That little interruption left both Naruto and Jiraiya momentarily speechless. This system really was something else.
Of course, the two of them weren't quite foolish enough to panic just yet...
What kind of foolishness? Well, just look at Uchiha Madara and you'll understand.
As for Hashirama... well, let's not blame him. It's just his nature.
Jiraiya said a lot while staring hard at Naruto, who still sat on his hospital bed, downcast and staring at the sheets.
His conversation with Sakura earlier had only deepened his self-doubt.
"You're not just any kid. You've got the Nine Tails sealed inside you. That makes you a direct target of the Akatsuki."
"That's just how things are."
"One day, you'll have to face enemies even more troublesome than Orochimaru."
Jiraiya's tone grew serious as he continued.
"Even a fool... well, sometimes only a true fool can pull off something incredible."
And with that, Jiraiya leapt from the balcony onto the massive toad waiting below.
Of course, it's not that I don't want to write the toad's name. It's just... I totally didn't forget to look it up!
"Once you're discharged, be ready. You big fool!"
"Later!"
Those words left behind a spark of hope in Naruto's heart. A reason to grow stronger. A reason to bring Sasuke back.
"Yeah!" Naruto shouted in reply, eyes blazing as he watched Jiraiya vanish.
With the Sasuke retrieval squad safely returned to the village, the clan heads of Konoha finally let out a breath of relief.
Every child was the future of the Leaf.
And none were more injured than Neji and Naruto...
The Three Kage who had stirred up trouble also backed down, and the Sand Village began to reevaluate their next Kazekage: Gaara.
Just like that, the shinobi world settled down from the chaos as the first night of the system's arrival began.
Well, except the Akatsuki. They were still scheming.
The rest of the villages? They were all scrambling to figure out how to earn more gold.
...
The countermeasures discussed in the Pure Land were now being implemented in the real world.
Shortly after, Tsunade arrived to check on Naruto's condition.
The entire shinobi world was bracing for tomorrow.
But on the second day, due to the exhaustion from yesterday's activity in the Pure Land, most shinobi across the villages except those on patrol or rotation were still deep in sleep, dreaming of their ideal futures.
Then, suddenly...
Ding! It's 8 AM! Good morning! Livestream has begun!
???
What the hell? Didn't you say 9 AM? You show up now without a single warning?
The chat group was dead silent. It seemed like everyone had grown used to waiting for Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju to open the conversation...
But today, the two said nothing.
Fourth Raikage: Huh? Why haven't Hashirama or Madara said anything yet?
Onoki: You didn't check the group chat last night, did you?
Mei Terumi: ...
Uchiha Izuna: My brother says once the mute wears off, he's going to kill you.
Tobirama Senju: My brother wants to say the same, but I've got him pinned. There's no way he's pinning me, of course... Agh!
Rasa: Sometimes those closest are the most deluded, Second Hokage. If you hadn't tried to explain it, I might've believed you. So Madara's not going to beat me up now?
Uchiha Izuna: ...He said he's too lazy to come after you, but once he's resurrected, he's going after your son first. Might as well use some time to deal with him early.
Gaara: I'm touched. So touched I could cry. If I get another chance to visit the Pure Land, I'm going to beat the hell out of Rasa!
Rasa: Cough cough... Son, let's talk this out, okay?
Karura: Talk? Like hell. If your son wants to beat you up, are you going to stop him?
Rasa: ...
Fourth Raikage: Another man ruled by his wife. I'm telling you, women are nothing but trouble.
Uchiha Izuna: My brother says you're right for once. He won't hit you now.
Tobirama Senju: My brother says the same. He begged me to say it. I had no choice... Ah damn it, brother, not so rough!
Uzumaki Mito: Don't misunderstand. I'm right here. Nothing happened.
Rasa: ...
Fourth Raikage: ...
Onoki: ...
Mei Terumi: ...
Tsunade: Grandpa, Great-Uncle, could you two calm down a little? The Senju Clan has produced three Hokage. Can we not embarrass ourselves for once?
Ding! Today's video has been selected: "Akatsuki's Three-Tails Capture Mission"!
The Akatsuki were stunned. What the hell?
They had only just ordered their members to act early, and now the footage was being broadcast?
Meanwhile, the Five Great Shinobi Villages all stared at the massive screen.
This was their first real chance to observe Akatsuki's true strength. In the earlier scenes from the Fourth Great War, only Uchiha Madara had appeared.
(Quick note: The reason Deidara didn't react to Tobi's identity is because Tobi had joined Akatsuki using the "Tobi" persona after Sasori's death. I'm terrified of being flamed by Cloud readers again...)
Tobi still lurked deep within Akatsuki's shadows. His eyes flickered with cold light.
Damn you, system.
You're clearly just here to mess with me.
Video Footage:
In the eerie green forest, Deidara walked silently, eyes closed in frustration.
He was clearly trying to suppress his growing rage as he made his way to the mission site.
Onoki: That ungrateful brat!
Deidara: What the hell, old man, you calling me out?
Onoki: You got a problem? Call me Master! What's this "old man" nonsense?!
Deidara: Fine, Master...
Video Footage:
The screen zoomed out to show Deidara's full outfit: black cloak adorned with red clouds.
Onoki: You know what? Just call me old man.
Deidara: Why though, Master?
Onoki: Don't call me Master! I have no such disciple!
Deidara: Alright then, how about... Disciple of yours?
Onoki: Get lost!
Seeing the red cloud cloak draped over Deidara, Onoki was stunned.
You brat... of all the things you could have done...
You chose to join Akatsuki?
And now that Akatsuki has declared war on the ninja world, you expect me to play along?
Video Footage:
"Head hidden, tail exposed~" A figure shimmied behind a tree, shaking his hips dramatically.
Deidara looked utterly exasperated. Why did the organization pair him with this clown?
Tobi, realizing Deidara wasn't reacting, quickly danced over to him and struck a pose.
"I'm a high school girl who loves senpai~" he cooed, pointing at his mask with a high-pitched tone.
Onoki: Isn't that the one who declared war on us?
Fourth Raikage: Good grief. Is this really the same person?
Mei Terumi: So Uchiha Madara really never died. He just put on a mask and used a new name?
Rasa: Then the one who started the Fourth Great Ninja War... was Madara?
Tobirama Senju: My brother says... Madara! How could you act so... dainty?!
Uchiha Izuna: My brother says that's nonsense. That guy in the video isn't him. Also, my brother is literally right beside me. Yep... very much dead.
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All chapters have now been revised. Apologies for the earlier interruptions, and thank you for your continued support! If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to drop a review and throw in a power stone to help fuel more exciting chapters ahead!