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Chapter 5 - A CRACK IN THE CALM

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he asked Yamato, "What was the man's age?" He was determined to uncover every detail about the mysterious figure.

Yamato's expression turned thoughtful, his brow furrowed in concentration. "He was an old man, older than me," he replied, his voice measured.

Naruto's curiosity got the better of him, and he blurted out, "You mean around Tsunade baa chan's age or even older?" He looked at Yamato with wide eyes, eager for more information.

Yamato's gaze seemed to drift into the past, his eyes clouding over. "Let's say... if Yondaime sama were alive, they would have been about the same age," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of reverence.

Sakura's eyes widened as she looked at Yamato, her mind racing with the implications. "You mean older than you but younger than Shisho?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sasuke's eyes never left Yamato's face, his gaze intense. "What about his appearance?" he demanded, his voice firm.

Yamato's face scrunched in concentration, trying to recall the man's features. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, and he gasped, "bluish black ,spiky hair." His gaze locked onto Sasuke, and a look of horror crept onto his face.

Frustration etched on his face, Yamato's voice rose, "Exact you!"

Naruto's eyes darted between Sasuke and Yamato, confusion etched on his face. "What's going on?" he asked.

Sakura's eyes darted between Yamato and Sasuke, confusion etched on her face. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "You geezer! You're saying..." he began, but Naruto's firm hand on his shoulder halted him.

"Stop, Sasuke,"His voice was low and even.

Yamato, realizing his mistake, backpedaled frantically. "I didn't mean to say it was you, Sasuke! What I meant was...he was older than you, his hair was longer...he had bluish-black hair and...and his facial features were similar to yours, that's all!" Yamato spoke rapidly, his words tumbling out in a desperate bid to appease Sasuke.

Sakura's mind raced for a moment, a fleeting thought crossing her mind - could it be true? Was her husband the mysterious old man? She quickly pushed the notion aside, focusing on the tension in the room.

Sasuke's eyes still smoldered with resentment, his thoughts evident - people still don't trust him, still suspect him of being something he's not.

Yamato's fear was palpable, his eyes darting between Sasuke and the others as he spoke, his words spilling out in a panicked attempt to defuse the situation. He didn't want to provoke Sasuke further, didn't want to face the wrath of the young Uchiha.

The air was thick with tension, the group's emotions raw and exposed. Naruto's grip on Sasuke's shoulder remained firm, a steady anchor in the stormy atmosphere.

Naruto broke the silence, his curiosity getting the better of him. "So, Yamato Taichou, who rescued you from that place?"

Yamato's expression turned serious, his eyes clouding over. "I thought it was my end...but luckily, Orochimaru rescued me."

Sasuke and Naruto both looked at each other, shock written across their faces. Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his thoughts consumed by suspicion. Why would Orochimaru, of all people, rescue Yamato?

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing with questions. What was Orochimaru's motive? Was he involved in the mysterious old man's plans?

Sakura's voice cut through the silence, her tone laced with concern. "But why would Orochimaru rescue you,Yamato Taichou? What's going on?"

Naruto's eyes widened as he pieced together the puzzle. "Don't tell me this is all linked to Orochimaru dattebayo?! Maybe Orochimaru had an enemy who wanted to attack him, or maybe he betrayed the old man, but the old man attacked Yamato Taichou or used him as a decoy to get his task completed!"

Sasuke nodded thoughtfully, his expression serious. "This could be true. Orochimaru's involvement doesn't surprise me. He's always playing multiple angles."

Sakura's brow furrowed, her mind racing with the implications. "But what could Orochimaru possibly gain from this? And who is this mysterious old man?"

Yamato's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know, but I think I was just a pawn in their game."

The group fell silent, the weight of Yamato's words settling in. They knew they had to dig deeper to unravel the mystery, but the more they learned, the more complex it seemed to become.

Yamato's expression turned grave as he requested, "Nanadaime-sama, please have someone check on Orochimaru's whereabouts immediately."

Naruto nodded swiftly and sent a clone, his eyes filled with a sense of foreboding.

Sakura's curiosity got the better of her, "What are you doing, Naruto?"

Naruto replied firmly, "I need to inform Kakashi-sensei about this and ask him to investigate further."

Yamato's voice trembled as he said, "I...I saw something...in the old man's eyes..."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "What?"

Yamato's breathing became labored, his chest heaving with effort. Sakura rushed to his side, concern etched on her face. "Yamato Taichou! what's wrong?!"

Yamato's eyes widened, struggling to speak. Sasuke's voice rose in urgency. "Tell me.What did you see?"

