thefictionvixens Chapter 142 is in full swing.
Chapter 142 is in full swing.
The boy was eventually handed over because their rescue plan was too rushed; they couldn't manage to sneak someone out of the city. Unless they forced their way through the city walls, they would inevitably leave traces. As accomplices, neither had a motive to report the other, and both seemed to know how to conceal their chakra. Not long after handing the boy over, Karin could no longer sense him.
"When we get back, we need to act like ordinary ninjas who were scared out of their windows by the earthquake. We also need to figure out how to give the people in the shop the impression that we haven't left, otherwise we won't be able to leave tomorrow." On the way back, Kabuto glanced meaningfully at Sasuke. Only the Sharingan's genjutsu is the easiest way to modify memories. If he were to do it, he would have to go through a whole process of hypnosis and genjutsu, which would be incredibly troublesome.
They didn't need to get involved in this matter. The Dongfeng forces were far more impressive than theirs, even managing to create an artificial earthquake, and their guardian, Iwagakure, was killed, though their fate was unknown. They were pointlessly getting involved in this mess, and an extremely troublesome and dangerous one at that. According to the intentions revealed by the Dongfeng leader tonight, they were indeed doing good, but that was good for the common people; to the rulers, it was a thorn in their side. If the underlying trade chain were truly exposed, it would be a huge blow to the daimyo's credibility, and the daimyo would definitely try every means to eliminate them.
However, if Jinlun doesn't remove his mask, they won't know that it was Dongfeng who was carrying out the operation, and the daimyo probably won't be able to find out the problem, right?
“We didn’t go out tonight. We were just woken up by the earthquake and spent some time on the roof.” Sasuke said expressionlessly, looking coldly at his “comrade,” and added, “Remember, we didn’t see anything.”
Regardless of whether Naruto actually connected with Dongfeng or not, Jinlun's intention was to save the child, which was perfectly legitimate. In fact, he created the only flaw in this otherwise perfect scheme to gain trust. He felt he should reciprocate with trust, not stab them in the back.
Karin blinked and nodded slightly, while Kabuto, still sporting his signature smile, subtly observed Sasuke through his glasses.
"Do you agree with his ideas, Sasuke?"
“His ideals have nothing to do with what he did tonight. Anyone with a conscience would have done the same,” Sasuke retorted. “Aren’t you here too, Kabuto Yakushi?”
Kabuto's smile vanished for a moment, then widened further as he said, "I just think he'd be a great guinea pig, and Lord Orochimaru would certainly love him. However, starting a war with Kinrin at this time is clearly unwise. He's determined to win, but we can't afford to disrupt our business dealings, otherwise how will Otogakure continue to operate?"
"...Say what you will." Sasuke sneered inwardly, his red eyes wide as he jumped off the roof. He could see clearly that this guy was lying, but he only needed the result. As for what Kabuto was really thinking? That didn't matter.
——————Action Group Chat
[Report: All three teams have completed their operations and withdrawn to their target locations.]
[Received. There are backup units on standby, ready to evacuate.]
〖yes.〗
——————Tobirama's solo route
[Uncle Tobirama, how are the mother and child doing?]
"The diagnosis is still being made; it won't be that quick. I'm trying to stop my brother from going crazy. You can come back and see for yourself after your mission is over!"
"...You've worked hard. Please, absolutely must, stop him."
——————Izuna Solo Route
"Lord Izuna! We... witnessed them 'disposing' of the body, and Izuta is furious! I can barely hold her back!"
"Quan, don't act on emotion. Gathering evidence and seeking justice for those children is the most important thing!"
I'm sorry, Izuna-sama, I know... but they're just...
"Return with evidence; I will report in detail."
〖……yes.〗
——————Action Group Chat
[Report: All four teams have been transported to their final destination.]
[Received, Group 7. Report the location of Group 4.]
[Seventeen kilometers southeast of the city, as the crow flies. There lies a natural barrier stretching over fifty kilometers; they built their structures within the cliff face.]
[Group Four: Report the situation immediately and conduct scouting operations. Call for backup if anything seems amiss. Group Seven: Maintain distance and absolutely avoid being discovered prematurely.]
〖yes.〗
——————Naruto's solo route
You said you took off your mask?
"...Um, it shouldn't be a big problem..."
"Not big? Is being big a good thing? Do you know the consequences of Dongfeng being exposed at this stage? Our strategy isn't complete yet; we haven't created a route that forces all countries to rely on us! You can't just dismiss it because it's Sasuke! You're 'Kinlun' now, not 'Naruto'!"
"I'm speechless. How could you so eagerly hand Orochimaru a handle against you! I guess I'd better go and erase those three guys' memories now..."
"Izuna-kun! They showed up tonight, which means they have the same goal as us. I think they want Uzumaki-kun to escape, otherwise they wouldn't have handed him over to us."
That's because they can't handle this hot potato! But we can, we have the Flying Thunder God Technique!
Perhaps we should give Sasuke some trust? He's been to the Land of Waves, and I've never hidden him from my bookshelves; he'll definitely stand with us.
[Can Sasuke control Kabuto? That guy's Orochimaru's man, right?]
He showed up tonight too. I didn't sense any malice from him towards the boy. I want to believe him this once.
"You really are... someone who believes just anyone."
Everyone is complex; I just feel that I can entrust this matter to someone I trust.
"Tsk, I can't argue with you. Go keep an eye on Izumi, make sure she doesn't do anything foolish."
"Alright, Izuna-kun."
The same fiery activity took place beneath the excessively lively night.
During the days when Naruto's clones were trapped in the auction house, the other "children" were gradually moved out. They were organized into action groups based on the dispersed groups of children, with each group of "children" secretly followed by a smaller team that could move freely, to prevent any from being unable to escape.
Izuna's battle plans were always meticulously crafted, and he never relaxed his guard even though his team members were all reanimated. He believed that if they developed suicidal fighting habits due to their reanimated forms, they would be doomed the moment they stepped onto the battlefield after being resurrected. Therefore, cultivating their awareness of self-preservation was crucial!
Naruto was completely unfit for command, obediently following orders. Since his main body was no longer in the city, he decisively created a clone and sent it to the location of Izumi and Takahashi. As for himself, he lay on his back on the stone bed, trying to calm the lingering pain.
"I told you you'd work yourself to death sooner or later." After a quiet night, the Nine Lamas had no interest in scolding him and lay in his tattered cage, not wanting to look at him at all.
Because there was a Four-Tails Jinchuriki lying next to him, Kurama didn't dare to move an inch, afraid that Naruto's identity would be exposed. But this guy really knows how to cause trouble, and sure enough, he managed to knock himself down again.