Chapter 169

Amidst various abilities, a blue giant, tens of meters tall, descended from the sky.

Its posture was as graceful as a water bird, but each swing of its shinobi blade stirred up huge waves of sand, taking countless ninjas with it.

This was not a battle; it was a massacre!

Especially when Kaito executed the last move of his "Waterfowl Dance". The world seemed to tilt in that moment.

His blade moved with apocalyptic might, the ground thundered, and the visible blade waves spread out in the air. Everywhere it passed, limbs were severed and blood flowed like rivers.

However, after all this, Kaito's chakra was almost depleted. He looked into the distance.

Orochimaru had once again summoned a giant snake, launching a fierce attack on the Stone Ninja.

Among all, he had consumed the least. Aside from initially dealing with Kakuzu and resisting the surge of chakra, he hadn't expended much.

His other expenditures were minimal. Even using the Edo Tensei was just a larger scale summoning technique. And he had prepared in advance, so he consumed nearly nothing.

Sasori and Uchiha Itachi were fighting desperately. Though their consumption wasn't high, they had clashed directly with Kaito.

However, large-scale combat wasn't a problem for Sasori, given the vast number of puppets he controlled.

This technique, designed for warfare, only showed its true value on the battlefield!

Sasori continued to control his puppets to attack the Stone Ninja, leading Kisame in a rapid withdrawal from the area under this onslaught.

As for Uchiha Itachi, no one paid him any mind. In a situation where everyone was showcasing their abilities, who had time to consider him?

Moreover, the actions leading up to this point probably made the Akatsuki members loathe him. Kaito was, after all, after him. Wouldn't it have been better if he dealt with it on his own?

Now, none of them were reaping any benefits, further intensifying their dislike for him.

Whatever they thought, it had nothing to do with Kaito. His gaze swept the area before him.

Around him, only a few scattered Stone Ninja remained. The rest were utterly intimidated by Kaito's display of power.

Some sat paralyzed on the ground, some cried out in pain, and others began to flee.

Kaito had no intention of continuing the slaughter. He had made his point clear.

Moreover, he noticed that these were probably all guard ninjas, not particularly strong.

In fact, the guard ninjas of each village weren't especially powerful, usually at the level of Chunin or even Genin.

After all, Jounin were a village's rare resource, used either to nurture talented Genin or act as commanders.

In a village, the majority were Chunin and Genin, naturally forming the backbone of the guard forces.

Similarly, they are the backbone of the village, with various departments relying on them to maintain their operations.

It can be said that the chūnin and genin form the foundation of the shinobi villages. During times of war, they are the ones who contribute the most, even if their strength is not necessarily outstanding.

"Of course, thinking this way might be a bit arrogant. I only reached my current state with external help. Even now, I'm still far from matching the prowess of Uchiha Madara from the Warring States Period. Even in this era, against someone like Nagato who wields others' power, I can't confidently say I would win for sure. All I can say is I'm the one who best understands the path and evolution of the Uchiha's power, and I keep moving forward on this path."

Kaito's self-awareness is clear. He doesn't look down on these chūnin and genin. Even though they can't withstand his power, their value is indeed very high. Moreover, if they were to be assembled under a unified command, instead of being spread out and facing so many as they are now, Kaito might have fled at the first chance.

Gently wiping away the bloodstain at the corner of his eye, Kaito dispelled his Susanoo, and in a blink, appeared beside Kakuzu. Kakuzu was mostly cautious and observant throughout the fight. Probably the most dangerous moment was when Kaito unleashed that giant wooden dragon, causing a massive explosion. Even though Kakuzu didn't lose his heart, he now looked extremely haggard.

When Kaito appeared in front of him, Kakuzu's gaze became slightly blurred, hinting he had a lot to say. But Kaito didn't give him the chance. He gently placed his hand on Kakuzu's shoulder, and a surge of chakra pulsed. Accompanied by a gust of wind tinged with the scent of blood, Kaito and Kakuzu vanished, leaving behind only a ripple of chakra as proof of their prior presence.

From a distance, Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju exchanged glances upon seeing Kaito disappear. Tobirama's words echoed in Hashirama's mind: Kaito truly resembled Uchiha Madara in many ways. Hashirama felt it deeply; he noticed that Kaito could amplify the strength of his techniques, which was very much like Madara. Additionally, Kaito's Susanoo was a deep blue, clashing with Madara's own.

However, Hashirama quickly shook his head, looking at the horizon and calmly remarked, "Who knows about these things? Who can really tell? Maybe the kid does resemble Madara, but what can we do about it?"