Yamato's lips moved, but no sound emerged. Sakura examined him, her hands moving swiftly over his body. "He's experiencing some sort of physical distress. We need to calm him down."

Sasuke's face twisted in frustration. "No time for that! Yamato!What did you see?"

Yamato's eyes locked onto Sasuke, a desperate plea within them. He mouthed the words, barely audible. "Sharingan..his eyes..they were Sharingan.."

Sasuke's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling with the implications. "What?! That's impossible! Only two people possess the Sharingan - me and Sarada. Everyone else with the Sharingan is already dead!"

Sakura's hands moved swiftly over Yamato's body, her eyes scanning for any signs of injury. Naruto and Sasuke sat on the chairs their faces etched with concern.

The forest at the outskirts of The Leaf grew darker, the shadows deepening. The trees seemed to loom over them, their branches tangling together like skeletal fingers.

In the distance, a figure stood shrouded in shadows, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. The air around him rippled, as if reality itself was bending to his will.

The figure raised his hands, and the forest responded. Trees twisted, their trunks thickening, their branches reaching out like grasping fingers. The air grew colder, the darkness coalescing into a presence that seemed to pulse with power.

The figure's eyes flashed, and the Rinnegan awakened. The forest erupted into chaos, trees shattering, branches snapping. The sound of rushing water filled the air, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.

With the Rinnegan's power coursing through his veins, the figure raised his hand, and his body began to glow with a soft, white light.

"Toki no Jutsu!" he declared, his voice filled with a newfound sense of wonder.

As the light enveloped him, the figure's body began to shift and contort, his age reversing at an incredible rate. Wrinkles smoothed, grey hair darkened, and his eyes sparkled with renewed vitality.

When the light faded, the figure stood before them, rejuvenated and youthful, with the Rinnegan's power still burning bright in his eyes.

As the Senju and Uchiha cells merged, the figure's body began to shift. Its aged skin smoothed, wrinkles vanishing like mist in sunlight. Grey hair darkened, becoming a rich, velvety black. Eyes once sunken now gleamed with vitality, their purple hue deepening to an almost ethereal shade.

The figure's posture straightened, its frame filling out with newfound vigor. Time itself seemed to bend, reversing the flow of years. The old man's face, once etched with age, now radiated youthful energy.

His eyes blazed with the Rinnegan's power, casting an otherworldly glow across the forest. The air around him rippled, as if reality was being reshaped by his very presence.

With a final burst of energy, the transformation completed. The figure stood tall, its youthful form radiating an aura of unbridled power. The Rinnegan's purple light pulsed, a beacon of unimaginable strength.

The forest, sensing the shift in power, trembled. Trees swayed, leaves rustling in awe. The wind whispered secrets, as if the land itself acknowledged the figure's newfound might.

In this moment, the figure was reborn, its true potential unleashed. The Rinnegan's power coursed through its veins, a river of limitless possibility. The boundaries of time and space seemed to bend, awaiting its command...

Naruto stood at the corner of the room, leaning on the wall in a serious manner, his eyes fixed on the floor. "Alright, I've decided dattwbayo," he said, his voice firm. "First, we will figure out the reason why he shares a grudge against Konoha."

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Naruto. "Huh? I thought he shared a grudge against Orochimaru... how did Konoha come into this?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Sasuke's expression remained stoic, but his voice was laced with a hint of understanding. "No, Konoha is involved because he said all the people of that village betrayed him," he explained, his eyes not leaving Naruto's face.

Sakura's eyes dropped, and she thought to herself, "Oh yeah... I remember now. He did say that." She recalled the mysterious figure's words, and a shiver ran down her spine. The depth of his pain and anger was unsettling.

Naruto's gaze remained fixed on the floor, his mind racing with possibilities. "We need to understand what drove him to feel this way," he said, his voice determined. "What could have happened to make him feel so betrayed?"

The room fell silent, with each member lost in their own thoughts. The weight of the mysterious figure's words hung in the air, a constant reminder of the complexity of the situation.

"First, me and Sasuke will try to explain to that man not to hurt the village," Naruto said, his eyes fixed on Sasuke.

But before he could continue, Sasuke's voice cut in, his tone firm and resolute. "If he won't understand that, then we will kill him."

Naruto's eyes widened in confusion as he looked at Sasuke, his mind racing with the sudden turn in the conversation. "Kill?" he thought, his voice trailing off.

"But Sasuke..." Naruto's words were cut off by Sasuke's stern expression."Village's safety comes first," Sasuke said, his eyes unyielding.

