Time truly flies.
Four years have passed since Chinya left Konoha.
Uzumaki Sōnagi is now 11 years old, nearly turning 12.
He's only a month younger than Naruto Uzumaki, meaning Naruto also approaches his 12th birthday. His graduation from the Ninja Academy draws near as well.
That means everything is about to finally begin.
A lot has changed over these four years—some developments expected by Chinya, others completely unforeseen.
Under Yahiko's tireless efforts, Otogakure has prospered. Plans for a Ninja Academy and a Ninja Hospital have not only been completed but are already in operation.
With everyone working together, Otogakure has built its own set of rules and systems to keep things running smoothly.
Now, Otogakure is fast becoming one of the strongest ninja villages outside the Five Great Ninja Villages.
Since Rice Country borders Land of Fire, Hiruzen Sarutobi actually sent envoys to negotiate cooperation with Otogakure.
Money talks, so naturally Yahiko accepted. A deal was struck.
The Sound Ninja Five still exist—but no, they should now be called the Sound Ninja Seven.
Uzumaki Sōnagi leads the group, while Kimimaro Kaguya serves as second-in-command.
Kidomaru, Jirobo, Tayuya, and the twins Sakon and Ukon remain members, joined now by a new addition—Jugo.
Through Orochimaru's research, Kimimaro Kaguya's inherited illness has been completely cured.
As for Jugo's issue of unintentionally absorbing excessive natural energy, leading to uncontrollable berserker states, Orochimaru, drawing upon Chinya's Sage Mode research, developed an inhibitor.
This device can suppress Jugo's body from over-absorbing natural energy, thereby preventing any potential outbursts.
However, this remains a temporary fix; finding a permanent solution requires ongoing study.
After all, Orochimaru can only do so much alone.
Although Kabuto Yakushi acts as his right-hand man, some research tasks still exceed Kabuto's capabilities independently.
Orochimaru managed to develop the Cursed Seal based on Jugo's unique condition.
With highly advanced technology, he further refined the seal.
Now, Orochimaru's improved version of the Cursed Seal lacks the former distinction between Cursed Seal of Heaven and Cursed Seal of Earth. He named it the "[Cursed Seal of Heaven and Earth]."
Previously, the side effects were severe. The original cursed seal forcibly drew power regardless of physical limits, causing heavy damage to users—an undeniably double-edged sword.
Transitioning from Stage One to Stage Two required enduring what was called the "Death Phase."
While not actual death, users endured pain comparable to dying; mistakes could lead to real death.
The risks were massive.
Now, however, the Heaven and Earth Cursed Seal features two stages without needing the Death Phase. A second injection achieves transition into Stage Two.
Among the Sound Seven, all except Uzumaki Sōnagi received Orochimaru's "[Cursed Seal of Heaven and Earth]."
Since Uzumaki Sōnagi will definitely go to Ryuchi Cave in the future to learn Sage Mode, there's absolutely no need for the Cursed Seal of Heaven.
The official members of Akatsuki haven't changed, but the number of alternative members keeps increasing.
For example, Yakushi Kabuto, Kaguya Kimimaro, Jugo, and others are all alternative members of Akatsuki, though their current strength is still insufficient to join the organization directly.
These mentioned above are just from Otogakure. As for those in Konoha, such as Kakashi, once he leaves Konoha, he'll definitely join Akatsuki immediately.
Neji Hyuga is also an alternative member. As for Naruto Uzumaki, since his future decisions remain uncertain and he doesn't even know about Akatsuki yet, Naruto hasn't been counted in.
Once these individuals grow stronger, Akatsuki's power will skyrocket.
Next comes the situation regarding Akatsuki.
Their reputation has become well-known even in the Underworld.
According to various intelligence reports, Akatsuki has already begun investigating the Tailed Beasts beyond the Five Great Nations.
Within Akatsuki, a replacement for Orochimaru's vacant position has been added—a man named Jigen.
Something about this name felt familiar to Chinya, yet he couldn't recall exactly who this person was.
Chinya had conducted a focused investigation into this "Jigen," but didn't manage to obtain any useful intelligence.
Therefore, he planned to ask Zetsu or Obito Uchiha about Jigen next time he came into contact with either of them.
As for Konoha,
Konoha had gradually recovered after several years of stability.
Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi thought things were finally looking up, troubling news came in.
Minato Namikaze—who had been in a coma for several years—was showing fluctuations on the monitoring instruments.
Minato Namikaze might soon awaken.
The moment he got the news, Hiruzen Sarutobi dropped everything and hurried straight to the hidden chamber where Minato Namikaze lay resting.
Looking at the slightly fluctuating monitor screen, Sarutobi gravely asked the medical ninja beside him, "You say there's a good chance Minato will awaken. How high is the probability?"
The medical ninja replied, "His condition is getting better every day. At present, the chances of the Fourth awakening should be over fifty percent."
"What about the timing? Can you estimate when?"
"We cannot determine the exact time yet. The Fourth could wake up anytime now. If his recovery continues progressing like this, then I believe he'll definitely awaken within a year at most!"
The medical ninja spoke with great excitement because, from their perspective, Minato Namikaze's revival was undoubtedly great news for Konoha.
However, right now, Hiruzen's expression was heavy and his face looked rather grim.
Because Minato Namikaze's awakening wouldn't be a good thing for Hiruzen Sarutobi.
First, once Minato awakened, logically speaking, the Hokage position would have to be transferred back to Minato Namikaze.
Second, how should he explain Uzumaki Miyuki's betrayal to Minato?
Thirdly, there's the matter concerning Naruto Uzumaki.
If Minato ever learned about everything Naruto went through in Konoha during these years, Hiruzen wasn't sure how he'd react.
Perhaps... Minato Namikaze might come to hate Konoha as well.
Minato could awaken at any moment—even in the worst case, it wouldn't take longer than a year. Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi had to start seriously considering this matter.
The Ninja Academy had just let out for the day.
When Naruto Uzumaki returned home, he found Hiruzen Sarutobi already waiting inside his house.
Ever since Chinya left Konoha, Hiruzen's visits had become less frequent—no more than three times a month at most, and always at times when he knew Naruto would be home.
And only five days had passed since their last meeting.
So Naruto found it strange that Hiruzen was already here at his house, waiting for him indoors.
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