Rising Shadows: Uchiha's Wrath

The morning sun hung lazily in the sky, veiled slightly by drifting wisps of clouds. A crisp breeze swept through the vast, rolling landscape, rustling the dense foliage of towering trees. Somewhere in the distance, a hawk cried out, its echoing screech cutting through the tranquil silence—a sound that often marked the vast and untamed world of shinobi.

Kaito sat upright, his expression calm yet confident. He smiled. "Even now, I already have the power to overthrow the ninja world."

Tsunade's pupils widened, her lips parting slightly as if to speak, but no words came. Less than a year had passed, and yet he had silently seized control of an entire ninja village—one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. The realization was staggering.

"But I won't act yet," Kaito continued, his tone measured. "Too many lives would be lost. I don't want a unified ninja world where the total population is smaller than that of a minor country."

He leaned back, his gaze steady. "And even if I do nothing, in three years, I alone will be able to destroy the entire ninja world. So, I will wait—then crush it with absolute strength."

Tsunade's hands clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to argue, to challenge his arrogance, but the certainty in his voice gave her pause. "Are you truly confident you can take on the entire ninja world alone in three years?" she finally asked, her voice tight.

Kaito's smile didn't waver. "I'm only sixteen now. My body greatly restricts my strength. Once I overcome those limitations, my power will at least double."

Tsunade's breath hitched. As a medical ninja, she understood the truth in his words. Given his current strength, even if he did nothing, his power would naturally multiply in three years.

Kaito's gaze softened slightly. "So, will you join me?"

Tsunade hesitated, her mind racing. After a long moment, she gave a heavy nod. "If you truly won't take out your anger on Konoha's civilians, then I will join you."

Kaito's mood lifted. He wasn't recruiting Tsunade for her combat ability but for her unparalleled medical expertise. With proper training, she could become a master of biology—a crucial asset for his future. His ultimate goal extended beyond ruling the ninja world; he would lead the Uchiha to the stars. And for that, studying the Otsutsuki clan was essential. Tsunade would play a key role in that research.

But before she could say anything else, she hesitated. "As for unifying the ninja world... If you have the power to suppress it, why not follow my grandfather's path? Guide people to trust one another and build peace without further sacrifice."

Kaito's expression darkened. "Follow Senju Hashirama?" he interrupted with a sneer. "You see his ideals as an accomplishment. I see them as a grave mistake."

Tsunade's jaw tightened. "What do you mean?"

Kaito leaned forward, his tone sharp. "Hashirama had the absolute power to unify the ninja world. Even I, right now, am still far from his level. And he had Uchiha Madara by his side—someone who shared his ambition! Yet he rejected Madara's vision. He believed the five nations could coexist peacefully. And for the sake of 'balance,' he distributed the Tailed Beasts like commodities."

Tsunade's eyes flickered with discomfort, but she remained silent.

Kaito pressed on. "The Tailed Beasts lived in isolation, deep in uninhabited lands. Aside from a few ambitious individuals, they posed no real threat to anyone. But your grandfather captured them and turned them into tools of war, sealing their fates forever."

Tsunade's fists clenched tighter, her knuckles whitening. She wanted to defend Hashirama, but the weight of Kaito's words bore down on her.

"He preached about peace and mutual understanding," Kaito continued, his voice rising, "yet his actions reinforced the idea that strength dictates everything. And do you know why the ninja world remained peaceful during his reign? Because he was strong enough to keep the other nations in check. But the moment he died, the First Great Ninja War erupted!"

Tsunade's shoulders slumped, her defiance crumbling under the weight of his argument.

Kaito's tone softened, but his words were no less cutting. "The village system ended the Warring States chaos in the Land of Fire, and Hashirama was hailed as a hero. But in reality, he simply replaced family conflicts with large-scale ninja wars. Before the villages were formed, wars were limited by skirmishes between clans. But after the villages were established, the scale of war increased exponentially."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "One ninja war causes thousands of shinobi deaths, with civilian casualties reaching the hundreds of thousands. During the Warring States period, clans avoided harming civilians. They were the backbone of production, vital to a clan's wealth and survival. Yet under the ninja village system, wars became more frequent and devastating. In just fifty years, three major ninja wars broke out."

Tsunade's breath came in shallow gasps, her mind reeling. She had always believed in the system her grandfather created, but now she couldn't ignore the contradictions Kaito pointed out.

Kaito leaned back, his gaze steady. "Go and rest, Tsunade. The past is the past. All we can do now is seize the present. Perhaps you think my plan won't bring true peace, but you can't dismiss it based on Hashirama's ideals. Because history has already proven—he was wrong."

With that, Kaito stood up and walked out, leaving Tsunade staring after him in silence.

---

The next day, Kaito and his group left town—he walked ahead while Tsunade and Shizune followed behind.

Although Tsunade had no idea where Kaito was leading them, she had already made her choice. Since she had decided to join his camp, there was no turning back now. More importantly, she was curious. Would the unified ninja world Kaito speaks of truly come to pass? Could it finally bring an end to war?