Naruto's gaze dropped, and he realized that what Sasuke was saying was true. He nodded to himself, thinking, "Yeah, he's right. I don't think that man would be an idiot coming to the village alone and fighting against tons of people ttebayo."

He looked up at Sasuke, a determined glint in his eye. "You're right, Sasuke. We can't let him harm the village. We'll try to reason with him, but if that doesn't work..."

Naruto's voice trailed off, but his expression spoke volumes. He was ready to do whatever it took to protect their home.

The scene shifted to the Uzumaki household, a warm and cozy home filled with the loving energy of the Uzumaki siblings. The kitchen, where Himawari and Boruto were currently gathered, was a testament to Hinata's love for cooking and baking. The walls were adorned with colorful utensils and cookbooks, while the countertops were made of sleek, modern material. A large window above the sink allowed natural light to pour in, illuminating the space with a warm glow.

Himawari, with her curious eyes and innocent smile, looked up at her brother Boruto, who was busy measuring out ingredients for a cake. "You really can bake a cake, Onii-chan?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

Boruto, wearing a flour-dusted apron, chuckled and ruffled his sister's hair. "Of course, I can! I'm a master baker, just like Mom!" Himawari's eyes widened in awe. "Wow"

As Boruto continued mixing the batter, the aroma of sweet vanilla and chocolate filled the kitchen, making Himawari's stomach growl with anticipation. She climbed onto a stool, watching her brother with fascination as he expertly folded the ingredients together.

The kitchen was a reflection of the Uzumaki family's love for each other and their passion for cooking. Photos of the family adorned the walls, showcasing happy memories of birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect place for the siblings to bond over their shared love of baking.

Boruto, with a mischievous grin, said, "I said cake, but it's gonna be a pancake! dattebasa" Himawari nodded enthusiastically, eager to see her brother's culinary skills in action.

Boruto began mixing the ingredients in a large bowl, his spoon moving in smooth, flowing motions. However, as the mixing progressed, his patience started to wear thin. He began to mix the ingredients more roughly, his spoon clattering against the sides of the bowl.

Himawari's eyes widened in concern. "Not so roughly, Onii-chan!" she scolded.

Boruto chuckled and adjusted his technique, his spoon moving in smooth, gentle circles once more. "Like this?" he asked, looking at Himawari for approval.

Himawari nodded, "Uh-huh... like Mama." But just as it seemed like the mixing was going smoothly, Boruto's pace slowed, and he looked uncertain. Himawari noticed the change and asked, "What's the matter, Onii-chan?"

A sudden transformation took place in the kitchen as Boruto's impatience turned into a display of his unique abilities. With a subtle hand gesture, he placed his palm above the bowl, and a faint hum of chakra began to emanate from his hand. The air around the bowl started to vibrate, and the ingredients, once stagnant, began to stir.

A small, swirling vortex materialized above the bowl, its center aligned with Boruto's hand. The vortex grew in intensity, its edges blurring as it expanded, engulfing the ingredients. The mixture started to rotate, slowly at first, then gaining speed and momentum.

As the vortex intensified, the ingredients blended together in a mesmerizing dance. Flour, eggs, sugar, and milk merged into a smooth, consistent batter. The rotation accelerated, creating a whirlpool effect that drew in every last bit of ingredient, leaving no streaks or lumps behind.

Himawari's eyes widened in wonder, her gaze fixed on the spinning mixture. The sound of the vortex grew louder, a gentle whooshing noise that filled the kitchen. The air around the bowl seemed to shimmer, as if the chakra was manipulating the very fabric of reality.

Boruto's smile grew, his eyes shining with excitement. "This is it!!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with triumph.

The Konoha Hot Spring, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of the village, beckoned weary souls to come and unwind. Steam wafted gently from the surface of the crystal-clear water, carrying the sweet scent of cherry blossoms and the soothing sounds of gentle chirping. The surrounding trees, adorned with vibrant green leaves, swayed softly in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on the stone pathways.

Inside the hot spring's main building, a figure with striking white hair, piercing black eyes, and a distinctive scar above his left eyebrow leaned against the counter, wearing a comfortable bath robe. His gaze was fixed on the phone in his hand, his expression a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance.

"What is it, Naruto? Didn't I tell you I'd be on leave?" he said, his voice low and even.

As he listened to the voice on the other end of the line, his expression changed, his eyes narrowing slightly, his grip on the phone tightening. The silence was palpable, punctuated only by the soft hum of the hot spring's ambiance.

