The Imperial Expedition Force Moves Out

"What? Naruto's missing? Kidnapped by someone posing as Obito? Hasn't Naruto been training martial arts for a long time? Was it all for nothing? Why at a critical time like this?"

Ninja World Tsunade, strolling with Imperial Tsunade, received the news, her heart churning with unease, a bad premonition enveloping her.

"Naruto from the other world was kidnapped… and the target was 'Obito.' It seems someone wants to sow discord between the Empire and Konoha… This isn't a small matter. I must report to His Majesty the Emperor and let him decide."

Imperial Tsunade frowned, immediately activating her communication device to contact Ryuji.

Hearing the news, Ryuji paused.

"Is that so… Tsunade of Konoha, do you still remember Akatsuki's existence?"

"Does His Majesty mean… Akatsuki is behind Naruto's kidnapping?" Ninja World Tsunade said.

"Akatsuki? Those disgusting scoundrels?"

"That group of bastards—we haven't settled our score with them, and they dare oppress us again?"

"Akatsuki… they should still have several Bijuu left to capture… Logically, capturing Bijuu should go from easiest to hardest… Konoha is the leader of the five great ninja villages…"

"Konoha may be the leader, but right now, Hokage-sama is in the Empire, and Jiraiya-sama hasn't returned yet…"

"Even because of the Empire's Martial Arts Tournament, Konoha's been in chaos…"

The Konoha group's expressions shifted as they pondered this.

"But… Naruto's martial arts are strong. Shouldn't he be able to distinguish his opponent by aura?" Ninja World Tsunade asked hesitantly.

"I've heard that your world's Akatsuki consists of several traitors with strange abilities. If some can mask or deceive martial arts senses, it wouldn't be surprising." Ryuji said.

"Deceive martial arts senses?"

Imperial Tsunade muttered, a hint of disdain on her face.

Some Konoha ninja, seeing her expression, felt a twinge of embarrassment.

They wanted to say something, but the words caught in their throats. After watching the Capital Martial Arts Tournament, they found it hard to boast before Empire experts.

"Don't be too arrogant, Tsunade."

Seeing Imperial Tsunade's attitude, Ryuji couldn't help but reprimand her.

"Martial arts are strong, but not everything. Have you forgotten what I've said? Martial arts have their strengths, and ninjutsu has its own. Both can coexist."

"This is why I haven't completely abolished ninjutsu and even encourage its creation, research, and integration with martial arts. This is the root of the Empire's strength!"

"Everything can be used by the Empire; knowledge is the foundation of all."

"!"

Reprimanded by Ryuji, Imperial Tsunade lowered her head instinctively.

Though she was once Ryuji's senior, before the now-authoritative Shinobi Emperor, she didn't dare act recklessly:

"His Majesty is right."

The Konoha group, hearing Ryuji defend ninjutsu, felt a bit of approval.

And faintly… that His Majesty seemed like a very good person.

This was the compassion of those in high positions.

A little kindness from them, and those below would be immensely grateful.

In contrast, the kindness of the weak meant nothing and might even be mocked.

"Alright, carry out your duties, Tsunade."

Ryuji concluded, then ended the communication.

Imperial Tsunade addressed Ninja World Tsunade and Konoha on the other end:

"Everyone, I'll take my leave. Don't worry too much about Naruto. His Majesty's orders have been issued. The Empire will soon send forces. Whoever dares touch Naruto will face the Empire's punishment."

After speaking, Imperial Tsunade's figure flickered and vanished.

The ninja world group watched her depart, their hearts complex.

It was finally happening?

The Imperial army… Though they'd considered coexisting with them, now that the moment was near, Konoha's people were deeply nervous.

Compared to the Empire, they were too weak.

Could such weaklings truly enjoy equal rights with other Empire citizens? Earn their respect?

No one had certainty or a clear answer.

In a brightly lit reception hall, Imperial Tsunade, Minato, Dan, Kakashi, Shikaku, Uchiha and Hyuga elites, and the heads of the Water, Earth, Lightning, and Green Districts gathered.

Some looked excited and joyful, others serious and hopeful.

"Hahaha! Great! Really great! Tsunade, you've brought us good news this time!"

Lightning District Head, the Fourth Raikage, laughed heartily.

"Naruto from the other world is pitiful, a Jinchuriki, now kidnapped… That disgusting Akatsuki group, daring to snatch Naruto—I won't forgive them!"

Kushina clenched her fists, itching to hit something, her eyes glancing at Minato, making him shudder involuntarily.

