HIDDEN LEAF VILLAGE – MAIN GATES – Morning
The sky brightens in soft shades of orange and gold, dispelling the darkness of night. The sound of heavy footsteps on the dirt road announces the arrival of three figures. Jin-Woo, clad in a dark cloak and sharp gaze, carries the unconscious body of Gaara in his arms. Beside him walks Jiraiya, silent but alert.
As they pass through the great gates of the Leaf Village, Jin-Woo slows down, observing his surroundings.
Children run through narrow stone streets, laughing and shouting. Merchants set up their stalls, selling fresh fruits, traditional sweets, ninja tools. Elderly people chat on benches. The contrast with the Rain Village, silent and tense, is brutal. Here there is life. Rhythm. Hope.
Jiraiya notices Jin-Woo's curious gaze and decides to speak:
JIRAIYA
— This is Konoha.
— A place forged in blood, but maintained by bonds.
— No matter if we're at war or peace, the people of this village always find a way to keep going...
(pause)
— That's what we fight to protect. Not the buildings. But them.
Jin-Woo doesn't reply. But his gaze softens — for a moment, he seems to absorb the feeling behind the words.
VILLAGE GUARDS quickly appear on the walls and streets. Several ANBU emerge from the shadows. The air tenses. All eyes are on the hooded stranger carrying the Kazekage. Hands subtly move to holsters.
GUARD(shouting)
— Jiraiya-sama?! Who is that man? And... is that the Kazekage?!
JIRAIYA(loud and firmly)
— He's with me.
— The Kazekage was rescued from an Akatsuki attack. We need immediate medical attention!
Shock spreads through the entrance. Ninjas run into the village, some toward the hospital, others to alert Tsunade. A crowd forms — all staring at the stranger beside the legendary Sannin.
MURMURS echo:
— Who is he?
— He's with Jiraiya-sama?
— The Kazekage... he looks unconscious!
Jin-Woo remains silent, merely observing. But his eyes already scan the village, registering positions, presences, patterns.
He doesn't trust anyone. But something in this place... pulses differently.
KONOHAGAKURE – HOKAGE TOWER – HOKAGE'S OFFICE – MORNING
TSUNADE sits behind her desk, expression firm, but her furrowed brow reveals tension. In front of her, a delegation from the Hidden Sand Village: three ninjas led by Baki, all with grim faces.
BAKI
— Hokage-sama, we lost contact with the Kazekage less than twenty-four hours ago.
— Everything indicates he was captured.
— We believe the culprits were members of the Akatsuki.
TSUNADE
— So the worst- case scenario is confirmed...
Beside her, KAKASHI, arms crossed, watches silently, pondering the implications. NARUTO clenches his fists with restrained anger. SAKURA bites her lower lip, worried.
NARUTO
— Gaara... They took Gaara?
SAKURA
— Damn it... it can't be.
TSUNADE(firm but harsh)
— You acted quickly by coming here. We'll mobilize a search squad
.— Konoha won't let this go unnoticed.
Two ANBU appear swiftly.
ANBU 1
— Tsunade-sama! We need you immediately at the village gate!
TSUNADE
— What is it now?
ANBU 2
— Jiraiya-sama has arrived!
(dramatic pause)
— And... he's accompanied by the Kazekage. Alive!
A HEAVY SILENCE FALLS OVER THE ROOM. All exchange astonished glances.
NARUTO
— What?!
KAKASHI
— That... doesn't make sense. They said he was captured.
SAKURA
— Who... who saved him then?
TSUNADE(rising immediately)
— We'll find out now.
BAKI and Temari, stunned, follow.
They all leave the room in a rush, the sound of sandals echoing through the corridors.
ROOT'S SECRET BASE – UNDERGROUND HIDEOUT – KONOHAGAKURE – MOMENTS LATER
The light is scarce, the underground cavern lit by torches placed with precision. The sound of footsteps echoes through the cold, damp tunnels. Two ROOT ANBU, faces hidden by emotionless masks, enter with reverence into the presence of DANZO SHIMURA, who sits calmly, shrouded in shadows, his cane resting beside him.
ANBU 1 (Root)
— Danzo-sama... an unexpected event has occurred.
DANZO(not moving)
— Speak.
ANBU 2 (Root)
— Jiraiya returned to the village just minutes ago.
— He's not alone. He brought the Kazekage... and a stranger.
DANZO(leaning slightly forward)
— The Kazekage? He was presumed missing.
ANBU 1
— Yes, sir. But the most concerning part is the man who brought him.
— Tall, dark garments, intimidating presence. He's not from any known village.
DANZO
— ...
ANBU 2
— Our men observed him. He carries something strange...
— Chakra almost imperceptible... but the air around him... vibrates.
— As if death itself follows him.
DANZO
— Hmph... another destabilizing factor.
— As if the Akatsuki weren't enough.
He rises slowly, leaning on his cane.
DANZO (cont.)
— I want eyes on him. Now.
— Wherever he goes, wherever he steps... I want reports.
ANBU 1— Yes, sir.
DANZO
— If he's a threat, he will be eliminated.
— If he's a resource... he will be absorbed.
He turns, walking slowly into the deeper darkness of the hideout.
DANZO (voice fading)
— Nothing... not even Jiraiya... will escape my control.