~ Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters on My Patreon!

  <><><><>

  “Temari! You have a letter!”

  “For me?”

  A Konoha mail courier delivered a letter bearing a Sunagakure seal to Temari, who was enjoying a rare weekend off.

  Temari rubbed her sleepy eyes, fog on the seal. Her drowsiness vanished.

  “It’s from Father—Why now?”

  Each vilge had its unique seal. Sunagakure used sand; Konoha, fire wax. These were difficult te, ensuring the letters’ fidentiality.

  A knot of ay formed in Temari’s stomach. The Suna exge students were still a while away from returning home. The vilge had rgely left them to their own devices, sending only regur allowances and minimal correspondence.

  Their mission was clear: learn from Konoha and bring back valuable knowledge to Sunagakure.

  But so far—they hadn’t discovered anything particurly—groundbreaking. They’d mostly been—enjoying Konoha’s amenities.

  And then, there was the Summer Camp fiasco…

  Temari’s hands trembled as she opehe letter, fearing it tained orders for their immediate return.

  But she froze, staring at the tents.

  Ihe rge envelope was a small ste scroll and a thick letter.

  She began reading:

  [The greatest challenge you face abroad is likely simir to what I experiewenty years ago, when I first entered Konoha ninja otlefield: a ck of uanding. I’ve repeatedly emphasized the importance of—perspective, Temari. Once you grasp Konoha’s—philosophy, you’ll be better equipped to serve Sunagakure.]

  [I approve of your early enrollment and this exge program. Though I am Kazekage, I believe Sunagakure’s trainihods are—g. Excessive brutality hinders a ninja’s development. You should have had more time to prepare. This—immersion in Konoha’s culture and teiques—even with the greatest effort, three months might not be enough. Perhaps Me and the vilge, have pced too much pressure on you—leading to your—suboptimal performa the Summer Camp. But I believe in you, Temari!]

  Temari stared at the letter, tears welling up in her eyes. She’d expected a reprimand, not—this.

  Her father’s words, filled with encement, touched her deeply.

  She tinued reading:

  [While in Konoha, you must manage your time effectively, prioritize your studies, and uand the differeween urgend importahis is my greatest . Your future, like mine, will be—demanding. You are Sunagakure’s most promising kunoichi—You might even bee the Fifth, or Sixth, Kazekage. And by then, the ninja world will be even more chaotic. Without proper time ma skills, your effectiveness as a leader will suffer. Strive to be Fifth Kazekage. Hone your skills. While at the Academy, try to—ect with the Fourth Hokage and his advisor. Though our rivals, they are remarkable ninja. By the time you receive this letter, I’ll be en route to the Konoha-Suna Trade Route pletion ceremony with Advisojo. I’ll ask him to—mentor you, to share his insights on leadership. I believe he won’t refuse.]

  [The ninja world is in a turbulent state. Sunagakure faces—internal challehough I long to see you, my duties as Kazekage prevent me from leaving the vilge. The scroll tains my savings from the past few years, roughly one hundred million ryō. This will cover your expenses for a sed exge program and your living costs in Konoha. It will be difficult, and perhaps lonely. Sunagakure ’t afford to send more students. You, Temari, are Suna’s—fg bearer in Konoha.]

  [If—something happens to me, you —sider Advisojo as yuardian. If I die, Sunagakure is no longer your home. Seek Konoha’s prote. And then—sider avenging me. Remember this, Temari…]

  [Even if all of Sunagakure turns against you, even if the entire ninja world hates you—I will always be on your side.]

  [—Rasa]

  Tears streamed down Temari’s face, spttering onto the letter. She was, after all, still just a child. Her father’s words, filled with love and—foreboding, were overwhelming.

  “A lifetime—death—guardian…”

  Even in the ninja world, such cepts were—a lot for a young girl to process.

  Temari, five years old, a potential future Kazekage. Leadership training started young.

  She felt the weight of his words, the burden of his expectations, the pressure of the vilge’s hopes—It was almost too much.

  “Alone in Konoha—when I go home?” she whispered.

  “Perhaps—after the sed exge program.”

  She curled up on the floor, her head buried in her knees.

  Even alone, she wouldn’t be pletely alone. She had Izumi.

  But there was a differeween friendship and the bonds of—family, of the vilge. If her Suna cssmates returned—she’d be truly alone.

  In that moment, she felt no sense of—duty, only reseowards her father.

  Why burden her with this? Why not her younger brothers?