"What I mean is, for the next time," Tobirama said, his gaze fixed on the battlefield littered with bodies.

"This time, that guy summoned us. Next time, he might do the same, and we'll likely encounter him again. If given the chance, I think we should..."

"Don't overthink things, Tobirama."

Before he could finish, Hashirama interrupted him. Hashirama smiled gently before saying, "Actually, I think it's fine the way it is. Though he hasn't become the Hokage and I don't know the reason, he might not necessarily be bad at it. I've always said that we should leave matters to the next generation. And you know who I consider the first Hokage in my heart. Allowing someone from the Uchiha, like Madara, to lead Konoha... it's not unacceptable..."

...

"This time, that guy summoned us. Next time, he might do the same, and we'll likely encounter him again. If given the chance, I think we should..."

"Don't overthink things, Tobirama."

Before he could finish, Hashirama interrupted him. Hashirama smiled gently before saying, "Actually, I think it's fine the way it is. Though he hasn't become the Hokage and I don't know the reason, he might not necessarily be bad at it. I've always said that we should leave matters to the next generation. And you know who I consider the first Hokage in my heart. Allowing someone from the Uchiha, like Madara, to lead Konoha... it's not unacceptable..."

...

In an open space, Kaito and Kakuzu suddenly appeared, having moved a significant distance from the battlefield.

Rubbing his eyes, Kaito felt some soreness and noticed that a significant amount of the dojutsu power in his eyes had been used up. Now he understood why Uchiha Sasuke's eyes deteriorated so quickly. Using the Susanoo with such intensity and continuity was absolutely lethal. Even Kaito, who has a way to reduce the difficulty of using the Susanoo, felt the immense strain on his dojutsu. Given the full range of his abilities to reduce the difficulty of the jutsu, including the use of his eye techniques, if he felt this way, how could Sasuke, who lacked all of Kaito's enhancements, withstand it?

"Perhaps that's why, in just less than a month, combined with the continuous battles on that day, Sasuke went blind," Kaito thought. However, such an event shouldn't happen since Sasuke's fate would surely change.

Kaito wasn't overly concerned about his own consumption, as he felt the power in his eyes recovering. The recovery wasn't fast, but it certainly wasn't slow either. He felt that in about half a month to a month, the power he used this time would be fully restored. Half a month to a month might seem long, but for someone like Kaito, who hardly faced any combat pressure, it wasn't much of a concern. Moreover, even with his current dojutsu state, he could still maximize his strength.

"Are you okay?" Kakuzu's voice suddenly came from the side.

Kakuzu intentionally kept some distance from Kaito. He knew that Kaito's main reason for accompanying him was to monitor and assess his performance. Otherwise, only the two of them would have set off, with the Nara and Akimichi caravans waiting elsewhere.

Of course, Kakuzu didn't mind being watched. After all, they had an understanding. Besides, Kakuzu had just started going on missions. If there was no supervision or deterrence, he would be the one suspecting something was amiss.

Knowing his current situation and that following Kaito has potential financial benefits – after all, Kaito has the support of the entire Konohagakure behind him – Kakuzu knows he needs to behave appropriately. He doesn't want to overstep and cause any misunderstandings.

"I'm fine, you don't need to worry too much."

Seeing Kakuzu's actions, Kaito instantly understood his intent, which made him chuckle a bit. Although Kaito had used up a significant amount of his energy, he was still combat-ready. Even if he couldn't defeat an opponent, he could at least escape with ease.

Kakuzu's demeanor pleased Kaito. It's no surprise, considering Kakuzu's vast experience and age. Despite his appearance, which reminded Kaito of someone who might disdain scholars, Kakuzu's excessive love for money often made one wonder if he was once so poor that it changed his character. However, Kakuzu is incredibly sharp. He understands a lot but seldom voices his thoughts. After all, as he often claims, he has no friends or trusted allies – the only thing he trusts is money.

To Kakuzu, Kaito is essentially a walking money machine, and Kaito's strength is genuinely beyond imagination. That's why Kakuzu is slightly kinder to him and behaves more cautiously around him.

"Though I've used up a lot of energy, I'm still within acceptable limits. After all, my recovery ability isn't weak. Moreover, this consumption doesn't impact my fighting strength; I just can't engage in prolonged battles."

Kaito is well aware of his own condition. In reality, his current state isn't as good as he claims. He can indeed display a high level of combat prowess, but both his mental and physical fatigue significantly affects his performance. However, these aren't things anyone would openly admit, and even if Kakuzu suspected something, he wouldn't call it out.

