After ending the communication, Kōshin frowned, deep in thought. He hadn't expected a plan with only a five percent success rate to actually work. It had been nearly 30 years since he found himself in this chaotic world. After unifying the ninja world, Kōshin realized they needed a way to counter the Ōtsutsuki clan that lurked in the depths of the universe. He devised a bold plan: plunder the resources of parallel universes and use them to grow stronger — strong enough to rival the gods of the Ōtsutsuki.
To achieve this, he had sent ten teams into the Dragon Vein. So far, only Team No. 1 had successfully made contact.
"Inform Orochimaru and tell him to begin preparations for a dimensional portal. The existence of the parallel universe has been confirmed," Kōshin ordered a figure concealed in the shadows.
After the communication ended, Kenashi sighed. Aware of his companions' conflicting thoughts, he placed a hand on Shizui's shoulder.
"Let's move out. We need to investigate whether an empire exists in this world," he said firmly.
Shizui nodded, his expression torn, while Orito's excitement was palpable.
"I wonder what this world is like. Just thinking about it makes me excited!" Orito exclaimed.
As the trio left the ruins, Jiraiya, who had been hiding in the darkness, cautiously peered out.
Another ninja world... An entity called the Empire... And an Emperor who knew the name Kakashi? And Kenashi — that name is too similar to Kakashi. His mind spun with questions. These three were dangerous, their chakra levels rivaling Kage-level shinobi. Following them too closely was risky, but the Hokage needed to be informed.
Jiraiya summoned a small toad, whispered his instructions, and slipped a note into its mouth. With a burst of smoke, the toad vanished. Jiraiya resumed his pursuit.
In the Hokage Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen paused when he heard the announcement.
"Lord Hokage, a toad from Mount Myōboku requests an audience."
Given Jiraiya's ties to the toads, this meant serious business.
"Bring it in," he ordered.
The toad hopped forward, no larger than two fists, and handed over a wax-sealed message.
"Lord Jiraiya asked me to deliver this," it said.
Hiruzen broke the seal and read the note. His eyes widened.
Another world? An empire? Three Kage-level intruders? And the Land of Fire might be their target? He almost dismissed it as one of Jiraiya's wild stories.
"Are you sure Jiraiya wasn't drunk?" he asked skeptically.
The toad shook its head.
"Lord Jiraiya was serious. He wouldn't send false information through Mount Myōboku."
Hiruzen sighed. Eccentric as Jiraiya was, he could be trusted when it mattered.
"Thank you," he said, dismissing the toad.
Turning to the shadows, he ordered, "Summon the council. We need to discuss this immediately."
Meanwhile, Kenashi, Shizui, and Orito, now disguised, easily infiltrated the Land of Fire. Their skills as Kage-level shinobi made intelligence gathering effortless. Within half a day, they understood this world's situation. In a tavern, Orito clenched his fists.
"Three ninja wars in just 60 years? This insults everything His Majesty the Emperor stands for!"
Shizui sighed.
"Don't forget, our world was like this once. It's only been peaceful for 20 years."
"Then where's Kōshin in this world?" Orito asked.
Kenashi's eyes were cold.
"If the world isn't unified, it means the one who should've brought peace never appeared. This world is flawed and needs correction."
The ninja village system still existed here — a system their world discarded long ago.
"Only unification brings true peace," Kenashi declared.
Orito nodded, but Shizui's silence spoke volumes. His heart was heavy with doubt.
"We'll split up," Kenashi decided. "Shizui, you gather more intel. Orito and I will collect materials for the portal."
Shizui agreed; he wanted to understand this world better. The three parted ways.
From his hiding spot, Jiraiya frowned. Who should I follow? Making a quick decision, he created a shadow clone.
"Follow those two. Stay hidden," he whispered.
The clone nodded and disappeared. Jiraiya followed Shizui. From what he'd observed, Shizui seemed the most conflicted, the most approachable. Kenashi was sharp, and Orito seemed rash, but Shizui might be an ally.
"Let's see where this goes," Jiraiya muttered, slipping deeper into the shadows.