  She didn’t want to be Kazekage!

  A ninja who didn’t aspire to leadership wasn’t a true ninja. But those who dreamt of being Kage, without the necessary—plot armor, rarely had happy endings.

  Naruto Uzumaki rime example.

  Wipiears, Temari unsealed the scroll. She stared at the mountain of cash, her jaw dropping.

  “So much—Father is—rich?”

  She grabbed a stack, her heart pounding.

  A small act of rebellion.

  With such a burden on her shoulders, she o—de-stress. A shopping trip with Izumi was in order.

  She tossed the letter aside.

  It nded on a framed photo on her nightstand, partially obsg the Fourth Kazekage’s face.

  …

  …

  One hour before the Konoha-Suna Trade Route ceremony.

  A secluded area in the Konoha Forest.

  “Avengers, assemble!”

  Gojo Kaigetsu activated his summoning jutsu, his chakra rippling outwards.

  Beside him stood Tsunade, her usual attire—a gray undershirt, green jacket, and blue pants.

  Only the kanji on her jacket had ged, from “Gamble” to “Ninja.”

  This was, after all, an official event. They had to maintain a certain—de.

  Gojo Kaigetsu knew Bck Zetsu was watg.

  And Bck Zetsu wasn’t easily fooled.

  Too much security, and he’d flee. Too little, and he’d be suspicious.

  Having only Tsunade as an escort seemed—just right.

  Like—well, let’s just say he enjoyed her pany.

  The Uchiha could deactivate their Sharingan at will. But for those with transpnted Sharingan, it was a stant drain on their chakra.

  For Tsunade, however, chakra wasn’t an issue. Her Senju bloodline and massive reserves made the Sharingan’s drain negligible.

  But to ceal the transpnt, she wore a bck blindfold, mirr Gojo Kaigetsu’s style. It was—fashionable, and less spicuous. People would simply assume it was some sort of—couple’s cospy.

  Moments ter…

  Professor Paradox, his red cape billowing, arrived first. The Deep, a dark green, sleeveless bodysuit, his mask iood proudly atop Samehada, which he used as—a surfboard. an, in a sleek bck leather outfit, nded gracefully after a treetop sprint. Bzing Fury, her feet scorg the earth, leaving a trail of smoke, approached.

  And finally, Deadpool, his stitched-up torso exposed, his mouth sewn shut, his presenfettable.

  ‘I o—acquire the Hidden Cloud Vilge’s flying teology,’ Gojo Kaigetsu thought.

  Konoha’s super ninja team—and not a single one could fly. How embarrassing.

  Pakura and Yugito Nii g Tsunade. Her—physique was—hard to miss. Even the blindfold couldn’t fully ceal her—assets.

  Couldn’t she use a Transformation Jutsu?

  “What’s the mission?” Kisame asked. He’d been—bored tely, stu Konoha, uo return takure until he’d—repaid his debt to Gojo Kaigetsu.

  “The enemy is ing.”

  A gust of wind rustled the leaves.

  Kisame’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. “Where are they?”

  “On the road to Sunagakure. We don’t know when they’ll strike.”

  “So—we wait in ambush?”

  “Yes. But not in the physical world. In—the eye.”

  “Tsunade.”

  Tsunade removed her blindfold, revealing her Mangekyō Sharingan.

  Yugito Nii tensed.

  Of all those present, she was the most—familiar with the Mangekyō Sharingan. The memory of being trapped by that silver giant…

  But—wasn’t that an Uchiha Kekkei Genkai? Why did Tsunade have it?

  “Show them.”

  Gojo Kaigetsu spread his arms wide. A swirling vortex of space-time energy enveloped him. He vanished.

  “His chakra—it’s gone. Space-time ninjutsu. Tsunade, what’s going on?” Professor Paradox, the most knowledgeable about jutsu, reized it immediately. Gojo Kaigetsu had been transported to another dimension.

  “You’ll see.” Tsuivated her Mangekyō Sharingan. “Rex. Don’t resist.”

  The swirling vortex reappeared, engulfing Professor Paradox.

  Then Yugito Nii, thehers—until all six, including Tsunade, were gone.

  They found themselves in a vast, seemingly infinite dimension, structed from tless white cubes. Various supplies were ly arranged—Orochimaru’s tribution to “Project Ark.”

  “Yare yare~” Kisame griapping Samehada against a cube. It felt—solid.

  They truly were in another dimension.