"That's good to hear. After all, if something happens to you, it'll be troublesome for all of us."

Kakuzu nodded, then scanned their surroundings. "We should head this way, which leads into the Land of Birds. But if you want to continue in the Land of Earth, we just keep moving forward."

"Does it make a difference where we go? Even if we enter the Land of Birds, wouldn't it still be under Iwagakure's territory?"

Kaito sighed in exasperation, "Didn't you confidently say there wouldn't be a problem here? Look at the mess we're in now."

"I didn't expect this. Who could've known that a place that's usually deserted would become so bustling today?"

Kakuzu looked even more puzzled, his bean-like eyes filled with confusion.

Kaito could guess some reasons, and it was very likely because of Deidara.

Deidara was a disciple of Ōnoki. If Deidara fled, it would be impossible for Ōnoki not to pursue him.

In the original work, there wasn't such a conflict. It's likely that members of the Akatsuki found Deidara and swiftly took him away, avoiding any direct confrontations with Iwagakure's ninjas.

However, now Kaito and Kakuzu happened to be on this route and, by a twist of fate, clashed with the pursuing party.

This allowed Iwagakure's people to catch up smoothly and surround them.

What Kaito hadn't considered was why Ōnoki would send so many people. This decision seemed irrational.

Perhaps Kaito hadn't fully realized that the massive turnout was due to his own actions.

To put it bluntly, Kaito might have dug his own grave.

Had he not instigated the impeachment of the Kage, would Ōnoki have mobilized such forces?

"Forget it. Who knows what Iwagakure is thinking? We just need to move faster," Kaito murmured.

He shook his head gently, then slowly continued, "Staying here will only lead to bigger trouble. Who knows if they'll get desperate and bring Ōnoki himself."

If Ōnoki came, the situation would be challenging. Kaito's entire fight was concealed by Susano'o, and he also made his move from the sky. Thus, he was confident that he'd remain unidentified. But if Ōnoki arrived, recognition might be inevitable. While ordinary ninjas might not recognize him, Ōnoki might.

So, it's essential to leave quickly. Any further complications would be undesirable.

"Indeed, we should leave sooner. However, there's one thing I don't understand," Kakuzu said, matching Kaito's pace, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Based on your combat level displayed earlier, I deduced that your final move was just for deterrence, to show them what you're capable of. So I'm curious. You could have killed Itachi Uchiha when he was surrounded by Iwa-nin. But you didn't; you let him go. Killing him would solve a problem, wouldn't it? Plus, wouldn't that give you some peace of mind?"

"This question?"

Hearing Kakuzu's words, Kaito couldn't help but chuckle.

"There are some considerations on my part. Indeed, I could have killed him, but I had other ideas..."

...

Kakuzu's question wasn't surprising at all, given the intensity of their recent fight.

Kaito's target was evidently Itachi Uchiha, and letting him go was something that Kakuzu found strange.

However, Kaito had thought it through. After all, he was meticulous and always acted with a plan.

He wouldn't make rash decisions or let those who had wronged him get away.

If he decided to let someone go temporarily, it meant that they held more significant value, much like Orochimaru.

Or perhaps Kaito had a new scheme in mind, specifically targeting Itachi!

"Actually, I did consider whether or not to end him right there," Kaito began, walking and explaining with a smile. "But after some thought, I decided it was best not to act."

He continued, "I'm not sure if you noticed, but the way Orochimaru and his lot looked at Itachi wasn't ordinary."

Kakuzu nodded, "I noticed. The Akatsuki isn't exactly united, but they're held together by Pain's presence."

Being a former member of the Akatsuki, how could Kakuzu not be aware of these dynamics?

"So, you're suggesting that some Akatsuki members are discontent with him?" Kakuzu inquired.

"Do I need to do that?" Kaito replied playfully, "You mentioned that Orochimaru once attacked Itachi, attempting to take his Mangekyou Sharingan, but failed."

"They likely became enemies from that point. Moreover, while both are rogue shinobi from Konoha, Orochimaru and Itachi have significantly different personalities. Their relationship was never bound to be good. With this, Itachi already has an enemy within the Akatsuki."

Kakuzu nodded, "True. Orochimaru never seemed fond of Itachi, even from the start. Their relationship only worsened after the failed ambush. The fact that Orochimaru hasn't attacked Itachi since is already a sign of his restraint."

