"Sage Art: Lightning Style—Kirin!"
A deafening roar of thunder echoed through the skies as Sasuke unleashed his ultimate technique. Unlike his original Kirin, this version was amplified through his Celestial Body Pattern, condensing vast amounts of natural energy.
The result? A colossal golden Kirin composed entirely of divine lightning, far surpassing its previous incarnation. Its sheer power was tenfold—no, hundreds of times stronger than before!
A single strike could shatter the land, tear mountains asunder, and permanently alter the terrain itself.
The Thunder Condor, hovering in mid-air, felt the overwhelming pressure of the attack. A shiver ran through its body despite its prideful nature. For the first time in its life, it was afraid.
And yet, its arrogance refused to let it bow.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
The golden Kirin moved. With blinding speed, it lunged forward, its fangs sinking into the condor.
BOOM!
Golden lightning engulfed the massive bird, surging into its body, threatening to obliterate it entirely.
The Thunder Condor realized in that instant—if it didn't surrender, it would die.
Its will crumbled.
"I... I submit!" it screeched.
The moment it spoke those words, the golden lightning dissipated, vanishing into thin air. The once-dark sky gradually cleared, revealing the bright blue heavens once more.
Sasuke smirked.
The battle was over.
A New Companion
The Thunder Condor lowered its head in submission. No longer a proud beast—now, a loyal companion.
"Master, what is your name?" it asked, its voice filled with newfound respect.
"Uchiha Sasuke," he answered, patting the massive bird's back.
The condor remained silent for a moment, processing the name. Being the Summoning Beast of someone so powerful—it was an honor rather than a defeat.
Sasuke then turned his gaze toward the beast's powerful wings.
"By the way… how did you master both Wind and Lightning Natures?" he asked curiously.
Most ninja required years of training to master even a single Nature Transformation. Having two was usually something only high-level Jōnin could achieve.
Even for someone like Sasuke, who had an exceptional affinity for chakra, it had taken time.
Yet here was a wild beast that had naturally mastered two elements.
The condor responded, "Master, for centuries, I have soared through the skies, witnessing countless battles among shinobi. I learned from what I saw and practiced relentlessly."
It paused, then continued, "Furthermore, I lived in Wind and Thunder Canyon, a place where the forces of wind and lightning naturally clash. Over time, I adapted… and eventually, I mastered both elements."
Sasuke nodded in understanding.
"This condor… no, this beast truly has remarkable talent."
Without hesitation, he took out a Summoning Scroll.
"Don't resist. Sign a Summoning Contract with me."
"Yes, Master!"
Both of them made a small cut on their bodies, letting their blood merge onto the scroll's intricate sealing formula.
In that instant, Sasuke could feel the connection forming. With a single pulse of chakra, he knew—he could summon this beast anytime, anywhere.
But something was missing.
"You don't have a name, do you?" Sasuke mused.
The condor hesitated before replying, "No, Master. Others have simply called me 'Thunder Eagle' or 'Wind Eagle.'"
Sasuke smirked.
"From today onward, you are Lei Ling—the 'Spirit of Thunder.'"
Lei Ling let out a sharp, piercing cry—a cry of acceptance.
"Understood, Master. From now on, I am Lei Ling!"
Sasuke nodded in satisfaction.
"Alright, Lei Ling. Let's go."
With a powerful flap of its wings, Lei Ling surged forward, cutting through the sky at astonishing speed.
The wind howled around Sasuke as he sat atop his new Summoning Beast.
"This speed… incredible," Sasuke thought.
Lei Ling had once claimed to be the fastest flying creature in the ninja world—and it didn't seem like an exaggeration.
At this speed, he could reach any location in the ninja world within a day.
This would be invaluable. If he marked locations with the Flying Thunder God, he would have instant access to anywhere in the world.
The Hunt Begins
Sasuke's eyes gleamed as he turned his attention toward their destination.
"Lei Ling, how much do you know about Cloud Shinobi Village?" he asked.
"Do you know where their tailed beasts are?"
Lei Ling responded without hesitation.
"Master, the Eight-Tails resides in Cloud Thunder Canyon for training."
"As for the Two-Tails, she moves around frequently, but I know a few locations where she often appears."
Sasuke smirked.
"Good. Take me to the Two-Tails, Matatabi."
"Yes, Master!"
Lei Ling flapped its wings, accelerating toward the Land of Lightning.
The Akatsuki's Gathering
Deep within a dark underground stronghold, several ghostly figures flickered into existence.
Pain—the leader of the Akatsuki—spoke first.
"Everyone… the time has come."
The figures remained silent.
"Our preparations are complete. Begin the hunt for the Tailed Beasts."
Pain weaved a seal, and in an instant, detailed information on their targets was transmitted to each member.
"Looks like our target is the Two-Tails…"
Hidan grinned, excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Perfect! Kakuzu and I are already near Cloud Shinobi Village," he added.
Kakuzu snorted. "Hidan, for once, you're actually in the right place."
On the other side of the room, Deidara chuckled.
"So, I'm paired with Scorpion-san?" he asked, turning toward Sasori.
"Brother Scorpion, let's work well together!"
"Just don't slow me down," Sasori replied coolly.
"Aww, you're so cold, un…" Deidara pouted.
Pain ignored their banter and turned toward the others.
"Has anything significant happened in the ninja world recently?" he asked.
Kisame was the first to respond.
"Itachi and I were in Konoha recently. We nearly ran into Jiraiya… and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was taken by him."
Pain remained unfazed.
"Nine-Tails is the last in the sealing order. Focus on your current missions."
At that moment, Sasori spoke up.
"By the way… the traitor, Orochimaru, is dead."
The room fell silent.
"Really?" Pain asked, his Rinnegan narrowing.
"That slippery snake is finally gone?" Deidara muttered.
"But who killed him?"
Sasori hesitated for a moment before answering.
"We don't know. But all of his forces were taken over by Uchiha Sasuke."
"Sasuke?" Kisame raised an eyebrow. "Itachi, isn't that your little brother?"
Itachi's face remained unreadable.
Kisame smirked. "Think he actually killed Orochimaru?"
"No," Itachi said coldly. "It's impossible. He's still just a child."
"Regardless, keep an eye on Uchiha Sasuke," Pain ordered.
"Now… begin the hunt."
A Fierce Battle Begins
In the Land of Lightning, Hidan and Kakuzu intercepted a lone kunoichi.
She wore a Cloud Shinobi forehead protector. Her long, beige hair was tied into a braid, and her sharp gaze exuded both grace and strength.
Hidan grinned.
"Looks like we found our Jinchūriki."
But the kunoichi smirked.
"You're wrong."
BOOM!
The entrance behind them collapsed, trapping them inside.
"I lured you here on purpose."
Her body ignited with blue flames.
The Two-Tails Jinchūriki, Yugito Nii, had set her trap.
A fierce battle was about to erupt.
And high above in the sky, Sasuke was on his way.
The hunt for the Tailed Beasts had begun.