Demonic Statue of the Outer Path

Perhaps Naruto had been a little too accommodating with Gaara last time.

That kind of tolerance, that gentleness, that indulgence of "however you use that puppet is fine" stirred a subtle jealousy in Satsuki's heart. That jealousy swelled into a certain confidence, then became—dominance.

Satsuki had been especially dominant lately.

In bed, in the kitchen, on the sofa, in every moment they were alone together, she made no effort to hide her demands, her possessiveness, or her declaration of ownership.

As the one who had started it, Naruto naturally found it a little exhausting, but he chose to accept it all.

Because behind that dominance was Satsuki's care for him, her possessiveness toward him, and her obsession with saying, "You're mine."

A little exhaustion was worth it.

At that moment, Naruto stood atop Konoha's walls, looking at the dense army of White Zetsu outside, which had formed a complete encirclement.

Tens of thousands of pale figures surged like a tide beneath the moonlight, surrounding the entire village of Konoha so tightly that not even water could pass through.

He had heard the White Zetsu's demand earlier.

Hand over the new master.

Naruto naturally knew who they meant.

Uchiha Satsuki.

Those newly awakened Rinnegan were what had stirred this army of White Zetsu into action. They had sensed a master they could serve, so they awakened from their slumber, emerged from underground, and gathered around Konoha.

Naruto had thought that, after losing the master they could serve, these White Zetsu would remain asleep beneath the earth forever.

He had not expected Satsuki's awakening of the Rinnegan to rouse them all.

"Jiraiya-sensei, Grandpa Third Hokage," Naruto spoke first, addressing the two elderly men beside him, whose expressions were grave.

"Don't attack. They... aren't really our enemies."

Jiraiya and Hiruzen froze at the