Chapter 241

And when she learned that Sasuke had chosen to go to the battlefield, she didn't hesitate much and chose to come along without any regrets.

As for the Uchiha's dispatch for protection, even though she knew it was probably for the protection of Naruto and Sasuke, she was a direct beneficiary. 

This touched her deeply, and she also knew that this time was meant for them to grow, so she wouldn't foolishly say things she shouldn't.

However, when she spoke out the information, she controlled her voice to ensure that the people behind her could also hear clearly. That was the reason why none of them had encountered any issues.

They continued to move forward continuously, and Karin kept providing information along the way while they constantly took detours.

Finally, after spending several days, they passed through a narrow path, bypassing a few border patrol ninja, and entered the border of the Land of Earth.

In the following days, they continuously approached the mountain range mentioned by Karin, preparing to return to the Land of Grass from there and investigate some information.

"It seems we're indeed in some trouble."

As Kakashi looked at the horizon in the distance, where one supply wagon after another was heading towards the mountain range, he couldn't help but shake his head.

The scenes before him had already explained everything; it seemed that they had unexpectedly found Iwagakure's supply route!

However, this news wasn't a good one for Kakashi and his team because the defenses in this area were unimaginable.

The worst part was that their return route was almost blocked!

"Now, what should we do?"

Kakashi silently looked at everything in front of him, and in the end, he realized he didn't have much of a choice. Either they continued to take the long way back, which would significantly delay their time, or they pressed forward, where they could gather more intelligence and return to Konoha's camp more quickly by following this route.

However, this path was extremely dangerous, and one wrong move could spell disaster for them all!

"Kakashi-sensei, someone's coming!"

Just at that moment, Karin's voice once again rang out, and this time, her tone seemed more urgent.

"A team is approaching us rapidly. It seems they also have sensory ninjas and have detected our presence. They're moving very fast!"

Detected?

Kakashi was troubled upon hearing this news, but after the initial worry, his gaze immediately became resolute.

Sensory ninjas were undoubtedly the most troublesome presence, and the fact that they had positioned sensory ninjas in this area had clear implications!

Thinking this, Kakashi looked towards the mountain range. The mountainous path was winding and treacherous, with dense vegetation, making it perfect for concealing oneself.

Even though the path was within these mountains, it could still be avoided to prevent easy detection.

After all, the mountains were vast, and these ranges naturally provided shelter for that path, making it difficult for others to find.

These mountains were currently their best cover. Once they entered, many things could be figured out slowly.

For instance, taking out these pursuers to ensure that no information leaked, or finding a way to get back quickly to relay the message!

Taking a deep breath, Kakashi spoke with great seriousness.

"We're heading into the mountains, and we must move quickly!"

There were some things that Kakashi couldn't easily promise, especially when he wasn't even sure if he could accomplish them himself in the current situation.

As for the battle with Uchiha Madara, what kind of situation it would turn into, Uchiha Kaito couldn't know. After all, he himself didn't know the true extent of Uchiha Madara's power.

However, Kaito had faith in the system. Whatever match the system had chosen for him, it wouldn't be an opponent he couldn't handle. Though the system had its quirks, it wouldn't harm him.

But once again entering the territory of Iwagakure in the Land of Grass didn't sit well with him. Not to mention, it hadn't even been half a month since their intense battle against the Fourth Raikage and his brother.

Kaito was still recovering from that fight, and now, right after his training with Tsunade, he was setting out again. It was frustrating.

"Really, I know this mission is important, but it's not just our team that can handle it," Yaneko said with a hint of exasperation as they moved quickly.

"Even though it's easier with you and Shisui by my side, think about me for a moment. I can't endure battles at your intensity."

Kaito and Yaneko may still have had a good relationship, but she didn't let that make her feel overly confident. She couldn't do that. But her words had a teasing tone to them. While Kaito might surpass her in terms of strength, she had other advantages.

And right now, she was working hard to improve herself. After all, growth only happened when one stepped out of their comfort zone and constantly challenged themselves.

Kaito chuckled lightly at Yaneko's words and didn't delve too deep into the topic. It wasn't necessary to say much more.

However, Kaito couldn't help but ponder the activities of the Akatsuki organization during this period. They seemed unusually quiet.

"Speaking of which, the information provided by Orochimaru included details about the Akatsuki organization, right?" Kaito thought for a moment and then looked at Yaneko.

