Traces revealed

The music ended and the audience dispersed.

A satisfying barbecue feast.

Taiichi and Kai patted their round bellies, with a tearful Kakashi following behind. The three said goodbye to each other at the shop entrance and returned to their own homes.

On the way, Taiichi experienced the bustling street scene alone. People who knew him would bow and greet him from time to time, and Taiichi would respond with a smile until a familiar figure appeared in his field of vision.

"Hey, what a coincidence today, I keep running into acquaintances."

Taiichi took two quick steps and came to the side of that figure.

"Lord Orochimaru, I didn't expect you to be shopping too."

"Isn't this Taiichi? You've caused quite a stir today!"

Orochimaru chuckled lightly, continuing to walk forward without looking to the side, but his words made Taiichi again.

Taiichi repeated his explanation of the Anbu, and then couldn't help but make a self-deprecating remark.

"I suspect it's because I made a breakthrough in my cultivation today, which heightened my mental sensitivity and led to this misjudgment."

Orochimaru smiled dismissively after hearing this. Such a situation did indeed exist after a breakthrough in strength; he was simply envious of Taiichi.

Their current strength is still able to maintain a rapid pace of improvement.

"By the way, something interesting happened to me today."

"Oh? What's so interesting?"

Taiichi moved a few steps closer, adopting an attitude of listening attentively.

"The White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave actually asked me about the situation in the Ninja World. This is truly strange. In all these years, this is the first time I've seen them take the initiative to ask me questions, especially these kinds of questions."

What was said in jest was taken seriously by the listener.

Taiichi, instinctively sensing that something was wrong.

He quickened his pace, slightly overtaking Orochimaru, then turned and winked at him. The two of them quietly changed direction and arrived at a deserted place.

"Lord Orochimaru, when exactly did this matter occur?"

"That is to say----"

Orochimaru stopped halfway through his sentence, but Taiichi already knew the answer.

"It was when I made the commotion!"

Orochimaru nodded silently.

A series of thoughts flashed through their minds; now it seemed that the two events must be connected.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be such a coincidence that the two events happened almost one after the other.

"In that case, your feeling of being watched might actually be real, and this watching isn't limited to you, or even just in Konoha; it might include the entire Ninja World."

This is not an exaggeration. Although the entrance and exit of Ryūchi Cave are in the Ninja World, the entire cave is hidden in another dimension.

The White Snake Sage's inexplicable questioning of Orochimaru about the Ninja World must have been triggered by something.

Considering the timing of both events, it's not hard to guess that she was also aware of this spying.

"Taiichi, use your spirit to summon Katsuyu and ask if there are any unusual movements in the Shikkotsu Forest."

Taiichi nodded without hesitation and immediately began Hand Seals.

A puff of white smoke rose, and a small blue and white Katsuyu appeared before the two of them.

The little Katsuyu raised its head, its pair of antenna-like eyes peeking out. It looked around and, finding no fighting or wounded, uttered a puzzled sound.

"Lord Taiichi, is there something you need from me?"

"Katsuyu, was anything unusual in Shikkotsu Forest this evening?"

The Katsuyu's two antennae on its head twitched, and its smooth body surface undulated rhythmically—a sign that it was thinking.

"Nothing special happened. Everyone was eating moss and sleeping, just like usual."

Taiichi and Orochimaru exchanged a glance, both seeing the suspicion in each other's eyes.

"Is that Great Katsuyu Sage also normal?"

"As for the main body, there is one thing that's not normal. She suddenly woke up from her deep sleep in the evening, threw a tantrum, and then fell asleep again."

From the Katsuyu's perspective, there's nothing to hide.

Do you know why?

"I don't know. These memories aren't shared; I only saw them."

The little Katsuyu crawled forward a little and continued, "If Taiichi wants to know, I'll ask him for you when his true form wakes up next time."

Taiichi smiled. "Is that alright? I wonder when the Great Katsuyu Sage will wake up next?"

"I don't know, maybe a few months, maybe a few years, but it won't be very long."

Taiichi's smile froze on his face. Sure enough, these immortal beings had a different concept of time than they did; they didn't know how long they would sleep.

But at least, they know what they need to know.

After seeing the little Katsuyu off, Taiichi and Orochimaru had a general idea in mind.

