The joy of their long-overdue reunion led Anya to stop using the Tailed Beast Container.
Although capturing the Three-Tails was necessary, there was no need to act hastily. There were things to clarify first.
Anya plopped herself down on the Three-Tails' back and struck up a conversation. "Tell me exactly what happened back then."
Seeing that Anya wasn't about to attack immediately, Rin Nohara sighed in relief, sat down beside them, and with a nostalgic expression in her eyes, she said, "That year, Kakashi and I were assigned by higher-ups to complete a mission at the Mist Village. However, I was captured by the Mist's Anbu on the way. They implanted Xiao Gua inside me and placed a Cursed Seal near my heart. Their plan was to destroy Konoha through the Cursed Seal. Because the Cursed Seal wouldn't allow self-harm, I chose to die by Kakashi's Lightning Cutter instead. Because I couldn't bring disaster to Konoha—it was the village I loved the most."
Anya gave a bitter smile and said, "Do you know how much trauma this caused Kakashi? For a long time, he would wake from nightmares and constantly wash his hands, like a walking corpse."
"I know. The ones who live are the ones who suffer the most." Tears appeared in Rin Nohara's eyes as she lovingly asked, "How is he now?"
"He's mostly recovered." Anya replied with satisfaction. "He's now a kind teacher, protecting his students, and even a candidate for Hokage. He's renowned throughout the Ninja World."
Rin Nohara instantly became cheerful. A gentle smile spread across her face as she said, "I knew it. Kakashi's heart is truly warm. He would definitely grow into the most reliable person in the village. Ever since I first met him, I believed this would be his path."
Anya continued asking, "Then what happened? How did you survive?"
Rin Nohara recalled, "When my heart was pierced, I thought I had died. My soul detached from my body. At that moment, I felt a scream full of the same pain as mine. That voice came from Xiao Gua inside me. So I used the Spirit Control Technique to sense its thoughts. My soul merged with its chakra at that moment, and using my spiritual power, I successfully taught Xiao Gua how to control its own chakra. Then, I found a lake and gradually gathered the dispersed chakra, managing to revive myself. My soul remained inside Xiao Gua until a few years ago, when I developed the Soul Body Technique, allowing me to leave Xiao Gua's body and move around."
After hearing the entire story, Anya said, "Since you've brought Xiao Gua to a place where it can escape anytime, it means you already know many people are searching for it."
Nodding, Rin Nohara replied, "Yes, recently, I noticed many ninja wandering around various lakes. I listened in secretly with my soul body and learned they're from an organization called Akatsuki that's collecting all sorts of Tailed Beasts. Later on, an even more mysterious organization arrived—they're also looking for Xiao Gua."
Since Rin existed as an undetectable soul body, it was no wonder both organizations couldn't even find a trace of the Three-Tails. Just as Sasori had said, only he remained as the only one capable of finding the Three-Tails in this world.
"Why didn't you return to Konoha? You could've let us know you were still alive."
Rin Nohara said gloomily, "When I first came back to existence, I really wanted to return to Konoha. But my soul couldn't survive without Xiao Gua. It wasn't until I developed the Soul Body Technique that I could finally move freely. However, shortly after I stepped out into the world again, I discovered Xiao Gua was being targeted. So I simply can't leave it behind. Otherwise, it will definitely..."
Looking at Anya with pleading eyes, Rin continued, "All these years, Xiao Gua has been keeping me company. I want to protect it. Big brother, please don't hurt it, okay?"
Sighing, Anya replied, "Ah, silly girl, things aren't as simple as you think. The Akatsuki Organization has already captured six tailed beasts from the Five Great Nations. Their upcoming actions will only become more aggressive. Once they gather eight tailed beasts, they'll turn the entire Ninja World inside out searching for the last one. How long do you think you can keep running away with Xiao Gua?"
Deeply worried, Rin asked, "What does this organization intend to do with the tailed beasts? Are they planning to destroy peace using their immense power?"
"Not just to destroy peace, but to overturn the whole world. Once all nine tailed beasts are gathered, the Ten-Tails will emerge—it's the ultimate force in the entire Ninja World, unmatched by anyone. All the villages will be destroyed, everything reduced to dust. Therefore, I have to take Xiao Gua away." Clutching Rin's shoulders solemnly, Anya continued, "I promise you, I won't harm Xiao Gua. Once I completely foil the Akatsuki's world-ending scheme, I'll give it back to you intact. This is my promise to you. Please trust me."
Rin felt her heart sinking, nearly crushed by the weight of these words. After a while, she finally made her decision and entered the Three-Tails' body, apparently communicating with it.
Fifteen minutes later, Rin emerged from the Three-Tails' body, gently stroking its spiked tail with visible reluctance. Facing Anya, she said, "Big brother, it's done. Xiao Gua has agreed. When you seal it away later, remember to be gentle."
Anya gratefully replied, "Thank you for understanding. I'll be careful."
With that, Anya once again took out the tailed beast container and initiated the Sealing Technique inherited from the Uzumaki clan. Within a short time, the Three-Tails, which showed no resistance at all, was successfully sealed into the container. The process went entirely smoothly.
Now that the Three-Tails was in hand, all that remained was to wait for Deidara to bring back the Five-Tails' container. Surprisingly, the Zero Organization's plan of gathering tailed beasts had been completed ahead of schedule. Next, it would be time to release the seal within Hakuto and ask about the location of Hagoromo's second Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Thinking thus, Anya told Rin Nohara, "Little missy, I'm leaving now. Let your soul enter my spiritual space. From now on, I'll supply you with chakra to maintain your soul cultivation."
After so many years, Rin's soul had grown immensely powerful—stronger than anyone Anya had ever encountered. Part of this strength stemmed from her own talent, but most came from the massive chakra supplied by the Three-Tails, constantly nourishing her spirit.
Rin Nohara shook her head vehemently at those words. "No way. How could I use your chakra for cultivation? Brother, don't worry — my spiritual strength is already really strong. Even without a Kara, I won't dissipate easily."
"Ha!" Anya chuckled. "After mastering Sage Art cultivation, my body can constantly absorb natural energy and transform it into sage chakra. The drain from your spiritual training is practically negligible to me. You far surpass me in talent for the [Spirit Transformation Technique]. Who knows, maybe someday you really could gain a new physical form through your spiritual power. When Kakashi learns you're still alive, how happy he would be."
Hearing Anya mention Kakashi, Rin Nohara, who had longed for him for years, lit up with dazzling brilliance in her eyes. This time, she didn't refuse anymore, and her soul drifted into Anya's body.
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