My Techniques are a bit off

[Main World – Konoha Village – Rooftop near the Hokage's residence]

"Link's been acting weirder and weirder lately."

Utakata watched from a distance as Link sneaked off alone to a convenience store, then sighed. "What on earth happened that he can't talk to us about it?"

At first, he'd been all for playing pranks and having some fun at Link's expense, but now he was simply worried. Whatever was happening with Link's body during his growth spurt was obviously not normal. He'd sneak off every few days to see Tsunade in private, rarely left his home except to eat and sleep, and always kept himself heavily covered up. Whenever anyone asked, he'd just say, "I'm fine."

Even his voice and appearance had begun to change. How could that not concern them?

On top of that, Tsunade wouldn't breathe a word about it, and Link was constantly followed by his shadow clones. If Tsunade wanted to confide in someone, she probably couldn't without them noticing.

"How about we ask the Hyūga for help?" Main-World Sasuke suggested.

With their Byakugan, seeing through clothing or a face mask would be a breeze.

"Let's not drag them into this," Utakata said, shaking his head. "They probably couldn't get close enough anyway. The entire Konoha Village is practically crawling with Link's shadows. Anyone without power on our level would never slip past their surveillance.

"And even if, say, during the new Fourth Great Ninja War we tried to rip off his mask and robe in the chaos, between just the two of us, we don't stand a chance. His power level is way out of our league. And he's still growing stronger, or so it feels to me. We had no hope before, and now it's even worse."

The plan they'd hatched to unmask and disrobe Link in the midst of chaos kept looking more and more hopeless.

"Jiraiya spoke to me," Main-World Sasuke said suddenly. "He said Gaara is in the Hokage's office asking for me."

Utakata thought for a moment. "Should we let Link know?"

He had a hunch it was about the upcoming 'New Fourth Great Ninja War,' which was mostly for show. With the Black Shadow Army's involvement, the war would probably be over in mere minutes, just like their rehearsal run in the Fourth World.

Main-World Sasuke shook his head lightly. "Don't tell Link yet. Let's go meet Gaara."

He had a vague plan. No matter what was happening with Link, Sasuke would stand by him. Still, Sasuke hoped he could face it alongside his friend.

The two said nothing more and soon arrived at the Hokage's office, entering via the window as usual.

Gaara was standing on the opposite side of the Hokage's desk, looking deep in thought. He turned when he heard the window open.

"You're here," said Jiraiya, sounding rather worn down.

He didn't have much choice; he was stuck cleaning up after the Sixth Hokage had effectively declared war on the entire world. From Konoha's perspective, it wasn't really his place to call for or against war, but he'd been so busy that he hadn't even visited Mount Myōboku lately or met with the Great Toad Sage. Causing the destruction of an entire alternate world had nearly broken him; he was trying to bury his guilt in nonstop work.

Main-World Sasuke nodded, then spoke to Gaara. "Come with us."

He then turned to Jiraiya. "Please don't tell Link Gaara's here."

Given Link's current daily routine, if nobody told him, chances were he'd have no clue.

"…Alright," Jiraiya replied quietly, focusing back on his laptop, shoulders heavy with guilt. He wasn't in a state of mind to deal with much else, so he just kept working, trying to avoid everything.

So the three of them left the Hokage's office and headed straight for Training Ground Seven.

"It's been a while," Gaara said, somewhat nostalgic. This was the place where his life had taken a turn for the better all that time ago.

A flicker of a smile crossed Main-World Sasuke's otherwise composed face. "It has."

Utakata didn't bother with pleasantries. "Let's cut to it. What do you want to do?"

"I want to stop Link from starting this war," Gaara replied gravely.

Figures, both Sasuke and Utakata thought simultaneously.

Sharing a glance, Main-World Sasuke said, "That's impossible. Everything's already set in motion."

"I don't understand," Gaara said, puzzled. "I want to know what's really going on with Link."

At first, he'd planned on going to Link directly. But after thinking it over, he realized he lacked too much information. He figured it'd be better to talk to Sasuke first, find out the situation, and then try to convince Link. After all, they'd spent quite a bit of time training together in Training Ground #7 before—it was at least a bit of a bond.

"It's complicated, and yet… really simple," Main-World Sasuke said, letting out a sigh at the thought of Link. He raised his hand and produced a faintly glowing strand of the "Web Network." "Are you ready for the truth?"

Gaara gave a slight nod and reached out without hesitation. He carried not just his own convictions, but the trust others placed in him. He had no reason to waver.

As soon as Gaara was linked, he felt a curious sensation. Sasuke, as the one who'd initiated the connection, immediately sent him a flood of information, his voice echoing within the network:

"First, the 'Hokage Chronicles'. Then, the 'Allied Shinobi Forces Charter'—…"

As Gaara began to read, his solemn expression changed into one of shock.

…

[Main World – Sunagakure Village – Confinement Room]

"Sorry, Granny Chiyo, for dragging you into all this."

Temari looked guilty. She'd never expected it would escalate to such a serious fight. Her original plan, as one of the Kazekage's children, was to get Gaara out before anyone could stop them. She'd even prepared to let Gaara storm through the village's protective barrier while she and Kankurō used their family connections to deal with the Anbu.

But as soon as the Fourth Kazekage realized the confinement-room barrier had been breached, he'd knocked her out without hesitation. By the time she came to, he and Granny Chiyo were locked in a fierce battle at the village outskirts.

Sure, Gaara had successfully set off to find Link, but they hadn't predicted so many complications.

Chiyo was now sitting cross-legged on the floor, her head tilted and eyes shut, not breathing at all.

"Granny Chiyo!" Kankurō rushed over in alarm.

Temari's heart tightened in her chest. She started to call for the Anbu to come help—

"Haha! Surprised you, didn't I?" Chiyo abruptly opened her eyes, grinning.

"Seriously…" Kankurō mumbled, relieved.

Playing dead was Chiyo's old habit, though this probably wasn't the best time for it. Still, it definitely fit her personality.

"Click—"

The confinement-room door opened, and Ebizō entered with a steady expression. He sighed. "Sister… you've really made Rasa furious this time. The higher-ups in the village want severe punishment for attacking the Kazekage."

"Heh…" Chiyo didn't look bothered in the slightest. "They can kill me if they want."

At her age, with one foot already in the grave, she had nothing to fear.

Ebizō shook his head. He knew there was no swaying his forever-willful elder sister. "The village has decided you'll serve as the vanguard in the upcoming war, to atone for your crimes."

~~~

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