She had no answer.

As Kaito had said, time would prove everything.

"Hey, we've been walking all morning... Where exactly are we going?" Tsunade finally broke the silence, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer.

Kaito, walking ahead with steady composure, responded without turning back. "You'll see soon enough. Be patient, Tsunade."

Tsunade clicked her tongue in mild annoyance but didn't press further.

After a moment, Kaito glanced at her and said, "Since you're this curious, I'll tell you. We're heading to Takigakure."

"Takigakure?" Tsunade frowned. "What business do you have there?"

Then, as if a realization struck her, her eyes widened. "Wait… are you after the Seven-Tails' Jinchūriki?"

Kaito gave a slight nod. "That's right. The Seven-Tails holds value."

Tsunade crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "Yesterday, you subdued the Six-Tails, and today, you're targeting the Seven-Tails… Are you planning to gather all the tailed beasts as a show of power?"

Kaito exhaled softly, shaking his head. "Power for the sake of intimidation is pointless. Fear alone doesn't create order—it breeds rebellion."

Tsunade's frown deepened, but she remained silent as Kaito continued.

"Tailed beasts are seen as disasters in the eyes of most. But to me? They are forces of nature—tools that have been misused for generations." His voice was calm yet resolute. "Even if all nine attacked me together, I would subdue them with ease."

Tsunade studied him carefully, sensing the weight behind his words.

"But," Kaito added, his gaze sharpening, "if their powers are unified… the possibilities change."

A knowing smirk tugged at his lips.

"The Nine-Tailed Beasts—what if they could fuse?"

Tsunade's eyes widened in shock. "You're talking about the Ten-Tails?"

Kaito nodded. "Exactly. The Ten-Tails have the power to destroy the world. But if controlled, it could also bring about a new era."

Tsunade's mind raced, grappling with the implications. "And you think you can control it?"

Kaito's smirk widened. "I already have the means. The Rinnegan."

Tsunade's breath caught. The Rinnegan—a legendary dojutsu said to be the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths. If Kaito truly possessed it, his claims were far from empty.

Before she could respond, Kaito turned and continued walking. "We're almost there. Save your questions for later."

---

As they approached the massive waterfall that concealed Takigakure, Kaito paused. "We're here. Takigakure is just beyond this."

Tsunade asked, "Should we just charge in?"

Kaito rolled his eyes. "I'm here for the Seven-Tails, not to destroy Takigakure. If we barge in, those Takigakure ninjas will get on my nerves, and I might end up wiping out the village."

Tsunade's mouth twitched. "That logic... leaves me speechless."

Kaito shrugged. Suddenly, Tsunade and Shizune felt dizzy. When they regained their senses, they were inside a room!

"This... this is..." Tsunade's eyes widened. "Space-Time Ninjutsu!"

Kaito nodded lightly. "Yes, this is my ocular ability."

Tsunade couldn't help but marvel. "Truly unfathomable..."

But then she noticed something. "If you have space-time abilities, why didn't you just bring us here directly? We've been walking for ages!"

Kaito replied seriously, "This trip is about the journey, not just collecting tailed beasts. The scenery along the way matters more!"

Tsunade sighed, too tired to argue.

As they spoke, the door burst open! A little girl with short blue-green hair and orange eyes stared at them, bewildered.

"What are you... doing in my house?" she asked timidly.

Kaito walked over, paused, and gently patted her head. "You're Fū, right? I'm here to take you somewhere you can make friends."

"Make friends?" The girl's eyes sparkled with hope.

"That's right!" Kaito smiled. "Do you like it here?"

Fū instinctively shrank back, a hint of sadness in her eyes. But seeing Kaito's sincere gaze, she shook her head.

"No... I don't like it here. The villagers don't seem to like me, and no one wants to play with me..."

Tsunade's heart ached at the girl's words. She stepped forward, her voice soft. "Is this girl... the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki?"

Kaito nodded. Then he asked Fū, "Would you like to come with me to a place where you can make friends?"

"Yes!" Fū nodded excitedly.

"Then let's go!" Kaito smiled, taking Fū's hand and standing up. To avoid trouble, he used a subtle genjutsu.

"I never expected you to have such a gentle side..." Tsunade looked at Kaito with mixed emotions.

Kaito shrugged. "Fū's just a child. She doesn't understand anything. And as a Jinchūriki, she's always treated differently. I'm not the kind of person who could ever harm an innocent child. They've done nothing wrong. As long as no one gives me a reason to fight, I'd much rather be gentle."

With that, Kaito led Fū outside. But as soon as they stepped out, a loud shout echoed!

"Stop! Who are you!"

Kaito looked up to see three Takigakure ninja, their forehead protectors glinting.

"Release our Jinchūriki, or we won't hold back!"

The three Takigakure ninjas glared at Kaito with vigilance. One of them quickly pulled out a signal flare and launched it into the sky!

