Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

In the Hokage's office, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, listening intently to Kakashi and Guy's report on their mission. When they finished, she sighed deeply.

"So Gaara, both the Jinchuriki and Kazekage, was defeated and captured within his own village..." Tsunade's voice trailed off, her brow furrowed. The implications were grave—if such an incident could occur in the Sand Village, it could just as easily happen in Konoha.

The revelation of the Akatsuki's massive humanoid statue, capable of extracting and storing tailed beast chakra, only deepened her concern. If not for Kirito's intervention, Gaara would have perished.

Even though they had managed to capture one member of the Akatsuki—Sasori—seven others of similar power remained at large. The threat to Naruto, Konoha's own Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, loomed large.

"Describe the Akatsuki member who escaped," Tsunade said, breaking the silence.

Kakashi nodded. "Blond hair, covering his left eye with his bangs. He uses explosive clay as his primary weapon. I believe..."

"You believe what?" Tsunade asked, her interest piqued.

"I think he's Deidara, a rogue ninja once listed in Iwagakure's bingo book. He's known as an artist specializing in earth-based explosive techniques."

Tsunade's expression grew grim. "I'll contact Iwagakure to confirm his identity." She then turned to Kirito. "Now, about Sasori—can you recount how you managed to capture him?"

Kirito briefly described his battle, explaining how he had taken control of Sasori's puppets to retrieve the puppet master's core.

"I never imagined anyone would go so far as to transform themselves into a 'physical body core,'" Tsunade muttered, clearly impressed.

At this point, Sakura interjected. "Master, Sasori mentioned to Granny Chiyo that he had an undercover agent near Orochimaru. He was supposed to meet this contact at Tenchi Bridge in seven days. Couldn't we use this to track down Orochimaru—and Sasuke?"

Tsunade rubbed her temples, deep in thought. "It's possible... but how do we know this isn't a trap set by Sasori?"

"I'll go!" Naruto exclaimed. "If it involves Sasuke, I won't pass up the chance!"

Tsunade gave him a tired look but didn't argue. "I'll have the Torture and Interrogation Department confirm Sasori's information. The Yamanaka clan should be able to extract something useful from his core. If we verify the intel, I'll approve the mission."

Naruto's determination didn't waver.

"Thank you," Sakura said, relieved.

Tsunade waved them off. "Go rest for now. I'll notify you when we have something concrete."

After leaving the Hokage's office, the group gathered in the corridor.

"No one can stop me this time!" TenTen declared with a grin.

"See you at the bathhouse entrance later," Kirito replied, his tone lighthearted.

As they walked, Naruto eyed Kirito's tall frame and frowned. "Kirito, why are you still so tall? You were already towering over us two years ago!"

Kirito chuckled. "Good nutrition and plenty of exercise." He reached out to ruffle Naruto's hair, but Naruto dodged.

"Don't treat me like a kid!" Naruto huffed.

"By the way, Naruto," Lee chimed in, "how's your Lightning Release training going?"

Naruto puffed out his chest. "I've mastered it! Even the Pervy Sage can't use this technique, but I can!"

Kakashi's ears perked up. "So you're the one who taught him Lightning Release," he said, looking at Kirito. "That explains a lot. When we faced Itachi, Naruto's Thunder technique caught us all by surprise."

Sakura nodded in agreement. "Even Itachi seemed momentarily taken aback."

Naruto turned to Kirito, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "Kirito, come to the training ground and check out my progress! And teach me a new jutsu while you're at it!"

TenTen's face darkened as she clenched her fists. "Naruto, if you ruin my plans for the bathhouse again..."

Naruto froze, sensing danger. "Uh... never mind! Forget I said anything!"

Sakura sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This idiot..."

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, her mind still on the upcoming mission.

Shizune, standing quietly nearby, finally spoke up. "Lady Tsunade, are you really going to let Naruto take part in this mission? Isn't it too risky?"

Tsunade opened her eyes. "Do you think Naruto would stay behind if I tried to keep him here?"

"But—he's a target of the Akatsuki! If they capture him—"

"I know the risks, Shizune," Tsunade interrupted, her tone firm. "But I trust Naruto. He's stronger than you think."

Shizune frowned but held her tongue, knowing Tsunade's decision was final.

Back in the corridor, the group finally dispersed. Kirito glanced at TenTen. "Your bath plans might be delayed again," he teased.

TenTen sighed dramatically. "Story of my life."

As they headed toward their respective destinations, the anticipation for the next mission hung heavy in the air.

(End of Chapter 110)

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