Only One Year Left
Currently, the Third Kazekage of Sunagakure is missing. Kirigakure is consumed by internal strife due to its brutal "Bloody Mist" policy. Kumogakure has recently suffered severe casualties from the rampage of the Eight-Tails. Meanwhile, Iwagakure, assessing the unfavorable circumstances, has chosen to remain passive, avoiding direct confrontation with Konohagakure and steering clear of war.
The entire shinobi world has fallen into an eerie, deceptive peace.
But everyone knows this peace is tenuous. Sunagakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure—the other Great Villages—are embroiled in internal instability. The current state of the world is like a powder keg: one spark away from detonation.
---
Two more years pass.
Chi Yu is now 18.
Hatake Kakashi has turned 9.
During this time, the two have continued to complete missions together. As Konoha has gained the upper hand in the Land of Hot Water, the intensity of frontline battles has lessened, giving Kakashi the opportunity to briefly return to the village and take part in the Chūnin Exams.
This puzzled both of them.
Kakashi has already held the rank of Chūnin for three years—why take the exam again?
At the same time, another problem continues to plague Kakashi: every time he runs into Uchiha Obito, the boy clings to him like gum on a sandal—impossible to shake off.
The state of the world has only grown more chaotic.
Sunagakure has exhausted its forces searching for the Third Kazekage but remains unable to locate him. The loss has left the village leaderless. Rasa, having inherited the Magnet Release: Gold Dust and enjoying widespread prestige, has been appointed Acting Kazekage. Still, even with Rasa's leadership, the absence of the Third Kazekage continues to cast a long shadow over the village's operations and morale.
Kirigakure, in an attempt to suppress its internal turmoil, has started turning its aggression outward. Like a rabid beast, it now lashes out indiscriminately—whether against Konoha or Kumo ninja.
Iwagakure maintains its cautious stance, remaining dormant as it waits for the fog of war to lift before committing to action.
As a result, Konoha is left primarily contending with Kumogakure. The village has deployed a large number of shinobi to the Land of Hot Water, effectively suppressing Kumo forces along the border.
Meanwhile, in the Hidden Rain Village—Amegakure—a new force quietly emerges: the Akatsuki.
At this stage, Akatsuki is a small, idealistic organization founded by Yahiko. Their philosophy is to bring peace through understanding and dialogue, bridging divisions between people. They act as mediators and defenders, striving to resolve conflicts without violence.
---
"Chi Yu-sensei, all enemy forces have been neutralized."
Kakashi, his face streaked with blood, delivered the report flatly.
Chi Yu nodded. "Good. There are fewer and fewer Kumo shinobi wandering the Land of Hot Water now. Let's return to base and rest."
Noticing something off in Chi Yu's expression, Kakashi asked, "You seem troubled, sensei. What's wrong?"
Chi Yu's voice was low. "There's only one year left, Kakashi."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed as he understood. "You mean... Lady Mito? Her time is almost up? Konoha will need to reseal the Nine-Tails soon?"
Chi Yu nodded. "Exactly."
Kakashi frowned. "Do you think you'll be chosen?"
Chi Yu's expression hardened. "No. My current war record still isn't enough to sway Hiruzen."
"Then... are we returning to Konoha?" Kakashi asked quietly.
Chi Yu shook his head. "No. I've stationed snakes from Ryūchi Cave to observe Uzumaki Mito's condition. It's not surveillance—she's aware of them. If anything happens, I'll know immediately."
"Let's go. We should report back."
---
They returned to the Konoha base.
Chi Yu immediately sought out Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru-sensei, are there any missions?"
Orochimaru retrieved a scroll. "As it happens, yes. Ay—the son of the Third Raikage—and his brother, Killer B, the current jinchūriki of the Eight-Tails, have been spotted in the Land of Hot Water. They're imitating your tactics, ambushing Konoha shinobi."
He handed Chi Yu the scroll. "Their identities are... delicate. This mission carries significant merit. Do you accept?"
Chi Yu took the scroll without hesitation. "I accept."
As he turned to leave, Orochimaru added, "Don't be too anxious. Word from Root says Konoha's situation has stabilized. Danzō is preparing to cooperate with Hiruzen to deal with the Uchiha. You know who the candidate is. You're the most suitable choice."
He continued, "And Uzumaki Miyuki's sealing talent is exceptional. She's progressing quickly under Kushina's guidance. With your current strength, your Mangekyō Sharingan, and the fact you're likely to play a key role in the Uchiha issue… the odds are in your favor."
Chi Yu didn't relax.
"I can't take anything for granted," he said. "Until the outcome is certain, I won't let my guard down. I don't want Kushina to have to go into hiding with me. I can't guarantee I could fully protect her in that situation."
"I understand," Orochimaru said. "But Chi Yu… nothing in this world is certain. Change is the only constant."
Chi Yu nodded. "That's why I have to widen the gap—stack the odds in my favor as much as I can."
With that, he departed to begin his mission.
---
Over the past two years, Killer B has trained relentlessly. He can now transform into the Eight-Tails' form using his own will, similar to the previous Jinchūriki, Blue B.
What touched both the Eight-Tails and Ay was Killer B's unwavering positivity—even as the villagers continued to shun him.
Because of this, the partnership between B and the Eight-Tails has become exceptionally stable. He rarely loses control.
Recognizing his progress, Ay brought Killer B to the Land of Hot Water—not just to battle Konoha shinobi, but to further test and hone his brother's command of the Eight-Tails.
Now, Chi Yu makes his way toward their last known location.
He can feel it—the anticipation rising.
Ever since witnessing the Eight-Tails rampage and gauging Ay's terrifying strength, Chi Yu has longed for a real fight. Missions against weak or disorganized enemies no longer excite him. They bore him.
It's been far too long since he's faced a true equal in combat.
And perhaps, just perhaps, battling Ay and Killer B will earn him more Witness Points.
Driven by the thrill of challenge, Chi Yu quickens his pace—his fighting spirit blazing.
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