Naruto: Drop System

"Cheers!"

In the evening, at Tsunade's mansion.

Around a long table filled with exquisite dishes, Yagyu and the women around Tsunade clinked their glasses, celebrating together after a long time apart.

Now that they were older, Yagyu spent most of his time with Hinata, rarely seeing Sakura and Ino.

After all, they hadn't yet become full-fledged Jonin, and Teams 7 and 10 hadn't disbanded.

Unless they married and chose to become homemakers, they needed to go out and earn a living.

Tonight, Ino wasn't there for that reason.

So, whenever he returned, Yagyu would arrange a gathering even without Tsunade's prompting.

After clinking glasses, they began eating and chatting.

With Kurenai absent, Tsunade roped Shizune into drinking with her.

Hinata and Kurama Yakumo, ever the elegant young ladies, quietly enjoyed their meal.

Meanwhile, Yagyu, Sakura, and Hanabi were busy sharing stories of the amusing events they'd experienced lately, gradually drawing Hinata and Yakumo into the conversation until the atmosphere was lively.

Even the adults, Tsunade and Shizune, joined in from time to time.

After a few drinks, Tsunade's cheeks flushed, and she suddenly said, "By the way, Jiraiya sent a message—he and Naruto are on their way back."

"They should be back in the Leaf in a few days."

"Really?" Sakura's eyes lit up. "Does that mean Team 7 will be reactivated?"

"Yes," Tsunade nodded, her expression serious. "Orochimaru will need to reincarnate soon, and the next mission for Team 7 will be to face the one who killed the Third Hokage."

Hearing this, Sakura's face turned solemn.

Memories from three years ago flashed through her mind—feeling helpless and terrified when she faced Orochimaru, disguised as a Grass ninja, during the Chunin Exams.

But unlike the fear she'd felt back then, Sakura's determination now showed in her resolute expression. "We won't let Orochimaru succeed. We'll bring Sasuke back."

"If you need any help, just let me know," Yagyu offered with a smile.

He didn't tell her that Orochimaru had already reincarnated and that Sasuke had left as the victor.

Yagyu shook his head inwardly, thinking to himself.

Aside from Kakashi Hatake, neither Naruto nor Sakura truly understood Sasuke Uchiha now.

One had grown up without parents; the other had a loving family.

Neither had experienced the pain Sasuke endured from losing his family and clan, nor his deep-seated hatred for Itachi Uchiha.

Without understanding that pain, they weren't qualified to try to convince Sasuke to return.

Even if they found Sasuke, he wouldn't go back with them.

Only those who had felt similar anguish could understand Sasuke's feelings and have the right to try to bring him back.

This was why, in the original series, Naruto's failure to understand led Sasuke to sever his bond with him completely during the Tenchi Bridge mission.

It wasn't until Naruto lost Jiraiya, teetered on the edge of darkness, and ultimately let go of his hatred that he could truly connect with Sasuke.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Naruto's path to becoming the Leaf's hero, the savior of the shinobi world, and the Seventh Hokage owed a great deal to Jiraiya's sacrifice.

If Jiraiya hadn't died, Yagyu was curious if Naruto could have convinced Sasuke to return.

"Right!" Sakura said, encouraged by Yagyu's words.

With Yagyu's support, she felt confident that Team 7 would bring Sasuke back this time!

---

Five days later.

At 12:30 p.m., at the Leaf Village gate.

It was a quiet day with few people coming or going, and Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane were yawning in the guardroom.

Just then, two figures passed by the guardroom without signing in, entering the village.

"Is... is that...?"

Izumo and Kotetsu were startled and instinctively rushed out to stop the figures.

But when they recognized one of the familiar figures, they exchanged a glance, excitement in their eyes.

After nearly three years, Jiraiya and Naruto had finally returned.

---

Elsewhere, Yagyu, who had just completed an S-rank mission and was on vacation, received the news while training Kurama Yakumo and Hanabi in an abandoned training ground.

He didn't rush to meet them; instead, he smiled, eyes full of anticipation.

The return of the Child of Destiny meant that the story of Shippuden was about to begin.

The thousand-year-old game was reaching its peak.

---

In the shinobi world, at a large lake connected to the sea.

Despite it being noon, the lake was shrouded in a thick mist, surrounded by untouched wilderness and natural beauty.

On the treetop of a massive tree that would require a dozen people to encircle, a large pitcher plant suddenly appeared.

Looking down at the lake, White Zetsu chuckled. "The chakra is already gathering. The energy fluctuations are growing stronger."

"Yes," Black Zetsu replied calmly. "In a few more months, the Three-Tails should fully revive."

"By now, the Nine-Tails jinchuriki should also have returned to the Leaf Village."

White Zetsu mused, "We've confirmed the locations of all nine tailed beasts and their jinchuriki. By early next year, we should be able to start the plan."

"At this rate, we might not even have to wait until next year."

"Let's head back and report this to 'Lord Madara' and Pain."

With that, the pitcher plant disappeared as quickly as it had come.

Meanwhile, on the eastern coast of the Land of Fire, close to the Land of Waves, three uninvited guests arrived.

"Sasuke, you're sure about this, right?"

Walking across the Great Naruto Bridge into the Land of Waves, Suigetsu Hozuki strolled with his hands behind his head, glancing at Sasuke Uchiha, who walked in the middle of the three. Sasuke's handsome, cold demeanor was drawing the gaze of many women nearby. "You're sure one of the Seven Ninja Swords, the Executioner's Blade, is really in this backwater country?"

"If no one has taken it, then it should be here."

Sasuke's expression remained stoic as he replied with a mysterious confidence, "Even if it's gone, it doesn't matter. Itachi's partner is also a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. All we need to do is kill him, and his sword will be yours."

"Heh..."

Suigetsu grinned, showing his sharp teeth, a look of bloodlust in his eyes. "Kisame Hoshigaki, wielder of the Shark Skin blade... I can't wait to slice off his limbs and his head!"

Sensing Suigetsu's killing intent, Sasuke finally frowned, warning him, "Remember our agreement—not to kill without reason."

"Yeah, yeah..."

---

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