Shukaku Returns to the Sand

Shaye rose to his feet and took one last deep look at the elder who had given him countless precious teachings, a mentor and friend who had now passed from the world. Then he turned resolutely and walked out of the temple.

Outside the temple, nearly all of the village's higher-ups had gathered, led by the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, along with Chiyo, Ebizo, and the others. More ANBU and Puppet Corps members were stationed throughout the area, on full alert. Tension hung in the cold night air, as though a single spark could set it all off. The Jinchuriki's death, the tailed beast losing control, or even enemies seizing the opportunity to take it away—any one of those possibilities would worsen Sunagakure's already difficult situation.

"Shaye, you should understand the risks involved!" Rasa's voice was particularly cold in the night wind. "Once Shukaku loses control, the village will be the first to suffer! Its power..."

"Lord Kazekage," Shaye interrupted, his gaze sweeping over every solemn-faced official present. "I am not asking for permission. I am informing you of my decision. This was Teacher Bunpuku's final wish, and it is also the agreement between Shukaku and me."

He stepped forward, the night wind stirring the black hair over his forehead. Beneath the stars, his pitch-black eyes shone with unquestionable resolve. "I understand everyone's concerns. But I swear upon my honor, my strength, and the oath I make here that I will bear all consequences. Shukaku will not become Sunagakure's disaster. If anything truly goes wrong..." He paused, his voice firm as steel. "I will personally suppress it."

His words carried immense confidence, born from the prestige and strength he now possessed beyond anyone else in the village—the R&D Department's tremendous contributions, the oasis at East Sea Bay, his achievement in defeating