Outside Kirigakure.
In a secluded area, a masked man sat on a cliff, gazing into the distance.
Suddenly, a pitcher plant-like creature emerged from the ground.
As it fully emerged, it turned out to be a person.
However, this person looked rather peculiar.
One half was black, the other white.
Both wore the same black robe with red clouds, clearly members of the same organization.
"Obito, there's new information from Konoha."
Hearing this, the masked man didn't move, continuing to look into the distance.
"What news could there be from Konoha now? The Third Hokage is dead, the Fifth has taken over, it should be a time for them to keep a low profile."
"Danzo is dead."
Zetsu's words surprised Obito slightly.
"When did this happen? Did the Fifth Hokage have the guts to kill Danzo?"
"He died in battle at the same time as the Third Hokage. It wasn't the Fifth's doing, but one of Orochimaru's subordinates."
"Little Orochimaru can cultivate someone strong enough to kill Danzo? Who is it?"
"Kimimaro Kaguya."
Zetsu slowly revealed the person's name.
Beneath the mask, Obito's expression turned thoughtful.
"The orphan of the Kaguya clan? He's still alive?"
"He specializes in medical ninjutsu in Orochimaru's Otogakure. He displayed it multiple times during the Chunin Exams, his skill is very high, not inferior to Tsunade's."
"A Kaguya clansman learning medical ninjutsu? That's quite an interesting fellow."
With just a few words, Obito became somewhat interested in Kimimaro.
"When Itachi and Kisame returned to Konoha, they encountered Kimimaro. According to Kisame, Kimimaro offered to help Itachi suppress his illness in exchange for an introduction to the leader of the Akatsuki organization. He wants to join Akatsuki to escape Orochimaru's pursuit."
"Orochimaru is after him?"
"Not yet. Kimimaro is worried that Orochimaru wants to take over his body. And Orochimaru, having been hit by the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, does need to change bodies soon. Otherwise, he'll become extremely weak and might even die."
"Is this credible?"
"Further investigation is needed. But judging from Kimimaro's past actions, he does seem to fear death. Having such thoughts isn't strange. The only suspicious point is that Kimimaro's strength appears to be on par with Orochimaru's, so there seems to be no need to fear him, he could even fight back."
Obito thought for a moment, then said, "Bring him in. Akatsuki is currently short on manpower, any strong individual willing to work for us can be recruited.
Even if they have ulterior motives, it doesn't matter. The true secrets of Akatsuki are known to very few, even among the core members.
We've had Orochimaru before, and now Itachi, Akatsuki isn't afraid of a few more disloyal members. As long as they can serve the organization, that's enough."
"Yes."
"Regarding the tailed beast capture plan, what did Nagato say?"
"He said it's not the right time yet, many preparations are still incomplete. And the organization doesn't have enough manpower to capture the tailed beasts. The plan can be initiated at the earliest in three years."
"Then we'll wait three years for him."
After speaking, Obito stood up and looked towards Kirigakure in the distance.
"It's about time to leave this dreadful place."
Otogakure.
Kimimaro was sparring with Neji.
"Eight Trigrams! One Hundred Twenty-Eight Palms!"
A blindingly fast flurry of blows! Twice as fast as the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms! Each palm strike infused with condensed chakra.
One hit, and the chakra flow in your pressure points would be instantly cut off.
But the more Neji fought, the more his heart sank.
No matter from which direction his palms attacked, Kimimaro effortlessly deflected them with even greater speed. The chakra Neji poured into his strikes was completely scattered, leaving no room for it to take effect.
After the one hundred twenty-eight palms, both sides took a step back. Neji's breathing was slightly labored, but Kimimaro remained unchanged.
"That's enough training for today. Your Gentle Fist has improved a lot."
"This is just the beginning. I haven't lost yet."
Neji clearly wasn't ready to end the training session so soon.
"Someone's coming."
Neji froze, following Kimimaro's gaze.
Sure enough, Kidomaru was approaching. Such sharp senses, to notice someone's presence even before him.
"Lord Kimimaro! We just received news that Konoha has lifted its alert status and returned to normal."
"Very well. Inform the other three. Gather at the village entrance in one hour."
"Yes!"
Kidomaru quickly departed.
Neji frowned.
"You're going to Konoha? What for? Don't tell me you're planning another Konoha Crush?"
During the Konoha Crush, Neji had been hit by a genjutsu and slept for days, unaware of the specifics.
He only learned about what happened after spending a few days in the Sound Village.
Though somewhat annoyed, he was relieved to know that those he cared about were safe.
As for the Third Hokage...
He was at the forefront of those who sent his father to his death.
It was impossible for Neji to not hold a grudge against him.
"Rest assured, we have little interest in Konoha anymore. This time, we're going to bring Sasuke back."
"Uchiha Sasuke? Why bring him back?"
"You are someone I value, and he is someone Orochimaru-sama values. It's that simple."
"To retrieve one person, you need all five of the Sound Ninja Four to go?"
"Of course it's not that simple. As the last of the Uchiha clan, Konoha won't give up on Sasuke easily. They're bound to send a pursuit team. Having more people provides a safety net.
Though, with Konoha's current strained combat strength, they'll likely only send some genin."
Genin?
Neji's heart tightened.
Would Lee and Tenten be part of the pursuit team?
If so, they'd be in danger.
Forget Kimimaro's terrifying strength, even the other members of the Sound Four were each as strong as him, if not stronger.
If they were provoked, the pursuit team might be completely wiped out.
"I'll have Jugo and Suigetsu come train with you these next few days. When I return, I'll have further arrangements for you."
With that, Kimimaro was about to leave.
"Wait, I'll go with you."
Kimimaro turned back, glancing at Neji.
"You're interested too?"
"I've been cooped up in the Sound Village for so long. It'd be good to get some real combat experience."
Kimimaro could tell Neji wasn't being entirely truthful but didn't call him out on it. He simply said, "Alright, come with me."
At the Sound Village entrance, a group of six assembled and set off!
Konoha Hospital.
Sasuke was lost in self-doubt.
The flames of hatred that had subsided within him were reignited, burning fiercely.
All because he had seen that man again.
And in that man's hands, he was still utterly powerless.
The Chidori, a powerful technique he had just learned, was nothing but a toy in the man's eyes, easily dispelled.
He hated his own weakness.
"What am I doing? I'm an avenger! Should I continue playing ninja games here?
Hyuga Neji was taken by the Sound Village, likely valued by Orochimaru. He's probably getting stronger right now. What am I hesitating for? Compared to Naruto, I'm not even as appealing to Itachi!"
His thoughts grew increasingly chaotic, and Sasuke clenched his fists.
At the same time, his gaze fell upon Naruto, who was receiving Sakura's iron fist for being noisy.
His frustration instantly turned into a roar.
"Naruto! Fight me right now!"
(End of Chapter)