"Or perhaps he simply couldn't beat him. Regardless of the reason, their relationship is definitely adversarial," Kakuzu agreed.

"And apart from Orochimaru, Sasori probably isn't fond of Itachi either. I'm also certain he doesn't like Orochimaru," Kaito said with a chuckle.

Kakuzu nodded in agreement. Sasori's disdain for Orochimaru was a fact. He was curious, however, how Kaito knew so much about it.

Little did he know, Kaito, being a transmigrator, had access to a lot more information than most.

"Sasori's parents were killed by Konoha ninja. He probably has a deep resentment towards anyone from Konoha. One of the reasons he intervened earlier might have been for Deidara's sake, but I suspect another reason was because I'm a ninja from Konoha. Furthermore, I noticed that Sasori isn't just a simple being anymore. He's probably conducted some experiments on himself."

"As for Orochimaru, he left Konoha because he took the blame for something, although he indeed conducted human experiments. When he meets Sasori, I bet he can't resist, right?"

Kakuzu's green-bean-like eyes widened in surprise, "How did you even guess all of this, Kaito? What kind of creature are you?"

"Indeed, there is such tension between them," Kakuzu admitted after taking a deep breath. "You seem to know Orochimaru very well."

"Given he was almost the Fourth Hokage, it's important to understand him," Kaito chuckled. Knowledge of the plot helped, but in any case, information was his greatest advantage.

"This situation will likely heighten Sasori's existing distaste for Konoha ninjas. Even facing Itachi Uchiha might not change his stance. Besides, after our previous skirmish, they all must be feeling rough, especially after witnessing the strength I displayed. Do you think they'll get the feeling that they're on my radar? And if they do, what do you think will happen to Itachi?"

Upon hearing Kaito's words, Kakuzu stiffened. The potential fallout from such a situation was enormous. He didn't even need to ask about Kisame, who Kaito had severely injured at the start and who had been under protection since then. Everyone who joins an organization like the Akatsuki has their pride. Due to Itachi's association, if they angered Kaito and were subsequently injured by him, it's almost inevitable they'd resent Itachi.

Thinking of this, Kakuzu felt a chill. The person beside him was not only a monster in terms of power but also in terms of intellect. Maybe it would've been better to eliminate Itachi right there. This way, within the Akatsuki, he'd become an outcast and despised by all. He wouldn't have any ground to stand on.

"So, once again, he becomes a stray dog, even if he hasn't been thrown out yet," Kakuzu pondered.

Just as Kakuzu thought their conversation was wrapping up, Kaito spoke again. "And the reason I didn't take action is because of my disciple."

Kaito said nonchalantly, smiling even brighter, "My disciple is named Sasuke Uchiha. He is Itachi Uchiha's younger brother. His hatred for Itachi is etched deep within his bones. He sought me out, hoping I could train him to be a proficient ninja so he could exact revenge on Itachi and reclaim the honor of his lineage. And do you know? When Itachi decided to act against the Uchiha clan, his deal with Konoha's top brass was to ensure Sasuke survived."

Upon hearing this, Kakuzu felt an even deeper chill in his heart, his fists clenched slightly.

Making Itachi, the person whom Sasuke loved most, chase and kill him, and treating him as a traitor and an absolute enemy... Was Kaito a bit twisted?

"However, that's not enough."

Before Kakuzu could fully grasp the situation, Kaito spoke again, touching his chin as he did.

"He has always believed that the Leaf Village belongs to the Hokage, and that the Uchiha clan was destined to fail. But now, with the Uchiha clan rising, the Leaf Village is also improving.

Is this destroying his will and faith?

The current Hokage is Jiraiya, the disciple of Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Tsunade has also returned to the Leaf Village. She, too, is a disciple of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

If both of them also hold immense hatred for Itachi and genuinely wish to eliminate him, denying all that he has done...

Wouldn't this completely shatter his beliefs, causing his spirit to crumble?

With the entire Leaf Village seeing him as an enemy, viewing him as foolish and weak-minded, with every shinobi wanting him dead...

Wouldn't that destroy his soul, turning him into a despised rat that everyone wants to beat?"

Kaito's voice, laced with a hint of amusement, stopped. However, Kakuzu felt as though he was enveloped in ice, plunging into a cold abyss.

He stared blankly at Kaito for a long time before finally diverting his gaze.

He was certain that Kaito was a monster in both strength and intelligence, and undoubtedly a true sadist.

Murdering without batting an eye, it wasn't just mere revenge; he was attacking one's very soul!

...

