Night fell slowly across the desert horizon.
Gaara had returned to Sunagakure alive, and the entire village erupted in celebration—despite the late hour.
But even amidst the joyous return of their Kazekage, the people held a solemn state funeral for Elder Chiyo, who had sacrificed her life for Gaara's resurrection.
By the next morning, the Konoha delegation was preparing for their return ho.
Once again, the light of the "Ashura Protagonist Aura" began to shine.
As Gaara, still weak and recovering, stood surrounded by Sunagakure's highest officials, he reached out to Naruto—forming a powerful symbol of lasting peace between their two villages.
At least, for as long as the two of them lived.
"I see the dawn of peace," Kakashi said quietly, a rare warmth in his voice.
"…Until they die, that is," Guts muttered without missing a beat.
Kakashi turned to him with his trademark deadpan stare. "…Really? Can't you let us have one emotional mont?"
But Guts didn't reply. He simply looked ahead, as if already seeing the next threat on the horizon.
Because of Kushina's current condition and the absence of imdiate threats, the group traveled at a relaxed pace.
Later that day, while Naruto was distracted, Kakashi pulled Kushina aside.
"Kushina-sama… please be careful. Akatsuki is actively targeting the Tailed Beasts."
His voice was low but filled with concern.
Gaara had survived only through a miracle. They couldn't count on another one.
Especially not for soone like Kushina, who currently lacked the strength to fight.
But Kushina rely smiled and said gently, "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
Three days later, the group returned to Konoha.
They were welcod at the gates by none other than Namikaze Minato himself. After a brief exchange, Guts handed him a sealed scroll containing updated intel on Akatsuki.
Inside was detailed information: their current actions, mbers, jutsu, and most importantly, their plan to collect the Tailed Beasts.
If the shinobi world had known all of this earlier—perhaps even soone like Asuma wouldn't have died in the original tiline.
But now, that scenario no longer mattered.
"Since they're targeting the Tailed Beasts, it's only a matter of ti before they co for Kushina," Minato said seriously.
"Guts, I think we should warn our allies—send word to Iwagakure and Kirigakure imdiately."
Currently, Iwagakure held the Five Tails, and Kirigakure the Three Tails.
Both the Four Tails Jinchūriki, Roshi, and the Six Tails' Utakata had long since defected during the chaos under Onoki and the Bloody Mist era.
"Even with that warning, I doubt they'll be able to stop Akatsuki," Guts replied, voice steady.
Kirigakure had strength, sure but nothing that could truly stand against the top Akatsuki mbers.
As for Iwagakure, their only Kage-level fighter was Kurotsuchi, and she had only just stepped over that threshold.
"Minato," Guts continued. "Assign Anbu to track down the Six Tails Jinchūriki."
Minato's face changed slightly. He unrolled the scroll again to confirm the intelligence.
"You think they're sending their leader after him…?"
"That's right."
Guts grinned faintly.
"Take him out, and everything becos easier."
He didn't hate Nagato. In fact, he understood him.
But sympathy didn't change the fact: the Rinnegan needed to be destroyed.
If Madara couldn't obtain the Rinnegan, there would be no Moon's Eye Plan. No Infinite Tsukuyomi. No resurrection.
That was the simplest and most effective solution.
Even if it ant fighting a Rinnegan-wielding Madara, Guts was ready. After all, he'd just beco another stepping stone—another progress point in Guts's evolving Template Character.
"As expected from you," Minato muttered, nodding solemnly. "I'll have the Anbu begin surveillance right away."
He looked down at the scroll once more, exhaling.
"To think Akatsuki even possesses the Rinnegan now… If we don't act soon, this will spiral into disaster."
After leaving the Hokage's office, Guts stepped outside to find Hinata and Hanabi waiting patiently at the entrance.
With a lazy grin, he flicked Hinata's nose, making her cheeks flush pink.
Then he turned to Hanabi.
"You're being awfully well-behaved. What is it? Want so pocket money?"
Hanabi's eyes twitched with fury. She clenched her fists, trembling slightly.
This man—this damn man!
Every ti she worked up the courage to act a little more kindly toward him, he went and said sothing like that.
Is that really the image he has of ?!
"Hmph!"
With a loud scoff, Hanabi yanked his sleeve down sharply, glared at him with puffed cheeks, then turned and stord off.
Hinata lingered behind, watching her sister leave. She turned back to Guts, her voice soft but serious.
"Sensei… Hanabi really does like you. Please don't tease her so much."
It had taken a lot of courage for Hinata to say those words.
But Guts only smirked.
"Oh? So now you're blaming ?"
"N-No! That's not what I ant!"
Hinata waved her hands quickly, flustered. But Guts simply gave a mischievous grin and reached forward to pinch her cheek.
"You're too honest, Hinata. You make this too easy."
"Mmm! Guts-sensei… that's too much…"
Hinata's face turned deep red, practically lting into the front of her robe, which strained ever so slightly from her... more generous proportions.
After returning from Sunagakure, there was news from Konoha's intelligence division.
Sai, forrly of ROOT—now officially part of Team 7 after Danzo's death—had brought back a report from ANBU.
They had discovered one of Orochimaru's abandoned laboratories.
In the original tiline, it was Sasori who had revealed this information to Sakura and Chiyo. But since that battle never occurred here, things had shifted.
Still, they didn't expect ANBU to uncover the base so soon.
Without delay, the new Team 7, under Kakashi's lead, was dispatched to investigate Sasuke's whereabouts.
But Guts?
He had no interest in Sasuke at all.
Until the Anbu returned with information about the Six Tails, he returned to his personal training ground...the virtual space to continue his evolution.
anwhile, Minato sent word to both Iwagakure and Kirigakure, alerting them to Akatsuki's intentions.
And during those days of preparation and calm, the two Hyuga sisters stayed close by Guts's side.
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