Author Note:
Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!
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Unknowingly, the calendar turned to Konoha's 51st year.
Three years had passed since the Nine Tails disaster.
Not just Konoha, but the entire Ninja World had entered an unusually rare state of peace.
Earlier that year, 8-year-old Uchiha Itachi was ambushed by a mysterious ninja during a C-rank mission.
His team leader and a comrade died in the attack, but in that mont of tragedy, Itachi awakened his Sharingan.
anwhile, the fa of young shinobi like [Body Flicker Shisui] Uchiha Shisui and [Kakashi of the Sharingan] only continued to rise.
Elsewhere, Kurenai (now 18) and the fiery Mitarashi Anko (15) were officially promoted to Jōnin.
Anko, wielding the massive Sahada blade with surprising skill, was rapidly becoming well-known within Konoha.
Though she never had many major fights in the ani, Guts could tell she was already much stronger than her original self ever was.
Even the infamous "gatekeeper duo," Izumo and Kotetsu, had finally passed the Chūnin Exams this year.
They now held the official qualifications to guard Konoha's gate an ironic achievent, but one they wore with pride.
"How is it, Guts? I use Sahada well, right?"
After passing the Jōnin exams, Anko clung to Guts's arm, Sahada strapped across her back.
Smack!
Without hesitation, Guts slapped a hand over her mouth. Anko growled playfully in protest.
"Tsunade-sama rarely cos back lately," Anko mumbled through his hand.
Kurenai nodded beside her. "Yeah, she's been personally handling the recent string of disappearances."
The disappearances had started two years ago.
At first, it was only a few rchants from other countries who vanished while visiting Konoha.
But gradually, the cases increased.
First, Konoha's own civilians.
Then, shinobi.
And now, even Tsunade, the Hokage, had to take charge herself.
Guts knew exactly why.
Orochimaru had begun experinting with forbidden jutsu...and now he was growing bolder.
To be fair, Guts didn't hate Orochimaru. The man was twisted, sure...but as long as he didn't touch his people, Guts couldn't be bothered to interfere.
Just as the trio returned ho, a Hyuga clan mber, his Byakugan eyes sharp and composed, approached the gate.
He bowed politely.
"Lord Guts, Patriarch Hiashi requests permission to visit you tomorrow."
Not inviting Guts over, but asking permission to co see him.
Such was the influence of strength.
"Sure. Let him co,"
Guts replied with a lazy wave.
The Hyuga ninja bowed again and left silently.
Kurenai smirked.
"Even the Hyuga patriarch has to ask before visiting. Your respect level's going through the roof."
Guts grinned.
"I don't care much for respect but if it makes life easier, I won't complain."
Before he could lean in and kiss Kurenai, a familiar voice rang out.
"Guts! Tsunade-sama requests your presence at the conference hall imdiately!"
It was Shizune, breathless as always.
Guts let Kurenai go, unhooked Anko from his shoulders, and sighed.
"Alright. Let's go."
When Guts arrived at the Hokage's conference hall, the room was already filled.
Minato, Yuhi Shinku, Uchiha Fugaku, Nara Shikaku, and several others were seated.
One seat, however, was conspicuously empty.
"Orochimaru's absent again"
Guts noted, glancing toward the missing chair.
Tsunade sighed.
"He's getting more withdrawn. Honestly, I don't even know what he's up to anymore. But forget him, we've got more important things to discuss."
She didn't waste ti. No long speeches, no philosophical tangents like the old man Hiruzen.
"Cloud Shinobi just sent us a formal request to form an alliance. Thoughts?"
Minato spoke first.
"They've made significant progress. After Killer Bee, they managed to produce another perfect Jinchūriki, Yugito Nii of the Two Tails."
Two perfect Jinchūriki.
Not to be taken lightly.
(In the ani, Yugito Nii lost to Hidan—likely because she didn't understand his immortality or curse technique.)
Soon, the room broke into a heated debate.
So advocated for the alliance. After all, Cloud was second only to Konoha in military power.
Others were adamantly against it.
"Have we already forgotten the number of tis they've betrayed us?"
"They're not trustworthy."
Konoha's leadership was divided.
But unlike the ani, where the village was still recovering from Minato's death, an absent Jiraiya, a shady Orochimaru, and a tired Hiruzen, this Konoha had Guts and Tsunade.
Stronger. Unified. Fearless.
Tsunade raised a hand.
"Enough. We'll settle this with a vote. Those in favor of the alliance...raise your hand."
Roughly half the room responded.
But one hand stood out more than the rest.
Guts.
The sa Guts who once killed the Third Raikage in battle.
People stared in shock.
He simply shrugged.
'I just wanna see if they'll try the sa tricks like they did in the ani.' Guts thought with a grin.
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