Konoha Village, Ninbu Building.
The Seventh Team stood before Kenya, faces heavy with defeat after their return from the Land of Tea. Kenya's gaze shifted slightly, and he gave a faint nod.
"I see. That confirms it. Sasuke already wields power close to a Kage's level. For someone not yet sixteen… it's remarkable."
Kakashi hesitated, then finally asked the question that had lingered in his mind. "Sasuke's growth rate is too strange, Lord Kenya. What exactly did you do to him?"
From Suigetsu's words at the stronghold, it was clear both he and Sasuke had received something unique from Kenya — Suigetsu's Hydration Technique and Ice Release were proof enough. Sasuke hadn't shown any special ability outright, yet his growth spoke volumes.
Kenya answered without emotion. "Three years ago, Sasuke came to me. He said he wanted power, no matter the price. Out of a moment of pity, I let him undergo the first experiment. The method wasn't perfected then, but he was… fortunate. Or perhaps his potential was simply vast. Even I hadn't expected that much."
Sakura's eyes widened. "Then… could this power be reproduced? If so, Lord Kenya, can you—?"
Kenya's smile silenced her. "Sasuke was an exception. Without a kekkei genkai, without sufficient strength, forcing this power will only lead to death."
Her excitement froze on her face. The unspoken meaning was cruelly clear: you are too weak, so do not even dream of it.
Of course, Kenya was lying. With his control of the Hōgyoku now, he could easily mass-produce pawns with power equivalent to Gillian-class Arrancar. But why give such gifts to those who owed him no loyalty?
Kakashi broke the silence. "Naruto, Sakura. We should go. Sasuke's strength has grown, so the only choice left is for you to grow stronger."
Naruto clenched his fists, wanting to ask for the same power Sasuke had received. Even if it meant danger, he was willing. But Kakashi's timely words cut him off — a warning unspoken. To Kakashi, this power resembled something even darker than Orochimaru's curse mark. It reeked of shackles. He would not let Minato's son become another puppet.
"Then we'll take our leave, Lord Kenya," Kakashi said, bowing his head.
"Rest well, Kakashi," Kenya replied, watching them go.
When the Seventh Team had left, Kenya turned to Suigetsu. "You fought Sasuke. How was he?"
Suigetsu scratched the back of his head, uneasy. "Kyōka Suigetsu can read my memories, can't it? I'm not good with words… just look for yourself."
Kenya's eyes narrowed in approval. "Good. Few are willing to surrender their mind so openly. I'll take it."
Kyōka Suigetsu slid from its sheath, its edge piercing the back of Suigetsu's skull. His eyes rolled white as his mind went blank — no blood, only a faint glow of blue. In moments, the entire battle replayed itself in Kenya's thoughts, every word, every detail.
When he withdrew the blade, Suigetsu gasped back to himself.
"Thank you for your effort. Rest now," Kenya said softly.
— — —
Far away, in the Land of Earth — in the newly built Sunagakure.
Two figures approached beneath the cliffs. Fittingly, one was a son of Sand, the other a son of Stone. Together, they were Akatsuki's infamous art duo. Their mission: capture the One-Tail.
Akatsuki's progress had been steady. Half a year earlier, Kakuzu and Hidan had slain the Seven-Tails' host in Takigakure. Already, four tailed beasts had fallen into their grasp. The Two-Tails and Eight-Tails had been killed during the war by Uchiha Kenya himself, and their revival was still years away. That left only three: the One-Tail in Sunagakure, the Three-Tails in Kirigakure, and the Nine-Tails in Konoha.
The Three-Tails was assigned to the Mist-born members — Ghost Shark and his group. The Nine-Tails would be reserved for Akatsuki's leader, Pain, personally.
Now, the task of subduing the One-Tail fell to Deidara and Sasori.
From a high ridge, Deidara looked down at the rebuilt Sunagakure. Though modeled after the old Sand Village, it bore new scars and strange touches — half Stone, half Sand.
"Strange, isn't it, Brother Sasori?" Deidara mused, his eyes narrowed. "Our old homes, reshaped into something new. Nostalgic… almost embarrassing."
"Hmph," Sasori snorted coldly. "Save your sentiment. We're here to work."
Deidara rolled his eyes, already pulling clay from his pouch. White birds sprouted from his palm, their wings unfolding in a flutter of dust.
"Fine. Leave the skies to me, Brother," he said with a grin, mounting a clay dove. The bird screeched and soared high, casting its shadow over the desert village below.
The hunt for the One-Tail had begun.