Joy turned to sorrow

The Hokage's Office.

Seeing Minato's grim expression, the Third Kazekage Hokage realized that more bad news had arrived.

"Minato, what's going on?"

Minato put down the intelligence report in his hand, glanced at the Third Kazekage and Taiichi, and sighed, "The Akatsuki is truly swift and decisive. News has come from the Land of Water that the Three-Tails sealing artifact they just retrieved was lost three days ago, and no trace was left at the scene."

"It's that Uchiha Space-Time Ninjutsu. Only Space-Time Ninjutsu could steal the sealed artifact without anyone noticing, even under layers of Barrier and protection."

Taiichi gave the answer almost without hesitation, and everyone nodded silently.

Compared to Jinchuriki, each attempt to seize one involves a battle, and the commotion is naturally considerable.

But if it's just a sealing artifact, then it's exceptionally simple for someone skilled in Space-Time Ninjutsu.

In the current Ninja World, especially Sealing Jutsu, there are very few that are specifically designed to target space and time.

This is partly due to the immense difficulty in developing it, but more importantly, setting up this type of Sealing Jutsu is extremely complex and costly.

"Is there any information about other Mist Village members in the intelligence? Are their Six-Tails Jinchuriki alright?"

Minato shook his head. "The 'take care' part wasn't mentioned, but Mist Village is basically transparent to Akatsuki. I don't think they have a good chance of protecting the Six-Tails."

Taiichi shared the same sentiment. Unlike Minato and the others, he had only recently returned from Mist Village and was well aware of Mist Village current chaos there.

If it weren't for their marshal, Mist Village might have split into two ninja villages.

Minato grew increasingly worried, not only about Mist Village but also about Waterfall Village. His expression suddenly turned extremely serious, and he solemnly said to Taiichi, "Taiichi, you must go back and confirm with Lady Tsunade whether we should go to Takigakure for the mission. The Akatsuki's actions are too swift; I'm worried that if we're too late, they won't be able to protect the Seven-Tails."

Taiichi taken aback at first, then realized that Minato was right; with the Akatsuki's speed of action, they really had to hurry.

"I'll go right away."

Taiichi immediately set off, said goodbye, and headed outside.

The best izakaya in Konoha.

Tsunade, unusually, invited Orochimaru for drinks, allowing them to reminisce about their long-lost friendship.

Compared to the original story, where one of them was wandering outside and the other had defected from the village, both of them have now returned to Konoha.

And thanks to the fact that they often collaborate on research projects, their relationship turned out to be surprisingly good.

This is completely different from the original work.

How long do you plan to stay in the village this time?

Orochimaru took a small sip of his drink and ate a few bites of snacks, then asked casually.

"Since I have nothing else to do, I might as well stay a little longer. Otherwise, that guy Taiichi will be chasing after me Tenten."

Tsunade's tone was one of disdain, but Orochimaru perceived it as a strange kind of boasting.

"Ah, you've taken on a fine disciple—"

Orochimaru stopped mid-sentence.

Speaking of the Sannin, Tsunade had Taichi Matsushita her disciple, Jiraiya had Minato Namikaze as his disciple. It seems that only Orochimaru did not have a single outstanding disciple.

Compared to this, Orochimaru suddenly felt that the drinking session wasn't so enjoyable anymore.

Tsunade, seeing that Orochimaru only said half a sentence and looking at his conflicted and depressed expression, immediately guessed most of what he meant.

"You—hahaha."

Tsunade slapped the table, laughing so hard she almost fell over. This was one of the few times she could actually make fun of Orochimaru.

Laughing, Tsunade rubbed her eyes, finally muttering, "I'm starting to hallucinate from laughing so much, how Taiichi up here?"

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru turned his head in the direction of Tsunade's gaze and saw Taiichi by step, his target quite clear: he was coming for them.

Tsunade, realizing what was happening, didn't even give Taiichi a chance to speak before slamming her hand on the table and yelling, "You brat, how dare you come here?"

That's a good strategy of striking first, but unfortunately— Taiichi isn't easily intimidated.

He first greeted Orochimaru before getting straight to the First Gate and stating his purpose.

"Teacher, I've come to ask you for a task—"

"I'm not going!" Before Taiichi could finish speaking, Tsunade decisively interrupted him, "When you brought me back, you promised I could cultivate in peace."

Taiichi raised his hand and touched his nose, feeling quite embarrassed. He didn't have much experience with going back on his word.

But since things have come to this, what needs to be said still needs to be said.

"The Third Hokage will also be on this mission."

