"Go." Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand wearily.

He turned and addressed Utatane Koharu, "You two as well."

"Alright then, Hiruzen. Don't overthink it," Mitokado Homura said gently. "What if he didn't come here to make trouble?"

Hiruzen's mouth twitched slightly. The intelligence reports had been clear—this wasn't a peaceful visit—but he knew Homura was just trying to reassure him.

Once the others had left, and the Hokage's office was quiet again, Hiruzen's expression changed. His features sagged, and his exhaustion became obvious.

Kaito…

Like a mountain on his shoulders, the presence of Ayanami Kaito weighed heavily on Hiruzen's mind. Until the situation was resolved, sleep and peace would continue to evade him.

---

Just a few streets away from the Hokage Tower, Jiraiya crouched on the ground, pen in hand, scribbling and giggling lecherously to himself.

Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged.

"Orochimaru? Didn't you leave already? What are you doing here? Waiting for me?" Jiraiya asked, visibly confused.

"Stay out of matters between Kaito and Konoha. Return to the front lines first thing tomorrow." Orochimaru didn't offer any further explanation. With that, he melted into the shadows.

"Orochimaru! Can't you just say things clearly for once?!" Jiraiya shouted after him.

Still, he frowned. Orochimaru had always been the most calculating of their trio. If he was saying this, there had to be a reason.

"Fine. I'll ask Hiruzen-sensei myself tomorrow," he muttered, returning to his manuscript.

---

Far from Konoha, Kaito was unaware of the growing tensions. He had spent the last nine days within his personal training space, working relentlessly. The fusion between his spirit and the lightning-based kekkei genkai he had acquired was finally reaching a stable stage.

Though the worst of the pain had subsided, his head still throbbed. He estimated it would take at least another month of recovery in here, which only equated to three days in the real world.

He could afford to wait.

Three days later, Kaito sat cross-legged in the glowing space, a confident smile forming on his face.

"Not bad. I've finally recovered enough."

Focusing, he channeled lightning chakra toward his mind once again.

Crack! Crack!

The piercing agony returned—another test of endurance.

An hour later, his screams had faded. Sweat soaked through his clothes, his body trembling from the strain. But he didn't stop. He poured his chakra deeper into the lightning-infused bloodline, refining and strengthening it.

Eventually, black lightning crackled in his palm, infused with spiritual energy. Its power surpassed standard lightning, delivering damage not just to the body—but to the soul as well.

But it still wasn't his. This energy hadn't yet fully become part of his blood. Until then, he would have to merge it every time he wanted to use Yoton-style lightning. And that wasn't efficient.

I need to speed up the fusion… ideally within a second.

Ten days later, Kaito opened his eyes and glanced up at the crescent moon.

"It's time," he murmured. "Hiruzen… are you ready?"

He left behind a note for Tsunade, explaining his temporary departure. Then, with a flash, his figure vanished.

---

Three days later. Dawn.

A modest town near Konoha.

Kaito stepped out of an alley, a hint of fatigue on his face. Rather than heading straight to the village, he decided to wait until nightfall.

After eating at a small restaurant and taking a long bath, he changed into dark, breathable clothing and slept deeply. He needed to be sharp for what was coming.

By nightfall, Kaito awoke and spent some time training in his space.

Wearing a black cloak and a mask, he vanished again.

---

At the outskirts of Konoha, Kaito stood silently, gazing at the village before him. Familiar rooftops, streets, and trees… and yet, he had returned not in peace—but in judgment.

Sensing a specific chakra, he vanished toward it.

At that exact moment…

---

Konoha Barrier Division

A ninja maintaining the village barrier stiffened, his eyes narrowing. "Someone just broke in. Inform the Hokage immediately!"

"Captain, maybe it's just a chakra fluctuation. This is the safest village in the world," one of his teammates chuckled.

"I'm serious. The chakra came from near the Hokage Rock. Go now!"

Realizing the urgency in his captain's eyes, the young ninja nodded and sprinted toward the Hokage's office.

---

Inside a cozy bungalow...

Kushina stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, humming. She looked unusually carefree, almost as if she'd forgotten the past month's turmoil.

Pulling a bottle of milk from the fridge, she downed it in one breath and smiled contentedly.

"Ahhh… I wish every day could be like this."

"You seem to be in good spirits today."

The sudden voice froze her in place.

Her eyes snapped open. There he was—cloaked and masked.

"Kaito…" she growled. "What the hell are you doing here?!"

"Paying Hiruzen a visit."

"Then why are you in my house?" she asked sharply.

"If you don't want to get caught in the crossfire, I'd suggest hiding in a nearby town," he said flatly.

"Oh? Are you worried about me now?" Kushina's lips curled slightly.

"I just wanted your decision. Stay here, or leave. When Minato returns, there might not be time to choose."

"This is my home, and I live separately from Minato," she said, rolling her eyes. "You're not jealous, are you?"

"…Forget it. I'm leaving. They've already sensed me. Take care of yourself."

Kaito vanished before her eyes.

Seconds later, Minato's voice called from outside. "Kushina! Are you okay?!"

"Yeah, just finished a shower. Why?"

"Someone's infiltrated the village. I'm going to check it out. Be careful!" he shouted, then disappeared down the street.

Moments later, a thunderous voice echoed throughout the village, laced with rage and chakra:

"Hiruzen Sarutobi! Danzo Shimura! Utatane Koharu! Mitokado Homura! All you elders of Konoha—hear me! I, Ayanami Kaito, have returned to annihilate your clans!"

---

Bro said he didn't want to change the timeline.

Few days later: storms Konoha, lol (⁠⌐⁠■⁠-⁠■⁠)

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