---
After the Land of Hot Water (Yugakure) was destroyed, the entire ninja world was in shock.
No matter the reason, no one expected Senju Takuya to wipe out an entire nation. For a time, everyone in the ninja world was on edge. Various nations began cracking down on illegal activities within their borders. After all, no one wanted their country to face the same fate as the Land of Hot Water.
**Konohagakure.**
In a secluded restaurant, Senju Takuya sat at a table with Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.
"Kid, I didn't think you had it in you," Uchiha Madara said, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "You really surpassed my expectations."
"It was necessary," Senju Takuya replied calmly. "If we want the ninja world to progress in the right direction, we have to take strong measures."
"That's true," Madara agreed. "I thought my abilities were unmatched, but compared to you, I see I still have a long way to go."
Even Madara, with all his power, knew he couldn't bring himself to destroy an entire nation like Takuya had. It wasn't about power, but the resolve to cross that line. In that regard, both in strength and will, Takuya surpassed him.
"They went too far," Takuya said firmly. "I gave them a chance, but they persisted in their ways. Such a nation would only bring disaster to the ninja world."
In contrast, Hashirama looked troubled. With his character, it was impossible for him to approve of Takuya's actions. However, as someone who considered himself a relic of the past, he chose not to criticize Takuya.
"Hashirama, let it go," Madara said, noticing his friend's expression. "This era no longer belongs to us. Seeing the current state of the ninja world, you should understand that what Takuya did was right."
"Madara, there's no need to say more. I understand," Hashirama sighed. Even if he knew Takuya was right, he couldn't get over that hurdle in his heart.
"Takuya, what's your next move?" Madara asked, shifting the focus back to Takuya.
"I'm going to revive the Ten-Tails and become its Jinchūriki," Takuya said casually.
"What? Didn't you say that becoming the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki was part of a conspiracy? Isn't that Black Zetsu's method of resurrecting Kaguya Ōtsutsuki?" Madara and Hashirama asked, confused.
"Don't worry," Takuya waved his hand dismissively. "I've already exiled Black Zetsu to the farthest reaches of the universe. Even if the Ten-Tails is resurrected, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki won't be able to break the seal."
Hearing this, Madara and Hashirama were relieved.
"Alright, this meal was great. Thanks for the hospitality," Takuya said, downing his drink in one gulp before standing to leave.
As Takuya's figure disappeared into the distance, Madara and Hashirama exchanged glances, both showing approval.
"This young man is much stronger than we were back then," Madara remarked.
"Next, it's the Three-Tails' turn," Takuya muttered to himself before using Kamui to transport directly to Kirigakure.
Upon arriving in Kirigakure, Takuya didn't immediately seek out the Three-Tails. Instead, he went to find Terumi Mei. Since she had been serving as Mizukage, their time together had become scarce.
"Husband?! What brings you here?!" Terumi Mei exclaimed when Takuya appeared in her office, a wide smile spreading across her face. Ignoring the others present, she threw herself into Takuya's arms. "I missed you so much."
"Hey, you're the Mizukage. Pay attention to appearances," Takuya said with a helpless smile.
"What does it matter? I don't care," Terumi Mei pouted.
Seeing the two of them, the others in the office wisely left.
Once they were alone, Terumi Mei became even more uninhibited, kissing Takuya directly. "Husband, let's talk later."
Seeing Terumi Mei's eager expression, Takuya couldn't refuse. It seemed she needed his attention.
---
After their intimate moment, Takuya shook his head in amusement as Terumi Mei slumped in her chair. This woman was finally content.
After a while, Terumi Mei sat up, admiration in her eyes. "Husband, what brings you here this time?"
"Finally remembered to ask about business?" Takuya teased.
"Husband, I couldn't help myself just now," Terumi Mei said shyly.
"I'm here to capture the Three-Tails," Takuya stated.
"Capture the Three-Tails? Husband, with your power, do you really need a tailed beast?" Terumi Mei asked, puzzled.
"For most shinobi, the power of a tailed beast is unattainable. But for you, it's nothing," she added.
"It's a long story," Takuya replied.
"I have time. Tell me," Terumi Mei insisted, tugging at his arm.
Seeing her persistence, Takuya smiled helplessly and explained his plan involving the Ten-Tails.
"So that's it. Husband, the Three-Tails has been under surveillance in our village. Here's the sea area where it's hiding," Terumi Mei said, pulling out a map and placing it in front of Takuya.
