Noticing the shocked expression on Yakushi Kabuto's face, the masked man said smugly,
"Just cultivating this many White Zetsu already consumed most of the chakra we extracted from the captured tailed beasts."
Kabuto asked, "So what's your plan now? Launch a direct attack on the Allied Shinobi Forces' headquarters?"
The masked man shook his head.
"No, that would be foolish. Our main goal is still to obtain the remaining five tailed beasts."
"We must first locate where the Shinju, Naruto, and Killer B are hiding..."
"As for the three tailed beasts sealed within the Shinju's body, we'll be relying on your assistance."
Kabuto nodded. "But right now, no one knows where the Shinju and the others are."
The masked man smirked. "Didn't you already bring back a tongue? Just ask it, and you'll find out. ´∀`"
...
Above a secret ruin, Mitarashi Anko led a small squad of shinobi forward on an exploratory mission.
Suddenly, pain surged from the curse mark on her shoulder.
Anko hissed sharply through her teeth, but she didn't forget her mission. Forcing herself to stand firm, she said,
"The curse mark suddenly flared up—there must be something related to Orochimaru nearby! (≖╻≖;)"
"Tokuma, use your Byakugan to scout the area!"
The Hyūga shinobi, Tokuma, nodded and activated his Byakugan.
The Byakugan, the Hyūga clan's kekkei genkai, rivaled the Sharingan for a reason—it had its own unique strengths.
Not only could it see a ninja's chakra network, but it also granted incredible range and penetrating vision.
Tokuma scanned the surroundings, finding nothing suspicious... until he looked down.
Using the Byakugan's penetrating vision, his gaze pierced the ground—and what he saw below made him freeze.
An underground Akatsuki base...
And within it, a vast army of White Zetsu suspended in culture fluid!!
ヽ( ຶ▮ ຶ)ﾉ!!!
Tokuma was so shocked he could barely speak.
Beside him, Anko urged anxiously, "What is it? What did you see? Say something!"
After a long moment, Tokuma finally responded in a trembling voice,
"There's... an army underground."
Hearing that, the pain on Anko's shoulder flared even more sharply. She made a quick decision.
"Send word to the village—now! Move!"
After Tokuma and another scout ninja departed to deliver the report, Anko, staying behind to cover their retreat, finally exhaled in relief.
"Good... at least they made it out—"
Before she could finish, a mocking voice sounded behind her.
"Well done. You actually managed to find this place... too bad you won't be leaving to tell anyone about it. （ --0027▿ --0027 ）"
The taunting tone grated against her ears.
Anko spun around—behind her stood a man in a deep crimson cloak.
As the figure pulled down his hood, she recognized the pale face beneath it.
"So that's why the curse mark flared up—it was reacting to you!"
"Kabuto, what the hell happened to you? You look like something between a man and a ghost!"
Her voice carried scorn as she glared at Kabuto's sage-like, ashen face.
Kabuto chuckled softly.
"You were just someone Orochimaru-sama discarded. How could you possibly understand what I've become? I am... a dragon now."
As soon as he finished speaking—swish!—a serpent's head shot out from beneath his cloak!
Against Kabuto, who had mastered Sage Mode and now wielded advanced technology, Anko stood no chance. She was subdued almost instantly.
Moments later, the masked man arrived and raised a hand, preparing to kill the captured Anko.
"Wait," Kabuto said, manipulating the snake to pull her back slightly.
The masked man's eyes sharpened behind his mask.
"What are you doing?"
Kabuto forced a smile. "She can't die yet. Orochimaru-sama left the Heaven Curse Mark on her—it's worth studying. Besides, Edo Tensei requires living sacrifices..."
Only then did the masked man lower his hand, his voice icy.
"Deploy your Edo Tensei army. We can't allow word of this base to leak out."
Kabuto nodded, binding Anko tightly with his snake as he walked away.
"Don't worry."
Behind him, the masked man's eyes glinted darkly.
A White Zetsu emerged quietly from the ground beside him and whispered,
"Our base being discovered... he's probably involved somehow."
The masked man nodded.
"Of course I know that. He's not truly loyal to us. He wants to use us to balance the Five Great Nations. Mutual destruction—that's exactly what he's hoping for."
"For now, we still need his Edo Tensei. Let him live... hmph! But no one—no one—can use me! (▼ヘ▼#)"
...
Land of Fire, Konohagakure.
It was time for the ninja from each village to gather. After leaving a small defense unit to guard the village, Tsunade led the main forces toward Kumogakure.
Within the Konohagakure ranks, emotions ran mixed—some were afraid, others excited, and some stayed silent.
Inuzuka Kiba clenched his fists, patting Akamaru beside him, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"In times of chaos, heroes are born! If I can shine in this war, maybe I'll be the next Hokage of Konoha! (ﾉ∇︎〃 )"
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "You're already dreaming, and we haven't even reached Kumogakure yet."
Neji nodded. "This war will gather over eighty thousand elite shinobi from the five great villages. Standing out won't be easy."
Shino, hidden behind his sunglasses, added quietly, "More like cannon fodder."
Kiba groaned. "Come on! The war hasn't even started yet—why are you guys killing my vibe? (′д｀σ)σ"
Tenten sighed. "We're not killing it—we're just being realistic. ┐(´-｀)┌"
Ino chimed in, "Our side's already forming up into divisions. I wonder how Shinju and Naruto are doing?"
"They're Akatsuki's main targets. What if they're found? (ᗒᗩᗕ)՞"
Shikamaru frowned. "If you've got time to worry about them, worry about yourself instead. Shinju's way stronger than any of us."
Ino pouted. "I know, but still..."
...
Inside Konohagakure.
With most of the main forces deployed, only the elderly, the injured, and a handful of defense shinobi remained.
Konohamaru, showing his sense of duty, had volunteered for guard duty. Together with Udon and Moegi, he stood atop the village gate tower, watching the army disappear into the distance.
"It's scary... the war's about to start," said Moegi nervously.
Konohamaru pounded his chest confidently.
"Don't worry. I'll protect you—and the village!"
"No matter what, I won't let Shinju down!"
...
Inside the Island Turtle.
Within the chamber for tailed beast chakra training—
After Naruto had successfully obtained the Nine-Tails' chakra, it was now Shinju's turn.
Killer B asked, "You gonna face three sealed tailed beasts all on your own? Think you can handle it?"
Shinju nodded calmly.
"Relax. Since I managed to seal them, extracting their chakra won't be too difficult. ( ˝ᗢ̈˝ )"
Just as he finished speaking, his expression suddenly shifted. Σ( ° △ °|||)︴
Naruto quickly asked, "What's wrong? Did the tailed beasts start rebelling?! ∑(°Д°)"
Shinju shook his head in disbelief.
"No... they're voluntarily offering me their chakra! ╭(°A°`)╮"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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