At that moment, Tsunade and Shizune stepped out.

Seeing the scene, Tsunade frowned. "Now that we've been spotted, what's the plan?"

Kaito looked at her as if she were an idiot. "Since we've been discovered, of course, we run!"

"Run?!" Tsunade was dumbfounded. This didn't seem like Kaito's style at all. "Aren't you supposed to kill them?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Kaito looked at her in mock surprise. "Tsk tsk, I didn't realize you were so bloodthirsty! Drawing your sword at the slightest provocation—that's so like you, Tsunade!"

Tsunade's eye twitched. She immediately regretted speaking up. Why did I open my mouth? I should've just let Kaito handle this! Now I'm being ridiculed...

Meanwhile, the three Takigakure ninjas watched Kaito and Tsunade banter with confused expressions.

Are we not the main characters here? This is Takigakure! How can they just ignore us like this?!

But the three ninjas weren't fools. They had been chosen to guard the Jinchūriki, after all. After a moment of stunned silence, they exchanged glances and charged at Kaito and Tsunade!

Fū was their village's ultimate weapon, and they couldn't afford to lose her!

"Hey... looks like I'll have to deal with this after all," Kaito muttered, shrugging reluctantly.

He had hoped to avoid a fight today, but luck wasn't on his side.

As he pondered, the three Takigakure ninjas closed in on him, kunai in hand, aiming straight for his neck!

Kaito easily dodged their sloppy attacks, shaking his head in disappointment. "You're supposed to be the top ninja village after the Five Great Nations. How are you this weak?"

"And you were chosen to guard the Jinchūriki? Seriously?"

While complaining, Kaito effortlessly avoided their combined assault. Then, with three swift kicks, he sent the ninjas flying!

The three landed hard, groaning as they struggled to their feet. They stared at Kaito in terror.

One of them stammered, "This guy's too strong! Captain, what do we do?!"

The leader swallowed hard. "Don't panic! Reinforcements will be here soon! For now, let's hold them off with ninjutsu!"

The other two nodded, and the trio quickly formed hand seals.

"Oh? Finally using ninjutsu?" Kaito remarked, mildly impressed.

But in the next moment, Kaito's expression froze.

The three ninjas finished their seals and unleashed their jutsu!

"Fire Release: Great Fireball!"

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

"Water Release: Great Water Wave!"

Takigakure was near a waterfall, so the scale of their Water Release was particularly large. But what happened next was downright comical.

The fireball and water wave collided, canceling each other out!

Kaito stared in disbelief. Did these three come here to put on a comedy show?

Even Tsunade, watching from behind, was stunned. This is the strength of the top ninja village under the Five Great Nations. It's... pathetic.

Kaito sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "What a waste of time."

"Considering your hilarious performance, I'll spare your lives this time."

With that, Kaito vanished and reappeared behind the three ninjas in an instant. Before they could react, he knocked them out cold, ending the farce.

"Let's go. More Takigakure ninjas will be here soon," Kaito said, signaling to Tsunade and the others.

In a flash, they disappeared from the scene.

---

A few minutes later, a large group of Takigakure ninjas arrived, only to find their three comrades lying unconscious on the ground.

Their Jinchūriki was gone.

The leader of the group stepped forward and quickly woke the three ninjas.

"Report! What happened here?!"

The groggy captain immediately recounted everything that had just happened. After finishing, he urged, "Leader, we need to chase them! Takigakure can't afford to lose our Jinchūriki!"

The leader nodded grimly. "Describe their appearances. We'll pursue them immediately!"

The captain began, "There were two women. One had black hair and wore black clothes—she looked pretty ordinary. The other was stunning, with blonde hair and a dark green coat. There was a 'gamble' kanji on the back of her coat."

As the leader listened to the descriptions of Kaito and Shizune, he frowned, unfamiliar with them. But when he heard about Tsunade, his eyes widened, and his body trembled slightly.

"Boss, what's wrong?" the captain asked, noticing his leader's reaction.

The leader's heart raced, but his face was grim. "There's no need to chase them. I know who that woman is. We stand no chance against her."

The other ninjas protested, "But Leader, they've taken our Jinchūriki!"

The leader shook his head, his voice heavy. "That woman... is Tsunade of the Sannin. If she's involved, this is beyond our capabilities. We'll report this to the higher-ups and let them handle it."

The group fell silent, the weight of their leader's words sinking in. Takigakure had just lost its Jinchūriki, and there was nothing they could do about it.

---

As Kaito and his group moved further away from Takigakure, Tsunade couldn't help but glance back. "Do you think they'll come after us?"

Kaito shrugged. "Even if they do, it won't matter. By the time they mobilize, we'll be long gone."

Tsunade nodded, her thoughts swirling. She had joined Kaito's cause, but the path ahead was uncertain. Would his vision of a unified ninja world bring peace, or would it lead to even greater chaos?

Only time will tell.