"That's great. This will save a lot of trouble," Takuya smiled. Without these coordinates, finding the Three-Tails would be like finding a needle in a haystack.
"Husband, remember to come back after you capture the Three-Tails. I have something important to tell you," Terumi Mei warned.
"Got it," Takuya said, patting her head before standing up.
Next, he was going to find the Three-Tails.
---
Following the coordinates provided by Terumi Mei, Senju Takuya arrived at a sea area not far from Kirigakure.
Hovering above the water, Takuya closed his eyes and extended his sensory abilities to their maximum range. It wasn't long before he detected an immense chakra deep beneath the seabed.
"Found you," Takuya murmured as he opened his eyes, then plunged directly into the sea.
"Human, why have you come here? Leave, or I won't be so courteous," growled the Three-Tails, Isobu, as Takuya suddenly appeared before it.
"Isobu, I want to have a word with you," Takuya said, a smile playing on his lips.
"I have nothing to discuss with humans. Leave at once," Isobu urged impatiently. It was wary, having encountered humans who only sought to exploit its power. Now that it was free, it had no desire to return to the confines of a dark seal.
"Kurama, Shukaku, Matatabi, come out and talk to Isobu," Takuya said, summoning the three tailed beasts sealed within him.
Isobu's eyes widened as Kurama, Shukaku, and Matatabi appeared before it. "You... why are you three here? No, I mean, how are you all here at the same time?" Isobu asked, astonished.
"Isn't it obvious?" Shukaku replied smugly. "The three of us are sealed within Boss Takuya."
"Huh? What's going on? Boss Takuya? You've recognized a human as your boss?" Isobu was even more shocked. Typically, a Jinchūriki could only host one tailed beast. Managing just one was already a monumental challenge, yet here was a human with three. And what puzzled Isobu most was how Shukaku, Matatabi, and Kurama seemed to have willingly accepted this arrangement.
"Isobu, you should join Boss Takuya and experience the good life," Shukaku whispered. "Isn't it much better than your current existence?"
"Enough chatter," Kurama cut in, clearly impatient. "Isobu, take my hand, and I'll show you what I mean."
"You smelly fox, can't you stay quiet while I'm talking?" Shukaku snapped.
"The one who should shut up is you, you windbag," Kurama retorted.
"What, you wanna fight?"
"Tch~ You've only got one tail, so you're not even qualified to be my opponent."
As Shukaku and Kurama bickered, Matatabi noticed Takuya's growing impatience and took the initiative to bump fists with Isobu. This was a special method tailed beasts used to communicate, sharing their memories directly.
"You... this is your daily life? How is that possible? Are you joking?" Isobu couldn't believe what it saw in Matatabi's memories. It saw Matatabi basking in the sun, eating delicious food, and being treated with respect by shinobi who normally would have fought to control it.
"This isn't something that can be faked, so there's no reason for me to lie to you. Join us, and you can enjoy this life too," Matatabi advised.
Isobu fell silent, tempted by the prospect. As a tailed beast, it had always been hunted for its power. Even though it was free now, it constantly had to worry about being attacked by ninja. To avoid detection, it had to remain hidden in the depths of the sea, making even a breath of fresh air a luxury.
But after a moment, Isobu spoke again. "Matatabi... I'm afraid you've been deceived!"
"Isobu, why do you say that?" Matatabi asked, confused.
"Haven't you figured it out yet? This human is only giving you this comfortable life to lull you into complacency. His true goal is obvious: to collect all the tailed beasts and resurrect the Ten-Tails!" Isobu said with certainty.
"Hmph! So that's what you think?" Shukaku, Matatabi, and Kurama burst out laughing.
"Hey, what's so funny?" Isobu asked, growing irritated. There wasn't anything amusing about this situation.
"Isobu, of course, we know about that," Kurama said.
"You knew?" Isobu was stunned.
"Your concerns are unnecessary," Matatabi explained. "Boss Takuya promised us that when he revives the Ten-Tails, he'll only use our chakra and leave our consciousness intact."
"Can you really trust a human's word? You're too naive," Isobu retorted, knowing how cunning humans could be.
"Alright, alright. With Boss Takuya's power, there's no need for him to lie to us," Shukaku said, placing his fist on Isobu's.
In an instant, the memories of Senju Takuya flooded into Isobu's mind.
"This human... is actually stronger than the Sage of Six Paths?!"
---
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