บท 243: Chapter 243
"Do you really think I haven't done any intelligence work and only you are aware of the current situation?"
Kisame said in a dissatisfied low voice, his eyes flashing menacingly, before shifting his gaze to the distance.
"Firstly, the current commander of Iwagakure is that youngster Bungo, while Onoki is still inside his Iwagakure.
Secondly, this place serves as Iwagakure's supply line, and it's also their most vital lifeline.
This place is important, but no matter how crucial it is, I'm asking you why Uchiha Kaito would come here.
Don't tell me he has sources here, and don't say that Konoha has informants who can manage this. Investigating such a lifeline is perilous, even for us!
He hasn't been on the frontline for long; could it be that the undercover operatives inside Iwagakure leaked the information? That's a joke!
Could it be he came here to wait for Onoki and then eliminate him?"
Upon hearing Kisame's words, Orochimaru didn't show any emotion. Strictly speaking, everything Kisame said was right.
The defense of that logistical pathway is indeed very strict, concealed by mountain ranges, unknown to most.
Furthermore, the guards do not allow anyone to approach, and many do not even know what lies below.
Thus, investigating this place is truly fraught with difficulties. The closer one gets to that pathway, the tighter the security, making it evident that their past experiences have made them overly cautious.
However, stationing so many guards here also has its advantages. At least they can conduct reconnaissance, mainly because they're technically on the same side as Iwagakure.
Only they could investigate some relatively sensitive areas; others would likely face challenges.
They wouldn't believe that Konoha could send spies to gather this intelligence, and even if they did, getting the information out would be another challenge.
As for Onoki, it's even more improbable, as he wouldn't likely pass through here.
Orochimaru, however, chuckled lightly, mentally completing the answer for Kisame — because it was all information I leaked.
Orochimaru was the mole. To him, leaking information about the Akatsuki was no big deal, let alone Iwagakure's intelligence.
But he didn't bother to elaborate on all this, simply offering a seemingly reasonable explanation.
"Didn't you guys look at the map to see where their base of attack is? All of those are places with intersections or are precisely where the intersections are.
That means they can continuously change directions, and even come directly here.
As for the matter of intelligence, don't forget he has Shisui under him. That guy knows more than we do. It's hard to say he might have discovered this place long ago.
Of course, if you have any objections, you can leave. After all, I can't think of anything that could make Iwagakure so anxious and prompt us to move out immediately.
Perhaps, they've also guessed that Uchiha Kaito and his team might be heading in this direction?"
Orochimaru's words left Kisame and Sasori somewhat silent, as they had to admit he had a point.
However, both of them were not keen on continuing to act alongside Orochimaru. They both wanted to operate separately.
Operating separately would allow them to cover a wider area. Continuing this way is safe, but who knows how long it will take to find what they're looking for.
"We should split up and search. We can communicate through our rings later. I think this will be better for all of us."
In the end, it was Sasori who spoke the thoughts that everyone had been holding back.
Facing this proposition, neither Orochimaru nor Kisame could refuse, especially Orochimaru, who had grown tired of being with them.
After they separated, Orochimaru immediately headed in one direction. But just as he ensured he was far enough from the other two and prepared to summon a serpent to convey a message, he suddenly sensed movement ahead. This struck him as odd, so he stealthily approached.
But when he saw the scene, he couldn't help but lick his lips slightly.
Because he saw Kakashi, leading three genin, continuously being besieged by a large group of Iwa shinobi. The situation looked bleak.
Moreover, Kakuzu and many members of the Uchiha clan were present, evidently protecting them.
Orochimaru found this situation highly intriguing, especially seeing Sasuke and the red eyes of the Uchiha clan members, which stirred excitement in him.
However, in the end, reason triumphed over desire. After watching with interest for some time, he eventually formed hand signs and summoned a white snake.
"Swish!"
Kusanagi swiftly slashed the throat of an Iwa ninja, who fell to the ground, clutching his neck with a look of resentment.
...
Kaito watched it all with unparalleled calm. Such situations hardly stirred any emotions in him anymore.
Behind him, Shisui and Yaneko had already dealt with their respective enemies. For them, such battles were hardly a challenge.
However, they all noticed that the number of enemies on this mountain seemed a bit high. And by their looks, they seemed to be searching for someone.
"It seems Iwagakure's reaction speed is much faster than we imagined," Kaito said, having dispatched his enemy. He turned around and looked at Yaneko and Shisui with a hint of resignation.
"It seems they know we're here. Such a search is indeed a bit troublesome."
"That's true; this is already the fourth wave," Yaneko nodded slightly, her expression equally calm.
"But the density is manageable. The intervals between these four teams are somewhat long. Moreover, we acted quickly enough that they didn't have the chance to call for reinforcements. But be prepared; if you engage with members of the Akatsuki, they might come looking."
What Yaneko said was very realistic. Every time Kaito acted, it made a significant commotion, especially since there is a supply channel hidden beneath these mountains. Engaging in such a crucial location would definitely alert Iwagakure, and that would spell trouble.
However, Kaito looked unperturbed. He had anticipated this outcome and wasn't particularly concerned. After all, fighting here was essentially telling Iwagakure they were exposed.
Moreover, the blame might not necessarily fall on the Akatsuki this time, since Akatsuki were, in essence, shinobi hired by Iwagakure.
Kaito was pondering another question: If he successfully ended the battle and acquired the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, would they need to be as cautious in the imminent all-out war? Or when Ōnoki decided to strike, would they still need to fear him, especially since he had emerged from the shadow of Uchiha Madara?
However, Kaito had no answer to this question. The real answer would only be known after obtaining those eyes.
Furthermore, while this channel was indeed important, in Kaito's understanding, he was more inclined towards obtaining the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
In fact, Kaito was pondering: what if he didn't pursue the supply transport route, but focused solely on dealing with the Akatsuki members, even escalating the situation?
Perhaps, if possible, having Orochimaru relay a message on Kaito's behalf, saying, 'I'm here to deal with you, members of the Akatsuki,' might there be some unexpected surprises?
However, these thoughts are just fleeting at the moment. Everything still depends on the eventual outcome.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Kaito furrowed his brow. He then halted, prompting Yaneko and Shisui to also stop. The two quickly took positions, staying on alert.
Kaito swiftly formed hand seals. The next moment, a small white snake appeared amidst a puff of smoke, with a scroll held in its mouth.
Kaito promptly retrieved the scroll and began to read intently. However, in just a few seconds, his expression became somewhat puzzled.
For the intelligence inside pertained to Sasuke, Naruto, and Karin. For a moment, Kaito was at a loss for words.
"Take a look at this. I really didn't expect this matter to be so problematic."
With a sense of resignation, Kaito handed the scroll to Yaneko and Shisui, then added, "Who knows how they ended up here, and God knows how Orochimaru even found them. But as it stands, this situation is quite unfortunate."
"They're really bold. This is a bit troublesome now."
Shisui, after perusing the intelligence, also looked concerned, uncertain about how to interpret Kakashi and the others' actions.
As a former ANBU, he knew about Kakashi's previous missions, such as the one that earned him the title of the Sharingan Hero. However, this situation was different.
How Kakashi and the rest got their hands on this intelligence was a mystery. After all, Lady Tsunade would definitely not divulge such matters to unrelated individuals.
"It's indeed troublesome, but we must go to their aid."
Yaneko quickly responded after reading the intel. It was clear they couldn't ignore such a situation.
"Moreover, we need to act quickly. I fear Orochimaru might not help them."
"I know. Let's move."
Kaito stood up, his demeanor becoming more stern. He looked into the distance before speaking resolutely.
//
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