Naruto: Rebirth Of The Child Of Prophecy

The dawn of a new day marked the beginning of Naruto's bold endeavor. His quest to consolidate power required him to resurrect a man who defied death itself—a legend in his own right. The eternal seeker of forbidden truths, Orochimaru, the one known as The Mad Scientist, was to be brought back into the fold.

Even in a future where Naruto reigned as Hokage, Orochimaru had become an indispensable figure in Konoha's rise. Granted the title of Chief Scientist, he was free to pursue his experiments—but under strict surveillance to temper his darker impulses. Yet today, Naruto was far from Konoha, and his purpose was steeped in shadows.

In the Hidden Rain Village, Naruto had prepared meticulously. He had marked the space-time coordinates with his Flying Thunder God Technique and left a shadow clone to stand guard. Should danger arise, he could return instantly. Nagato, bound to his colossal mechanical launcher and reliant on the black receivers for chakra, had been marked as well. Together, they vanished from the village, carried by the power of Naruto's teleportation.

They reappeared thirty kilometers from Konoha, at a secluded point Naruto had prepared long ago. From here, Konoha's sensory network would not detect their movements. Naruto's memories of his past life served him well; he recalled that Mitarashi Anko was likely on a mission at this very moment. If Orochimaru was to be found, she would be the key.

Naruto activated Sage Mode, his perception extending across vast distances. "Brother Nagato," he said, "summon the great bird." Nagato complied, and moments later, a massive green bird materialized. With Naruto's shadow clone securing Nagato's launcher to the creature, they soared into the sky, heading toward their destination.

Meanwhile, deep within the Land of Fire, Mitarashi Anko moved cautiously through the forest alongside Captain Yamato and Sai. They were tasked with tracking Orochimaru, a mission fraught with danger.

Sai, perched on a branch, pointed to his map. "I've used the Super Beast Imitation Drawing to scout these areas," he said. "All empty."

Yamato sighed, glancing at the numerous strongholds marked on the map. "Orochimaru is like a ghost," he muttered. "Always one step ahead. A master of misdirection."

Anko, her expression dark, shook her head. "No, you misunderstand. Those strongholds weren't meant to deceive. They're his lifeline, scattered across the land to preserve his research. Even if one falls, his work continues elsewhere. He's not just cunning—he's relentless."

Her hand drifted to the cursed mark on her neck, a reminder of the torment Orochimaru had inflicted upon her.

As the three strategized, Anko suddenly froze, her sharp senses catching an unusual presence. "Someone's coming," she whispered. "Fast—and they're not on the ground."

Before Yamato could question her, a shadow descended upon the forest. Naruto, riding atop the great bird, had already pinpointed their location. The bird landed some distance away, its presence unmistakable.

Konan, standing beside Naruto, glanced toward the Konoha shinobi. "Naruto, do you plan to confront them?"

Naruto shook his head. "No. If we succeed in saving the ninja world, there will be time for reunions later. For now, the mission takes priority." He turned to Nagato. "Brother, full power. Assist me—I want them alive."

Nagato nodded, his expression calm. "Leave it to me, Naruto-kun. I will ensure their capture."

From the bushes, Sai's ink lions charged forward, aiming to intercept the intruders. Nagato raised a hand, his Six Paths of Pain advancing. The lions were dispatched with ease, their forms dissolving into ink.

The Konoha trio stared in shock as the figures of Akatsuki emerged from the shadows. "Akatsuki? Here?!" Yamato muttered, his tone incredulous.

Tendo Pain stepped forward, his voice devoid of emotion. "Ten Thousand Heavenly Attraction."

Anko felt an invisible force pull her toward him, and she reacted instantly. "Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!" A swarm of serpents erupted from her sleeves, their fanged mouths snapping as they lunged at Pain.

But the Hungry Ghost Path moved swiftly, interposing itself between Anko and Tendo. The snakes disintegrated as their chakra was absorbed.

Anko's heart sank. "So, that's his ability... chakra absorption," she muttered.

Yamato, acting quickly, used Wood Release to extend wooden tendrils, pulling Anko back to safety. "Stay sharp!" he shouted.

Sai followed suit, summoning more ink lions to buy time. But Nagato's Paths were relentless. Shurado Pain unleashed a barrage of missiles, while the Animal Path summoned a massive chameleon. Explosions rocked the forest as the ink lions dissolved once more.

Separated by the onslaught, Yamato, Sai, and Anko found themselves cornered. Anko, perched on a high tree branch, scanned the battlefield, her unease growing. "Could Orochimaru have sent Akatsuki after us?" she murmured, the thought chilling her.

But her musings were cut short. The chameleon's tongue lashed out from the shadows, coiling around her body before she could react. Its slimy grip immobilized her hands, preventing her from forming seals. She struggled, but the Hungry Ghost Path appeared in an instant, draining her chakra and leaving her helpless.

"Anko!" Yamato and Sai rushed to her aid, but Tendo Pain intercepted them.

"Shinra Tensei!" he intoned, the powerful repulsive force sending them flying.

The chameleon, now invisible once more, swallowed Anko and the Hungry Ghost Path whole before retreating into the shadows.

Nagato turned to Naruto. "Brother, the capture is complete."

Naruto, still perched on the great bird, nodded with satisfaction. "Good. No deaths—just as planned."

The skies above the forest seemed to darken as the Celestial forces regrouped, their victory undeniable. For Naruto, this was but the first step in a far greater plan.