First of all, this matter has indeed affected the entire Ninja World. Ryūchi Cave and Shikkotsu Forest have both reacted, so it's likely that Mount Myoboku will not be left behind.

Secondly, although this matter was sudden, it should not be urgent. Otherwise, given the relationship between the Three Great Sage Regions and Konoha, at least Shikkotsu Forest and Mount Myoboku would have issued a statement to inform them.

Finally, and most importantly, the power level of the person conducting the Scout must be at least at the level of the three great immortals; otherwise, it would be impossible for them to be the only ones to have noticed it.

Thinking of this, Orochimaru couldn't help but feel a little strange. He looked up at Taiichi and was surprised that the kid's strength had improved so quickly. Even if he hadn't reached the level of the three great sages yet, he should be close.

He wasn't sure of the exact strength levels of the three sages, but he figured they were far beyond the Kage Level, and even stronger than the First Hokage.

At this moment, Orochimaru felt a pang of sadness, as if he had wasted so many years of his life.

Taiichi felt a chill run down his spine under Orochimaru's strange gaze, a gaze that contained so much: envy, admiration, and jealousy.

Jealousy, regret—the list goes on and on.

"Lord Orochimaru, what do you think we are doing?"

Taiichi quickly interrupted Orochimaru's gaze, and Orochimaru finally came to his senses. He looked at the sky and saw that the moon was already high in the sky.

"This matter is significant, but not urgent. You can report to the Hokage-sama tomorrow during the day."

Taiichi thought about it and realized that it was true; Konoha really couldn't do anything about it right now.

Nothing more was said that night.

The next morning, Taiichi took Orochimaru to the Hokage's Office and reported the situation to Minato.

Minato took this very seriously and immediately summoned the Sage Fukasaku to inquire about it.

Unfortunately, the Great Toad Sage is an even more homebody and sleepy guy than the White Snake Sage and the Katsuyu Sage.

Sage Fukasaku knew nothing about whether the Great Toad Sage had awakened or sensed anything.

"Then, Sage Fukasaku, based on your understanding, is there anyone else in the Ninja World who possesses this level of strength?"

Minato looked at Sage Fukasaku, who was standing on the desk, and asked with a serious expression.

Fukasaku's long eyebrows trembled slightly as he pondered in his mind that, apart from the Three Holy Lands, there seemed to be no other living beings.

To what level of destiny does one reach?

Wait a minute, there are none alive, but there are still some dead, and more than one at that.

Thinking of this, Sage Fukasaku subconsciously looked down at his feet, but these things were not suitable to be said to these children, and besides, if it were them, they would not pose any threat to the Ninja World.

"I have some clues, but I'm not sure yet. I need to confirm with the Great Toad Sage after he wakes up, but I don't think there should be any major problems."

After giving his final instructions, the Sage Fukasaku hurriedly canceled the summoning ritual and returned to Mount Myoboku.

In the office, the three looked at each other. They were all experts, and they had seen through Sage Fukasaku's subconscious reaction just now, so they naturally knew the answer.

"It seems the waters of the Ninja World run deeper than we imagined."

Minato had his head down, and it was unclear what he was looking at.

"Isn't this even more interesting? Death isn't the end; it might just be the beginning of a new journey."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed, and he unconsciously licked his face, showing just how excited he was. "Fourth Hokage, I request permission to research the Impure World Reincarnation Ninjutsu. It is the link between us, life and death."

Minato's expression turned serious, and he tapped the table with a single finger, making a "tap tap tap" sound.

The Impure World Reincarnation technique is no merciful Ninjutsu. The fact that it requires sacrificing a life each time it is used makes it even more taboo than researching Wood Style or Hashirama Cells.

Moreover, disturbing the peace of the deceased is itself an unethical act.

However, since Orochimaru has already brought this up, he certainly won't give up.

The village doesn't allow it; he could easily conduct his own research privately, but that would completely exceed the village's control. It's better to bring him under the village's management.

Most importantly, the Second Hokage set a good example for everyone.

It doesn't make sense that the Second Hokage could research and even develop inhumane Ninjutsu like the Impure World Reincarnation, yet forbid his successors from continuing this research.

