Chapter 381: Hidden Killing Intent

The desolate barrenness of the Land of Earth, the dense humidity of the Land of Rain, and the fertile lands of the Land of Fire created stark contrasts.

After crossing the Land of Earth and the Land of Rain, Ye Zi, Orochimaru, and Kotoe entered the Land of Fire. Following its borders, they had to skirt around half of the country to reach the coast leading to the Land of Whirlpools.

The Land of Whirlpools was a small island nation, even smaller than the Land of Waves. Its resources were relatively scarce, lacking the kind of wealth that would attract other nations. Positioned away from strategic battlegrounds, it offered no value as a buffer zone for wars.

A nation like this could have endured as a peaceful haven if it hadn't been for its mastery of sealing techniques. Without that expertise, it might never have been destroyed.

Although the trio avoided the interior of the Land of Fire, their movements were still noticed by watchful eyes hidden in the shadows.

Ye Zi was unaware of this and found it unusual that they hadn't encountered any ambushes along the way. The journey had gone smoothly, and they reached the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water, which also marked the coastline.

From there, Ye Zi used Wood Release to construct a boat.

The three boarded and took the water route to the Land of Whirlpools.

....

Root Headquarters, Hidden Leaf Village

In a dimly lit traditional room, a single candle cast flickering shadows.

"Judging by their point of departure, there are two possible destinations: the Land of Whirlpools or the Land of Water," said a masked Root member, kneeling outside the paper door.

The door was slightly ajar, revealing the faint candlelight that illuminated Danzo's silhouette on the paper screen.

Danzo let out a low, cold chuckle upon hearing the report.

"What of Jiraiya and Tsunade?" Danzo asked, his eyes narrowing as his icy voice carried through the gap to the Root member outside.

"As per your instructions, the moment we detected their movements, we relayed the information to Jiraiya and Tsunade," the Root member replied calmly.

Danzo had carefully orchestrated a plan to track the movements of Jiraiya and Tsunade while spreading his spies across the region. Upon learning of Ye Zi's movements, he immediately sent word to Jiraiya and Tsunade before reporting back to Danzo.

This setup would send Jiraiya and Tsunade directly toward Ye Zi, executing Danzo's strategy of pitting enemies against each other.

Unfortunately, Ye Zi was still traveling with Orochimaru. Together, they were too formidable for Jiraiya and Tsunade to handle alone.

But that didn't matter, adding a few more players to the mix might tip the scales.

"In one day, deliver this 'information' to the Fourth Hokage," Danzo ordered coldly.

This "information," naturally, would not be good news.

"Understood."

The Root member vanished after receiving the command.

Inside the room, Danzo sat with his back to the paper door. His bandages, usually wrapped around his right eye and arm, had been removed.

In his right eye glimmered a Sharingan with three tomoe. Not only that, but his right arm bore eight open Sharingan eyes, eerily embedded along its surface.

Reaching out with his left hand, he gently stroked the pale, lifeless skin of his right arm. A chilling killing intent surfaced in his eyes.

"This time, I will eliminate you," he murmured.

.....

Somewhere in the Land of Fire

Jiraiya and Tsunade were leaping through the forest side by side when they both suddenly sensed something unusual. Exchanging a glance, they immediately stopped and perched on tree branches, each drawing a kunai.

"Come out," Jiraiya commanded, his gaze fixed on a specific spot. The presence didn't seem hostile and hadn't attacked, but its identity was unknown.

As soon as he spoke, three black-clad figures leaped from the shadows onto nearby trees, revealing themselves twenty meters away—a dangerously close distance.

They wore the signature masks of the Leaf's ANBU and carried standard-issue equipment, including short blades.

"Who are you?" Jiraiya demanded coldly.

Tsunade glared at the trio, ready to strike at any moment.

The leader, wearing a dog mask, spoke calmly. "Codenamed Wind Hound, affiliated with Root. We are here to deliver intelligence to Jiraiya-sama and Tsunade-sama."

"Danzo's men?" Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged looks, both clearly displeased.

It wasn't just about the information or whether it could be trusted. The fact that these people had been able to locate them so easily meant their movements were already being tracked.

As for the intelligence, they decided to hear it out.

"What information?" Jiraiya asked, his tone stern.

Wind Hound replied, "Four hours ago, Ye Zi and Orochimaru departed from the 'Cloud's Edge' coastline in the Land of Fire by boat. Based on their point of departure, it is highly likely they are heading to the Land of Whirlpools."

Hearing this, both Jiraiya and Tsunade's expressions changed slightly. Information about Ye Zi and Orochimaru's movements?

After a brief silence, Jiraiya suddenly stepped forward, kunai in hand, and leaped toward Wind Hound without a word, launching a direct attack.

Tsunade remained where she was, making no move to assist.

"Hmm?"

Caught off guard, Wind Hound barely had time to react. Unable to draw his blade in time, he hastily resorted to taijutsu to defend against Jiraiya's assault.

Bang! Bang!

Within moments, the sound of fists and feet colliding filled the air with dull, heavy thuds.

The other two Root members immediately drew the swords strapped to their backs, ready to assist Wind Hound. However, after exchanging a few blows, Jiraiya pushed Wind Hound back and returned to Tsunade's side.

Seeing Jiraiya retreat, Wind Hound let out a breath of relief. In just a few brief exchanges, despite the initial element of surprise, Jiraiya's overwhelming attacks made him feel as though he might be killed at any moment.

"Jiraiya-sama, what is the meaning of this?" Wind Hound asked with a frown, while his two companions abandoned their scattered formation to stand at his side.

"Haha." Jiraiya let out a hearty laugh, looking at them as he replied, "Just confirming your identity, that's all."

From the brief exchange, Jiraiya had observed that Wind Hound's taijutsu followed the Konoha style, a characteristic technique used by the ANBU.

Wind Hound's eyes narrowed in respect as he said, "As expected of Jiraiya-sama. Your caution is admirable."

"Just basic precautions," Jiraiya replied, his smile fading as his tone turned cold. "Now that the information is delivered, you can leave. And if I find anyone following us, don't expect me to show mercy for the sake of being from the same village."

His final words carried a clear undertone of killing intent.

"As you wish."

Wind Hound nodded slightly before leaving with his two companions.

This interaction had successfully delivered the information, but it also put Jiraiya and Tsunade on high alert. It was clear that continuing to tail them would be unwise.

Wind Hound took Jiraiya's warning seriously.

If they provoked Jiraiya and Tsunade, the three of them would stand no chance.

"Cancel the pursuit," Wind Hound instructed his companions, adapting to the situation as per the authority granted to them by Danzo.

"Understood," the two Root members replied without objection.

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Currently on Chapter 436 - A Clash Against Danzo