"Why did this happen..."

At the location where Kaito had previously battled the Akatsuki, Kitsuchi struggled to stand, his body shaking uncontrollably.

Surveying the corpses scattered everywhere, and the wailing ninja, his heart broke.

Especially seeing an area soaked with blood, with hardly any survivors and severed limbs strewn about, the sight was traumatic.

He could never forget what he'd witnessed earlier: the massive half-giant soaring in the sky, a creature that reaped lives like a grim reaper.

The scene was etched deeply into his mind, unforgettable and haunting.

"But who exactly are these people, and what jutsu was that?"

Kitsuchi forced himself to calm down and began pondering everything seriously. He had to find a way to exact revenge; such deep-seated hatred was unforgettable for anyone!

Kitsuchi was the commander-in-chief. Although he personally came to the frontline, he wouldn't rush into the battlefield immediately.

Because he needed to identify the most challenging opponent first, and then he would enter the battlefield to confront that enemy.

What terrified him was that none of the enemies present were easy to deal with. Each of their strengths was at least on par with his own, if not stronger!

However, Kitsuchi clearly saw that among these foes, a group of them wore the same attire, indicating that they were allies.

Among these people, Kitsuchi noticed someone using the Puppet Technique, and on such a grand scale, which left him puzzled.

The Puppet Technique was a signature of the Hidden Sand Village, and it had shone brightly in wars.

Yet, controlling so many puppets at the same time required an extremely high level of skill and proficiency from the ninja.

Only a handful of people from the Hidden Sand Village could achieve this. Still, Kitsuchi instantly thought of one person.

"Could it be Chiyo, the old lady?"

Kitsuchi pondered with gritted teeth but quickly dismissed the thought. Chiyo held a high position in the Hidden Sand Village. It was unlikely for her to join any obscure organization.

If not Chiyo, then who else possesses such capability to perform this exaggerated feat?

"Apart from the puppets, there was also that technique that resembled trees. That should be the Wood Release, right?"

Kitsuchi clenched his fists. The trees had a significant impact on him, and the only thing he could think of was the First Hokage's Wood Release.

However, hadn't the First Hokage died long ago? How is there still a Wood Release? Could someone else have learned it?

"Or is it the experiment from the Hidden Leaf Village that has come here?"

Kitsuchi was certain about what he saw. Those trees were undoubtedly the Wood Release, and the Hidden Leaf Village was the only place in the entire shinobi world with it.

Even if the First Hokage had died, the Leaf Village continued similar experiments. Wasn't the Third Hokage criticized because of human experimentation?

And according to the spy reports from the Hidden Leaf Village, they had witnessed the experiment's combat abilities firsthand and were sure that it possessed the Wood Release.

However, Kitsuchi felt this possibility was also slim. Why would the Leaf Village let such an individual roam freely?

Keeping him restrained for their use, or perhaps for further research, seemed to be the most logical and likely approach.

But besides the Leaf Village, who else possesses such ability?

"And that Water Release, with such a vast range and magnitude. Could it be the shinobi from the Hidden Mist Village?

And those endless lightning strikes from the sky, are they from the Hidden Cloud Village?"

Kitsuchi's fists tightened even more. Including Deidara, whom they were trying to capture, did this mean they had individuals from all the Five Great Shinobi Villages?

The question was, who were these people?

"Commander, the tally is complete."

Just as the fury and sorrow in Kitsuchi's heart reached its peak, a young shinobi from the Hidden Rock Village approached him.

"There was a total of 323 casualties this time, among which 183 died, and 77 were severely injured, probably unable to continue as shinobi."

Hearing this report, Kitsuchi's heart was bleeding. 183 people had just died like that?

Furthermore, 77 were severely wounded, likely unable to ever serve as shinobi again?

Such casualties were too much to bear, almost akin to the losses of a major battle.

How many shinobi does a village have? Including the administrators and the newly graduated genin with little to no combat experience, the maximum might be around 45,000.

In typical wars, only several thousands of shinobi are deployed, but the number does increase as the intensity of the war escalates.

But to have so many die in a matter of minutes, and during an enemy breakout, it was only that individual using the chakra giant who seemed to genuinely engage in combat.

Such a loss would break anyone. But amidst his despair, Kitsuchi felt some relief.

He had sent out the rapid assault teams known for their speed first, with the main forces trailing behind.

If it had been the main force that confronted the enemy, given their density, the casualties from the chakra giant would likely have been even more significant!

With this realization, Kitsuchi felt a chilling fear, but his anger deepened as well.