With just one sentence, Tsunade, who was about to speak again, shut up. At the same time, Orochimaru and Tsunade both looked at Taiichi, waiting for him to continue.

"Takigakure has entrusted Konoha with a long-term mission: to protect the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki. Both the Third Kazekage and Fourth Hokage felt this was a mission that could expand Konoha's influence, so they both agreed to accept it."

There's no need for Taiichi explanation; the two people present are both outstanding individuals, so they can naturally think of everything clearly.

"That old man really doesn't admit he's getting old!" Orochimaru muttered, it was unclear whether he was delighted that his teacher was still as sharp as ever, or lamenting that he had devoted so much to Konoha.

Tsunade muttered "Nonsense" in frustration before falling silent.

However, this performance is already quite evident.

Finally, after drinking another pot of sake, Tsunade on the table and roared, "Go, go, go! Get out of here! I owe you guys a lot! You just got back and you're already leaving again? I'm never coming back!"

Saying these angry words, Tsunade pushed the table and used the momentum to stand up and walk out.

As Orochimaru, Tsunade clearly saw Orochimaru mouth moving silently. Knowing how to read lips, Tsunade immediately understood what Orochimaru was saying.

"What a fine apprentice!"

Tsunade's face immediately darkened. She reached back and pinched Taiichi's ear, despite his Taiichi gaze, muttering, "This disciple... I'd rather not have him."

Konoha's speed is very fast, or more accurately, the Third Kazekage's speed is even more swift and decisive.

Freed from the burdens of political affairs, the Third Kazekage regained the decisiveness he had as a ninja in his youth.

After Taiichi rubbed his ear and led Tsunade over to confirm her participation in the mission, the Third Kazekage didn't delay and immediately took Tsunade to pack supplies and prepare to set off.

Looking at Tsunade's "lifeless" eyes, Taiichi felt a pang of guilt for a moment, wondering if he had been too harsh on his teacher.

But this sense of guilt vanished when he saw her cheeks, flushed from drinking. Oh well, going on a mission is better than constantly drinking.

Taiichi walked to Tsunade's side, took out a Special Kunai from his Ninja Tool Pouch, and handed it to her.

"Here you are, Teacher Tsunade. If there's any danger, activate him, and I'll be there immediately."

Tsunade rolled her eyes at Taiichi, but still took the Kunai Taiichi him.

She knew very well that this was not the time to throw a tantrum. The Akatsuki were not to be trifled with, and if she really ran into those ruthless individuals, even she and the Third Kazekage would be in danger.

Taiichi looked up and happened to see Minato's affirmative gaze. He was stunned for a moment before he immediately realized what was happening.

You, Minato, were waiting for me here. You were convinced I would give you this Flying Thunder God Kunai to ensure your teacher's safety.

Sure enough, anyone who becomes Hokage will gradually have a corrupted heart!

Ten kilometers away from Takigakure lies a secluded canyon, a place rarely visited by people, and the choice of the Waterfall Village Seven-Tails Jinchuriki.

Although the Konoha ninjas haven't arrived yet, Fu has already been arranged to live here by Takigakure.

Accompanying them were two squads of eight ninjas responsible for protection; however, their role was more accurately described as surveillance than protection.

In the small canyon, a little girl of eleven or twelve years old was struggling to build a house.

However, the eight people guarding her, some near and some far, simply watched without offering any help; some even showed obvious hostility in their eyes.

This is the tragedy of Jinchuriki; not Jinchuriki are loved and respected by their fellow villagers. On the contrary, being disliked is the norm for Jinchuriki.

One kilometer away in this canyon, on a large tree, Jue, with half of his body exposed, was remotely monitoring the situation of the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki.

After an unknown amount of time, Jue, who had been motionless like a plant, suddenly moved. He turned his head to look into the depths of the dense forest behind him, and a surprising smile appeared on his lips.

"Finally—it's here!"

After muttering to himself, he sank into the tree and moved quickly using the intertwined roots of the trees underground.

When he reappeared, he was already 10 kilometers away, with two Akatsuki members Kakuzu and Hiruko, in front of him.

"You're too late!"

"The organization can't treat people like cattle, can it? We just captured the Two-Tails, and before we could even catch our breath, we're back here."

Hiruko his chest, feigning breathlessness, and complained that the organization didn't care about its subordinates.

Black Zetsu suppressed the urge to retort that White Zetsu felt deep inside, Hiruko, and pointed behind him.

"The situation has been ascertained. The Seven-Tails Jinchuriki is in that canyon over there, guarded by eight Waterfall Village. However, their strength is limited; only one of them is barely at the Jonin level."

"Tch, still the same old piece of trash."

