Naruto: Echoes of a Distant Home

Over a few days, events had yet to fully unfold, but their consequences were beginning to take shape.

With the Mizukage missing and his fate uncertain, his surviving bodyguards—Mei, Ao, and Kisame were naturally held accountable. However, given Kirigakure's shortage of personnel, any punishment for the three was postponed.

Discussions about how to retrieve the Mizukage, uncover the Akatsuki's motives, and potentially negotiate for his return were now on the table. In every village, key leaders typically gathered to discuss such matters, and this meeting left the Mizukage's seat noticeably empty, a rare and unsettling sight.

Nine individuals, mostly older and serious-faced, sat around the table. Their expressions were uniformly solemn.

"A letter has been delivered to the Daimyo, who is now aware of the situation and has sent condolences. He also expects us to resolve this swiftly," announced an elderly man with long hair, his voice steady and commanding.

"We can't elect a new Mizukage until we've confirmed the Mizukage's fate," insisted a middle-aged man with a red shuriken tattoo over his right eye.

"While that's true, we should still prepare," countered the elder. "The village can't go too long without a leader."

A spiky-haired elder beside him agreed, "Yes, while we search for the Mizukage, we should also start preparations."

The man with the shuriken tattoo frowned in frustration. "We already sent someone to negotiate with the Akatsuki, but they disappeared, likely killed by Akatsuki's people."

Reports brought back by Mei and the others confirmed that Konoha rogue ninja Ye Zi, a member of Akatsuki, was responsible for the Mizukage's abduction.

A short, stocky elder snorted in anger, "This won't end peacefully. They're obviously after the tailed beasts."

Assuming that the Akatsuki's motive must be the tailed beasts was the logical conclusion.

"If diplomacy is impossible, then we needn't hold back."

"I agree."

"No objections here."

"There's another issue: Konoha is aware of this."

The village leaders were conscious of the importance of keeping this matter quiet. Losing their leader was akin to having their front torn down, and it would be humiliating if other villages caught wind of it. Luckily, this was not wartime; otherwise, their situation would mirror that of Suna after the Kazekage's disappearance, where they found themselves under close scrutiny.

Though the pressure on Kirigakure wasn't as intense as it might be during war, many were mentally preparing for the likelihood that the Mizukage's tailed beast had already been extracted.

"We don't have time to worry about the potential risks. Our priority should be to put pressure on Akatsuki."

"All intelligence points to Akatsuki's base being in Amegakure, and their goal is obvious: the tailed beasts."

"Yes, but this country is nearly impenetrable. We know next to nothing about it."

"In any case, we need to select our team as soon as possible."

They knew little about Amegakure's resources or allies, and an outright war wasn't feasible with their current limitations. They would rely on covert missions to gather information and, if possible, weaken Amegakure's power. However, should they find the Akatsuki's power too great, Kirigakure might have to swallow this humiliation.

While Kirigakure was grappling with this situation, Sunagakure had also been hit by Akatsuki but had managed to protect their own Jinchuriki.

Having once again been infiltrated by Akatsuki, Sunagakure was seething with anger. Like Kirigakure, they had surmised that Akatsuki's goal was the tailed beasts. However, instead of preparing for direct conflict, Sunagakure opted to seek an alliance with Konoha.

The decision was reached quickly, and Yugito Nii was chosen as the liaison, tasked with traveling to Konoha immediately.

So far, only Sunagakure and Kirigakure had been directly affected by Akatsuki's actions. Due to limited intelligence, neither knew of the other's involvement, as both villages were rather isolated. Meanwhile, the other major villages—Kumo and Iwagakure—were unconcerned and likely content to let events play out without their interference, at least as long as Akatsuki didn't target them.

In Iwagakure, Ye Zi was at his current hideout. Upon returning, he had spent his time diligently training a group of children.

Looking back, he realized his mentorship of Guy and Kurenai had been minimal beyond guiding them down their chosen paths. While Guy and Kurenai had deeply appreciated his influence, Ye Zi himself didn't feel he had contributed much.

Now, his approach had changed; he was serious and meticulous in teaching these children. Though it served a purpose, he was undeniably more invested than he had been in Konoha.

Ye Zi taught earnestly, and the children learned eagerly. They admired Ye Zi and aspired to become strong shinobi like him.

Kotoe and Shin watched from the sidelines, still finding the scene a bit surreal.

"Every time I see Ye Zi surrounded by children, it feels unbelievable," Shin observed, arms crossed as he watched from the training ground's edge.

"I think it's wonderful," Kotoe said, smiling softly.

Shin glanced at her. "Your feelings for Ye Zi are pretty obvious."

"Yes," she said, looking at Ye Zi with a warm gaze, not denying it.

Shin's eyes dimmed slightly before brightening again. The girl who had saved him multiple times in the field had feelings for Ye Zi. They made a good match.

"But it seems Ye Zi isn't reciprocating your feelings."

"It's fine if he doesn't respond," she replied calmly. "As long as I can stay by his side, that's enough."

Her words struck a chord with Shin. So, that's how it is, he thought. Just being by his side is enough…

Currently on Chapter 337 - Arriving at the Kayuga's Clan Home

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