In the Land of Rice Fields, bordering the northern region of the Land of Fire, lies the origin of the Hidden Sound Village. In recent years, as the Sound Village declined, it faded from the ninja world's view.
This small, inconspicuous country has become fertile ground for the seeds of evil.
Deep within the dense forest, surrounded by wetlands and swamps, there is a secret fortress with an underground entrance.
The walls are old and weathered, with snake-shaped candelabras symmetrically placed along the corridor, their light barely illuminating five steps ahead. Every thirty steps, another pair of candelabras cast eerie shadows.
The corridor is a labyrinth, filled with hidden traps. Those who enter uninvited rarely return.
The labyrinth leads to the deepest part of the underground fortress, a large human experimentation lab.
The lab is spacious but feels cramped due to its dark tones.
Transparent glass containers line the walls, filled with various experimental subjects—humans, snakes, half-human half-snake hybrids, and other grotesque forms.
Rustle! Scratch!
A man worked busily at the lab table.
His back was covered by a dark cloak, and his head was hidden under a hood.
Hiss, hiss, hiss... Two white snakes extended from his robe, flicking their tongues behind him!
"Heh heh heh, the outside world is getting lively..." His sinister laughter echoed in the quiet air, sending chills down the spine.
Well, it's not surprising. After spending so much time in the dark, talking to oneself becomes a reasonable pastime.
"That Naruto not only defeated your trusted subordinates but also took the eyes that should have been yours."
"Those eyes are crucial to your future plans, aren't they? So you're afraid of losing everything."
"I know you originally planned to incite conflict at the Five Kage Summit, right?"
"Instead of lurking in the shadows, you intended to use your accumulated power to openly seize the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails!"
"It's a very reasonable plan, efficient and direct!"
"I even prepared a 'surprise' for that moment."
Swish! As he spoke, his vertical pupils glanced at a coffin in the corner!
"But since you changed your plan, I can't reveal my 'trump card' too soon."
He shook his head. "What a pity. I wanted to see the ridiculous expression under your mask..."
"But now, it doesn't matter. After all, the war has nothing to do with me. My goal is simply to take 'Sasuke' back from you."
"Instead of forming a convoluted and uncertain alliance with you, I've found a more suitable 'bait' for Sasuke. Yes, for revenge, Sasuke will eventually come for Danzo..."
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He looked down at the lab table. "But it seems I've gone a bit overboard..."
On the lab table, Danzo had become a genuine monster!
The face of the First Hokage covered his entire body!
Each face had a Sharingan embedded in the eye sockets!
"Heh heh heh..." His laughter was accompanied by dangerous words. "It's no longer just an arm. I've implanted Uchiha Shin's anti-rejection cells throughout Danzo's body to increase his tolerance for the First Hokage's cells!"
"Then, I negotiated with Shin to obtain 100 clones of Uchiha Shin, and using cloning technology, I mass-produced 'Mangekyo Sharingan,' a total of 200, all implanted!"
"Additionally, Danzo's new right eye is a surprise I prepared for you..."
"Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh...! Hahahahahahaha!!"
The hood lifted, revealing Kabuto's true face. He laughed maniacally. "Enjoy your revenge, Sasuke!! I'll make sure you experience unprecedented 'defeat' at Danzo's hands. When your resolve is crushed, and you fall into confusion and despair, you'll seek even greater power!! Naturally, just like three years ago when you joined Orochimaru, you'll come to me!!"
"Then, as the one who has surpassed Orochimaru, I'll personally create a being that surpasses the Uchiha legend! Yes, Sasuke, in my hands, you'll surpass that legend, surpass Uchiha Madara!!"
His laughter gradually subsided. Kabuto adjusted his glasses, the lenses reflecting white light. In the silence, he revealed his true purpose.
—"That way, I can prove my existence to the world..."
...
Their obsessions and madness did not affect the peaceful village in the rain.
Hidden Rain Village, the tower.
After receiving treatment, Konan's fever subsided, and she slept soundly.
"Phew." Shizune composed herself and walked out of the room.
Naruto smiled. "Thank you, Shizune-san."
Shizune nodded slightly, her expression serious. "Naruto, I have something to say..."
Naruto interrupted, "I can't tell you why I left the village."
"..." Hearing this, Shizune's face darkened.
Naruto added, "I can only tell you that I won't do anything to harm the village."
"Lady Tsunade has woken up. After learning what happened in the village, she's been overwhelmed! I don't understand why, this time, you won't discuss anything with us?? You know, no matter how stubborn you were before, Lady Tsunade always stood by your side!!"
Shizune spoke urgently, closely watching Naruto's reaction. Unfortunately, she didn't see the response she wanted.
Naruto's eyes were clear and deep. He spoke methodically.
"This isn't something that can be resolved through discussion. Without absolute evidence, even if I gain the trust of a few, there will still be significant resistance..."
"Instead of having a group bear the pressure with me, it's more efficient for me to act alone."
"This is the conclusion I reached after careful consideration. Even if it's not the best approach, it's the most cost-effective..."
Naruto grabbed Shizune's shoulder.
Swish!
In a flash of light, he transported Shizune to the forest outside Konoha and handed Tonton to her.
"..." Shizune was bewildered. She couldn't understand Naruto anymore.
After a moment, she asked, "What happened to you? Can you tell me alone? I promise I won't tell anyone!"
Naruto smiled. "Shizune-san, go back..."
"Sigh." Knowing she wouldn't get an answer, Shizune sighed, holding Tonton, and walked towards the village.
Watching her leave, Naruto said, "By the way, tell Granny Tsunade something for me..."
Tap!
Shizune stopped.
Naruto's eyes gleamed. "Tell her that no matter what happens, I won't let Danzo return to Konoha alive. She should prepare to resume her position as Hokage!"
"..." Shizune was speechless. After a moment, she continued walking.
After she left, Naruto slowly turned to the side and extended his hand.
—Bansho Ten'in!
"Argh...!!!" A White Zetsu hiding in the shadows screamed as Naruto pulled it towards him.
Naruto smiled. "Well, what a coincidence, you guys are everywhere~!"
White Zetsu growled, "Why are you flying around at night instead of sleeping~~!!"
Naruto replied, "I should be asking you that, but I have a quicker way..."
Crack!!
Naruto grabbed White Zetsu's head, his left Rinnegan glowing as he closed his eyes.
—Human Path!
In just a few seconds... Naruto read all of White Zetsu's memories about Akatsuki's plans!
"I see..." Naruto opened his eyes. "So that's Akatsuki's next move."
Whoosh!
He pulled a white light from White Zetsu's head.
The consequence of the Human Path's brain reading was the loss of the soul!
"I need to come up with a countermeasure..."
Swish! Naruto's cloak billowed as he disappeared into the dawn mist.