Chapter 75: The Problematic Children of Each Village

If using the Birth of the Trees once is the masked man's limit, then Onoki has nothing to worry about.

Still, knowing that the masked man and his group aim to capture tailed beasts, Onoki decided to play it safe and recall his Jinchuriki.

"Send someone to bring back the Four-Tails and Five-Tails."

"Cancel their missions and have them return to the village to avoid being captured by those mysterious individuals."

After giving the order, Onoki casually tossed the intelligence report onto the desk.

Although the Four-Tails and Five-Tails were not entirely obedient to him, Onoki still had to act as the Tsuchikage.

"Grandpa."

"Grandpa."

"Deidara is blowing things up again."

Eight-year-old Kurotsuchi ran into the office, shouting at Onoki.

Just as she finished speaking, an explosion echoed through Iwagakure.

"What?"

"Where is Akatsuchi? Why isn't he stopping Deidara?"

Onoki was shocked and quickly asked.

"Big brother Akatsuchi went for training today."

Kurotsuchi avoided Onoki's spittle and answered softly.

As soon as she finished, another series of explosions rang out.

"Deidara, you brat!"

"I'll teach you a lesson today."

Fuming, Onoki flew out of the office towards the explosion site.

"Grandpa, wait for me!"

Kurotsuchi yelled, eager to watch the commotion.

"Hmm!"

"Art is an explosion!"

"Ha!"

Boom~

In the village square, Deidara made a dramatic statement, then formed a seal, successfully blowing up the statue of the Third Tsuchikage.

"Deidara, you dare blow up my statue!"

"You're asking for it!"

Seeing his statue destroyed, Onoki flew into a rage.

"Oh no, time to run..."

Deidara quickly threw out a clay bird.

As it transformed into a large bird with a "poof," he jumped on and fled.

"Let's see where you run!"

Onoki gave chase immediately.

"Huff, huff~"

"Wait for me."

Kurotsuchi finally reached the square, seeing the two figures flying further away. She stopped, pouting.

"Just because you can fly doesn't mean you're so great!"

"Ugh..."

...

Land of Wind.

Sunagakure, Kazekage's Office.

The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, threw the intelligence report on the desk, indifferent to the reappearance of the Birth of the Trees.

The Land of Wind was a desert country with a harsh, arid climate where Wood Release would be less effective.

Moreover, Rasa welcomed anyone who could bring the Birth of the Trees here.

Maybe it would create a new oasis.

Free tree planting services were always welcome.

"Kazekage-sama."

"Young Lord Gaara caused another incident."

"A person was injured."

An ANBU member appeared in Rasa's office, reporting the incident.

Hearing this, Rasa frowned deeply.

Gaara's birth had caused the death of his wife, Karura, making Rasa deeply dislike and even resent Gaara.

"Send Baki to handle it."

Rasa waved a hand, continuing to review the intelligence.

Although he wasn't concerned about the reappearance of the Birth of the Trees, he had to be wary of the organization behind the masked man targeting tailed beasts.

"Yes."

The ANBU member acknowledged and disappeared.

In Sunagakure.

Gaara walked alone through the streets.

Wherever he went, people fled in terror as if he were a monster.

This made Gaara's gaze even colder.

"Gaara, let's go back..."

Temari and Kankuro approached Gaara, trying to bring him back.

But Gaara ignored them, holding his small teddy bear and walking away.

"Gaara..."

Seeing her brother leave, Temari felt a pang of sadness.

Since Yashamaru's death, Gaara had become increasingly distant and cold.

...

Konohagakure.

Led by Shishou, Ino Yamanaka, and Hinata Hyuga, a group outing and picnic event was underway.

As members of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi had to participate.

Choji was thrilled at the prospect of barbecue, almost impatient.

Shikamaru, who found it troublesome, couldn't refuse Ino's request.

Next were Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame.

One was Shishou's brother, and the other had a good relationship with him.

Naturally, they were invited.

Lastly were Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.

Naruto and Sasuke were invited by Shishou.

Naruto had a great relationship with Shishou, making his invitation a given.

Sasuke, on the other hand, agreed after Shishou promised to teach him training techniques.

To become stronger, Sasuke was willing to do anything.

Shishou often took Mikoto Uchiha to secretly visit Sasuke, strengthening their bond and enhancing their Sharingan's power.

Shishou also had a close relationship with Mikoto.

He hoped to strengthen his connection with Sasuke as well.

Sakura was invited by Ino, and upon hearing that Sasuke would attend, she eagerly accepted.

With Ino no longer competing for Sasuke's attention, their relationship had improved.

As for Sakura, Shishou had no particular feelings.

He preferred her post-marriage character.

Moreover, since none of the original events had occurred yet, Shishou had no reason to dislike her.

That wouldn't be in line with his character.

"Narutomaki, can we buy some Narutomaki?"

Naruto pointed at a fish cake.

In Japan, Narutomaki, a type of fish cake with a pink swirl, is often used in ramen.

It's also Naruto Uzumaki's namesake and one of his favorite foods.

"Get whatever you like. I'll cover the cost."

Shishou glanced at Naruto and continued selecting seafood.

Compared to the quality and variety in the Hidden Mist Village, Konoha's seafood was inferior and expensive.

It couldn't be helped; Konoha was inland.

"Great!"

Naruto shouted, grabbing five or six fish cakes.

Meanwhile, Choji, Sasuke, Kiba, and Shino went to different meat shops to select their favorite foods or fulfill their assigned tasks.

The boys formed one group, the girls another.

The boys bought meat, and the girls bought vegetables.

This was the procurement task everyone agreed on.

"So troublesome."

Shikamaru plopped down in the shop owner's seat after he left to assist Shishou and the others, lounging lazily.

He handed his procurement task to Choji, having no particular favorites, and didn't bother choosing.