Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 384 "It's Moving"

Naruto had never felt time pass so quickly. When something he didn't want to face was about to happen, three months felt like three weeks.

In June of Konoha Year 68, "Hui" observed "Akatsuki's" actions again, but this time, their methods were much more cautious than when they attacked the Seven-Tails.

This mission surprisingly involved four people. Sasori and Deidara led the charge into the Land of Wind. Sasori, being from Sunagakure, should be well aware of Sunagakure's weaknesses and may even have planted spies within the village. As for the other two who were assisting, they stayed in Kawakita's territory, which seemed to be Akatsuki's planned retreat route.

"It's certain that they're targeting the Kazekage this time. They only sent two people to attack one of the Five Great Nations' ninja villages."

"It wouldn't be surprising if it were Sunagakure. If they dared to send just two people to Konoha, there would be no other possibility than total annihilation."

"Don't underestimate your opponents; after all, they possess the Sage's Eye. The only one who would dare to attack Konoha is Pain."

"The problem now is whether or not to inform Sunagakure in advance, since their intelligence department is practically useless."

"What reason could you possibly give for telling us? Did you see two dangerous figures dressed in red robes and black cloud patterns while delivering goods?"

"...This is the first time I've felt that delivering intelligence is such a difficult task."

"Then we won't send him off. As long as the Wind Shadow doesn't get captured, it's fine."

"If they don't get arrested this time, what about next time?"

"Akatsuki's determination to seize the Tailed Beasts is very strong. If they fail, there is indeed a possibility that they will try again."

Naruto was unusually quiet amidst the heated discussion. He was trying to review the entire battle and consider the possibility that Gaara could return safely without attracting a second visit from Akatsuki.

"Okay, stop arguing." The voice wasn't loud, and even sounded a bit weak and tired, but the office did quiet down.

“Gaara’s identity is special; he’s the Kazekage, so he can’t hide like Fu. Akatsuki simply wants the chakra of the various tailed beasts. Letting them take a portion isn’t a problem, as long as the tailed beasts aren’t completely extracted, Gaara won’t die.” But he’ll suffer for a while. He’s experienced that kind of pain before; even being alive and having your bones pulled out isn’t as bad as that. Although he doesn’t want his friend to go through that, Sunagakure can’t withstand Akatsuki’s full-scale invasion; even Konoha almost suffered heavy losses.

"I should also remind you that the immortal team is currently crossing the Land of Fire, and they are very likely heading to the Land of Lightning." Naruto's decision was not refuted by Izuna, who then reported another equally important piece of information.

"Their target is definitely Yugito. Killer Bee has been staying near the Raikage, so it's difficult for him to succeed."

"Should we send someone to rescue them? We've already rescued one."

"group."

The decision was made instantly. It doesn't matter if a Jinchuriki without a special identity goes missing for a short time; it's better than being captured by Akatsuki. I remember last time, Akatsuki quietly gathered all the other Tailed Beasts except for Gyuki and Kurama in a short time. It wasn't until the Five Kage Summit that everyone brought up the issue of their missing Jinchuriki.

The ninja world is currently in a state of prolonged division, lacking trust and unity, which has given Akatsuki the opportunity to grow stronger. But this time, with the continent-wide organization Akatsuki, aside from Isobu who lacks a Jinchuriki, they won't be able to capture any of the other Jinchuriki! Isobu is just a hot potato left for them, since the demon statues must be sealed in sequence.

Once the overall strategy is set, the "Radiance" war machine will begin to run at high speed, and only the most skilled helmsman can control its direction. This conflict surrounding the Jinchūriki is about to begin.

While Hokushin was diligently and systematically formulating its battle plan, the five great nations, having enjoyed a long period of peace, were almost completely unaware that the enormous threat posed by Akatsuki was beginning to surface. Only Konoha welcomed back one of their intelligence agents who had been wandering for years, bringing back some information that was not yet fully certain.

"Hey, you perverted sage, shouldn't you be minding your own business? Why do you make me go to the police station to bail you out as soon as you get back?" Naruto had no choice but to make a trip to the police station. The matter hadn't reached Tsunade yet; Naruto had only come because he noticed that Jiraiya's chakra was stagnating abnormally.

"I've practically become a monk this past year, and now that I'm finally back, I have to experience the local customs and culture properly!" Jiraiya, who was actually planning to run away at any moment, walked forward while covering his nose, not at all ashamed of going home and ending up in jail. It was definitely easier to do research here, though the locals were a bit rough; his nosebleed hadn't stopped yet.

Naruto held back for a while, then finally said in a rare sinister tone, "If you keep causing trouble, I'm going to tell Granny Tsunade right now."

"Hey! Stop it! How can you boss your master around like that..." Jiraiya's voice trailed off, knowing he was in the wrong. Although Naruto's principles were even more ruthless than Minato's in this matter, he was still happy to see his disciple grow into a grown man!

"What kind of master is always so irresponsible?" Naruto's smile held a hint of sincerity. Seeing the lively, lecherous sage was good; if he didn't return soon, he'd have to go and catch him himself.

The master and apprentice bickered all the way to the Hokage Building. On the way, Naruto couldn't stand it anymore and treated Jiraiya's disfigured face, at least preventing the reputation of the Sannin from being tarnished...

"Hmm... I'll head out first?" Seeing his master's serious expression as soon as he entered the office, Naruto felt he should behave himself...

"Stand still and listen together." Tsunade rejected his request to run away.

"Oh."

The lecherous immortal's intelligence-gathering abilities are beyond question; he's a genius who can find the vicinity of "Hui's" headquarters based on the slightest clues. Although the intelligence on "Xiao" is scattered, the overall direction is quite clear, after all, they are few in number and each of them is a dangerous individual.

"'Akatsuki' has its eye on Jinchuriki, and they've already taken action once?" Tsunade, who had received no information whatsoever, frowned deeply.

"Do you remember the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki from Takigakure? She participated in last year's Chunin Exams and then disappeared." It's hard to imagine where Jiraiya got this information from. Takigakure is a secluded village, and it's very difficult to infiltrate, let alone given the heightened state of alert after the Seven-Tails went missing.

"Was it done by Akatsuki? Has Fu already fallen into Akatsuki's hands?" Naruto asked "excitedly."

"It's very likely. I deduced it from the battlefield traces. It must have been Kakuzu and Hidan who attacked her. Those two are said to be immortal beings, very difficult to deal with." Jiraiya not only explained the information but also reassured his nervous little apprentice.

"Don't worry, it's almost impossible for them to catch you. If anything happens, remember to fly to my side."

Naruto felt a slight soreness in his nose, and although he wanted to laugh, he couldn't. So he lowered his head and nodded gently.

...So, what happens when you encounter a situation like this? (The lecherous immortal.)