Speaking of which, the day when all the Tailed Beasts would be captured seemed to draw near.
Ashveil's thoughts briefly wandered to the location of the space-time pendulum, but there was no time to dwell on it.
"Let's move, next up is the Seven-Tails!" Ashveil commanded, his tone carrying the weight of authority.
"Taki Ninja Village!" he added, leaving no room for discussion.
Deidara and Tobi, fully aware of Ashveil's overwhelming strength, did not dare disobey.
Deep down, their respect had evolved into a quiet recognition of Ashveil as their de facto leader.
---
Under Ashveil's command, the group swiftly set course for Taki Ninja Village, home of the Seven-Tails.
Along the way, discussions about the upcoming confrontation filled the air.
"Ashveil, the Seven-Tails is unlike the Tailed Beasts you've captured so far.
It ranks third among the Nine-Tails and shouldn't be underestimated," Deidara said, his expression unusually serious.
Even Tobi, usually so carefree, showed a rare hint of surprise.
"Yes,Ashveil-senpai.
I've heard that the Seven-Tails' Jinchuriki, Fu, can manifest butterfly wings to fly.
She excels at surprise attacks and is incredibly fast.
She's a difficult opponent," Tobi added.
Deidara nodded in agreement.
"Exactly.
She can also produce scales with the Tailed Beast's power to confuse enemies.
It might be wise for us to step in if things get tricky."
Ashveil, hearing this, showed a rare expression of mild displeasure.
"I'm telling you both, when the fight begins, you absolutely must not interfere, or there will be consequences," he said, a faint smile on his lips.
Though soft-spoken, his words carried an authority that brooked no challenge.
Deidara and Tobi could only pout and turn away, silently stewing in their frustration.
---
Meanwhile, Ashveil had no idea how profoundly his recent actions had impacted the world.
He had become a figure of legend, his deeds spreading far and wide.
Thousands of kilometers away, in the Hidden Leaf Village, Tsunade's expression was grave.
Jiraiya arrived at the Hokage's office, arms crossed, still carrying his usual nonchalance, yet his eyes betrayed his curiosity.
"Jiraiya, this is serious.
Are you aware of the Akatsuki's recent activities?" Tsunade asked, her tone urgent.
Jiraiya's gaze sharpened.
"I've been monitoring them.
Has anything unusual occurred?"
Tsunade's expression darkened.
"They've produced an extraordinary individual."
"Extraordinary?" Jiraiya echoed.
Though familiar with the organization, even he didn't expect to hear such a claim.
"This individual surpasses even Orochimaru and Uchiha Itachi," Tsunade explained, her brows furrowed with concern.
Jiraiya's eyes widened.
Orochimaru and Itachi were formidable, renowned geniuses.
If someone exceeded them, they were among the rarest of talents in the world.
"Who is this person?" Jiraiya asked, incredulous.
"He is called Ashveil," Tsunade said.
"I don't know his age, but here is his portrait."
Jiraiya studied the image and immediately lost his composure.
The young man looked no older than twenty, yet the aura radiating from him suggested a power far beyond his years.
"How could a newcomer surpass Orochimaru and Itachi?" Jiraiya murmured, disbelief etched on his face.
Tsunade, silent for a moment, finally spoke.
"He's been capturing Tailed Beasts.
Intelligence reports confirm he has already subdued the Two-Tails, Three-Tails, and Four-Tails."
Jiraiya's eyes widened further.
Tailed Beasts were the ultimate weapons, some even stronger than a Hokage.
For a single individual to capture multiple Tailed Beasts was extraordinary—and alarming.
"Remember, intelligence takes time to report.
He may have continued capturing others in the past three days," Tsunade added.
Jiraiya's mind raced.
What was the purpose behind these actions?
Such audacity hinted at a plan both vast and dangerous.
Before he could dwell further, an intelligence ninja arrived, breathless.
"Report, Hokage-sama, there is urgent news regarding the man named, Ashveil!"
Tsunade's eyes widened as she received the report.
The news left her visibly shaken, her body trembling slightly.
She composed herself and turned to Jiraiya.
"According to intelligence, Ashveil has now captured the Five-Tails.
Even more astonishing—he defeated Onoki.
He is currently in critical condition, his life hanging by a thread."
Jiraiya was speechless.
Onoki, the Tsuchikage, was one of the strongest shinobi alive, surpassing many legendary figures.
For a newcomer like Ashveil to defeat him was almost incomprehensible.
"This is not good news," Jiraiya muttered gravely.
Tsunade nodded, her fists clenched.
"We still do not understand Ashveil's true purpose.
Someone capable of such audacity must have an even more extraordinary plan."
Jiraiya straightened, resolve hardening.
"Then I will investigate Akatsuki thoroughly.
There is no time to waste."
Tsunade's eyes reflected worry.
"Be careful, especially regarding Amegakure.
Hanzo the Salamander has been out of contact.
The mission will be dangerous."
Jiraiya's smile returned, calm and confident.
"Do not underestimate me.
I will complete this mission perfectly."
---