"That group seems to be planning to attack the defense zones around us, but so far, I haven't heard any updates. You and Tsunade have been studying diligently lately. Have you gathered any crucial intelligence?" Kaito was still very concerned about the Akatsuki's actions, as they were all extremely dangerous individuals.

It's really chaotic out there. The losses that Konoha might suffer are unbelievable. Moreover, Kaito has to find Orochimaru, and he's quite concerned about the information regarding these guys.

However, Kaito is currently facing a small problem. He doesn't even know where to begin looking for Orochimaru. The guy's whereabouts are shrouded in mystery, and Kaito only knows that he might be outside of Iwagakure's controlled territory. Beyond that, he's clueless.

So, before anything else, Kaito needs to gather some information about the members of the Akatsuki to make a more informed decision.

Kaito's words didn't make Yaneko think much. She immediately shared what she knew with him. These pieces of information were always available to him, but he hadn't been paying much attention lately. He'd been practicing various ninjutsu techniques, and he'd also been a bit lazy due to his injuries. So, not knowing much about current affairs and information wasn't surprising.

"Around the time we went to look for the Iwagakure supply route half a month ago, they did indeed cause some damage to the defense zones around us. Fortunately, we received intelligence in advance, so the losses weren't significant. Every time they attacked, a large mobile unit was sent to deal with it. As soon as they saw our forces arrive, they would immediately withdraw. Overall, everything has been fine. However, since you caused such a commotion half a month ago, they seem to have vanished. In these past two weeks, they haven't launched any attacks. Maybe they were drawn away by your actions."

Kaito nodded slightly in response to this information. The results were relatively good. At least this proved that Orochimaru hadn't been lying. However, Kaito was puzzled by the fact that Orochimaru hadn't conveyed any information to him during this time. He couldn't quite figure out what Orochimaru was up to.

Kaito couldn't wrap his head around it, but he didn't bother dwelling on it. This time, his goal was to find Orochimaru, and he had to do that. However, the methods available to him were somewhat challenging. He couldn't simply send Orochimaru a message saying, "I want to see you, come quickly," and then ambush him, could he?

If Orochimaru becomes useless, then Kaito will do what needs to be done, and there's nothing particularly significant about it. 

However, the problem is that Orochimaru still has a crucial role to play, as he can provide a lot of valuable information. Kaito has also been waiting for Shisui to make a move against Orochimaru. Additionally, Orochimaru is a reliable source for Kaito to gain experience and discover his own flaws, thanks to the Edo Tensei. 

Whether it's the Senju brothers or Uchiha Madara, they all used their power, which was slightly inferior to Kaito's, to push him to his limits. Kaito enjoyed such battles, and Orochimaru was invaluable in this regard.

"Do you care so much about the Akatsuki organization's information? Are you planning to take action against them?" Suddenly, Shisui asked, nodding afterward. "But if you want to do that, it's quite reasonable. After all, they've caused us quite a bit of trouble. If you hold a grudge against them, it's probably not going to end well for them."

Shisui's words made Yaneko lower her head and smile, while Kaito gave Shisui a stern look. Although Shisui's words gave Kaito some ideas, he knew that he couldn't go after Orochimaru alone. Despite their hostile relationship, Kaito couldn't afford to be too obvious, as Orochimaru was quite sharp-minded.

"So, to deal with Orochimaru, you're actually suggesting we go after the Akatsuki organization as a whole!" The Akatsuki members intended to act together, and Kaito couldn't just confront Orochimaru alone, especially if he intended to engage in a battle. Uchiha Madara was a proud individual and would never choose to gang up on Kaito with others. And Orochimaru, at the moment, didn't seem inclined to control him. So, Orochimaru would undoubtedly have to meet Kaito's demands—after the battle on the island was over, he could let the Akatsuki members come over, and everything would be fine.

"However, will everything go smoothly according to my expectations? If I create some commotion, like diverting those Iwa-nin towards that direction, and then inform Orochimaru of this news in advance, letting Orochimaru's group go on their own, then..."

Thinking up to this point, Kaito already had a plan in mind. Attracting Orochimaru alone compared to attracting the entire Akatsuki organization was different. Although this approach might carry some risks, once he obtained the final seal in advance and completed the Mangekyou Sharingan's transformation, under the power of the Eternal Mangekyou, even if they were more cautious this time, there was not much chance that he would lose to them easily.

