To eliminate the spatial instability caused by the Ox-Headed Heavenly King, which could potentially lead to an Ōtsutsuki descent, Itachi and Kisame had been searching for the artifact's wielder—Shin Rakuri, a former ROOT member—for several months.
In the underground chambers of Amegakure, before the Gedo Statue, Naruto initiated contact using the Projection Jutsu.
The multicolored holographic images of Itachi and Kisame appeared before him.
They exchanged information.
As it turned out, after Danzo's death, Shin Rakuri realized the tides were turning against him. He immediately defected from Konoha, went into hiding among civilians, and frequently changed his location to avoid detection.
Itachi and Kisame had encountered several dead ends, but their most recent lead was reliable: Shin Rakuri was currently hiding in a village in the Land of Water.
Their next move would be the final operation to capture him.
Naruto reminded them to proceed with caution. After all, if the Ox-Headed Heavenly King were summoned, it would destabilize the space and alert the Ōtsutsuki. Such an outcome would defeat the entire purpose of their mission.
Itachi assured him, "I understand."
Hearing about Obito's change of heart, Itachi smiled genuinely. However, upon learning that Sasuke had lost one of his eyes to Madara, his expression darkened, and he fell silent.
Naruto spoke firmly, "Itachi, I'll find Madara's whereabouts as soon as possible and get Sasuke's eye back!"
Itachi responded with a calm yet profound tone, "Fortune and misfortune are intertwined. For Sasuke, this may not necessarily be a bad thing. Let nature take its course."
Naruto nodded. "You have a point, but I won't let anyone harm Sasuke. I'll definitely settle the score with Madara."
Itachi shifted the topic, asking, "How is Lord Jiraiya doing recently?"
Naruto chuckled, "He's doing well—eating well, sleeping well, and, uh… watching well."
Itachi allowed a faint smile. "Please send him my regards."
Naruto grinned, "Will do!"
Kisame interjected, "Leader, please also send my regards to Mangetsu."
Naruto laughed, "Got it. You two stay safe and keep in touch!"
With that, the holographic projections of Itachi and Kisame faded from view.
Naruto turned around and gazed at the Gedo Statue, which sat cross-legged on its lotus platform.
In the depths of his mind, Kurama lay sprawled on the water's surface, swishing his tails lazily. His expression was enigmatic as he remarked, "You know, if you absorbed me into the statue right now, the Ten-Tails could be revived instantly. With your life force, you wouldn't die right away. If you absorbed the Ten-Tails, you'd gain the power of the Sage of Six Paths. Tempted yet?"
Naruto laughed. "How many times have I told you, Kurama? Until I figure out a way to preserve your consciousness, I won't let the Ten-Tails be revived."
Kurama turned his head away, grumbling, "Hmph. Then why did you come all the way to the statue?"
Naruto scratched his head sheepishly. "Life needs a sense of ceremony, you know? Sister Konan told me that when Nagato led the Akatsuki, he always held meetings in front of the statue. I just wanted to experience it for myself!"
"Hmph. Whatever you say." Kurama's tone turned serious. "By the way, there's something I need to tell you."
Naruto's expression shifted. "What is it?"
Kurama explained, "When we split the statue apart earlier, we damaged its true essence."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "So the white substance that splattered out was the statue's essence?"
Kurama nodded. "That's right. The essence contains not only the statue's power but also traces of chakra from the eight tailed beasts sealed within it. Normally, this lost essence would seep into the earth, transforming the land into something akin to a Dragon Vein. But you… you gave it a soul."
Naruto's eyes widened. "So you're saying… Ajue…"
Kurama confirmed, "You can think of her as a super-powered clone of the statue, imbued with self-awareness."
Naruto's expression grew serious. He immediately considered summoning Ajue back.
Kurama reassured him, "Don't worry. This isn't necessarily a bad thing."
Naruto asked, "How so?"
Kurama explained, "The soul you imbued her with, through your eye technique, represents absolute loyalty. She won't act against your will."
However, when it came to Hinata, Naruto's concern was evident. "Absolute loyalty may seem true for now, but there's no precedent for this Butsushikon eye technique. Who knows if there might be unforeseen variables?"
Kurama then revealed an astonishing secret: "No precedent? That's not true. The Butsushikon was once wielded by the Sage of Six Paths."
Naruto was shocked. "Seriously?"
Kurama nodded. "Yes. But the Sage was a rather rigid individual and never used the technique creatively like you do. That's why it's not widely known."
Naruto murmured, "No wonder the Sage's soul lingered in the world after his death, and he could summon past Kage from the Pure Land. It must have been thanks to the Butsushikon."
Kurama continued, "So there's no need to worry about Ajue's loyalty. In fact, when Sasuke or others awaken the Rinnegan in the future and compete with you for control of the Gedo Statue, Ajue, as a unique clone of the statue, could prove to be an invaluable asset."
Naruto finally felt reassured. He said, "Whether she becomes an asset or not is secondary. As long as she can take care of Hinata for me, I'm satisfied."
The state of the ninja world was still uncertain, and Naruto didn't want to get entangled in personal matters too soon.
That's why he had decided to leave Hinata in Konoha rather than by his side.
To rekindle their relationship, he felt he had to wait until Kaguya was dealt with and the ninja world united against external threats.
Though Naruto was at ease, Kurama was visibly displeased.
"Hmph. I was going to tell you how to make your soul stronger using the Butsushikon, but for some reason, I don't feel like it anymore."
Naruto panicked. "What? Come on, Kurama! Don't be like that! Please tell me, oh wise and magnificent Kurama, the most handsome and dashing of all tailed beasts!"
Kurama's ears twitched at the flattery. "Hmph. Flattery won't work on me! I'm not falling for it… unless you try harder!"
Land of Water, Outskirts.
On a riverside at dusk.
Kakashi Hatake lay peacefully asleep.
The wind rustled, lifting his silver hair and blowing the book that covered his face onto the ground.
Rustle, rustle—the pages flipped, and a leaf-shaped bookmark slipped from between the pages, carried away by the breeze.
Months ago, Uchiha Obito's lifeless body had been found in the forest outside Konoha. Kakashi had witnessed everything at the scene and was deeply shaken.
After a series of traumatic events, Tsunade had granted him an extended leave to recover emotionally and find solace.
Reflecting on his memories of Obito and Rin, Kakashi embarked on a journey.
He visited the site of the Kannabi Bridge, only to find it destroyed—obliterated during Naruto and Obito's second battle.
Disheartened, he traveled to the Land of Water, hoping to honor his fallen comrades in the birthplace of the Bloody Mist.
This was both an act of self-reproach and self-punishment.
But contrary to his intentions, the breathtaking scenery and refreshing air of the Land of Water brought Kakashi an unprecedented sense of peace.
Even the nightmares that had haunted him for so long ceased entirely.
Perhaps it was time to let go of the past and move forward.
Kakashi found himself opening up to new possibilities.
On the riverbank, he awoke.
Stretching with a yawn, he stood up, feeling refreshed after yet another peaceful nap.
Gazing at the golden ripples of the river before him, Kakashi was moved. "What a beautiful view. After a good nap, it feels like the whole world has become brighter."
At that moment, an out-of-place voice interrupted with a mocking tone. "Yo, Kakashi, sashi buri—long time no see!"
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