Kakuzu scoffed, looking in the direction of Takigakure with disdain.

"Nonsense, I didn't even notice. Kakuzu, you used to be Waterfall Village. So, how about it? You won't have trouble bringing yourself to deal with your old employer's Jinchuriki this time!"

Hiruko and placed it on Kakuzu's shoulder, completely Kakuzu Kakuzu's eerie green gaze, and spoke tauntingly in a cheeky manner.

"Hmph, don't worry about it. When I defected, I slaughtered all the high-ranking members of Waterfall Village. I have no feelings for Waterfall Village now. You'd better watch out when you encounter Konoha ninjas in the future."

The two exchanged sarcastic remarks, ignoring the intelligence agent, and headed straight towards the canyon.

At this moment, on the open ground in the center of the canyon, Fu was unaware that disaster was imminent.

She wiped the sweat mixed with dirt from her forehead, and wobbled along the half-built wooden door frame with her small hands. Her sore and numb arms almost gave way.

She secretly glanced up at the shade of a tree not far away, where a Waterfall Village was ordered to "protect" her.

However, when she shamelessly asked him for help, she was met with a spitting curse and the malicious mockery that "monsters should do their own work."

Fu clutched her faded ninja clothes, swallowing back the words she was about to say.

She should have been used to these words long ago, but every time she heard them, she still felt incredibly wronged.

This time was no different. If the Akatsuki hadn't wanted to capture the Tailed Beast, the higher-ups wouldn't have thrown her into this remote canyon. Calling it protection was no different from exile.

Ultimately, they're still worried that I'll drag the village down with me.

Fu muttered softly, rubbed her eyes, squatted down to pick up the straw rope on the ground, and continued to tie and secure the wooden frame. The Sun Barrier slowly sank in the west, and the golden afterglow shone in the empty canyon, but it did not bring any warmth to this lonely little girl.

The unexpected happened just as the sun completely sank into the mountain valley.

Two figures entered the line of sight of the sentry ninjas without making any attempt to conceal themselves.

"Who goes there? This is the forbidden area of Waterfall Village; unauthorized personnel are not permitted."

A ninja from Takigakure threw a Kunai at the same time, while also issuing a warning.

However, the newcomers clearly had no intention of stopping. Not only did they actively deflect the Kunai that were being shot at them, but one of them even made a taunting remark.

"Kakuzu, this is the ninja village you used to live in? Takigakure is really bad!"

"You bastard, what did you say?"

The younger generation may not know the name Kakuzu, but they are certain that he insulted Takigakure.

"Look, they're angry. I didn't expect the village to have such a strong sense of honor."

"Shut up, or I'll kill you first."

The two argued and drew closer. In the dim light, the vigilant Taki Shinobu finally made out the newcomer's clothing.

Black-bottomed Red Cloud Robe.

"It's the Akatsuki! Watch out for an enemy attack!"

Unfortunately, since they've already seen each other clearly, it means they're already close enough.

Hiruko Swift Release technique, his body vanishing from the spot in an instant and reappearing behind the vigilant ninja.

A drop of blood slid from the Kunai in his hand.

The next moment, a spray of blood mist suddenly spurted from the neck of the vigilant ninja. He blankly reached out to cover his neck, and died without ever knowing how the other party had done it.

However, his call worked, and the other seven Taki ninja rushed over.

Before the person arrived, the Ninjutsu preceded them.

Water Style: Water Cannonball

Water Style: Water Arrow.

Water Style: Water Whip.

Waterfall Village: The Sword of Water.

Various Water Release Ninjutsu came, but Hiruko paid them no heed.

To the ninja from the Waterfall, the Akatsuki member stood motionless, frozen in place as they were struck by his Water Style.

Before they could even rejoice, the Akatsuki member who had been hit vanished like a bubble. It turned out that Hiruko was too fast, leaving behind a deceptive afterimage in his place.

That's not all. Hiruko, who had disappeared, reappeared three times around the Takigakure ninja before finally returning to Kakuzu's side.

"Pfft, pfft, pfft!"

Three sounds of blood splattering rang out; in that instant, three more Taki ninjas died.

This devastating blow shattered the last vestiges of hope among the Waterfall Village. The eldest ninja shouted, "Gentlemen, it is time for us to serve our village to the best of our ability!"

After saying that, he took out a bottle of Hero Water from his Ninja Tool Pouch, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

The other four ninjas gritted their teeth, took out Hero Water from their Ninja Tool Pouch, and drank it all in one gulp.

The next moment, surging Chakra erupted from their bodies as if it were materialized, and the powerful aura caused the surrounding trees to rustle.