After delivering his words, Jiraiya gave Tsunade a reassuring smile and turned toward the door.
Just as he was about to leave, he paused.
"If… I fail this mission, make sure to take care of Naruto," he said quietly, then in a blink of an eye, he disappeared from sight.
---
Meanwhile, in the Earth Country, Onoki slowly opened his eyes.
"Where is that bastard Ashveil?" he muttered, voice heavy with frustration.
The surrounding shinobi lowered their heads, hesitant to speak.
"Reporting, Lord Onoki, Ashveil has already departed," one ninja whispered, as if afraid of making a mistake.
Onoki's fists clenched tightly.
"That damnable brat… I never imagined such a terrifying individual would appear in our world.
Peace may no longer be guaranteed," he said, his gaze drifting to the ceiling in worry.
Suddenly recalling something, Onoki turned to his attendant.
"I need to know the extent of the destruction and casualties Ashveil caused here," he demanded.
The ninja exhaled, relief flickering across his face.
"Reporting, Lord Onoki, Ashveil caused significant damage to buildings, but civilian casualties were minimal," he said softly.
Onoki let out a breath of relief.
Buildings could be rebuilt, but preserving lives was paramount.
"That's fortunate… We can restore the economy later," he murmured.
However, a fire ignited in his eyes.
"From now on, we must carefully strategize how to deal with Ashveil," he said, fists tightening.
He was no man to be easily intimidated.
If a rogue Akatsuki member dared strike his land, he would not forgive such insolence.
"Lord Onoki, do you mean…?" the ninjas asked, anticipation in their voices.
Onoki's reputation as the strongest-willed leader was evident.
Even now, he considered vengeance, a resolve only a person of true courage could muster.
"This Ashveil, he must die.
Not only him, but the rest of the rogue Akatsuki as well.
If they dare to provoke the Earth Country, we cannot allow it," Onoki declared.
"Otherwise, rogue shinobi will see our nation as weak and continue to exploit us, putting our future at grave risk," he continued, determination clear in every word.
The surrounding shinobi nodded.
The wisdom in his plan was undeniable.
"Dispatch my orders.
I want a summit with the other Great Nations," Onoki said solemnly.
The assembled ninjas exchanged astonished glances.
Onoki was known for his stubborn independence; cooperating with other nations was rare.
That Ashveil had forced him to consider collaboration spoke volumes about the young man's power.
"Yes, Lord Onoki!" they responded in unison, unwilling to defy his orders.
Onoki straightened, resolve unbroken.
"I must depart immediately.
I cannot allow Ashveil to continue unchecked," he said, struggling to rise.
The surrounding shinobi moved to assist, but Onoki waved them off with a disdainful look.
"Do you think this old man is incapable?
Few in this world can match me in combat," he said proudly.
A shadow of sadness crossed his face.
"Yet among those few who can, Ashveil is one.
This summit is crucial.
It is hard to believe such a powerful individual would willingly join the Akatsuki," he muttered.
"First, we must discover which nation he originates from," Onoki said firmly.
The ninjas around him watched, realizing the extent of Onoki's dedication.
He painstakingly planned even while preparing for battle.
After sending invitations for the Five Kage Summit, Onoki set off toward his destination, resolute.
---
Inside Akatsuki, news of Ashveil had also reached the inner circle.
The leader narrowed his eyes as he convened a meeting.
"Intelligence reports indicate Ashveil has defeated the Six-Tails.
The Nine-Tails may soon follow," he said, shock evident in his voice.
Previously, some members doubted one person could handle such a task.
Now, it was undeniable.
Ashveil's combat power far exceeded all expectations.
"I never imagined Ashveil possessed such strength," one member murmured.
"However, the Nine-Tails is no ordinary Tailed Beast," another cautioned.
"Can this boy truly defeat it?" Hidan asked, his voice laced with doubt.
In their minds, only Itachi and the leader could even hope to challenge the Nine-Tails.
"Whether he can defeat the Nine-Tails remains uncertain, but he can be useful for now," Pain stated firmly.
All nodded, still unsure about the full extent of Ashveil's potential.
"Earlier, I tasked you with investigating Ashveil's background.
Any findings?" the leader asked.
Unexpectedly, the most powerful Akatsuki members arrived—Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki.
It became clear these two had been on a mission regarding Ashveil.
The rogue shinobi awaited answers eagerly, hoping to learn more about the enigmatic figure.
But Itachi spoke with a calm, regretful tone.
"I could not uncover any information.
Even probing the higher-ups of the Five Great Nations revealed nothing about Ashveil's background," he admitted.
Kisame laughed loudly.
"Indeed, his origins remain a mystery.
None of the nations have records of him!"
Even the Akatsuki members were astonished.
"Nothing?
Then Ashveil may be a significant hidden threat," the leader said.
Though Ashveil had performed numerous missions for Akatsuki, the organization now acknowledged the danger he posed.
After a brief pause, the leader continued.
"Despite being a hidden threat, now is not the time to act.
We can continue to monitor how many Tailed Beasts Ashveil captures for us.
"If he survives the Nine-Tails or fails, his background will be irrelevant.
His actions will serve our Eye of the Moon Plan.
For now, we wait."
Relieved, the members murmured assent.
"Very well.
Meeting adjourned," the leader concluded.
___
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