One, two…

Each time he completed a rep, deep footprints and handprints were left in the ground, mixed with sweat.

Kaito showed no signs of stopping, as if the small mountain strapped to his back didn't exist.

If it weren't for the sweat running down his body, one would think the mountain he carried was fake.

It was noon by the time Kaito finally stopped his relentless training. He was drenched in sweat, panting heavily, and let out a long breath.

"Finally done," he muttered.

Without hesitation, he tossed the small mountain aside and made his way back home.

After three days outside, combined with over a month's worth of training inside the mental training space, Kaito had finally mastered the immense new power within him, regaining the appearance of an ordinary person.

---

Hokage's Office

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples with a look of exhaustion. Shizune stood nearby, helping sort documents, while Nara Shikaku worked quietly beside her.

The door swung open, and Kaito stepped inside. He had come to say goodbye.

There was still about a year before the events of Naruto Shippuden began. While Kaito was already formidable — Untouchable by anyone in the early stages — he knew his strength wouldn't hold up against the later threats that would appear.

(He's referring to the Otsutuki & Kaguya)

After explaining his intentions, Tsunade's expression darkened. She'd finally had a rare, outstanding member of the Senju bloodline appear again, and instead of focusing on settling down with his two girlfriends and carrying on the clan's name, he wanted to run off on some dangerous venture.

But she understood her disciple well. Once Kaito made up his mind, no one could stop him.

"Where are you going?" Tsunade asked sharply.

"The ancient kingdom of Roran," Kaito replied calmly.

Shikaku frowned. "Roran… I've heard of it. It's supposed to be in the northern reaches of the Land of Wind. It was a small country under their jurisdiction, but more than a decade ago, something happened and it vanished."

"What are you going there for? Even if you find it, it'll be nothing but ruins."

Shikaku's eyes narrowed. "Wait… you're not thinking of—"

His face abruptly shifted in realization.

"Shikaku, what is it? Just tell me already!" Tsunade pressed, growing anxious at seeing the strategist's expression change.

After all, there were only two people left in the Senju bloodline now. She couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to Kaito.

Shikaku cast a sidelong glance at Kaito, a trace of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"It's said that a massive dragon vein lies beneath Roran. A wellspring of pure chakra, vast in size, near infinite ," Shikaku explained. "At this point, it's the only thing valuable enough to lure Kaito there."

Kaito smirked. "As expected of Shikaku san. You figured it out instantly."

"No. I'm not allowing this!" Tsunade shot to her feet, glaring at him. "Just stay in Konoha. Marry Ino and Hinata, and start building our clan's future!"

At the last part, both Shikaku and Shizune stiffened, a dark vein appearing on their foreheads.

"I've already devised a method to absorb the violent chakra energy safely. I have to go," Kaito shook his head.

"But why? With your strength now, not even I could last a few moves against you. Why are you so desperate to get stronger?" Tsunade demanded, truly puzzled.

Everyone close to Kaito knew his strength. Ever since he'd mastered the Reverse Eight Gates Formation, there wasn't a shinobi who could rival him.

Shikaku and Shizune were equally stunned. Who was Tsunade? One of the Legendary Sannin, the Fifth Hokage — and she openly admitted she couldn't beat her disciple? Possibly defeated in seconds?

They couldn't have imagined it, not even if someone beat them over the head with the claim.

Had Kaito reached the strength of the First Hokage? The thought chilled Shikaku's mind.

"You'll understand in time," Kaito said. "Tsunade sensei, I have to go. I've already told Hinata."

Without another word, he vanished, leaving the room in tense silence.

---

A Small Town on the Border of the Land of Fire

Inside a restaurant, Kaito sat with a map laid out before him, examining it carefully.

The map detailed a route to the ancient kingdom of Roran. The problem was, it was an old map from over a decade ago. While it indicated Roran's general location near the Land of Wind's borders, the shifting desert and passage of time would make following it dangerous.

If he relied on this alone, he'd get hopelessly lost.

"Boss, bring us two special sets!"

A loud voice called out behind him. Two figures sat down at the table next to Kaito without so much as asking.

Kaito frowned and looked up. His gaze fell on two men clad in black cloaks adorned with red clouds.

One of them clutched a wicked, triple-bladed scythe, mumbling irritably to himself.

The other, a green-eyed man with a stitched-up mouth, wore a calm but ruthless expression, his gaze sharp and greedy like a starving wolf.

The Immortal Duo! Kaito's expression flickered in surprise. Why are these two here?

As Kaito met their eyes, Kakuzu's stare darkened, a green glint flashing as if he'd just spotted a priceless treasure.

Hidan grumbled. "Kakuzu, when are we leaving? We've been waiting out here for ages. No clue why that brat's holed up in Konoha so long. Why don't we just stake out a town near the village? I swear, this hundred million ryo bounty's more trouble than it's worth."

"Shut it, Hidan," Kakuzu hissed. "Look behind you."

"What now?" Hidan grumbled, turning around—and his eyes widened.

"Oi! This kid finally showed up!" Hidan shouted, pointing directly at Kaito.

In that instant, Kaito understood exactly why they were here.

Some anonymous black market broker had placed a one-hundred-million-ryo bounty on his head. These two had picked up the job and had been waiting near the border for him to leave Konoha.

Kaito's expression darkened. He hadn't done anything to earn a bounty this high — aside from killing Danzo. Someone out there was targeting him. And it enraged him.

---

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