As Hiruko launched her plan, a mark appeared on Kakashi's forehead, far away in Konoha.
A familiar yet unfamiliar voice echoed from the depths of Kakashi's consciousness.
"The time has come. Come here, your mission has begun!"
The sudden turn of events caused Kakashi's expression to change drastically, and the novel in his hand involuntarily fell to the ground.
In just a few breaths, Kakashi's forehead was covered in fine sweat, and he instinctively covered his forehead with his hands.
"This is... Could it be!! That guy?!"
Recalling those unbearable memories from his childhood, Kakashi felt a chill run down his spine.
Besides Orochimaru, Hiruko was probably the one who left a huge impression on Kakashi.
In his youth, Orochimaru and his two companions outperformed him by a wide margin, and unwilling to be mediocre, he began to study the Chimera Technique.
His was even before Orochimaru. When Orochimaru betrayed them, the Sannin hadn't even grown up yet, and he was one of the few ninjas who managed to escape from the Sannin.
Recalling this memory again, Kakashi knew that this was no small matter; that dangerous guy was not someone he could handle.
If the other party's target was only him, he would stand up without hesitation. However, in his heart, Hiruko's threat was no less than Orochimaru's.
There's no way around it; he's the most outstanding among the younger generation. At such a young age, he became the Anbu Captain, participated in the Third Great Ninja War Shinobi World War, and was involved in major events such as the Nine-Tails' Attack' Uchiha Clan Massacre Orochimaru's Attack on the Village. His resume is quite impressive.
"What did you say? Are you sure it's that guy?"
Upon hearing this news in the Hokage's office, Tsunade immediately raised her voice and looked at Kakashi with a furrowed brow.
"I hadn't heard from him for so many years, I thought he was dead, but I never expected him to suddenly reappear like this!"
Jiraiya said with a solemn expression that he had come here today to discuss something with Tsunade, and that given his status, there was no need for him to hide anything.
"Perhaps I'm misperceiving it..."
Seeing the tense atmosphere in the office, Kakashi weakly added another sentence, but Tsunade and Jiraiya were still worried after hearing his words.
After a moment of contemplation, Tsunade spoke again:
"That guy probably planted Puppet Curse on you. This kind of Curse Mark can last for a long time, and you won't even notice it if it's not activated..."
Hearing her words, Jiraiya nodded. Although this kind of Ninjutsu was rare, it wasn't unheard of in the Ninja World.
"Don't leave the village for now. Observe carefully for a while longer. I will send two Anbu to protect you!"
The two quickly made a decision to temporarily protect Kakashi.
Kakashi had no choice but to accept reality. After all he had done, even becoming Jonin, he was still being protected.
The last time he received this kind of treatment was when he first obtained the Sharingan.
When he returned to the village with the Sharingan, the Uchiha ninjas were eager to tear him apart. If the Fourth Hokage hadn't stood up for him, he would probably be the one-eyed Kakashi now.
He wasn't the only one in the same predicament. At this time, Kirigakure, the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, Utakata also having a tough time in Kirigakure.
Ever since Kirigakure bought him back at a high price, his carefree days are gone forever.
He was inexplicably beaten up by Orochimaru, then captured by the Northern Lands, and sold to Kirigakure at a high price. By the time he woke up, he had been passed through countless hands.
What could he do but lament the capriciousness of fate?
Kirigakure, having spent a fortune to buy back their Jinchuriki, wasn't too happy either. Wasn't this blatant kidnapping and extortion in the Northern Lands?
He didn't receive a warm welcome after returning to Kirigakure, and most people who knew he was Jinchuriki kept their distance.
They were still traumatized by Yagura, who had previously Jinchuriki, after he had thoroughly humiliated them.
Therefore, his life has become very regular, or rather, his range of activities has been restricted.
Now, wherever he goes, he is followed by several tails, though they are in the dark, it makes little difference to him.
"I've run out of bubble solution again, what a hassle!"
Utakata, who was lying on the tree trunk blowing bubbles, suddenly stopped, then flipped over and returned to the ground, and walked towards the small shop in Kirigakure.
This is how he's been passing the time these days—blowing bubbles and nothing else.
After he bought his favorite bubble solution from the convenience store, he was about to take it out and use it when a vibration came from the door.
"Ah... help me..."
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
"Quickly evacuate the villagers! The rest of you ninjas, follow me!"
The sudden turn of events immediately threw Kirigakure into chaos, and all the ninjas were on high alert.
"Enemy attack??"
Utakata looked at the giant dog with three heads not far away, as well as the rhinoceros running around, the giant lobster, and so on. For a moment, chaos ensued.
Faced with this situation, Utakata, who had already reviewed the situation, naturally wouldn't sit idly by and immediately rushed towards those Summoning Beasts.
Upon seeing their target move, the nearby Anbu Ninja had no choice but to follow.
"Lava Release: Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique!"
A massive surge of lava engulfed the most frolicking lobster, turning it into a grilled lobster in the blink of an eye.
No one but Mei Terumī could wield such a powerful Ninjutsu.
"All ninjas, assist the Anbu members in defending against the enemy!!"
Mei Terumī gave orders to the ninjas in the field, and Ao, who was standing to the side, immediately sprang into action.
At this moment, Utakata, who was nearby, also rushed over. His situation was somewhat awkward, but it would be best if he could take this opportunity to change the villagers' opinion of him.
Therefore, he was very positive about this change.
"Mei Terumī! What do you need me to do?"
Mei Terumī, who was directing everyone, frowned almost imperceptibly when she saw Utakata arriving. She didn't have a very good impression of Utakata either, but this wasn't the time to dwell on such things.
"You help me..."
Before he could finish speaking, an energy wave exploded right in front of him.
"It seems I've arrived just in time!"
On a bird, the Asura Path Pain and the Deva Path Pain leaped down and stood not far in front of Mei Terumī and Utakata.
The two of them were responsible for searching for Utakata's whereabouts, while the rest of the Pain scattered to conduct detailed attacks.
"Who are you? Why are you attacking us without provocation?"
Looking at the still-smoking gun barrel of Asura Path Pain and the indifferent Deva Path Pain, Mei Terumī felt unprecedented pressure.
Especially when she met those Rinnegan, even Mei Terumī, known as a strong woman, couldn't help but feel a slight tremor in her heart.
"We are Pain! We are God!"
"This world causes us pain, and we want you to experience that pain too!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Pain stretched out his palm towards Utakata, completely disregarding Mei Terumī.
Mei Terumī, already seething with anger, couldn't stand being ignored like this and immediately puffed out her cheeks, spewing a spray of Pain at Pain.
"Lava Release: Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique!"
The highly acidic, hot mist was sprayed towards Pain and instantly reached Pain eyes.
However, Mei Terumī had no information about Pain, soon experienced what it meant to feel powerless.
"Shinra Tensei!"