The man's eyes seemed to bore into the distance, his mind focused intently on the conversation. His scar twitched slightly, a subtle indication of his growing interest. The bath robe, once relaxed, now seemed to be clinging to his frame, as if mirroring his increasing tension. The air around him seemed to vibrate with anticipation, as if the very atmosphere was waiting for his response.

As the last wisps of autumn's warmth dissipated, the Yamanaka Flower Shop stood as a beacon of serenity, its wooden facade weathered to a soft silver. The entrance, flanked by two stone lanterns, was adorned with a delicate wreath of dried corn husks and golden leaves, hinting at the approaching winter. The sliding door, made of translucent paper, filtered the soft, pale light of the season, casting a warm glow within.

Inside,Yamanaka Ino, with her striking blonde hair tied in a neat ponytail, her bright blue eyes shining with warmth, and her slender fingers moving with grace, arranged a bouquet of vibrant chrysanthemums in a crystal vase. Her gaze drifted towards the door, a hint of a smile on her lips.

"Inojin, thank you, dear, for helping me today. Now you can go; you said you were going to meet up with Shikadai, right?" she said, her voice gentle.

Inojin, with his striking blonde hair tied in a low ponytail, his bright blue eyes shining with warmth, and his bangs falling across his forehead, looked up from the flowers he was trimming. "It's alright,Kaa-san. No need to thank me... Yeah, me and Shikadai promised to meet, so I'll be going," he replied.

The shop's interior was a testament to the Yamanaka family's love for beauty and nature. Shelves lined with an array of vases, each containing a unique floral arrangement, seemed to stretch up to the ceiling. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the soft chirping of birds could be heard in the background.

Ino's gaze lingered on her son for a moment before she nodded, her smile widening. "Alright... Take care."

As Inojin turned to leave, the soft rustle of his footsteps on the traditional tatami mats seemed to echo through the shop, accompanied by the gentle sway of the flowers in the breeze.

The hot spring's warm mist swirled around Kakashi, his eyes narrowing as he listened intently to the voice on the telephone. "What? How did this happen? Yamato... that poor thing... Orochimaru, huh? Alright, I'll ask someone to look into it..."

But before Kakashi could continue, Naruto's voice cut in, his tone urgent. "Kakashi-sensei, I'm sorry, but can I talk to you later? Something urgent came up.ttebayo."

Kakashi's gaze flicked towards Naruto, his expression unreadable. "Alright," he said curtly, his voice low and even.

As Naruto quickly excused himself, Kakashi's attention returned to the telephone call. But before he could respond further, the line went dead, signaled by a sharp "beep beep" as the caller hung up.

Kakashi's eyes lingered on the telephone receiver, his mind still processing the conversation. Then, with a subtle nod, he slowly returned the receiver to its cradle, his thoughts already racing ahead to the next move.

Ino's hands moved deftly as she wrapped a bouquet of fresh flowers for a departing customer. Her smile was warm and genuine, her bright blue eyes sparkling with kindness. "Drop in again, young ladies are always welcome...!" she said, her voice like music, as she handed the customer a small, exquisite package. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the soft chirping of birds could be heard in the background. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the delicate petals, casting a warm glow over the entire scene.

At the same time Naruto's clone, seated in front of the Hokage's desk, held the telephone receiver to his ear, his expression focused. "From behind the Leaf's boundary, huh...? Please inform the Black Ops Director that he is required to go over..." His voice was firm, yet respectful, as he conversed with the person on the other end of the line. The office was dimly lit, with only a few flickering candles illuminating the space. The walls, adorned with scrolls and maps, seemed to loom over the clone, casting long shadows across the floor.

Kakashi, still immersed in thought, stood by the hot spring, his eyes gazing out into the distance. "I hope everything's..." His voice trailed off, lost in contemplation. The warm mist swirled around him, casting an ethereal veil over his figure. The sound of gentle lapping of water against the rocks created a soothing melody, and the scent of sulfur hung in the air.

And then, in an instant, all three scenes were shattered by a sudden, shocking revelation. Ino's smile faltered, Naruto's clone's eyes widened, and Kakashi's gaze snapped back into focus. The tranquility of the moments before was replaced by a sense of urgency, as if the very fabric of their world had been torn apart...

---

Quiz Question:

What is the name of the dojutsu (eye technique) that the mysterious old man possesses, according to Yamato's revelation?

A) Sharingan

B) Rinnegan

C) Byakugan

D) Tenseigan

Share your answer in the comments below!

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