The Titan Curse: A Shinobi’s Reign

Chapter 26 – The Gathering Storm

Land of Fire – Hokage's Office

The air inside the Hokage's office was thick with tension. Tsunade's disappearance had sent shockwaves through Konoha.

Naruto stood before Kakashi, fists clenched. "She's out there, and you're telling me we're just going to let her go?"

Kakashi sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's not that simple, Naruto."

"She's Tsunade-sama! A Sannin! We can't just—"

"We don't even know if she wants to come back."

Naruto froze. His breath hitched slightly. "What?"

Kakashi's voice was calm but firm. "She left on her own. There was no sign of a struggle. No sign that she was forced. If anything, it seems like she chose to go with him."

Silence.

Naruto shook his head. "That doesn't make sense. She wouldn't just abandon Konoha."

Kakashi's single eye darkened. "Then the real question is… what did Konoha do to make her leave?"

Naruto had no answer to that.

---

Land of Lightning – Raikage's Office

A clenched fist slammed into the desk, splitting it in two.

A let out a frustrated growl. "Tsunade defecting? That's ridiculous."

Darui, standing beside him, remained calm. "Konoha isn't denying it. They're barely responding at all."

"That's because they're embarrassed." A snorted. "One of their strongest just walked out, and now she's siding with some warlord? That doesn't sound like the Tsunade I know."

Darui frowned. "What if she knows something we don't?"

A's scowl deepened. "Then it's about time we found out."

---

Land of Water – Mizukage's Chambers

Mei Terumi leaned back in her chair, swirling a cup of tea.

"This Kurozan…" she mused, her emerald eyes sharp. "A man who can turn people into titans and grant them chakra? That's not something to ignore."

Ao, her trusted advisor, nodded. "If the rumors are true, his army is growing fast. And now, with Tsunade at his side…"

Mei's lips curled into a small smirk. "Konoha must be panicking."

Ao sighed. "Should we be worried?"

Mei took a slow sip of her tea.

"Not yet."

---

Land of Earth – Tsuchikage's Office

Onoki hovered above his chair, arms folded. "Tsunade… of all people, she's siding with a man like this?"

Kurotsuchi leaned against the wall, unimpressed. "Maybe she's finally sick of Konoha's hypocrisy."

Onoki grunted. "If this Kurozan gets any stronger, we might all have to worry about more than just Konoha."

Kurotsuchi smirked. "So? Do we sit back and watch?"

Onoki sighed. "For now. But tell our scouts to keep an eye on him. If he becomes a threat, we eliminate him."

---

Akatsuki Hideout

Pain sat on his throne, emotionless as Konan read the latest intelligence reports.

"Tsunade has joined Kurozan," she said. "Or at least, she's standing beside him for now."

Pain remained silent.

"It changes things," Konan continued. "She's strong. Strong enough to shift the balance."

Pain finally spoke. "It doesn't matter. Kurozan's power means nothing. His goals do not align with ours. He will fall like the rest."

Konan hesitated. "And if he doesn't?"

Pain's eyes, cold and distant, gazed out into the dark.

"Then we will make him."

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