months—six months she could spend with Kitazawa, savoring what little time remained.
But no one had anticipated that Kitazawa would take Naruto to capture Sasori directly.
"What's wrong?" Seeing her silence, Deva Path Pain asked again.
"Nothing." Konan shook her head.
"Go." Without giving it further thought, Deva Path Pain added, "Notify me immediately if there is any progress regarding the capture of the Tailed Beasts."
"I understand," Konan replied, then turned and left.
She descended the tower and walked through the rain-soaked streets, her normally aloof expression drifting into a daze.
The next time she met Kitazawa, they would probably be standing on opposite sides.
Konan sighed inwardly and returned to her room.
She opened the door—and froze. A moment later, her expression shifted, concern flickering in her eyes.
"I used the Flying Thunder God Technique." Kitazawa chuckled softly. "Don't worry. No one noticed."
Nagato's Rain Tiger at Will required rainfall to detect intruders, but the Flying Thunder God could bypass it entirely.
Konan finally felt a measure of relief. She had considered that possibility as well.
"Come here." Kitazawa waved to her.
Konan walked over and sat on his lap.
She leaned sideways into his embrace, her long legs closing slightly as she pressed close to him.
"You look like you've got something on your mind," Kitazawa spoke quietly, breathing in the faint scent clinging to her.
"I… I've completed my mission. I won't be returning to Konoha." Konan hesitated for two seconds before telling the truth.
"It's fine. I can come to you." Kitazawa slapped her thigh lightly and said, "You don't need to worry about that."
"Thank you." After a brief pause, Konan felt the heaviness in her chest ease slightly.
"Will Akatsuki start targeting all the Jinchūriki next?" Kitazawa's right hand slowly slid along her thigh.
"…Yes." Konan felt a chill spread through her chest, but she forced herself to remain composed.
"After you capture the first eight Jinchūriki," Kitazawa said calmly, "Arrange a duel between your leader and me."
"What?" Konan shuddered despite herself.
"I'm a straightforward person," Kitazawa said casually. "If your leader truly is that powerful, I'll surrender."
"…Really?" Konan looked at him instinctively, disbelief filling her eyes.
Based on what she knew of Kitazawa, he was not the type to give up easily.
"Why would I lie to you?" Kitazawa asked in return.
"Our goal isn't to destroy the Ninja World," Konan said quickly. "If Konoha is willing to hand over the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, I can guarantee your safety."
She wasn't lying. Nagato's Eye of the Moon Plan differed fundamentally from Obito's.
Nagato sought deterrence—using the Tailed Beasts to prevent further wars.
If Kitazawa had to choose, he would undoubtedly side with Nagato's version.
Obito's Infinite Tsukuyomi, casting the entire world into illusion, was simply madness.
Unfortunately, even a good idea was difficult to realize. Unless Obito and Black Zetsu were dealt with, Nagato would never truly be free.
And Black Zetsu, lurking in the shadows, could even tear out hearts.
Kitazawa, however, was a variable.
In fact, his original plan had always been to seize control of Akatsuki, gather all nine Tailed Beasts, and then deal with the other villages on his own terms.
"Thanks." Kitazawa pinched her lightly.
Konan's breath caught, a blush blooming across her face. She straightened suddenly, her clothes slipping to the floor and exposing her graceful form.
Frowning slightly, Konan instinctively hugged Kitazawa's head.
He was met only with warmth and softness. Kitazawa's hand settled at her waist.
Konan bit her lower lip, enduring the unfamiliar sensations, silently savoring his presence.
Before long, her gaze lost focus.
The boundary between them faded completely.
---
The next day—
Kitazawa returned to Konoha Village.
By then, Naruto's reputation throughout the Ninja World had already surpassed that of Sasori of the Red Sand.
What surprised Kitazawa the most was that Naruto had even been given a title—"The Konoha's Dragon."
Clearly, the name came from the Konoha Dragon God technique.
After all, the sight of countless green dragons tearing across the battlefield had left an unforgettable impression.
Kitazawa smiled to himself. It seemed he needed to make the other two famous as soon as possible.
Otherwise, the new generation of Konoha's Sannin might never fully come together.