Konoha.
"What? The Fire Temple was attacked by the Akatsuki? Shizune! Immediately contact any available squads and rush to the Fire Temple to provide support!"
Tsunade was greatly surprised to hear that the Fire Temple had been attacked by the Akatsuki and quickly ordered Shizune to find idle ninjas.
"But why would the Akatsuki attack the Fire Temple? There are no Tailed Beasts there, I don't understand! I completely don't understand! Such an annoying organization, can't they just be quiet! If it was you, I would personally capture you and imprison you!"
Tsunade tore at her hair in a fit of impotent rage, thinking that if it was Li Xing, then as a master, she would be responsible for capturing Li Xing and imprisoning him.
Not long after, Shizune found eight idle ninjas. According to squad assignments, Asuma Sarutobi, Shikamaru Nara, Izumo Kamizuki, and Kotetsu Hagane formed one team.
Aoba Yamashiro, Hayate Gekko, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi formed another small team. This distribution ensured a relatively balanced strength, with two Jonin and two Chunin. After the teams were assigned, both squads headed to the Fire Temple for support.
It would take time to reach the Fire Temple. If the enemy had already left, they could immediately split up to search for the enemies, saving time for team assignments. It had to be said that Shizune, as the Hokage's secretary, was quite intelligent.
...
At the grave mound in the Land of Wind's Sunagakure, Kabuto was attempting Edo Tensei. Li Xing and Karin watched from the side, while Yugito Nii stood guard outside.
"Kabuto, this is our last sacrifice. You need to be careful and not summon another weak and useless remnant that dispels itself after a few words."
Lately, Kabuto had begun experimenting with Edo Tensei, but the summoned individuals were either mute or mentally deficient. None of them were normal. Karin was beginning to doubt if Li Xing had chosen the right person.
"I am deeply sorry, Karin-sama. This time, it will definitely succeed. I have improved the casting process. Edo Tensei fused with meteorites from beyond the heavens will surely succeed!"
Tor, Shi, E, Tatsu! Kabuto then clasped his hands together. (I'll try this again late tonight.)
"Edo Tensei Jutsu!"
A pile of white paper rapidly expanded, engulfing the kneeling Cloud ninjas in an instant. Then, the paper slowly merged, and a woman appeared before Li Xing and the others.
"Where is this...? Sunagakure? Who are you people? Didn't I already die? What is going on?" The woman opened her eyes, a look of confusion on her face, and then unleashed a barrage of questions.
Li Xing walked towards the woman. "What is your name? Do you remember?"
"Me? My name is Karura, wife of the Fourth Kazekage. Who are you people? Why do I feel like I am alive again?"
Li Xing recalled for a moment and finally remembered that this woman was Gaara's mother, Gaara's absolute defense.
"It seems this Edo Tensei was successful. Kabuto, next, we will use the extraterrestrial meteorites instead of live sacrifices for research. These stones contain immense energy. The Haiyue clan can use them to extend their lifespan, so perhaps they can be used as a substitute for live sacrifices."
"Yes, Li Xing-sama. But what about this woman?" Kabuto pointed to Karura in front of him.
"Leave this woman to me. After this, you will research Edo Tensei on your own. Once successful, contact me through the ring. Remember, you must not let anyone know. This is a forbidden jutsu that disrespects the dead and must not be misused." Li Xing handed Kabuto a ring, similar to the wordless ring given by Konan, equivalent to a modern mobile phone.
"Yes, then I will take my leave. Li Xing-sama, Karin-sama." After greeting them, Kabuto left the Sunagakure graveyard.
"That... I recall that Edo Tensei is a forbidden jutsu known only to the Second Hokage of Konoha. Who exactly are you people?" Karura, seeing Kabuto leave, asked Li Xing about his identity.
"My name is Li Xing, she is Karin, and the one outside is Yugito Nii. They are all my wives. We are wanted criminals in the Land of Wind. Well, it's useless to tell you this much."
"Wait, I am already dead. Even if you are enemies of Sunagakure, I don't care anymore. However, I have one wish right now. Can you let me leave for a while?"
Karura grabbed Li Xing's hand, knelt on the ground, and looked at Li Xing with sincere eyes.
Li Xing naturally understood Karura's wish, which was to see her son, Gaara. Since she had been resurrected through Edo Tensei, Li Xing had no reason not to fulfill her wish. However, the timing was not right. Akatsuki had already notified him that the Five-Tails had been captured, and they would at least wait until the Tailed Beast was sealed before going.
"I know what you are thinking, but I have something to tell you. Your husband is dead. Your son has become the Fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure. Although he now has two sisters and brothers who love him and has made friends, as a Jinchuriki, his childhood was devoid of any love. To be honest, I despise this ninja village system of yours. Sometimes I really want to destroy this ninja world."
"Gaara? Is that so? He has become the Kazekage! I'm sorry, Gaara, it's my fault for not being able to protect you as you grew up..." Karura began to cry as she spoke. Li Xing could not bear to see this scene, and with a wave of his hand, a coffin appeared behind Karura, and Karura was then collected by Li Xing.
"Mother's love? That's nice, but don't show it in front of me, or I'll get jealous! Really!" Li Xing looked up at the moon and sighed. The current mother is Heavenly Dao, but Heavenly Dao has no emotions, and Li Xing cannot receive any maternal love.
Karin did not know about Li Xing's first life and thought Li Xing was missing his parents from his previous life, so she quickly stepped forward and hugged him.
"Hey! Li Xing, are you done yet? Kabuto has been gone for a long time, what are you guys still doing in there..." Yugito outside was getting impatient from waiting and walked in to hurry Li Xing. However, upon seeing Karin hugging Li Xing, she instantly became furious.
"Karin!! Fine, you let me freeze outside while you sneak a bite here! And in front of so many graves, you! Do you want to fight?"
Karin just wanted to give Li Xing some warmth, but seeing Yugito's angry demeanor, a mischievous smile crept onto her lips.
"Are you perhaps jealous of me? You were so arrogant towards Xing-kun before, but why have you been so clingy to Xing-kun lately? Oh, I'm sorry, I almost forgot about the scene where someone cried bitterly in Xing-kun's arms, calling you my eternal family..."
"Uzumaki! Karin! I'm going to beat you up!" Yugito clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and spoke word by word.
Seeing that Yugito was about to explode, Li Xing stepped forward and hugged Yugito's waist with one hand. Yugito's standing hair instantly fell, and her angry expression turned into that of a docile cat.
Yugito pushed away Karin's hands, wrapped her own arms around Li Xing's waist, pressed her face tightly against Li Xing's chest, and looked blissfully happy.
"Contrast of cuteness..." Li Xing found Yugito extremely adorable at the moment. Ever since she opened up to Li Xing, Yugito's behavior towards him was exactly like a cat's. She loved to cling to Li Xing whenever she had the chance, completely unlike Karin's obsessive state when she hadn't yet gained Li Xing's affection.
"Tch, I'll let you hug me tonight. Older sisters should take care of their younger sisters." Karin muttered quietly from the side.