Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template

"Then goodbye!" Naruto and his group waved to Zixu and the others. The Flame Cloud Elevator appeared under their feet, and Naruto jumped down first.

"Oh, it's really as soft as cotton," he muttered, feeling the gentle cushion below. Even though he was falling, the usual sense of weightlessness was almost gone.

Sasuke, curious, also reached out and grabbed the Flame Cloud. "It's warm... but not hot. Just the right warmth."

Zixu stood watching and only left once he was sure they had descended safely.

Their current goal was to mobilize all forces to annihilate the Akatsuki. Ideally, they'd uncover the cause of the system's mutation in the process. And then there was Orochimaru—an ongoing threat. It was simply safer to eliminate him outright.

"It's time for the Hundred Teaching Organization to play its part," Zixu muttered, gathering his former comrades—those who once worked closely with him.

The celebration had just ended. Spirits were high. Even the usually cold-hearted Zabuza was quietly sipping sake under the moonlight.

"This kind of life isn't so bad, huh?" Zixu opened casually, gauging the group's mood. Everyone could tell he had something more serious to say.

"If there's something you need to say, just spit it out," Gaara said calmly, voicing what they were all thinking.

"Alright, then I won't beat around the bush. Our diplomatic relations with other nations have greatly improved. That opens up new opportunities," Zixu explained, snapping his fingers. A projector orb activated, casting an image of the world map.

Each village's position was displayed. At the center, a floating plate had been added—it was clearly the restored Land of Whirlpools.

"As a teaching organization, the Hundred Teaching Organization will begin offering instruction to various nations. During this period, stay alert for any signs of Akatsuki activity. If you find anything, notify HQ immediately. I'll authorize Sky City to strike swiftly."

"In the process, we will slowly replace the Akatsuki's role. Just don't forget our purpose while doing so."

Zixu's ambitions were clear. Eradicating every mercenary group like Akatsuki wasn't realistic—even in peace, such groups would exist. His goal was to absorb and control them, turning chaos into order.

"Understood. Are we starting now?" asked Aburame Hatsuizumi. Truthfully, she wanted a break. She wasn't a war freak—peace was more her thing.

"Of course not. We're all exhausted. Take a few days to rest. There's no rush," Zixu said firmly. He understood balance—after countless battles, pushing them now would only lead to burnout and mistakes.

He didn't believe Akatsuki would stir up much during this short pause... hopefully.

---

Elsewhere, in a scorched wasteland of lava and black flames, Itachi adjusted his clothes, removing his charred Akatsuki cloak. At his feet, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Roshi, lay unconscious, trapped in a genjutsu.

"Next, Pain will probably move on Konoha..." Itachi murmured. He had anticipated this. As long as he remained with Akatsuki, they would tread carefully when targeting Konoha. On the other side, Danzo would hesitate to act against Sasuke.

"This wasn't part of the plan," he muttered, coughing blood. Then, he hoisted Roshi onto his back and disappeared.

Originally, Itachi had assumed Sasuke would seek revenge and be tempted by Orochimaru's power. With the Sharingan, Sasuke would naturally attract Orochimaru's attention. But for some reason, Orochimaru didn't show much interest—he even left a curse mark half-heartedly, as if doing it just because Sasuke was there.

What followed had been completely unexpected. Sasuke didn't focus on developing his Sharingan. Instead, he honed his taijutsu. Who the hell told an Uchiha to train in block-style techniques instead of visual jutsu?

"Well, it's the path Sasuke chose," Itachi said quietly. His brother might not be the easiest person to guide, but at least he found his own way. Still, his current strength wasn't enough to survive on his own in the ninja world.

Danzo's schemes and Akatsuki's brutality—both were threats too big for him to face just yet.

"If possible, I'd want Sasuke to never awaken the Sharingan..." he sighed. "But fate's not that kind."

It was time. Time to let Sasuke grow.

Itachi closed his eyes. A new plan formed in his mind.

---

While Itachi schemed for Sasuke's growth, Zixu was also preparing—for Itachi himself.

"Haki. True spiritual power at its peak."

Zixu's hands darkened with a steel-black hue. The kanabo (steel mace) in his grip reflected nothing—its surface was that deep black of fully awakened Armament Haki (Busoshoku Haki).

His body bulked into a giant form. He now resembled Kaido in his strongest state. Though he had other transformations, they weren't battle-efficient, so he never used them.

With a firm grip on the kanabo, he closed his eyes and focused on the surrounding air currents.

"I haven't mastered Observation Haki (Kenbunshoku Haki) to the level of seeing the future yet. Is it because I haven't truly faced death? That kind of power is essential," he murmured.

Even predicting a single move ahead gives an edge in combat—but true future sight could save lives.

"Maybe that's why Kaido always threw himself into near-death situations..." Zixu wondered aloud. "Do those suicide stunts actually push Observation Haki to the limit?"

Returning to normal form, his arms and weapon still glowed with hardened Haki.

Zixu wandered to the edge of Sky City. Looking down, all he could see were endless clouds beneath. Night had fallen. The moon above made the mist glow faintly, revealing city lights far below.

"If I jump without protection from this height... I'll die," he muttered. His face twitched. He hadn't unlocked all of the Kaido template yet. The system had glitched, trapping him in this incomplete state. While training helped the fusion rate, the pace was glacial.

"But maybe... maybe it's worth a shot," he whispered. A voice inside urged him forward.

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