"This matter is of great importance, and I need to discuss it with the Third Kazekage Elders. However, I personally support this research."

Orochimaru's face showed a hint of disappointment, but he quickly came to terms with it. The village was already quite open-minded; it was just a matter of waiting a little longer, which he could easily afford.

"As for what you reported, Taiichi," Minato turned to Taiichi again, his smile full of satisfaction, "This matter should remain a secret between the three of us for now. There's no need to reveal it to anyone else; it would only cause them trouble."

"Okay, I understand."

Taiichi nodded, promising not to tell anyone.

After leaving the Hokage's Office, Taiichi walked alone on his way to Konoha Hospital.

Having found the answer to yesterday's probing, recalling that vague feeling now evokes a completely different experience.

That's Ninjutsu performed by the Sage of Six Paths; only a handful of people in the entire Ninja World can recognize it.

Recalling all his feelings at that time, Taiichi also hoped to be able to analyze a trace of the mystery of the Six Paths Level.

But even after entering Konoha Hospital, he still found nothing. He hadn't sensed any Ninjutsu fluctuations yesterday; it was just that his mysterious sixth sense had given him a warning.

"Sigh, it seems I'm still some distance from that level. I need to train even harder."

Taiichi composed himself and, under the respectful gazes of everyone at the hospital, began another day of work.

February 17, Konoha 53.

The Land of Wind Vast Sea Great Desert.

Even within the Land of Wind, this place is considered a forbidden zone. The entire area is located in the northwest corner of the Land of Wind, occupying approximately one-fifth of Land of Wind area.

Such a vast area has not a single oasis, nor a single source of water, which is why it is called a desolate wasteland.

Meanwhile, atop a towering sand dune in this desolate place, a figure dressed in Black-bottomed Red Cloud Robe gazed into the distance.

Looking closer, you can see that the guy is shaking all over, like he has Parkinson's disease, and it doesn't stop at all.

"Finally—finally—I finally found it!"

White Zetsu was in tears at this moment. Heaven knows how much suffering he had endured in this deadly dry place since accepting the mission assigned to Pain.

White Zetsu is better suited to places with pleasant weather and lush vegetation, such as the Land of Fire.

But a place like the Land of Wind, where there isn't even a blade of grass in sight, is practically his natural enemy.

Unable to use his most proficient Mayfly Technique, he could only move with difficulty through the sand using Earth Style is a technique that allows one to escape through the sand).

The dry weather caused even his fair skin to become dry and cracked.

What's most infuriating is that the guy who used to fight him for control of his body has now retreated to the deepest part of his mind, becoming a coward.

So, while White Zetsu suffered all the hardships and sins, White Zetsu Black Zetsu ultimately deserved credit for the good deeds.

The more White Zetsu thought about it, the angrier he became. If before he was trembling with excitement at finding his target, now he was simply being...

He was so angry he was trembling all over.

Unfortunately, what you hate most is often what will happen to you.

Before White Zetsu could even fully savor his feelings, a strange sense of dread washed over him.

"No! Wait a minute! Let me savor this novel feeling a little longer—"

But before he could finish speaking, White Zetsu's consciousness was forcefully suppressed to the deepest part of his mind.

At this moment, Black Zetsu appears.

"Finally found it." The same sigh, but filled with coldness, echoed, "What a bunch of useless idiots, taking so long to find it."

Two kilometers away, beneath that sandy area, Black Zetsu could faintly sense a unique life force hidden beneath the desert.

Unlike ordinary creatures brimming with vitality, it possessed a peculiar quality, as fierce as a raging storm and as restless as the scorching sun.

"They really know how to hide it. With such a seal, no wonder even the Byakugan couldn't detect it."

Their target, One-Tail Shukaku, had used a seal to shrink his enormous size to the size of a house cat. It was this newly acquired technique that allowed him to roam freely in this vast desert for so long.

At this moment, One-Tail had been enjoying himself outside for three days and three nights, and was now curled up underground to rest.

His body, made of sand, blends perfectly with the surrounding desert. Combined with his current small size, finding him again is practically impossible for humans.

She One-Tail over, hugging her large tail, a smile curving her lips. This was the life Tanuki truly wanted. Those Jinchuriki were nothing but torture. Tanuki wanted to live a carefree life here!