Chapter 125: Akatsuki's Appearance

Following Kirito's demonstration of the two advanced Rasengan variants, Naruto stood silent, frowning in deep thought.

Kakashi had previously mentioned that the Akatsuki organization had started targeting Jinchuriki worldwide. As the Nine-Tails' host, Naruto was at constant risk of being hunted. This added urgency to his training—he couldn't afford to remain stagnant.

Meanwhile, Konoha was using information from former Akatsuki members Sasori and Orochimaru to devise strategies to counter the organization. It was only a matter of time before Naruto came face-to-face with the Akatsuki.

No matter how he looked at it, Naruto realized he had to improve as quickly and effectively as possible.

"It's astonishing," Kakashi muttered to Yamato as Naruto deliberated. "Adding nature transformation to the Rasengan is something not even the Fourth Hokage, its inventor, managed to achieve. And Kirito pulled off two variations with ease. I suspect he's mastered other chakra natures as well but chose not to show them."

Yamato gave a helpless shrug. "Well, he is Lady Tsunade's apprentice. She praises him to no end, after all."

As a user of the Wood Release, Yamato was no stranger to the frustration of comparison. Though he had inherited the First Hokage's cells, his abilities fell far short of the legendary Shinobi's prowess. Lady Tsunade often teased him for this, but Yamato had learned to take it in stride.

"I've decided!" Naruto suddenly shouted, breaking the silence. "I want to learn the Wind Release: Rasengan!"

Kakashi nodded approvingly. "Good choice. The Wind Release variant's overwhelming power suits your fighting style better than the Lightning Release's stealthy characteristics."

Naruto's fighting was straightforward and forceful, while the Lightning variant was more suited for ambush tactics—a style Kakashi himself was considering experimenting with.

"Well, since the training direction is settled, I'll leave you to it," Kirito said, stretching lazily. "Naruto, good luck!"

"Thanks, Kirito!" Naruto replied enthusiastically.

As Kirito left the training grounds, he couldn't help but smile. While Naruto would occasionally come to him with questions about chakra nature transformation, Kirito had no interest in lingering. His mind was more occupied with a date he had planned with TenTen later that day.

Several weeks passed in this routine until one day, just as Kirito was about to invite TenTen out for sesame balls, an Anbu ninja appeared before him.

"Master Kirito," the Anbu said respectfully, "Lady Hokage has summoned you."

Kirito sighed inwardly, knowing this likely meant a mission requiring combat support. Though Tsunade often tried to assign him formal positions, he consistently refused, preferring a more relaxed lifestyle.

[If this involves Akatsuki, it's probably serious,] Kirito thought as he headed to Hokage's office.

"Master Tsunade, I'm here," Kirito announced upon entering the office.

Inside, he noticed a monk standing solemnly by Tsunade's desk.

"Good, you're here," Tsunade said, gesturing for Kirito to listen. "I need you to join a mission immediately."

She gestured to the monk, who stepped forward and explained, "Two individuals, believed to be members of the Akatsuki organization, attacked the Temple of Fire. They destroyed the temple and killed its abbot, Chiriku."

Tsunade continued, "I believe this attack is part of Akatsuki's hunt for Jinchuriki. Rather than waiting for them to strike again, we're going to confront them within the Land of Fire.

"I've dispatched teams to search within a 150-kilometer radius of the Temple of Fire. However, because this spreads our forces thin, I'm assigning you to remain on standby at the temple. Your role is to provide immediate support to any team that encounters the Akatsuki."

Kirito nodded. The plan made sense. Given the Akatsuki's reputation, a direct confrontation without backup could prove disastrous.

[If my guess is correct, the attackers are Hidan and Kakuzu—the so-called "immortal duo."]

After briefing Kirito, Tsunade led him to the rooftop of the Hokage Building, where twenty elite teams stood ready.

Tsunade addressed the assembled ninja: "Members of the Akatsuki organization have been sighted in the Land of Fire. Your mission is to locate and eliminate them. If capture is not possible, you are authorized to use lethal force."

Kirito stood silently beside Tsunade, scanning the crowd. He recognized many familiar faces: Izumo and Kotetsu, the "gatekeepers" of Konoha; Asuma Sarutobi; and members of Team Ten—Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino.

The lineup was impressive, composed entirely of Chunin and Jonin-level ninja. Tsunade's long-term preparation was evident.

"Move out!" Tsunade commanded.

In an instant, the roof emptied as the teams dispersed to their assigned locations. Kirito, too, leapt into action, heading toward the Temple of Fire to take his position.

(End of Chapter)

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