  “This jutsu’s teleportation speed isn’t that fast. One could easily dodge it. But without prior knowledge—being trapped here—it’s a death sentence.”

  “Indeed. But for now, its strategic value lies in—cealment and transport,” Gojo Kaigetsu said, gng at Tsunade. “How are you feeling?”

  Tsunade’s chest heaved slightly as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

  Kamui’s chakra cost depended oarget’s size and chakra reserves. Telep six ninja, all Jonin level or above—it was a strain, even for her. And Gojo Kaigetsu’s chakra reserves—they were far greater than an ordinary in’s, even surpassing most Jonin’s.

  That sneaky bastard—still hiding his true strength.

  “Just telep in—I manage. But to send everyone back—I’ll o release the Yin Seal. Or—we go in stages. And if I have to fight, I’ll he seal’s power as well.”

  “That’s more than enough,” Gojo Kaigetsu said, wiping the sweat from her brow. “The enemy isn’t that strong. You won’t he Yin Seal.”

  “While I appreciate the—intimacy, perhaps you could—tell us who the enemy is?” Yugito Nii asked. Pakura nodded. She wasn’t eager to fight against Sunagakure ninja.

  “They’re the ones who killed Danzo.”

  “Currently, there are only two: Sasori of the Red Sand, a Sunagakure prodigy turned missing-nin, and Kakuzu, a Takigakure missing-nin.”

  “Sasori specializes in puppetry and poison. He transfer his sciousness between puppets and trol hundreds at once. Kakuzu, thanks to his Earth Grudge Fear teique, steal hearts and acquire their jutsus. He wield all five nature transformations. A dangerous oppo.”

  He g Professor Paradox. “He might even have—Elder Danzo’s heart and his Wind Release.”

  A faint crack appeared beh Professor Paradox’s feet. His carefully crafted youthful facade seemed to—crack.

  Like a gamer on a ten-game losing streak, his dreams of crushing the ninja world—dashed.

  Gojo Kaigetsu, his Six Eyes providing perfetel, had revealed everything about Sasori and Kakuzu.

  Before their secrets were exposed, they were practically Kage-level. But now…

  “If possible, capture them alive. Weaken them, and then Tsunade teleport them to the Kamui dimension.” He poio a specially designed chakra prisoed by Orochimaru. Those imprisoned within would have their chakra sealed and be subjected to—“enhanced interrogation.”

  “Then, we’ll bring them back to Konoha, extract their intel, and—make an example of them. The Avengers will make their debut.”

  “I—will personally break their bones and thee them,” Professor Paradox decred, his voice cold.

  Kisame Hoshigaki subtly distanced himself from Professor Paradox.

  He sensed—a disturbing aura.

  “How—do you know all this?” Pakura asked. “Even Sunagakure’s Anbu wouldn’t have such detailed intel on Sasori.”

  “Don’t uimate my—sources. Just trust me.”

  “Now, let’s discuss—target assigs.”

  “I’ll take Kakuzu!” Professor Paradox decred. “I want to see what this—heart-stealing, five-nature transformation jutsu is all about.”

  “Yare yare—my situation is—delicate. I’ll provide support. It seems the Professor handle him alone,” Kisame said, Samehada resting on his shoulder.

  Pakura g Yugito Nii. “ you handle Sasori alone?”

  Revealing her identity in Sunagakure could jeopardize the fragile peace.

  Yugito Nii nodded. “I’ll take Sasori. You…”

  “Sasori will be handled by Deadpool,” Gojo Kaigetsu interrupted. “Don’t uimate him. He’s—uniquely qualified. an, Bzing Fury, you two provide support.”

  “Uood.”

  Yugito Nii wasly impressed with Deadpool. His chakra signature was—average, at best.

  Perhaps he had some hidden ability?

  But she’d learo trust Gojo Kaigetsu’s judgment.

  “Excellent. It’s settled then.”

  “It’s almost time. Tsunade and I will head out now.”

  “Avengers! Good evening!”

  …

  …

  Sunagakure. Kazekage Tower.

  Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, donned his ceremonial robes. He turo Baki.

  “Baki, though we’ve had our—disagreements, I know you’re a loyal and capable ninja.”

  “The ninja world is in a turbulent state. I’m ed about—unforeseen circumsta the trade route ceremony.”

  “While I’m gone, I entrust the vilge’s safety to you.”

  Baki, his face impassive, patted Rasa’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Kazekage-sama. I’ll handle everything. Once I’ve finalized the security arras, I’ll join you at the ceremony.”

