Reborn in the Shinobi World with an Arceus Inside

After packing his bags and bidding a reluctant farewell to Shiori and Konan, Kaito followed Tsunade and Orochimaru, leaving the Spark Sanctuary behind to head for Konoha.

The three of them moved swiftly through the forest, gradually leaving the sanctuary far behind. Tsunade took the lead, occasionally looking back to urge the other two on. "You two, hurry up!"

"What's the rush?" Kaito asked, speeding up to keep pace.

"She probably misses her little brother, Nawaki," Orochimaru answered. "Tsunade dotes on him the most."

Eh, so she's that kind of protective older sister. In truth, Kaito was more surprised that Nawaki was still alive. It was no wonder Tsunade still seemed so lively and cheerful.

"'Protective older sister'? That's a very fitting description," Orochimaru said, immediately grasping the meaning.

"Hey, what are you two mumbling about back there? Hurry up and catch up!"

"Right."

Konoha.

The number one hidden village in the shinobi world was as bustling and prosperous as ever, as if untouched by the war.

A young man with light blond hair walked down the main street with a smile on his face. He wore a Konoha forehead protector and a green, high-collared long-sleeved shirt. It was Tsunade's younger brother, Nawaki.

As the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki, he was forbidden from leaving the village and had been unable to participate in the war, which had also allowed him to avoid his original fate of dying in an explosive trap.

The Third Hokage, busy with his official duties, had not personally become Nawaki's supervising teacher. Instead, he had chosen another jonin for him, a member of his own clan, Sarutobi Koichi. His loyalty was beyond question, and his abilities were outstanding among the Sarutobi clan.

However, during wartime, manpower was scarce. Sarutobi Koichi also had many missions to carry out, so he didn't have much time to spend with Nawaki. Usually, besides training on his own, Nawaki would go on small missions with his other two teammates, like finding lost cats or picking up trash, to build up their teamwork experience.

At this moment, Nawaki was on his way to meet up with his teammates.

When he arrived at an open training ground, his teammates, who had been waiting for a while, waved him over. "Nawaki, over here!"

"Sorry, I'm late."

"Don't even say it. You were definitely training in secret behind our backs again."

"Well, I was free anyway."

"Wow, as expected of the First Hokage's grandson."

"Heh heh."

After chatting for a while, one of them suddenly said, "My older brother came home yesterday."

"Eh, isn't he supposed to be fighting in the war?"

"Yeah, I don't know why. I asked him, but he said it was classified. I guess he must be on some kind of special mission."

"Nawaki, is your sister back yet?"

"No."

"Maybe she'll be back soon."

"I hope so," Nawaki said, his expression full of longing.

By the time they had completed their mission, the sun had already set.

Nawaki said goodbye to his teammates and started walking home alone. As he passed through a small alley, a drunkard staggered toward him.

I really hope my sister is already home waiting for me. Lost in thought, Nawaki paid the man no mind, simply stepping to the side.

As they brushed past each other, the drunkard suddenly stumbled into him. A large hand quickly clamped over Nawaki's mouth. The movements were fluid and practiced; this was no drunk.

An enemy! Nawaki was shocked. Just as he was about to counterattack, a sharp pain shot through his arm. It felt as if a hole had been punched in his body, and all his strength began to drain away.

Crap, I was careless. Sis...

That was Nawaki's last thought before he lost consciousness.

The "drunkard" pulled a syringe from Nawaki's arm. He and his two accomplices, who had come to assist, stuffed the unconscious Nawaki into a sack and hoisted it over their shoulders.

They moved quickly along a predetermined route and, with the help of spies, passed through the village's outer protective barrier without incident.

"Alright, the mission is half-complete. As long as we get out of the Land of Fire, a large number of squads will be there to meet us, and the mission will be a success. Everyone, stay on high alert. No slacking!"

"Yes, sir!"

"This is bad, Lord Hokage!"

Late at night, the Third Hokage was still in his office dealing with paperwork when an Anbu appeared before him, causing his eyelid to twitch uncontrollably.

He took a deep breath and asked, "What is it?"

"Lord Nawaki is missing. The preliminary assessment is that another hidden village is responsible."

"How could this be?!" The Third's face instantly changed color. "When did this happen?"

"An estimated two hours ago. The enemy not only killed the Anbu assigned to Lord Nawaki's protection but also all the on-duty ninja of the barrier sensory team."

"Two hours ago?! How is it that we're only finding out now!" the Third roared, but then sighed, thinking about the severe lack of manpower in the village. "Never mind. Immediately activate the S-rank response plan. Assemble everyone you can!"

"Yes, sir!"

An operation of this scale naturally alerted Danzo and the other elders. When they heard the news that the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki had been lost, their expressions turned extremely grim. This was a matter concerning the very survival of Konoha.

"Hiruzen, how could you have allowed such a lapse?!"

"Alright, save the accusations for after we've recovered Nawaki," Danzo said in a low voice. "Hiruzen, you stay in the village and manage the overall situation. I will personally lead the Root and search for Nawaki as well."

"Mmm, I'm counting on you, Danzo," the Third said with a weary smile.

"Heh, do you and I even need to say such things?"

Just as Danzo was about to leave the office, the Third suddenly said, "Danzo, Nawaki is the First's grandson."

"I know," Danzo said, turning his head to the side. "On the condition that it does not endanger the village, I will do my best to ensure Nawaki's safety. You should understand what I mean, Hiruzen."

With that, he stepped out the door, not looking back at the Third Hokage's complex expression.

Sensory ninja from the Inuzuka, Aburame, Yamanaka, and Hyuga clans gathered at the Konoha gate.

After a thorough investigation, they came to a conclusion. "To confuse us, the enemy has split Nawaki's scent into five different trails. We will have to divide into five groups as well."

And so, the Konoha ninja participating in the search were divided into five teams, with Danzo personally leading one of them. The Root also had its own skilled sensory ninja.

"This is a critical S-rank mission. You must give it one hundred and twenty percent of your effort. Everyone, move out!"

"Yes, sir!"

Just as dawn was breaking, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Kaito appeared before the main gate of Konoha.

"Hmm, something's not right." Tsunade frowned, looking at the two familiar figures standing guard at the gate. She walked right up to them and asked directly, "Why are you two guarding the gate? Has something happened in the village?"

"Er, Princess Tsunade, you're back?"

The two guards exchanged a look, unsure if they should say anything.

"Answer my question! Are you going to keep things from me, too?!" Tsunade roared, her anger flaring.

Having experienced Tsunade's explosive temper before, they both flinched and quickly said, "It's Lord Nawaki. He's been abducted by ninja from another village."

"WHAT?!" Tsunade grabbed the two by their collars and yelled, "What exactly happened?! Explain it to me, now!"