Such a loss was a heavy and unimaginable blow.

He had to find a way to take revenge, only then could he wash away this shame!

"Where the hell did Deidara go? Damn it! Once I find you, I'll break your retreat!"

Kitsuchi took a deep breath, his mind racing. Although he wasn't particularly political, his shinobi instincts were top-notch.

The enemy was retreating. Even if he didn't know their exact destination, their choices were limited.

And from what he could tell, there were two groups, and they could only be heading in three possible directions.

Technically four, but going to the Land of Valleys was too far and would mean lingering in the Land of Earth, which seemed unlikely.

Their current position was at the boundary of the Land of Grass, the Land of Rain, and the Land of Bears. Their destination could only be one of these three!

The Land of Rain was under the control of the "God" Hanzo. The place was known for its extreme isolation, and with Hanzo's remarkable strength, strangers wouldn't fare well there.

Eliminating that option left only the Land of Grass and the Land of Bears.

However, the Land of Grass was adjacent to the Land of Fire, under the influence of the Hidden Leaf. The Land of Grass had been ravaged by wars, but its lack of current conflicts meant its defenses would be robust. Even if their defense forces were dispatched elsewhere, many Iwa-nin (Stone ninja) would still remain.

If the enemy were to pass through there and get discovered, the Hidden Leaf would undoubtedly react.

Even if it were their own, the Leaf Village would still respond, and by then, many things would become evident.

"However, the most likely destination is the Land of Bears!"

The Land of Bears is in constant turmoil, making it the most suitable place to hide. Breaking out and escaping towards that region wouldn't attract much attention.

With that thought, many ideas began to form in Kitsuchi's mind. His chakra was surging uncontrollably; he could hardly bear it.

"You all, stay here and immediately notify the village to send a rescue team. The rest of the troops should immediately return to defend their respective areas. Don't delay."

Kitsuchi spoke with a cold tone. However, by the end of his statement, his voice had a hint of dejection, but he still forced the words out.

"Lastly, inform the village... our mission..."

"Failed."

...

"Hey, can you not look at me with those eyes?"

As they headed towards the Land of Bears, Kaito felt the unsettling gaze from Kakuzu and was finding it increasingly difficult to bear.

Ever since he shared his plan concerning Uchiha Itachi with Kakuzu, the latter's gaze seemed to change.

Though Kakuzu hadn't said a word, Kaito felt as if he was being looked at as if he was some sort of psychopath.

Kakuzu's look reminded him of a clueless French king, albeit that king didn't suffer from the same headaches as Kaito.

Visibly annoyed, Kaito finally confronted him about it, and Kakuto looked slightly embarrassed.

"I'm sorry. I was lost in thought about something, and I didn't adjust my gaze immediately."

"Really?"

Kaito didn't believe him, but he didn't feel like pursuing the matter further.

His attention shifted to the sky, sensing that someone had been following them. However, the pursuer never displayed any hostility, and their chakra felt unfamiliar, so Kaito didn't take any action.

But being tailed wasn't something to be taken lightly. Whether or not the person had ill intentions, Kaito didn't like being followed.

"There aren't many shinobi who can use flying techniques, at most ten. Especially within the borders of the Land of Earth, who could it be?"

Kaito pondered internally. He wondered, could it be Deidara tailing him?

The problem was, hadn't Deidara left with the members of the Akatsuki? Logically, he shouldn't have any reason to follow Kaito, right?

Kaito really couldn't figure it out, and he also genuinely didn't want anyone following him. He abruptly stopped in his tracks and looked up at the sky.

His chakra began to subtly surge. Even if he hadn't recovered to his peak, he wasn't afraid of an ordinary fight, unless he was unlucky enough to encounter someone like Ōnoki.

However, if it truly was Ōnoki, that guy would've probably made his move much earlier. Why would he wait until now?

Furthermore, it's unlikely that Ōnoki would be aware of the current events here. Even if he wanted to rush over, it would take time. By then, Kaito would've long since escaped.

"Come out."

Kaito spoke directly. His voice wasn't loud, but under the influence of chakra, it could travel a great distance.

"You've followed us for so long. If you don't have a reasonable explanation, I might have to take action.

Of course, if you leave now, I'll let it slide. Otherwise, I won't be polite."

Having said this, Kaito's chakra began to grow even more fierce. The person in the sky seemed to recognize their situation and promptly descended.

However, when Kaito saw the person's face, he was stunned. He genuinely couldn't understand why this person was following him...

//

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