"Alright, since Ai and the others haven't given up, we can't let our guard down. Let's all prepare to move," Sarutobi declared.
Sarutobi explained that the Land of Rain lies between major nations, remaining uncontrollable by any country. It serves as a chaotic buffer zone where ninjas from the Land of Rain reside, becoming a battleground for major powers.
Ai couldn't directly breach the defense line in the Land of Soup, so there's a possibility he might risk traveling through the Land of Rain.
"By the way, Tsunade, Tobirama-sensei is deeply concerned after learning about what you've faced here. He wants to meet with you, so I'll let you go first," Sarutobi said, slightly embarrassed. Tsunade had lost contact during the last mission, causing Tobirama great anxiety.
The unexpected betrayal of Konoha ninjas last time was unpredictable. They found no reasons and could only conclude that it was controlled by an illusion.
Tobirama regretted letting Tsunade participate in the first ninja war. She's still young and is the future hope of the Senju clan. Tobirama wanted to keep her in sight until he figured out why those Konoha ninjas were being controlled.
"Kagami, the teacher wants you to take Tsunade to join them first. I'll lead the army toward the Land of Rain to investigate Cloud Ninja's movements," Sarutobi handed the letter to Kagami Uchiha.
"Oh, is that so?" Kagami sensed the urgency in Tobirama's letter. It seemed he was concerned, likely about something other than Tsunade. The mission with Tsunade might just be an excuse.
"Would you let Tsunade go with me first?" Kagami Uchiha suggested, feeling that Tobirama had something to discuss with him. Simultaneously, he could protect Tsunade with his strength since Cloud Ninja had evacuated, and this area was under Konoha's control.
"Sarutobi, I'll take ten Uchiha clansmen first, and Ai will be your responsibility. Be cautious when I'm not around," Kagami Uchiha informed Sarutobi.
"Don't worry, Cloud Ninja is no cause for concern. When Tobirama-sensei arrives, they'll have to consider how to get home," Sarutobi reassured with a smile.
"Hey, we're doing great, even setting a fire in Cloud Ninja's base. What's there to worry about!" Tsunade expressed her dissatisfaction at the prospect of meeting her second grandfather, indicating her near-end to this ninja war journey.
"Jiraiya, agree with me, won't you?" Tsunade challenged.
"Ah... yes, yes! We're doing great!" Jiraiya confirmed enthusiastically.
Tsunade's keen gaze shifted to Orochimaru, silent as an ice sculpture, who nodded in agreement.
"It may not be that simple. Tobirama may have other concerns about Uchiha Kagami, and what happened last time..." Orochimaru interjected, shaking his head. Nevertheless, he expressed fearlessness.
"Orochimaru, you and Jiraiya should also go together. After all, you are in a team."
Sarutobi bent down, placing one hand on Tsunade's shoulder and the other on Jiraiya's head, messing up his white hair. He looked at Orochimaru kindly.
"Um."
The next morning, Uchiha Kagami set off with ten Uchiha ninjas and the Sannin.
.....
"Lord C, this is the information my subordinates have obtained. Don't miss this opportunity."
In C's military tent, a Cloud Ninja said sincerely in front of C.
"...Are you sure the information is true?"
C's face was gloomy as he stared at Cloud Ninja, but Cloud Ninja remained calm and unafraid.
"It is absolutely true. Uchiha Kagami took a few guards today and set off in the direction of the second Hokage. If no action is taken, Uchiha Kagami should join the Tobirama's army in just one day, and there will be no chance at all. Now, don't you want revenge?"
Cloud Ninja exhorted bitterly.
"Vengeance...?"
C touched several scars on his body, appearing to be still in pain.
If Uchiha Kagami could be eliminated, Cloud Shinobi, who were originally at a disadvantage, could reclaim a city. A large number of Uchiha's troops in Konoha would also be caught in riots, turning defeat into victory!
C's expression became serious. "How did you get this kind of news? Does Master Ai know?"
"Master Ai has not been notified yet."
This Cloud Ninja swore, "As for how to get this news, it was spread from inside Konoha at the risk of death!"
"..."
C gritted his teeth. In the end, he roughly snatched the letter from Cloud Ninja's hand. With a flash of lightning, the letter turned into powder.
"I don't need to notify; I can solve this matter myself. It's not too late. Bring a few people; we'll set off immediately!"
Watching C leave, Cloud Ninja's complexion suddenly changed drastically. His expression was trance-like for a while, and finally, his eyes turned pitch black, like a black hole.
"Jie Jie, this C is really a scumbag with developed limbs and a simple mind. He was fooled so easily, twice!"
This Cloud Ninja showed a strange smile, as if he had completely changed.
"I didn't expect that the three disciples of Sarutobi escaped in that situation last time. C is simply a piece of trash! How could the other three little devils infiltrate Kumogakure's stronghold? However, Cloud Ninja's movements were somehow discovered by Uchiha Kagami..."
Half of this Cloud Ninja's body suddenly turned pitch black from head to toe, as if the whole person was divided into two halves, very strange.
"Kumogakure really can't support the wall with mud, and he can't even do it with Konoha. It's really overestimating you guys! Kagami Uchiha, since you obstructed my plan, then go to hell!"
And what had the kid named Orochimaru seemingly discovered? Jie Jie, it's really not easy; let's die together...cough!"
Cloud Ninja's body trembled, as if resisting something.
"Damn it, it seems the energy from the spells on my body is about to be exhausted!
This is Cloud Ninja's last chance; if he fails again, it will be over.
In order to spread the news from Konoha, the last ounce of energy should have also been consumed...
I hope this little push can slightly advance my dream!
What! It's so difficult; these lowly human beings are so foolish and always make mistakes!
But I will not give up...
Soon, Madara Uchiha will succeed...
My chance is coming..."
As if the battery was running out, Cloud Ninja's voice became smaller and smaller. The black substance that originally wrapped half of Cloud Ninja's body receded like a tide, and a faint trace of black energy slowly dissipated from his forehead.
"Huh? What's wrong with me?"
After a while, Cloud Ninja seemed to return to normal, shook his stiff body, and left inexplicably.
********
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