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Thousands of miles away, outside a prosperous town in the Land of Hot Springs.
The evening breeze carried a slight chill, soothing and tranquil. Leaves rustled softly as moonlight spilled onto the bluestone path, painting a scene of serene peace.
The air shimmered faintly, and a figure materialized silently beside the bluestone.
"Waaah—"
The piercing cries of an infant shattered the quiet as Kamihane, controlling Kagami's body, instinctively scanned his surroundings while holding the wailing Tsunade.
According to Kagami's memories, this was the farthest location he'd reached on missions. He'd once enjoyed hot springs here with teammates, even leaving a Flying Thunder God mark on the bluestone for quick returns when exhausted.
"Kid knows how to live..." Kamihane's spirit muttered within Kagami's consciousness, tinged with envy, as the original soul lay discarded nearby.
His original plan involved using reverse summoning via a ninja cat bribed by Boki to transport Uchiha Kagami to the Cat Room. Unexpectedly, this "younger brother" hadn't been idle during these six years, having mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique – a fortunate shortcut.
"Still, need to secure this little package quickly. Konoha must be reacting by now..."
Earlier, he'd immediately exploited Gengetsu Hōzuki to summon the Giant Clam's illusions – not for combat, but to cover his tracks. Within the mirage's hallucinatory realm, neither insiders nor outsiders could perceive reality, only maintaining the illusion of normalcy.
This precise manipulation allowed Kamihane's "kidnapping operation" to proceed flawlessly.
Entering the town, the rural nightlife proved subdued. Only a raucous gambling den remained illuminated. The moment the handsome youth carrying a screaming infant stepped inside, odd glances flocked toward them.
But in a gambling hall, everyone soon refocused on their bets and card games, the attention evaporating like smoke. Kamihane boldly rented a room and ascended to the second floor.
Locking the bedroom door, he placed little Tsunade on the bed. The thin walls allowed faint gambling cheers to filter through. Oddly, these noises gradually quieted the infant's cries.
She wriggled, tiny hands escaping the swaddle. Her darting eyes seemed to observe and listen.
"Eee!" She waved plump arms, a sweet smile blooming on her chubby face.
"Happy now? Good. Seems you're cooperating too. Thanks – I'll kill your great-uncle for this."
Kamihane paid her no further mind, relieved she'd stopped crying. Retrieving a smooth glass vial from his robes – thumbnail-sized, containing shimmering crimson blood – he crushed it decisively.
Using the bloodied palm, he formed hand seals and slammed it on the floor:
Boar → Dog → Rooster → Monkey → Ram
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Amidst dispersing white smoke and blue mist, Boki emerged with feline grace. "Guard the brat. Eliminate any disturbances," Kamihane ordered.
Boki nodded, "Money talks, no problems~" Leaping onto the bed, its bronze eyes studied Kagami's face. "You brothers look alike, though the eyes differ..."
"Obviously. Don't you resemble your siblings?" Kamihane retorted.
Boki's chilling chuckle echoed, "Wish I knew. Mother birthed us in flight, died soon after. All I remember is the garbage dump... how I ate them all to survive..." It licked its paw. "Fraternal slaughter – my oldest companion."
"Then live fiercely enough for all of them," Kamihane stated flatly.
The cat paused, feline features flashing surprise as it peered into Kamihane's soul. Finally, it smirked, "You're... different. Is this why you contracted me?"
"Don't flatter yourself. You're just affordable."
After reiterating instructions, Kamihane immediately activated Flying Thunder God. Space warped, and within moments, he materialized atop the Hokage Monument.
...
"You bastard! Did you do this on purpose?!"
Before the Uzumaki Shrine, Tobirama gripped Gengetsu's collar, face twitching.
"How should I know? I was possessed! The genjutsu wasn't mine!" Gengetsu retracted sleeves, feigning innocence. "Besides, we're all Kage here! How could the Giant Clam's illusions fool you?"
The Second Tsuchikage sneered, "When you chased me with Water Gun blasts – was that possession too? You're Kamihane's accomplice! This was all staged to steal Konoha's princess!"
"Damn you bandage-wrapped freak! Don't slander me!" Gengetsu spat. "Why would I risk attacking Konoha? What use is their princess? You're framing me to eliminate rivals!"
His eyes suddenly gleamed slyly, "Wait – your sensory skills are strongest here. You should've seen through 'Mirage Pavilion'! You're the traitor!"
"Enough!!"
Hashirama's guttural roar froze the combatants. His shadow-engulfed eyes radiated glacial fury. Under overwhelming chakra pressure, even Gengetsu collapsed weakly.
The assembled Kage exchanged uneasy glances, each bearing bruises. Moments earlier, Hashirama had single-handedly subdued the "rampaging" Kage, only to return and find his granddaughter stolen.
"Whatever his goal... harming a child is unforgivable." Hashirama's clenched fists trembled with contained wrath.
Tobirama interjected, "I've erected barriers. A spirit can't reverse summon without external help. He's still here, hiding." He barked orders, "Mobilize all villagers to the Hokage Tower for inspection! Deploy sensor-nin and Hyūga to sweep every corner! Find Tsunade!"
A sudden "swish" announced Uchiha Kagami's arrival before the group.
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