Two Kage-level warriors had pushed Naruto to the edge of life and death, successfully extracting Nine-Tails' chakra and activating the Summoning Jutsu to summon Gamabunta. What followed was Naruto's interaction with Gamabunta.
Elsewhere, Jiraiya excitedly slapped Minato on the shoulder and said, "Never thought I'd see you alive again, Minato."
Minato removed his mask, equally excited as he called out, "Jiraiya-sensei!"
"Where have you been all these years? If you weren't dead, why didn't you return to Konoha?"
"It's a complicated story," Minato replied. "Back then, when Kushina was giving birth, a masked man possessing the Sharingan broke in. It was him who released the Nine-Tails, causing the Nine-Tails' rampage."
Just recalling that incident made Minato feel extremely heavy-hearted. That battle had changed too many people's fates, and even indirectly caused the Uchiha clan's massacre.
Jiraiya asked solemnly, "Do you know who that person is?"
Minato smiled bitterly. "Initially, I suspected he was Madara Uchiha. But after fighting him, I became certain—he wasn't. As for his true identity, I really can't figure it out. Anya knows, but he refuses to say."
Jiraiya asked, "So, during these years, you've been staying with Anya."
Minato nodded. "Yes. During that battle, I used the Dead Demon Consuming Seal [Shiki Fujin] to successfully seal the Nine-Tails, but my physical body was pierced by the Nine-Tails' claws. My soul was saved by Anya, and this current body was created using Puppet Technique."
"The reason we've hidden our identities is to uncover that masked man's identity. Since he released the Nine-Tails, his purpose must be far from simple," Jiraiya said gravely.
"Before I left, he told me the Nine-Tails would eventually become his, declaring he was destined to rule this world."
This secret had been weighing on Minato's heart for years. Now that he was meeting Jiraiya, he could finally speak it all out.
"So that's his goal—the Nine-Tails. Makes sense. Though I haven't figured out his identity either, I do know where he might be," Jiraiya revealed to Minato. "A new organization called Akatsuki has emerged in the Ninja World. Composed of nine rogue ninja from various countries—each one an S-class Rogue Ninja. Normally they just take simple missions, but recently they've started seeking something specific. Now I'm pretty sure—they're after the Tailed Beasts, exactly like that masked man you encountered."
"Nine S-class rogue ninja?" Minato felt significant pressure. Considering just Orochimaru alone, if this group contained nine such powerful figures, their strength was unquestionable. Once they targeted Naruto, Konoha might struggle to protect him.
"That's precisely why I rushed back this time," Jiraiya comforted him. "Relax—I'll make sure nothing happens to Naruto."
Minato felt reassured. "Master, I leave him to you then."
A day later, Anya paid a visit to Yearly Boss's home. With Sasori and Tenten absent, Anya began updating Ultraman Oub solo while sketching designs for the next monster.
The previous volume ended just as Oub was about to activate his Anya Form, preparing to face the ultimate boss monster, Magatama the Giant Serpent. Ugh, I hope Orochimaru isn't reading this—if he is, don't take it personally.
As his mind drifted, the door suddenly burst open. Mabui rushed in with a panicked expression and said, "Baki is dead."
Anya hesitated for a moment before calmly replying, "Don't panic. Calm yourself first—how exactly did he die?"
Faced with Anya's composed demeanor, Mabui inexplicably felt her heart settle. She began explaining, "A blade wound—from the front, straight through. From Baki's facial expression, he looked stunned beyond belief, as if he never expected to be killed in a single blade strike."
"A swordsman? Kakashi? No."
Anya frowned slightly. Kakashi was famous as Konoha's top ninja, and Baki would've been extra cautious facing him—he wouldn't have been careless enough to fall to a single blade strike. So who else could it be? Might Guy? No, he doesn't use a sword either. Could there be another hidden master?
Still thinking, Anya suddenly changed expressions. In one swift motion, he lunged forward and tackled the unprepared Mabui to the ground.
"Ah! What are you doing?" Startled, Mabui blurted out, "I won't surrender!"
"Clang…"
A ringing sound of steel rang out as a cold flash flew through the crack in the door, narrowly missing Anya's head. His long hair, once draped over his shoulders, flew apart, scattering in midair like leaves in the wind.
"What incredible swordsmanship," Anya couldn't help but exclaim. Glancing at the flushed face of his little secretary beneath him, he added, "You really weren't paying attention—you were being followed, and the killer already came after you."
Realizing she'd misunderstood Anya, and recalling his current physical state, Mabui's eyes filled with desperate determination. Worriedly, she urged, "You need to leave now—I'll hold that person off."
"It's okay."
Anya comforted her gently as he rose from the soft warmth beneath him.
A figure wearing an Anbu mask arrived soon after the blade flash. Even before entering, its killing intent swept the room, the sharp blade aura filling the air.
As the masked figure entered, the killing intent abruptly dropped to zero. A voice full of confusion spoke out, "Captain?"
Anya smiled brightly, saying, "It's me, Yugao. You've gotten stronger."
"Really you…"
Yugao cried happily, rushing into Anya's arms like a homing bird.
Mabui, who had barely escaped death moments ago, watched this scene unfold and instinctively gritted her teeth, muttering three words: "Tch. Womanizer."
After their initial joy passed, Yugao asked curiously, "Captain, why are you with this woman? She's from Sunagakure Village. Sunagakure has broken our alliance with Konoha and is now aligning with the Sound Village, preparing to launch an attack on Konoha."
Anya answered candidly, "I know. Sunagakure is under my control—you don't need to worry. Konoha will be fine."
For a moment, Yugao simply stood there, unable to process what she had just heard.
Mabui stepped forward. "Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Mabui, codename 'Secretary'. Your captain leads another Organization outside as well. As for Sunagakure Village, it has belonged to this Organization for a very long time."
Yugao thought it over, then said firmly, "Captain, I want to join too."
Anya was somewhat taken aback. "You don't even know what this Organization is..."
"I don't need to. I trust you."
As she spoke, Yugao took off her Anbu mask, revealing a flawless face. Her long, silky purple hair flowed like silk, and in her eyes—deep as stars—a tide of longing rose, sending ripples through the air.
Anya had never realized how profound an impact it could have on someone's soul—pulling them out from the depths of Root, offering guidance and care. For someone who struggled to express emotions, falling into this connection was truly the most dangerous part of all.
Watching Yugao's expression, Mabui immediately understood what was going on. Thinking back to Master Kurenai Yuhi, the one she'd seen on the street a few days earlier, she inwardly cursed again: Hmph, damn heartbreaker.
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