"So… His Majesty ordered us to quickly select people to go to the ninja world. But with the current space-time particles, the force size might need significant cuts, right?" Imperial Tsunade said, looking at Imperial Orochimaru.

Imperial Orochimaru licked his lips.

"Indeed, though it's just a few days from the promised date, extracting the final space-time particles is tricky. The number sent this time will be only fifty percent of the original plan."

"Only fifty percent? That's too few. Based on the previous tournament, Fire District 30%, Lightning District 20%, Earth District 15%, Water District 20%, Oasis 15%—after cuts, we won't send many." the Fourth Raikage grumbled.

"Shut up and be happy, you shameless jerk. Letting your father fight was already outrageous, and in the last match, you fought yourself, saying no rule bans district heads. Truly shameless!" Ōnoki complained unhappily.

"Hah! Why shameless? That's the rule! Old man!"

"Enough! Quiet, all of you. I received His Majesty's orders, not to hear you bicker. Think carefully about who to select for the ninja world."

"I'm giving you one hour here! After that, everyone must act immediately." Ninja World Tsunade urged.

"Of course, His Majesty's will is supreme."

The five district heads grew serious.

Uchiha Setsuna then said: "District Head Dan, don't forget our prior agreement."

"Elder Setsuna, rest assured, I haven't forgotten. But with the reduced personnel, the Uchiha side may need to cut their numbers for the ninja world." Dan said.

"That's reasonable." Fugaku added.

"Haaa… if so, not many can go… The original plan was Itachi, Shisui, Izumi, and me, but now…" Setsuna muttered, his face troubled.

"Elder Setsuna, I can withdraw from going to the ninja world." Shisui said immediately.

"Then… I'm fine with that too. Elder Setsuna and Itachi should go. After all, the clan knows both of your intentions." Izumi said softly.

Setsuna showed a hint of satisfaction.

"Thank you, Shisui, Izumi… Uchiha Itachi's existence in the other world is the greatest mistake. I must correct it, so I won't back down no matter what."

Imperial Itachi's expression was grim.

"Don't forget, his life belongs to little Sasuke. That was our promise to him." Fugaku reminded, glancing at Setsuna.

"Rest assured, Father. I'm only preparing to make him taste the Empire's ten cruelest tortures." Imperial Itachi replied, his cold face showing a trace of cruelty.

"Hmph! That's a given. Lately, I've been thinking about how to torment that guy. Get ready to watch the show." Setsuna sneered.

"Then the Fire District candidates are Itachi, Setsuna, and who else?" Tsunade looked at Dan.

"Kakashi. He must handle some matters for Sakumo. After that, let Shikamaru, Tenten, Shino, Kiba, and the others go. Since Neji and Lee left, those kids have been nagging to visit the ninja world." Dan smiled.

"Those kids?"

"Don't worry, Tsunade. Their strength isn't as great as Lee or Neji, but they're not weak. For the ninja world, they should be fine."

"Alright, then the Lightning District?"

Tsunade thought briefly, then looked at the Fourth Raikage.

"The space-time particle reduction… what a hassle. I promised my father we'd go together. Now, I'll have to trouble him. The candidates are me and Killer B." the Fourth Raikage complained.

"The Lightning District Head is going too? That seems unwise. Who'll manage the district if you leave?" Dan frowned.

"You think I'm really dumb? If not for stabilizing the Lightning District, would a brute like me be head? With or without me, it's the same. But this secret meeting must stay confidential. Don't let my father know early, or it'll be trouble." the Fourth Raikage said cautiously, lowering his voice.

"Relax." the others replied, smiling.

"Then the Lightning District is represented by you two. The Water District?"

Tsunade looked at Mei.

"Kisame is very curious about his Akatsuki-aligned self in the other world and wants to join the fun. The others are Haku and Kimimaro." Mei smiled faintly.

"My side will be Deidara and Kurotsuchi." Ōnoki said.

"The Oasis will be led by Gaara with a few Iron Guards." Rasa said.

"Understood. Orochimaru, please calculate if the current space-time particles can support everyone going to the ninja world."

Imperial Tsunade nodded, looking at Orochimaru.

"No problem." Imperial Orochimaru smiled and nodded. As a scientific genius, to ensure the trip's success, he'd deliberately reported sixty-five percent space-time particles as fifty percent. How could it fail?

"Then prepare quickly. Soon, I'll summon Tsunade and Kakashi here. Call Sasuke there, and we can depart."

After Imperial Tsunade spoke, she turned and left.