Chapter 13: The Truth of the Threat

Sasuke lay on a hospital bed, his body still aching, but the pain was dulling as Sakura worked her chakra over his wounds. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead—his injuries were deep, but nothing she couldn't handle.

Naruto, Kakashi, and Shikamaru stood nearby, while the Five Kage had gathered in the room, their expressions serious.

Mei was the first to speak. "Sasuke, what happened? Who did this to you?"

Sasuke took a slow breath. "An Ōtsutsuki."

The room fell silent.

Gaara narrowed his eyes. "Kaguya?"

Sasuke shook his head. "No. Someone far worse." He clenched his fist. "His name is Jigen… but he's not human. He's an Ōtsutsuki using a human body as a vessel."

A tense energy filled the room.

Tsunade crossed her arms. "You're saying another one of them is already here?"

"Yes," Sasuke said. "And he's stronger than anything we've faced before. He… toyed with me. I barely escaped with my life."

Naruto's fists clenched. "Are you saying he's stronger than Kaguya?"

Sasuke hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes."

That single word sent a ripple of shock through everyone.

Shikamaru's face darkened. "Then we have a serious problem."

Raikage Darui spoke next. "What does he want?"

Sasuke's expression hardened. "The same thing as Kaguya… He wants to harvest this planet. And he won't be alone."

Silence.

Naruto finally broke it. "Then we need to prepare."

Kakashi nodded. "If what Sasuke says is true, then Kaguya may not be our greatest enemy after all."

Mei exhaled, tension visible in her posture. "This changes everything."

Sasuke sat up slightly, looking at Naruto. "We don't have much time. If he attacked me now, it means he's already making his move."

Naruto's face was unreadable for a moment before his blue eyes steeled with determination.

"Then we stop him."