Rorin paused slightly as everyone's gaze fell on him.
After scanning the room, he nodded faintly.
"Yeah, that did happen."
Hearing this, everyone felt a surge of excitement—finally, a lead. But before they could feel relieved for long, Rorin's next words shattered that hope.
"However, sorry to say, I already took that guy out. We had some personal grudges between us." Rorin shook his head and spoke calmly.
Kakashi frowned, lowering his head in thought as he muttered,
"I see… looks like the trail's gone cold again."
Naruto Uzumaki looked just as dejected. Tsunade also felt a headache coming on—she had hoped Rorin would have some clues about the Akatsuki.
Although they were curious about what exactly had happened between Rorin and that person, since he didn't elaborate, they didn't press further. After all, they already considered him a comrade, so there was no need for excessive suspicion.
After thinking it over, Kakashi raised his head and spoke slowly.
"Looks like we'll have to rely on a more straightforward method. Lady Tsunade, I have an idea—but it's a bit troublesome."
Tsunade nodded slightly, then turned to Rorin.
"Rorin, do you have any suggestions for this operation?"
Rorin tapped his chin, his gaze settling on Naruto Uzumaki.
"Lady Tsunade, since the Akatsuki's target is the jinchūriki, instead of actively searching for them, I think it's better to wait for them to come to us."
Naruto Uzumaki immediately asked excitedly,
"You mean we just sit around and wait? What if they never show up? Sasuke might run into the Akatsuki at any time!"
Tsunade lowered her head in thought.
"When you say 'wait for them,' do you mean we stay in the Hidden Leaf Village and wait for the Akatsuki to come knocking?"
Rorin shook his head.
"Lady Tsunade, Naruto isn't the only jinchūriki. Don't forget—among the people we know, there's another one."
Everyone suddenly understood. Tsunade spoke in a low voice, "Gaara?"
Rorin nodded slightly. "That's right, Lady Tsunade. The Akatsuki have already failed twice in their attempts against Gaara. I don't think they'll give up. It's very likely they'll target him again soon—especially since the Hidden Sand Village is at its weakest right now. So if we want to make contact with the Akatsuki, the best way is to head to the Land of Wind and wait for them there."
Tsunade carefully considered Rorin's suggestion, then glanced at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya gave a slight nod, finding Rorin's reasoning sound.
Suddenly recalling Kakashi's earlier idea, Tsunade looked at him again.
"Kakashi, you said you had a plan as well. Let's hear it."
Kakashi nodded. "My idea is to use my ninja hounds to track down Uchiha Itachi. We form two teams and move out together to capture him."
Rorin watched quietly from the side, inwardly complaining: If you want to catch Itachi as he is now, I wonder how much he'd have to hold back for you.
Tsunade weighed both Rorin and Kakashi's suggestions before making a decision.
"Both of your plans have merit. We'll split this operation into two fronts. Rorin, you'll lead two teams to the Land of Wind. Kakashi, you'll assemble two teams to pursue Uchiha Itachi."
Kakashi nodded, and Rorin agreed immediately.
"No problem, Lady Tsunade—but I think one team will be enough for the Land of Wind."
"Then who do you want to carry out the mission with?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
"I'll go with Might Guy-sensei's Team Three," Rorin replied confidently.
After finalizing the plan, Rorin left the Hokage's office. He still needed to invite Might Guy and the others to join the mission.
After he left, Tsunade turned to Kakashi.
"Kakashi, to prevent any accidents involving Naruto, I'll assign you an additional helper."
Knock knock!
A knock sounded from outside the door, and a man wearing an ANBU mask entered.
Tsunade introduced him. "This is Yamato. He'll assist you in this operation."
Yamato removed his mask and greeted everyone. Then he left with Kakashi and the others to prepare.
...
The next day. The weather wasn't kind—it rained.
Kakashi gathered Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, Hinata, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba, and Yamato. They stood quietly at the Hidden Leaf Village gates, waiting.
"Where's Rorin? Aren't they leaving today?" Naruto Uzumaki looked around and asked.
Tsunade looked a bit embarrassed and explained,
"He has his own plan. You all head out first."
"Oh! Alright then," Naruto Uzumaki replied.
"Everyone, the mission to capture Uchiha Itachi—move out!" Tsunade shouted.
At that very moment, Rorin was still fast asleep at home. After all, with Flying Thunder God, he could reach the Land of Wind in an instant—so there was no rush. With the rain cooling things down, he was finally able to enjoy a proper lazy morning.
At noon, Rorin woke up leisurely, opened the window, and breathed in the fresh air after the rain, feeling refreshed.
After getting up and washing, Rorin stopped by Ichiraku Ramen, enjoyed a satisfying meal, then went home for a bath.
Once fully prepared, Rorin headed to the agreed meeting place with Might Guy and the others. Upon arrival, he found that Team Three had already assembled, just waiting for him.
"Yo! Rin, over here!" Rock Lee waved at him enthusiastically.
Rorin walked over slowly.
"Long time no see, everyone."
Tenten stepped forward and asked,
"Rin-kun, how's your weighted training lately? Still suitable? Need an upgrade? I've got to tell you—we've discovered a new material."
Rorin scratched the back of his head.
"No need for an upgrade for now. I'll come to you when I need it—don't worry."
Tenten nodded lightly.
After some brief chatter, Tsunade arrived beside them and spoke,
"Your mission is to protect Gaara in the Land of Wind and ensure he doesn't fall into the hands of the Akatsuki. If possible, capturing an Akatsuki member alive would be even better."
Rorin and Team Three nodded.
Tsunade waved her hand. "Alright, set out!"
Rorin placed his hands on Might Guy and Rock Lee's shoulders, and the three of them vanished instantly. A minute later, Rorin reappeared and took Tenten and Hyūga Neji with him.
After everyone had left, Tsunade returned to the front of the Hokage building, where she saw Jiraiya.
Jiraiya slowly turned around and said, "Tsunade, I'm heading out too."
Tsunade paused, then said softly, "Be careful."
Jiraiya nodded slightly, then left the Hidden Leaf Village as well.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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