The Lamp God had always taken a pessimistic view of the Sage of the Six Paths—and for good reason.
In the original timeline, the Sage only took direct action after Obito and Madara revealed their ambitions, and after both Naruto and Sasuke had already been defeated.
From that, one could infer something important: the Sage wouldn't interfere until someone truly threatened the balance of the ninja world or its core secrets. But once that threshold was crossed, he would act immediately—and decisively.
This showed that the old man wasn't as passive as he liked to pretend. He could be very active when his interests were on the line.
As for Hidan's position in all this? Even the Lamp God wasn't entirely sure.
The reality was, Hidan's beliefs had genuinely shifted. That could mean nothing… or everything.
If it was the latter, and it drew the Sage's attention, then the cost of dealing with a Ten-Tails Jinchūriki would still be worth it—but crushing Orochimaru would be effortless in comparison.
Just one swing of the Truth-Seeking Orbs—and there would be nothing left of him.
Orochimaru clicked his tongue and muttered, "I underestimated Hidan... I was too focused on turning him into a useful subject."
He hadn't considered the potential consequences of tampering with someone who might be connected to the Ōtsutsuki legacy.
"Relax," said the Lamp God, half-joking. "Worst case, you die."
He grinned. "If that happens, I'll be waiting for you in the Pure Land. It'll be like coming home. Who knows—maybe you'll find a new path to eternal life there."
Orochimaru paused, then chuckled. "That's a bit too nihilistic, even for me."
He preferred to move on his own terms, not be pushed by fear or fate.
"…Looks like I need to accelerate the plan."
With that, he looked up at the starlit sky and vanished into the night.
---
Elsewhere…
"What? Kirigakure's bloodline clans?!"
Mifune slammed down the report he had been reading and stood up, his face pale with disbelief.
Samurai Shousuke leaned in over his shoulder, eyes wide. "That can't be true…"
But the report was clear: in the past two weeks, the remnants of Kirigakure's bloodline clans—led by the Yuki clan—had taken root in the Land of Iron. After quickly suppressing local resistance, they had gained control of several territories.
And it didn't stop there.
More and more people were migrating from the Land of Water. Not just ninja, but ordinary civilians as well.
If this continued, it wouldn't be long before the samurai stronghold of the Iron Country was completely overrun—its identity erased.
"This is impossible," Shousuke growled. "Why would Kusagakure allow this? Aren't they worried those ninja will rebel?!"
He stormed over to the white-haired young man holding the report—Kakashi—and grabbed his collar.
"You're lying!"
Kakashi, calm as ever, simply wiped a bit of spit from his cheek. He didn't resist. He understood the samurai's frustration. If Konoha had been destroyed, and enemies now ruled its streets, would he react any better?
What made things worse was Kusagakure's smart governance. They had sent administrators to support the bloodline clans' military power and introduced soft policies to appease the local populace.
For civilians without protection or power, it made sense to cooperate.
In this war-torn world, only a few clung to lofty ideals of loyalty or patriotism. Most commoners—especially in small countries—just wanted to survive.
Right now, many residents of the Iron Country were still hesitant. Perhaps because Kusagakure had never been a major power, and people doubted their stability.
But give it time… and that doubt would fade.
Kakashi spoke flatly, "The evac team escorting the last samurai remnants should return within the next two days. Ask them yourselves."
Shousuke's face contorted again, shifting between rage and despair. Just as he was about to explode, another samurai pulled him away.
Slumping into a chair, Shousuke let go of Kakashi's collar and fell into a brooding silence.
Meanwhile, Mifune re-read the intel over and over, his frown deepening.
He had assumed Kusagakure was just another minor nation. Even if they had acquired a tailed beast or some hidden weapon, it wouldn't last.
But now… it seemed they weren't just surviving. They were thriving.
Unlike the Iron Country, which was closed off and traditional, Kusagakure had adapted to its circumstances. Surrounded by larger nations, it had learned how to maneuver, govern, and grow.
If this continued, the samurai would become obsolete.
Mifune might still have money, but if the people turned against him, gold would be useless.
Resolved, he looked at Kakashi and said gravely, "I need to speak with the Third Hokage."
---
In Konoha – the Hokage's Office
After hearing Mifune's request, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a long puff from his pipe and exhaled slowly.
"I understand your concern, Mifune. But right now, Konoha doesn't have the resources to get involved."
Mifune frowned. "That's hard to believe. With your strength…"
Though Konoha had taken a hit during the Nine-Tails attack, it still had elite powerhouses. With Jiraiya and Tsunade now back, the village's high-end combat strength had been restored.
Each of the "Three Sannin" could match a tailed beast in battle. Orochimaru, in particular, might even surpass that.
Even if Kusagakure possessed the mythical Box of Ultimate Bliss, they weren't on Konoha's level.
But Hiruzen shook his head. "A tall tree catches the wind. Kusagakure is not our only concern."
He handed Mifune a new file.
"This is the latest intelligence from across the ninja world."
Mifune flipped it open—and his face immediately changed.
"What?! Takigakure has joined Kusagakure?"
He was stunned.
"How could they? Wouldn't Kumogakure object?"
Hiruzen's expression didn't change. "Keep reading."
Mifune read further, and his face darkened.
The Land of Grass, the Land of Waterfalls, and now the Land of Iron and the Land of Hot Water were all aligning. Militarily and economically, they were sharing resources and coordinating policies.
Takigakure's leaders had even sent liaisons to support Kusagakure's management.
It wasn't treason for them—it was a way to survive and even thrive, especially after years of decline.
As for the Land of Lightning, they had agreed to this alliance only because Kusagakure had outright severed diplomatic ties with the Land of Fire. It looked like they were ready to oppose Konoha directly.
_____________________
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