  “With you in charge, I have no worries.”

  “I’ll see you there, Baki.”

  Baki, as leader of the War Hawks, was sidered Sunagakure’s sed stro ninja, after the Kazekage.

  He’d been a tender for the Fourth Kazekage title, but Chiyo had chosen Rasa.

  Baki wielded a unique Kekkei Genkai, transf his chakra into scorg sand, bining the high temperatures of Fire Release with the fine grains of sand.

  Defensively, he could transform the terrain, turning ordinary sand into scorg hot quid, trapping his oppos.

  Offensively, he could unleash a barrage of burning sand, iing his enemies from within.

  Though not a front-line powerhouse, he was a master of assassination, area denial, and battlefield trol.

  After a few final instrus, Rasa left.

  Kazekage’s Office.

  Baki watched Rasa depart, a sinister smile spreading across his face. He walked to the Kazekage’s chair and sat down.

  He looked at the portraits of the previous Kazekage, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

  “So, this is—true power…”

  “Teacher favored Rasa, shared the secrets of Mag Release with him, and made him Kazekage. I always wondered—why?”

  “He’s weak, indecisive. Under his leadership, Sunagakure is falling behind. We’ll be swallowed by Konoha, by Iwagakure, if this tinues.”

  “We are ninja! We’d rather die standing than live on our knees. What my teacher denied me—I will take.”

  “Five me, Rasa. You’re simply—in my way.”

  Knock, knock—

  “Kazekage-sama, are you in there?”

  Baki instinctively rose from the chair, then, reizing the voice of a fellow War Hawk, sat back down.

  “Enter.”

  Baki’s sed-in-and, Kankuro, entered. He froze, staring at Baki.

  “Baki! What are you doing?! You ’t—sit there. If anyone sees you…”

  “Why not?” Baki asked, gesturing to a chair. “e, have a seat.”

  “You ’t sit in the Kazekage’s chair! You’ll be—executed!”

  Baki, using his Mag Release, created a makeshift Go board on the desk. “Let’s—py a game.”

  Kankuro hesitated, then sat down and began pying.

  After thirty moves, Baki hovered a bck stone over the board. “See? I’m about to lose. But…” He pced the stone. “One move—and the tide turns. This—is what they call a divine move.”

  Silence fell over the office. Footsteps approached from outside. Baki formed a seal, and sand poured into the keyhole, log the door.

  “Eh? Is the Kazekage-sama gohe door’s locked,” a voice called out from the hallway.

  “But—I saw Elder Kankuro enter,” another voice said.

  Baki looked at Kankuro. “So—will you help me?”

  Kankuro didn’t ask for details. “Will I—die?”

  Baki nodded solemnly.

  “Damn it—are you insane?!”

  Baki slumped ba the Kazekage’s chair. “If not—we’ll have to endure Rasa’s leadership, Kosaka Kaoru’s policies—Sunagakure will bee a vilge of—shopkeepers. We’ll be forced to retire, spending our days in some—sailboat hotel, built with the mohat should have bee on puppets and kunai.”

  “Living peacefully until we’re too old to fight—that’s not the worst oute. Who knows, perhaps the Kazekage, raised under Rasa and Kosaka Kaoru’s—enlightened leadership, will purge us, the vilge’s—unstable elements.”

  “Whehird Kazekage removed the Sed—I was the first to act. I rallied the younger geion, prepared a feast—a celebration.”

  “That was—a different time! Rasa is at his peak, Chiyo and Ebizo still hold siderable power…” Kankuro’s voice was filled with panic. He tried to reason with Baki.

  Baki pced a hand on his shoulder.

  “I never doubted the Third Kazekage’s—wisdom. So don’t—question my resolve.”

  “What about—Rasa?”

  “He’ll die. I’ve made arras.”

  “Chiyo and Ebizo?”

  “I have Sasori’s—token, his intel. And once Rasa’s gone, Sunagakure will need me.”

  “Kosaka Kaoru?”

  “He’ll be—imprisoned. For issuing the bounty on Rasa.”

  “That’s—something we’ll have to—address.”

  “And ohis is done—I’ll be Kazekage. And you, or the most promising ninja in your family—will be the Sixth.”

  <><><><>

  Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters. Ahead of the rest!

  https://p-atreon./dragonnx

  (Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)

  There is 8 Exg Fanfics already avaible on my Patreon!