บท 237: Chapter 237
However, Kakashi didn't pay much mind to that, even though he knew he was acting as a guardian, he also wanted these guys to possess, at the very least, the basic mindset to cope with war.
If they couldn't even manage that, Kakashi would be left at a loss, after all, for a ninja, strength was indeed important.
But when the power was comparably matched, the mental state often became the decisive factor in battle.
"The choice is yours now, whether we continue the mission or go back. Think well on this question yourselves; I won't disturb you. I'll go ahead and check."
While speaking, Kakashi walked forward. Those two Rock ninja Jonin he'd subdued were still unconscious, and he had no interest in waking them.
Even if information needed to be extracted, it had to be done slowly. Besides, he also needed to have a chat with those lurking behind these youngsters.
"Come out, we need to talk."
Only after Kakashi had arrived at a secluded corner did he speak directly.
At first, those hidden individuals did not respond, but when his aura locked onto their positions, they stepped out one after another.
The first to appear were mostly members of the Uchiha clan, all wearing Leaf's signature green vests, but with the Uchiha emblem on their backs.
The last to emerge was a peculiar-looking individual in all black, whose aura was exceptionally dangerous.
Crucially, this person was wearing a forehead protector from the Hidden Valley Village with a single slash across it, signifying this person was a rogue ninja from the Hidden Valley!
This individual's appearance put Kakashi on alert. However, seeing the other Uchiha members being quite docile, and their gazes toward this person somewhat respectful, Kakashi was taken aback.
The Uchiha clan members are known to be very proud. Even though many have changed significantly, they still wouldn't easily concede in terms of power.
This person must have been acknowledged for their strength by these Uchiha clan members to yield such a response.
"Speak, what do you wish to say to us?" The mysterious rogue ninja from the Hidden Valley spoke, but quickly seemed to recall something.
"Ah, yes, you can call me Kakuzu. If there's anything unclear, you can ask Uchiha Kaito back home; he's my employer.
It seems he's also come here; you'll be able to see him. Apart from that, the other six major clans of the Leaf know me too; you can confirm with them as well."
"They trust you, so I trust you, and besides, you're here to ensure the safety of those three children; I think there won't be any problems."
Kakashi spoke directly, although in his mind, he was rapidly contemplating the name Kakuzu.
To him, the name seemed somewhat unfamiliar, but given his ANBU background, he quickly thought of a name associated with a fearsome bounty hunter.
However, Kakashi didn't feel like pondering this issue now; he skipped over it and directly spoke.
"I want to confirm, just how far do these three children need to be escorted, or what mission is so critical that it warrants our execution?"
"Mission?"
Kakuzu found difficulty with this word since he also didn't know the answer to that question.
In truth, he hadn't met Kaito before departing, only knowing that Kaito had told him not to refuse if asked to protect Sasuke's squad, and anyway, he would be paid.
For Kakuzu, as long as there was payment, he'd undertake any task no matter how difficult, no matter how troublesome the mission.
Of course, he also understood that if the task was too simple, he wouldn't get much money either.
Now, with Kakashi asking like this, his mind couldn't help but liven up—this wasn't this a clear opportunity to earn some money?!
If he didn't seize it well, he would be failing the salary that Kaito was providing.
Nonetheless, Kakuzu remained very calm; he knew what his primary task was: these few brats must not encounter trouble.
And ideally, those being protected alongside them should also be safe; as for Kakashi, he was not Kakuzu's concern.
After all, for some unknown reason, Kakuzu always felt an inexplicable chill when seeing Kakashi; he felt he didn't quite like this guy.
After serious contemplation for a moment, Kakuzu finally spoke.
"Although I don't know what your mission is, since you're asking me, I will give you some advice within my capacity.
The mental states of these three kids are not quite mature, especially that blonde brat – he's the most serious case.
In that case, exercise their concealment abilities well. I think you can lead them towards the border of the Hidden Stone Village.
This way, you can gather some intelligence and also provide better training for them.
As for the return journey, I've thought it through. In the mountain range of the Grass Country, which connects to the Hidden Stone Village, there's a passage secretly constructed there by the Hidden Stone Village.
Although it's manned, it's not a big problem. When it's time to come back, we can use that passage."
Enticed by Kakuzu, Kakashi and the others didn't realize that they were being hoodwinked onto a thief ship due to monetary matters, undertaking a mission that even Kaito hadn't completed.
Meanwhile, on another front, Nagato, leading the members of the Akatsuki, initiated a new meeting.
In truth, for the members of Akatsuki, they held a certain distaste for meetings, having all been accustomed to autonomy.
And now, having to convene a meeting every so often, it was nothing short of testing their patience.
However, it was unavoidable. This was a matter requested by Pain, whom they adhered to, and even if they were displeased, they could only endure, especially given the recent occurrence of a major event.
Just a short while ago, in the Grass Country located at the intersection of the Waterfall Country, Earth Country, and Fire Country, an unimaginable surge of power erupted.
That sky-filling chakra aftershock was so formidable that even they, from their vastly remote location, could fully perceive its might.
In a rarity of unanimous agreement, they concluded one thing: if they had been at the site, they'd likely have already returned to the Pure Land by now!
They truly had no idea what had transpired; they didn't even dare confirm whether it was humans battling.
After all, in their memories, it was hard to imagine who could accomplish all of this.
They all wished to rush to the battlefield to observe, but they could still restrain their impulsivity, suspecting that place was likely already encircled by the Hidden Stone and Hidden Leaf by now.
Even if their current alliance was with the Hidden Stone, they didn't wish to engage in such a chaotic battle.
Moreover, their organization possessed its own intelligence system. They couldn't access this system, but they could benefit from it.
"Gathering you here this time, I believe you're all clear on why."
Nagato, hidden within the basement of a small inn, controlled Deva Path Pain to speak, his Rinnegan sweeping over every individual present.
"The battle that erupted a few days ago is indeed inconceivable. I had people investigate thoroughly, and can now present you with conclusions."
"Was that battle man-made, or due to other factors?"
Sasori spoke directly as soon as Pain finished.
"I know we felt the chakra aftershock, but human power should be incapable of causing such destruction, at least we've never encountered such a person."
Sasori's words could be said to represent the collective, even Orochimaru and Kisame found it difficult to imagine that a man-made battle could extend its aftershocks to this degree.
"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you; this indeed was achieved by human action."
However, just then, a raspy and slightly sinister voice sounded, immediately drawing the attention of all present.
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