Chapter 72 72: Gaara.

Having reached this point, Kaito could no longer continue training in the sage realm. Without the aid of the slugs at this stage, he risked turning into a stone statue if he lost control for even a second. One day, two days, an entire month passed in the blink of an eye. Throughout that month, Kaito had been trying to absorb the natural energy in the atmosphere, yet he never succeeded. Still, he wasn't in a rush. He had time. After all, even Jiraiya had taken decades to master only an incomplete version of Sage Mode. On this particular day, in a damp and quiet section of the jungle, Kaito sat cross-legged, eyes closed, focusing on balancing the natural energy in his body. However, a voice pulled him out of his meditation. "What's the matter, slug?" [Lady Tsunade has sent a message. She's asking you to return,] the slug said softly. "Tsunade-sensei?" Kaito frowned. "What could she want now?" Then it clicked. "Wait... isn't the Chunin Exams starting soon?" he muttered. If he guessed right, Tsunade calling him back was probably tied to Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Alright, I'll head back immediately. Thanks for the message." It was a welcome change of pace after such intense and monotonous training. Besides, he didn't want to miss the events surrounding the Konoha Crush plan. [Yes, Lord Kaito.] With a puff of smoke, Kaito's figure appeared inside Tsunade's room. "Thanks again. You can return now. I'll call you if I need anything," Tsunade said, dismissing the slug with a wave. [Goodbye, Lady Tsunade,] the slug replied before vanishing into smoke. "Tsunade-sensei, what did you want to talk about?" Kaito asked as he opened his eyes. "Konoha is holding the Chunin Exams in collaboration with the Sand and Sound Villages," Tsunade said. "Hiruzen-sama wants you to participate." "I already left the village. Why bring me back now?" Kaito asked with a slight smirk. "Well, I suppose I could show up for old man Sarutobi's sake—and to remind the other villages not to underestimate us." "Yeah, that sounds like something Hiruzen would plan." Tsunade nodded thoughtfully. "So you'll go?" "Why not? It's been a while since I've seen Ino and Hinata. Besides, it's a good chance to show them what kind of students you've trained." He knew well that Hiruzen's time was running short. And he had no reason not to be there in his final moments. "Alright then. I won't stop you. With your strength, the exam will be nothing. Just make sure to uphold my dignity—beat the hell out of them if you can!" Tsunade gave him a hearty tap on the shoulder. "Got it." The exam was scheduled for the 18th of the month—five days from now. Since he had nothing better to do, why not head out today? "Okay, I'm off then." Without another word, Kaito turned into a streak of lightning and disappeared into the sky. --- At the gates of Konoha... He reappeared suddenly, surrounded by crackling sparks. After greeting the gatekeepers, Izumo and Kotetsu, Kaito strolled inside. His goal wasn't to stay hidden. He wanted Hiruzen to know he had returned—to avoid unnecessary assumptions. As he walked further in, he stumbled upon an interesting scene. Kankuro had Konohamaru by the scarf, his tone arrogant. "You ran into me, brat! That hurt, y'know?" Naruto and Sakura stood frozen, unsure of what to do. "Guess I'll steal the spotlight," Kaito muttered with a grin. In a flash, he appeared behind Kankuro. His eyes were cold, and his grip firm as he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "My advice? Don't mess with that kid. You wouldn't want the consequences." "That's Sarutobi Konohamaru, the Third Hokage's grandson. If you lay a finger on him, your entire squad from the Sand Village might not make it home." Kankuro's eyes widened in panic. Sweat formed on his brow. He had messed with the wrong person. Realizing the danger, he immediately released Konohamaru. "Apologies. We were in the wrong," Kankuro stammered. Temari glanced at Kaito. Strong. She stepped forward and gave a polite bow. They weren't in the Sand Village now. Picking a fight in Konoha, especially with someone connected to the Hokage, was asking for trouble. "It's okay, big sis!" Konohamaru squeaked and darted behind Naruto. "With that cleared up... the two of you hiding in the tree can come out now," Kaito said, turning his gaze to a nearby tree. Everyone froze. Someone else was there? Following Kaito's line of sight, they spotted Sasuke and Gaara perched quietly on a branch. "Sasuke!" Naruto shouted, grinning. "When did you get back, Kaito?" "Just now," he replied calmly. "I'm heading home. Things are handled here." But as he turned to leave, a quiet voice stopped him. "You're strong," Gaara said. "Strong enough for me to know your name. I'm Gaara of the Sand. And you?" "Name's Ayanami Kaito," he said casually. Without waiting for a response, he vanished once again. --- As usual, Send Powerstones.