Volume One, Chapter 19: Luo Sha's Doubt
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Inside Gaara’s Residence, the Hidden Sand Village
“Gaara!”
Rosa shouted Gaara’s name loudly, then pushed open the door of Gaara’s bedroom.
To his surprise, what greeted his eyes was Yakamaru holding the already asleep Gaara, whispering something under his breath.
Seeing this, Rosa quickly stepped forward and carefully took Gaara from Yakamaru’s arms. After a thorough examination, he found Gaara unharmed, and his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled.
“Lord Rosa...”
Only then did Yakamaru come to his senses. He immediately dropped to one knee and apologized to Rosa.
“Yakamaru, tell me, what exactly happened here?”
After gently placing Gaara back on the bed, Rosa asked Yakamaru.
Judging by the signs of battle within the room, it was clear that a fierce fight had taken place...
“Lord Rosa, this place was invaded by a boy from the Uchiha clan of Konoha. I fought him, but I was no match...”
“I’m ashamed to say Gaara was taken by him, but about half an hour later, that same Uchiha boy inexplicably returned Gaara.”
“To this day, I have no idea what that Uchiha’s true purpose was...”
Yakamaru spoke, his hands clenching tightly, his tone filled with shame and frustration over his own insufficient strength.
“The Uchiha boy? Are you referring to Konoha’s Shunshin Shisui?”
Rosa pressed his hand to his chin, deep in thought.
The timeline did seem to fit Shisui.
“No... no...”
“Although that Uchiha boy also possesses the same Mangekyo Sharingan as Shunshin Shisui, I’m certain it wasn’t him!”
“There were two enemies in total, Lord Rosa. The Shunshin Shisui you mentioned is probably the one outside the house fighting Granny Chiyo.”
“As for the one who invaded the house, it’s obviously not him...”
Upon hearing this, Rosa’s brow furrowed deeply, a hint of worry flickering in his eyes as he began carefully analyzing everything that had just happened:
“If what you say is true, then this matter is far more complicated...”
“Konoha’s Shunshin Shisui colluding with a rogue ninja from our Hidden Sand Village, and secretly, there’s an unknown mysterious Uchiha warrior...”
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“From what we currently know, their target is Gaara. But I feel like there’s something I’ve forgotten...”
Rosa said, then slowly moved to Gaara’s side.
He reached out and gently stroked Gaara’s delicate face, then closed his eyes and began sensing everything happening within Gaara.
After a moment, Rosa suddenly opened his eyes wide, shock evident in his gaze.
He quickly stepped back several paces and said in disbelief:
“How is this possible? I can’t sense the Tailed Beast chakra in Gaara!”
“What is going on? This is unheard of! I’ve never heard of a Jinchuriki surviving unscathed after losing their Tailed Beast!”
Yakamaru’s face also showed shock at Rosa’s words.
The atmosphere inside the room instantly grew heavy and tense. Yakamaru’s pupils dilated slightly, clearly stunned by this sudden turn of events.
“Lord Rosa, what... what could this mean?”
Yakamaru’s voice trembled; he couldn’t comprehend how Gaara could remain safe despite losing the Tailed Beast chakra.
Rosa didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he returned to Gaara’s bedside, staring at the sleeping child with a complex expression.
He took a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts, then slowly spoke:
“There is only one possibility—Gaara’s Tailed Beast was forcibly removed or sealed by some power, and the sealing technique is so advanced that he was unharmed.”
“Forcibly removed or sealed?” Yakamaru repeated Rosa’s words, a sense of foreboding rising within him. “Who could have such power? And for what purpose?”
Rosa shook his head, his brow still tightly furrowed:
“That remains unclear. But whoever did this means the Hidden Sand Village is facing an unprecedented crisis.”
“Gaara, now without the Tailed Beast, is temporarily safe. But in the long run, his shield has disappeared, and we have lost a vital strategic asset.”
“What should we do then?”
Yakamaru asked urgently, fully aware of Gaara’s importance to the Hidden Sand Village and the consequences of losing him.
Rosa pondered briefly, a determined glint appearing in his eyes:
“First, we must identify that other Uchiha ninja and uncover his intentions.”
“Second, we must strengthen the village’s defenses to prevent any further attacks.”
“Most importantly, protect Gaara to ensure he suffers no more harm. As for the secret behind the Tailed Beast’s removal, we must investigate quickly and recover the lost power.”
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“Yes, Lord Rosa!”
Yakamaru immediately responded and prepared to carry out the orders. He slowly retreated and soon disappeared from sight.
Rosa glanced at the peacefully sleeping Gaara, then looked out into the night beyond the window. No one knew what he was thinking at that moment...
...
Near Konoha Village
Futen and Shisui moved swiftly through the forest. After a long run, both showed signs of fatigue.
“Futen, we’re close to Konoha now. I’m curious—why aren’t we going with Sasori to that place?”
“I have my reasons for this, Shisui...”
“Besides, our destination is almost reached. Promise me, no matter what you see, don’t be too shocked.”
Futen turned to Shisui, a playful glint in his eyes.
“Tch, teasing me at a time like this—I really don’t get you...”
Shisui pouted in displeasure, genuinely doubting anything could surprise him.
Soon, the two stopped beside an unremarkable cave. Futen showed a hint of relief, then led the way inside.
Following Futen’s signal, Shisui entered the mysterious cave as well.
They walked deeper and deeper, the path sloping downward as if leading underground.
“Futen, I feel like many eyes are watching me nearby...”
“This feeling... it’s not good.”
Shisui spoke seriously, raising his guard.
“No worries, it’s just some White Zetsu, nothing major.”
“White Zetsu?”
Before Shisui could ask further, Futen stopped. In front of him was a wall broken by Obito.
“We’re here...”