Chapter 263: Storm Brewing

A few days later, the news of Scarlet Yu leaving Konoha sent shockwaves throughout the entire ninja world. Almost all ninjas, even civilians, were spreading this astonishing news.

Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village.

"That guy Yakushi Yu actually left Konoha..."

"What on earth are those guys in Konoha thinking?"

Just after successfully ascending to the position of the Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, upon hearing the latest news from her subordinate genin, stood completely stunned, murmuring to herself, "If our Hidden Mist possessed such a genius ninja, how could something like this happen?"

Land of Lightning, Hidden Cloud Village.

"Hahaha... Those fools in Konoha! They really can't hold onto people!!"

In the spacious office of the Raikage, bursts of laughter echoed from the Fourth Raikage, "That troublesome ninja Scarlet Yu actually left Konoha. It seems those old geezers in Konoha have done us a favor!"

"After losing Konoha as a sanctuary, I'm sure there are plenty in the ninja world now thirsting for the life of that brat Yakushi Yu," said the Fourth Raikage A, his dark and rugged face showing a fierce expression after the laughter faded. "Send out the orders to arrange for more manpower. The debt of blood for killing my father is not something to be taken lightly. This time, I want that little demon Yakushi Yu to pay with his own blood!!"

Land of Earth, Hidden Rock Village.

"What did you say? That kid Yakushi Yu has fallen out with Konoha?!"

"Hahaha! This is truly exhilarating news!!"

It's clear that there are more than just the Hidden Cloud wanting to take Yu's life in the entire ninja world. Upon hearing the latest news from his subordinate, Third Tsuchikage Onoki of Both Scales was initially skeptical, but once he realized the situation, he burst into deep laughter.

"That guy Scarlet Yu killed my only son Kitsuchi, as well as so many ninjas from Hidden Rock..."

Just mentioning Yu's name made the usually calm and solemn Third Tsuchikage Onoki emanate an intense hatred that sent shivers down the spines of the ninjas below him.

"Regardless of whether Konoha issues a warrant for him this time, we in Hidden Rock will not let him go!!"

Land of Rice Fields, the newly established Hidden Sound Village.

"I didn't expect that dreadful little demon to leave Konoha as well, following in my footsteps. Sarutobi-sensei really made a mistake this time..."

"I almost died by his hands in the Land of Earth last time... This time, apart from Anko, I've even depleted my reserves of the Cursed Seal of Heaven for resurrection..."

In a dark underground base, Orochimaru also received the recent rumors circulating in the ninja world. Remembering the scene where he nearly got beaten to death by Yu activating Shunko in the Land of Earth, he couldn't help but lick his long tongue, and a faint trace of fear flashed in his eerie serpent-like eyes, almost imperceptibly.

"But with this turn of events..."

"It's even more advantageous for our plans..."

However, thinking about the plans he was about to unfold, Orochimaru's face once again revealed a sinister smile.

It's worth mentioning that since the last battle with Yu, Orochimaru has successfully used the completed Living Corpse Reincarnation Jutsu to switch to a brand new body. This time, it's the body of a beautiful female ninja, with only his long tongue and cold snake-like eyes bearing Orochimaru's unique characteristics.

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama..."

Another calm voice rang out. Standing beside Orochimaru was a young ninja with silver-gray hair tied up, wearing a pair of iconic black round-framed glasses - none other than Yakushi Kabuto, who bid his final farewell to Yu in the Land of Earth!

That guy...

Has also left Konoha...

Remembering Nono's death, recalling that terrifying white-haired youth, and reminiscing about the overwhelming aura that swept through all the ninjas in the Land of Earth that day.

Yakushi Kabuto seemed to don a thick mask of deceit on his face. He reached up and pushed his glasses up his nose, causing the lenses to refract a radiance that no one could see through.

Meanwhile.

In a dark cave somewhere within the Land of Rain, figures clad in black and red cloaks were gathering for a meeting.

"Is everyone here?"

Sensing that all the members summoned by the Magic Lantern Jutsu had arrived, Pain, with short orange hair, opened his eyes. His eerie purple eyes displayed concentric ripples, reminiscent of the cycle of reincarnation, emitting an unsettling pressure.

Standing beside him was Konan. Her plain eyes concealed the pain of loss, and a white flower adorned her bluish-purple hair.

"I presume you've all heard about the recent events in the ninja world these past few days?" Pain's gaze, filled with intense pressure, scanned all the members present. He got straight to the point, "The renowned ninja Scarlet Yu has fallen out with Konoha. For us, this should be good news..."

"Among those present, only Kakuzu has ever faced him in combat..."

With that said, Pain's gaze fell directly on Kakuzu beside him. "Kakuzu, what do you think of his strength? Is he qualified to be absorbed into our organization?"

"Eh? Kakuzu, I can't believe you've actually faced off against the famous Scarlet Yu, renowned by the Daimyo..."

As Pain's words trailed off, all eyes in the room turned to Kakuzu. Just as he had recently joined the organization, Biwa Juzo chuckled strangely, "You know, that guy previously killed our Fourth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist..."

"Shut up, you newcomer. Say one more word, and I'll kill you!"

However, facing Biwa Juzo's cryptic words, Kakuzu's eyes erupted with a chilling intent.

While the Mist's Seven Ninja Swordsmen were infamous in the ninja world, Kakuzu, a veteran active since the early days of the Five Great villages' formation, didn't regard them highly.

"That guy... I faced him once at the exchange center in the Land of Fire..."

After issuing a cold warning to Biwa Juzo beside him, Kakuzu's originally deep voice grew even heavier, as if recalling some unsettling memories. "He's very strong... I should say, frighteningly strong..."

"I could sense he didn't use his full power, yet I almost died at his hands. He destroyed four of my hearts..."

After Kakuzu finished speaking, the entire dark cave fell into a dreadful silence.

Though the members of the organization had different backgrounds and purposes, Kakuzu's strength was undoubtedly recognized by everyone.

But now, even Kakuzu admitted to being defeated and having four of his hearts destroyed. So, just how strong was this person he referred to as 'frighteningly strong'?

"To be able to destroy four of your hearts..."

"Worthy of the name Scarlet Yu, indeed not an ordinary ninja..."

Muttering Kakuzu's words, Pain recalled what the mysterious masked man had told him some time ago, "It seems necessary to absorb this power into our organization. After all, our organization still needs to grow and expand..."

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