The road back might not be very safe.
◎
Inside the cave.
Jiraiya lay flat on the hay, his face twisted in pain, his eyes difficult to open, and his breathing rapid, as if he could die at any moment.
Kakashi and the others nearby knew that Jiraiya was enduring a pain unbearable to ordinary people.
The massive insect-like tumor lodged on Jiraiya's chest was hideous and terrifying, making one's scalp tingle just at the sight of it.
None of them expected that the legendary Sannin would end up in such a miserable state at the hands of a group of bounty hunters.
This also suggested that the Nokizaru Group was by no means average bounty hunters.
The Insect Man was tied hand and foot, leaning against the cave wall, seemingly smirking.
"It's useless. Even the Sannin can only wait for death after being hit by my ninja techniques."
Kakashi ignored him and took a scroll from the Insect Man's ninja tool bag.
Then, Kakashi handed the scroll to another Anbu member.
"Take this scroll to the Hokage for confirmation."
The implication of Kakashi's words was that he would not leave with them.
These three Anbu were new-generation ninjas, personally supported by Minato, unlike those sent by the Third Hokage, so they could be trusted.
"Captain, aren't you coming with us?"
One of the Anbu asked.
Looking at the nearly unconscious Jiraiya in pain, Kakashi said, "No, I will lead the Nokizaru Group's leader away to divert the pursuers. Lord Jiraiya is seriously injured and must return for urgent treatment; otherwise, his life will be in danger. I entrust you with this task."
Moved by Kakashi's earnest trust, the three Anbu subordinates were deeply touched.
The Nokizaru Group was not simple foes; they would certainly obstruct their return to rescue their leader. If delayed, Jiraiya would die en route.
Thus, in their view, Kakashi was prepared to sacrifice himself to seek a path of survival for them and one of the Sannin, Jiraiya.
Initially reluctant to accept young Kakashi's captaincy, they now were utterly convinced.
Even Jiraiya, who was in too much pain to speak, felt guilty towards Kakashi.
He did not expect that he, one of the Sannin, would one day become a burden needing rescue by the village's youth.
He could only pray in his heart for Kakashi's safe return.
"Understood, Captain. We will do our utmost to deliver this scroll to the Hokage, and ensure Lord Jiraiya is returned to the village for treatment as quickly as possible."
Hearing their assurance, Kakashi nodded, carrying the bound Insect Man, and left the cave.
The three Anbu did not rest either, and carefully carried Jiraiya back towards the Land of Fire.
◎
It was raining, still on the borders of the Land of Rain, when Kakashi, carrying the Insect Man, came to a tree hollow.
Inside were four people, lighting a campfire to illuminate the space.
They were precisely the Earth Man and his group of four.
Seeing Kakashi enter with the Insect Man, the Fire Man took a bite of freshly roasted chicken leg and greeted them:
"You two are finally here. We're about to eat, just waiting for you two."
Kakashi used a kunai to cut the ropes binding the Insect Man, freeing his body.
The Insect Man stretched his limbs and rubbed the stiff back of his neck, saying, "Honestly, couldn't you tie me up a bit more comfortably? My arms and legs are numb."
Kakashi unceremoniously took his share of the roasted chicken, having not eaten all day, and indeed felt quite hungry.
Halfway through eating, Kakashi asked, "Why are you in the Land of Rain?"
The Insect Man replied, "The leader assigned us a task to intercept critical evidence of the Root's trafficking operations with the Hidden Rain and deliver it to the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, anonymously. This would escalate the existing conflicts within Konoha's leadership, leaving them unable to focus on other matters."
"Is it alright to let Jiraiya go? Your Bursting Insect ability will be exposed."
Kakashi frowned.
The Bursting Insect was the Nokizaru Group's most lethal weapon, capable of killing even a Five Kage if unfamiliar with it; it was a bizarre and deadly secret technique.
Leaking such a crucial ability to Konoha was bound to cause tremendous losses.
The Insect Man smiled and said, "It was intentional misinformation to mislead Jiraiya. The Bursting Insect isn't as simple as you think, and is exceedingly difficult to defend against. Konoha will hold onto what they believe is accurate information, unaware it's actually a deadly trap I've set."
"Exactly. Moreover, the current Bursting Insects the leader is using are older models. The military is about to supply new ones, even harder to counter and more powerful. We defeated Jiraiya once, and the outcome will be the same the second time; there will be no change."
The Earth Man spoke confidently.
"If you believe it's okay, then proceed as you deem fit."
Kakashi didn't ask further; the Nokizaru Group was, after all, a covert unit of the Land of Demons' military, and perhaps only they and three others knew the true secret of the Bursting Insect.
"Although this mission had some twists and exceeded the original plan, the result is satisfactory. Previously, we were vexed on how to best utilize the evidence for optimal effect, causing Konoha's leadership to turn on each other. Now, with Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, as a guarantee, everything falls into place."
The Insect Man shifted his gaze to Kakashi, revealing a meaningful smile:
"Congratulations in advance, Kakashi. By saving Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, your path in Konoha will be smooth. I wish you a safe journey in Konoha."
"Thank you for your kind words."
After finishing the roasted chicken and filling his stomach, Kakashi started walking out of the tree hollow.
"Oh, don't forget to get some injuries. Returning unscathed will arouse suspicion."
The Insect Man reminded from behind.
Without a word, Kakashi nodded and vanished outside the tree hollow.