FOREST — MINUTES AFTER THE CONFRONTATION
The Root ANBUs slowly disperse. Some help collect the remains of their fallen comrades. Others just look at Tsunade, awaiting orders. But she doesn't need to raise her voice.
TSUNADE (firm):
— I want all Root members identified, interrogated, and disbanded.
— The structure Danzō built… ends here.
She looks at two trusted Jounin beside her.
TSUNADE:
— Take him into medical custody. If he resists, sedate him.
— And seal that cursed arm.
Danzō tries to move, but the very weight of defeat keeps him on the ground. He only stares at Jin-Woo walking away, as if he knows that man has redefined everything.
HOKAGE TOWER — DUSK OVER KONOHA
The orange light of dusk bathes the rooftops of the village. Jin-Woo stands in front of the tower's large window, arms crossed. The landscape seems calm, but tension hangs in the air like smoke.
Kakashi appears behind him, silent as always. He stands beside him, also looking at the village. Both remain quiet for a moment.
KAKASHI (breaking the silence):
— You were the one who won… but it feels like the whole village lost something today.
JIN-WOO (without taking his eyes off the view):
— Only what was already rotten fell.
The wind passes. Kakashi watches Jin-Woo's profile, and his eyes lower, thoughtful.
JIN-WOO (still looking at the scenery):
— Danzō's eyes...
— The same as Tobi's.
Kakashi takes a deep breath, already expecting the question.
JIN-WOO (turns, direct):
— Yours too.
— Why?
KAKASHI (straightforward):
— It's the Sharingan.
— A dōjutsu inherited by the Uchiha clan.
— I wasn't born with it… it was a gift from a friend.
He lightly touches the left side of his face, over the headband.
KAKASHI (softly):
— These eyes see more than they should.
— But they come at a high cost.
JIN-WOO:
— And the ability to move between dimensions?
— Is that part of those eyes too?
KAKASHI (frowns, thoughtful):
— …I don't know.
— Tobi uses something similar, but…
— Even among the Uchiha, it seems unique.
— Maybe it's another level of power… one I still don't understand.
Jin-Woo doesn't answer right away. He just observes Kakashi. A complete ninja, silent but honest.
KAKASHI (looking at Jin-Woo):
— Can I ask you something?
JIN-WOO:
— Go ahead.
KAKASHI:
— Don't act alone.
— Not here.
— You have power… we all saw it.
— But this village… we've only survived so far because we trusted each other.
Jin-Woo thinks for a second. His eyes move from the horizon to the rooftops, then to the ground. Down below, children play. Merchants reopen stalls. Life… goes on.
JIN-WOO (softly):
— Alone was how I survived.
— But maybe...
— It's not just about surviving anymore.
Kakashi smiles discreetly under the mask.
KAKASHI (murmurs):
— Then maybe there's hope, after all.
The two remain there in silence. The sun begins to vanish on the horizon. And the night promises to be long.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS THE NINJA NATIONS
— A mercenary ninja whispers in a bar in Iwa:
"They say the Leaf harbors a creature with black eyes and an army of the dead..."
— An anonymous messenger delivers scrolls to the Daimyō of the Land of Earth:
"Konoha is hiding a living weapon. A new kind of Jinchūriki. Capable of destroying entire villages."
— In Kiri, a rumor explodes among the ANBU:
"He controls shadows as if they were part of him. Not even the Six Paths of Pain could stop him."
— In Suna, even among the Kazekage's advisors, there are doubts:
"Why did he appear just when Gaara was rescued? And how? With what power?"
— Scribbled posters appear at the borders:
"The enemy wears the Leaf's cloak."
"Konoha protects the End."
INTERIOR — IWA COUNCIL — DAY
TSUCHIKAGE (old and distrustful):
— This stinks. But it might be true.
— If Konoha really has something like that… we have to prepare.
INTERIOR — KIRI COUNCIL — DAY
MIZUKAGE (serious):
— An invader from another world with unlimited power?
— If this thing is real… and if Konoha is behind it… then everyone is against us.
AKATSUKI BASE — UNKNOWN LOCATION — NIGHT
The blood moon spills through the cracks of a deep cave. In the center, a massive statue with open claws devours the chakra of the most recently captured Jinchūriki. The victim's body lies lifeless, drained. Zetsu watches from afar as the other Akatsuki members emerge from the shadows.
KISAME (dripping blood from his sword):
— Another one sealed. But it's getting easier... or are we just becoming more monstrous?
KONAN (cold):
— No one grows stronger like this… without cost.
BLACK ZETSU:
— The world has already started talking about Konoha's Dark Hunter.
— We planted a few seeds… but now they're growing on their own.
WHITE ZETSU (laughing):
— "New living weapon", "Creature with hollow eyes", "The End dressed as a ninja"... They're terrified. Hehehe… and it wasn't even us who spread all that!
KONAN (looks at Nagato):
— And you? Still plan to use him?
NAGATO (calm voice, but filled with a new presence):
— He's a variable... but also a reflection.
— The world was already rotten… he just arrived before our final judgment.
Nagato's eyes shine — more intense, deeper, and alive than ever. The new body carries not only the Rinnegan, but a pulsating force that distorts even the air around him.
KAKUZU (serious):
— That chakra of yours, Nagato...
— It wasn't like that before. It's different. More… dense.
SASORI (in a monotone voice):
— It's as if the very cycle of pain has evolved.
NAGATO:
— Pain must be renewed... if it wants to be understood.
— That being... showed me that.
— And that's why... we'll let him create the chaos the world fears.
DEIDARA (nervous):
— That dangerous and you want to let him roam free?!
— Is that art or suicide?
NAGATO (looking at the giant seal):
— He is a catalyst. And art...
— ...is made at the height of destruction.
KONAN (suspicious):
— Or maybe you're just afraid of him.
A sharp silence cuts through the members.
NAGATO (without looking away):
— I do not fear him.
— I study him.
— And the entire world... will learn through the pain he carries to the end.
The cave falls silent. The statue's breathing stops. Another Jinchūriki, sealed.