Even Nagato was there, making the situation even more critical. However, the Fourth Stage Susano'o, which could already carry out group actions, was not something to be taken lightly!

At worst, he could just turn and run. Such a mobile Susano'o was not a joke!

"I should thank you properly for the big hint, Shisui," Kaito said, glancing at Shisui, but deep down, he muttered something quietly. Nevertheless, he kept up his annoyed facade. After all, even though he knew he was a vengeful person, he wouldn't admit to it.

"Alright, let's not talk about it anymore. I've made a plan."

Under Kaito's intense gaze, Shisui quickly laughed and smiled, but he didn't say anything further. Kaito was quite displeased, especially when Shisui had just teased him about being petty. Regardless, he knew he couldn't admit to it.

"Alright, enough said. I have a plan."

Under Kaito's stern gaze, Shisui quickly chuckled and didn't speak further. Kaito then turned to address Yaneko.

"Yaneko, I need you to find suitable Iwa hideouts for us to retreat to, ones that won't expose our actions. What I want is to divert the Iwa ninjas."

"To let the Akatsuki members know about our movements and inform Orochimaru of parts of our plan in advance, then lure them into an ambush?"

Yaneko didn't need Kaito to explain further. She immediately understood what he was thinking, after all, she had been on a team with Kaito for a long time.

"I understand, leave it to me. But are you sure we don't need to seek some reinforcements? We'll be deep behind enemy lines."

"Don't worry, I have a plan. I'll make sure to get you all out safely, I promise."

"It's quite interesting. Uchiha Kaito is actually planning to move against my organization."

In a dimly lit room, Orochimaru licked his lips as he looked at the letter in his hand. By his side, Uchiha Madara raised an eyebrow and silently listened.

Since the last time Orochimaru had released Madara, he hadn't taken him back. Madara was showing some rare interest in gathering information about Uchiha Kaito, and Orochimaru had no reason to refuse.

As a result, Madara learned about Kaito's general situation, and this information left him somewhat puzzled.

Flying jutsu, spatial jutsu, extensive lightning release, mastery in swordsmanship, Mangekyou Sharingan, the cells of Senju Hashirama, and a Third Stage Susano'o nearing its limits.

This kid was a source of immense surprise for Madara. Not only that, but he also learned a piece of information that made him deeply furrow his brow.

This kid had actually defeated Senju Hashirama!

Madara didn't care much about Kaito defeating Tobirama, considering Tobirama as insignificant as a rat in a gutter, not worth his attention. However, Senju Hashirama was different.

Senju Hashirama was a person he highly respected, the only one to ever defeat him, and also his only friend.

The fact that this kid, who bore a striking resemblance to himself as an Uchiha descendant, had beaten Senju Hashirama twice, even in a state of Edo Tensei, left him with mixed feelings.

On one hand, an Uchiha descendant, so similar to himself, had defeated Senju Hashirama.

On the other hand, the descendants of the Senju clan were now mostly extinct, thanks to the actions of Senju Tobirama's disciples. This fact brought him great satisfaction.

Even though the Uchiha clan had essentially betrayed him now, Madara didn't regard them as significant. However, no matter what, these were people who carried the Uchiha bloodline.

The fact that an Uchiha had defeated Hashirama left him somewhat pleased.

On the other hand, seeing his best friend treated this way by someone else, he couldn't help but feel displeased.

Therefore, these days, he had been constantly pondering how he should handle Uchiha Kaito if he ever encountered him.

What he hadn't expected was that an opportunity seemed to have arisen.

"Promise him, I will handle this matter."

Uchiha Madara's deep voice echoed as he slightly raised his head to look at Orochimaru. In that instant, Orochimaru felt an eerie sensation.

"Just one thing, you can bring others along, but I don't want anyone interfering before I duel him. You summoned me for the purpose of dealing with him, didn't you?"

"Yes, it was for the purpose of dealing with him."

Orochimaru nodded with a smile as he heard Madara's words. However, he had a question.

"Are you sure you're in a condition to take him on right now?"

"That's your fault, you rat, after all, you provided me with this vessel."

Madara responded disdainfully, then he turned away and found a place to sit down, closing his eyes.

Honestly, he didn't know if he could defeat Kaito. But there was one thought dominating his mind.

"I'm here to avenge you, Hashirama!"

//

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