Naruto: Tobirama Reborn, Invincible in the Ninja World

In the dim and damp cavern, shadows flickered briefly on several massive stone pillars.

Kisame Hoshigaki was the first to react, his sharp eyes scanning the gathering. Scattered around him were the familiar figures of Sasori, Deidara, Kakuzu, Zetsu, and their leader, Pain.

Compared to usual, the cavern—often used for Akatsuki meetings—felt eerily empty.

"Neither Hidan nor Konan is here…" Kisame squinted slightly, recalling the mission their leader had undertaken: intercepting Itachi Uchiha.

Kisame had agreed to stay out of the operation. After all, Madara himself had assured him that in the world of dreams they sought to create, everyone who had died would live again. Itachi's sacrifice, he claimed, was a necessary step toward that perfect future.

Kisame, though skeptical, consented—on the condition that he would not have to personally take action. Yet it seemed the mission had failed. Itachi had been rescued by none other than the Second Hokage of Konohagakure.

"Itachi… I hope you continue to live well," Kisame muttered under his breath.

Kisame respected Itachi deeply. Despite their age difference—he was old enough to be Itachi's father—the two shared a history of pain. But Itachi's ideals far surpassed Kisame's own, inspiring admiration that bordered on reverence.

The only person who could ever compel Kisame to abandon Itachi, however, was Madara himself.

Kisame cast a glance toward Pain, who stood at the highest point in the cavern. A flicker of pity crossed his shark-like features before he looked away.

Soon, the remaining members of Akatsuki assembled.

Pain, the Deva Path, swept his gaze across the room, his brow furrowing as he spoke.

"Where's Hidan?"

"We forgot him during the retreat," Kakuzu explained bluntly, without a hint of remorse.

The mention of retreat seemed to dredge up unpleasant memories for Kakuzu. The sight of Tobirama Senju wielding his brother's signature Wood Release technique had rattled him to the core. In his haste to avoid disaster, he had completely ignored Hidan being kicked away like a ragdoll.

"Forget it," Pain sighed. "He's not our priority right now."

Pain's voice grew firm. "The organization's funds have finally reached the required threshold. The final phase of Akatsuki's plan can now begin."

"Collecting the Tailed Beasts, huh?" Deidara exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement.

"Our combat supplies are ready," Kakuzu added, his glowing green eyes locking onto Pain. "That includes Sasori's puppet materials, Deidara's explosive clay, and the rest of our weapon stockpile."

"Good." Pain turned to Zetsu, who had remained silent. "Now, report on the Jinchūriki."

Zetsu nodded, his dual-tone voice breaking the stillness. "Han, the Jinchūriki of the Five-Tails from Iwagakure, has left his village. I tracked him to the outskirts of the Land of Earth. This is the perfect opportunity to capture him. Han's unique armor generates steam, and he is skilled in taijutsu."

The group reacted differently to the report.

"That guy, huh? I heard he's close to the old man…" Deidara muttered, lowering his head.

"Steam, you say?" Sasori's voice carried a hint of interest.

Pain nodded. "With Hidan unaccounted for and Kisame currently without a partner, Kakuzu, you'll team up with Kisame for this mission."

"Oh? The 'Tailed Beast without a tail,'" Kakuzu sneered, casting a side glance at Kisame. "Let's see if he's worthy of being my partner."

Kisame returned the look, baring his sharp teeth in a mock grin.

"Just don't slow me down, old man. You wouldn't want to embarrass yourself after boasting about fighting the First Hokage."

"You—!" Kakuzu bristled. The last thing he wanted to hear about was his humiliating encounter with Hashirama Senju, a story Deidara had gleefully spread throughout the organization.

"Enough!" Pain's cold voice silenced them both. "Move out." His figure faded into nothingness.

Deidara smirked and waved as he, too, vanished. "Heh, no hard feelings, Kakuzu."

One by one, the remaining members dispersed until only Zetsu remained. Alone in the cavern, Zetsu let out a chilling laugh.

...

Land of Earth

On a quiet, secluded path, a gruff voice broke the silence.

"Damn that old man Onoki. All I wanted was a little freedom outside the village, and he made me beg for it."

Clad in his distinctive red armor and a wide-brimmed hat, Han, the Jinchūriki of the Five-Tails, trudged along. A mask obscured his face, leaving only his striking golden-purple eyes visible.

After weeks of pestering, Han had finally convinced the Tsuchikage to grant him a two-week leave.

"Looks like there's a village up ahead. Might as well rest there," Han muttered.

As he approached, a sense of unease washed over him. His pace quickened.

At the village entrance, a group of terrified villagers knelt in a tight circle.

From the center came cruel laughter, punctuated by the sound of a woman's sobs.

"Papa! Mama!"

A girl in tattered clothes knelt beside the lifeless bodies of her parents, her cries piercing the air. The villagers, though clearly enraged, dared not move.

The culprits were rogue shinobi.

"Don't push your luck!" a young boy shouted, standing defiantly.

His bravery was rewarded with a kunai to the head. Blood sprayed as his body collapsed.

"Stupid brat, trying to play hero," sneered the bald man holding the kunai.

This was Kurokama, a rogue ninja infamous in the area. With a stolen chakra refinement scroll, he had built a gang of low-level thugs who now terrorized local villages.

"Pathetic trash," Kurokama spat, his voice laced with disdain.

The villagers, powerless against even the weakest of shinobi, cowered as Kurokama raised his kunai again.

"Kill them all!" he barked to his men.

Panic erupted. Villagers screamed and scattered, but Kurokama's gang blocked every escape route. One by one, the villagers fell.

Amidst the carnage, the girl's cries were the only sound left.

"Don't worry, brat. You'll join your parents soon enough," Kurokama sneered, lifting his bloodied kunai.

Suddenly, a cloud of steam enveloped him.

Before he could react, his head exploded like a melon, scattering fragments everywhere.

"You filthy scum!" Han's deep voice rumbled as he cradled the trembling girl. His golden-purple eyes burned with fury.

In an instant, he moved like a hurricane, breaking the limbs of Kurokama's men one by one. Their screams echoed briefly before being silenced.

Han stood amidst the carnage, his breaths heavy, the girl clinging to him in terror.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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