103 Ch-103 Connections to Sage of Six Paths.

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In the current timeline, Sasori had chosen not to divulge Orochimaru's whereabouts to Sakura, or wasn't able to as he was reduced to dust by Jiryoku. However, fate, or perhaps a stroke of good fortune, smiled upon the village as a team of vigilant Anbu ninjas managed to unearth the elusive hideout of Orochimaru.

News of this discovery reached the Hokage office, where Naruto and Sakura happened to be present, drawn by the commotion surrounding Jiryoku's unexpected arrival in Konoha. Understanding the gravity of the situation, both Naruto and Sakura petitioned for permission to embark on the pursuit of Orochimaru. Their motivation was clear: they knew that Sasuke was likely within Orochimaru's hidden lair. The timing proved fortuitous, as Kakashi, unburdened by the adverse effects of the Mangekyo Sharingan, shared their resolve. He, too, approached Tsunade, urging her to authorize their mission to Orochimaru's sanctum. Tsunade consented, recognizing the urgency of the situation, and further bolstered their team by summoning Yamato to accompany Team 7.

However, it was important to note that in this altered timeline, Sai had met a tragic fate, perishing alongside the ROOTS organization, decimated by Jiryoku's ruthless assault.

With the team assembled and their hearts steeled, Team 7 set forth on their perilous quest to locate Orochimaru's hideout.

----

Several days later, word of Jiryoku's audacious attack on Mount Myoboku began to circulate throughout the ninja world, reaching the ears of all major shinobi villages. In the Raikage's resplendent office within Kumogakure, Fourth Raikage A himself received this alarming news.

"So, it seems that one of Konoha's staunchest allies, Mount Myoboku, is going to be attacked," A mused aloud, his keen interest piqued by the development.

Mabui, the diligent assistant to the Raikage, affirmed the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, Raikage-Sama. It is none other than Jiryoku who is going to attack Mount Myoboku, the reasons are not clear for now."

The very mention of Jiryoku's name ignited a fire of anger within A's chest. "Jiryoku," he seethed, his voice tinged with righteous fury. "The very same wretch who assaulted Konoha upon the demise of the Third Hokage?"

Mabui nodded somberly in confirmation, understanding the depth of the Raikage's resentment. "Yes, Raikage-Sama, it is indeed the selfsame Jiryoku."

A clenched his fists, recalling a painful history. "I can never forget the atrocities committed by that bastard. He single-handedly decimated a Kumogakure squad when we dared to attack the Fire Country following the deaths of Danzo and the Third Hokage."

Mabui, displaying her characteristic poise, refrained from speaking further.

Amidst the mounting tension, B, the eight tail Jinchuriki of Kumogakure, burst into the room, his enthusiasm failing to match the gravity of the situation. "Fool! Yo, Fool! What's all this ruckus about, huh?"

A's patience wore thin, and he issued a stern rebuke. "Idiot! How many times must I remind you not to barge in like this?" His frustration culminated in a forceful strike against the table.

Mabui, adopting a measured tone, interjected, seeking to temper the Raikage's volatile emotions. "Raikage-Sama, please, let us not allow this situation to escalate further. Breathe, and compose yourself."

With a measured breath, A steadied himself and directed his attention toward B.

"Yes, Lord B, Mount Myoboku faces an imminent threat from Jiryoku," Mabui calmly clarified.

"Haha! Well, it appears someone must either be an immense fool or profoundly confident in their strength," chuckled the voice of the Eight Tails, who resided within B.

Perplexed by this cryptic statement, A sought clarification. "What exactly do you mean by that?" he inquired.

The Eight Tails continued, "Consider this: if a select few individuals within Kumogakure possess relics tied to the Sage of Six Paths, whether through lineage or other connections to Sage of Six Paths, then envision the level of protection and treasures that the Sage of Six Paths would have bestowed upon his closest friend and advisor, Gamamaru, the current 'Great Toad Sage.'"

A, though growing impatient, pressed for a more straightforward explanation. "Enough with the circles. Speak plainly."

Acknowledging the need for clarity, A received the Eight Tails' revelation and realized that the individuals within Kumogakure with ties to the Sage of Six Paths were none other than Kinkaku and Ginkaku.

"Indeed," affirmed the Eight Tails, "in his final moments, the Sage of Six Paths entrusted various individuals, including those related to him, with distinct responsibilities. This extends to us, the tailed beasts. He assigned his younger son with the duty to safeguard Mount Myoboku."

A, attempting to reconcile the ancient history with the current events, questioned, "But what relevance does this historical account have to the situation unfolding now? Thousands of years have passed, and surely the Sage's younger son must have long since departed this world."

The Eight Tails countered, its voice tinged with an air of enigma. "You underestimate the might of the Sage of Six Paths and the extent of his methods. To him, individuals of your strength would be as inconsequential as mere insects. I've disclosed all the information within my purview."

In the face of this tantalizing revelation, A could only ponder the extraordinary depths of the Sage of Six Paths' legacy and the mysteries that still lay concealed within it.

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