If an ordinary ninja were to enter, even an elite jonin like Kakashi would probably struggle to escape.
Karin, who was originally from Kusagakure, walked while observing her surroundings, looking around like an old lady visiting the city for the first time. "This is my first time in Sunagakure. I didn't expect even the entrance to be so intimidating. It's worthy of being one of the Five Great Ninja Villages."
Maki, who was leading the way, gave a slightly embarrassed smile. "This is the only natural barrier protecting Sunagakure. Though it appears heavily fortified, if someone breaks through this defense, they can easily infiltrate the village. It's nothing compared to the protective barrier in Konoha."
"Did the ones who kidnapped Kazekage-sama enter through this canyon?" Sakura asked in surprise.
Maki shook his head and replied with an ugly expression, "No—they came from the sky."
"In the sky?" Everyone was stunned.
"Yes." Maki explained as they continued walking, "Based on footprints at the scene and witness reports, there were three intruders. Two of them slaughtered the guards here, while the one who captured Kazekage-sama used a giant bird to fly high into the air, catching us completely off guard."
"Breaking through Thin Line Sky and abducting Kazekage-sama like that isn't something an ordinary ninja can do. These guys were well-prepared," Kakashi said, feeling a cold sweat form on his forehead.
As they talked, they passed through the canyon, when Chinatsu suddenly pointed ahead. "Why are there rocking chairs and parasols over there?"
Maki sighed and explained, "Those were left behind by the invaders. We haven't moved them, just in case they hold any clues."
"Hmph, this intruder really knows how to enjoy himself."
Hearing this, everyone's faces darkened, but it at least made tracking the enemy easier.
However, Chinatsu was thinking about something else entirely.
The only person who would lounge on a rocking chair in this kind of situation… was her father.
A brilliant smile appeared on her face.
"It looks like this trip was worth it after all."
After passing through Thin Line Sky Canyon, they entered Sunagakure.
Since Konoha and Sunagakure were allies, Kakashi and his team were warmly welcomed.
As they made their way through the village streets, they soon arrived at the Kazekage's building.
Just as they stepped inside, they heard a painful scream from inside.
"Kankuro-sama is in critical condition!" A medical ninja rushed forward and urgently reported to Maki.
Maki's face darkened, then turned to Kakashi's team with an expectant gaze.
Karin and Sakura exchanged glances.
"Leave it to us," Karin said decisively.
"Sakura, help me," she added, already rushing toward the medical ward.
"I understand." Sakura nodded firmly and quickly followed behind her, while Kakashi and the others also hurried into the room.
Before they could enter, an old woman suddenly rushed toward Kakashi, screaming:
"Konoha White Fang! I will kill you!"
A tense confrontation ensued, but after some explanation and reconciliation, Karin and Sakura began their treatment.
Half a day later.
In the Land of Rivers, inside Akatsuki's hidden base, the sealing of Shukaku continued.
All the Akatsuki members, whether physically present or appearing via projection, stood on the fingers of the Outer Path Golem.
Gaara, whose Tailed Beast chakra was being drained, now had cracks all over his body. His life was hanging by a thread.
"There's still half a day left," said Pain's projection. "Hold on a little longer, and the sealing will be complete."
"This is so boring," Deidara yawned before glancing at Fujiwara Kirito, who had been completely silent this entire time.
"Oi, Kirito, it's not like you to stay this quiet for so long."
"Of course," Konan sighed, speaking before Kirito could answer.
"The one standing in this sealing ceremony isn't his real body—it's just a shadow clone. His real body already returned to Amegakure after parting ways with you."
"He's probably at home enjoying time with his wife and children."
"NANI?!" Deidara's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Yes," Kirito replied calmly.
In truth, he wasn't in Amegakure. His real body was simply hiding elsewhere, making sure he wasn't around for when Pain inevitably asked him to go after the Nine-Tails.
Meanwhile, Kisame, whose chakra reserves were second only to Kirito's in Akatsuki, clicked his tongue enviously.
"Must be nice, huh? The benefits of having ridiculous chakra reserves."
"It's a shame my Water Clones aren't as durable as Shadow Clones, or else I'd slack off like him."
He then turned to Itachi.
"Hey, Itachi, how about teaching me the Shadow Clone Jutsu later? I want to relax like Kirito."
Before Itachi could answer, Pain's cold voice interrupted, killing Kisame's idea on the spot.
"I'll warn Kirito later. This won't happen again."
With that settled, he turned to Zetsu.
"What's the status of Sunagakure and Konoha?"
"I was just about to report," White Zetsu chuckled.
"Konoha's reinforcement team has already arrived in Sunagakure. They're on their way here. If we let them continue, they might arrive before we finish the seal."
"Who's on their team?" Itachi asked.
Black Zetsu listed them one by one.
"From Sunagakure, we have Granny Chiyo."
"From Konoha, there's Kakashi Hatake, along with Uzumaki Karin and Haruno Sakura, both disciples of the Fifth Hokage."
"Oh, and **Tsunade's seven-year-old daughter, Chinatsu, is with them too."
"...What?"
Most of the Akatsuki members froze in disbelief.
A seven-year-old child sent on a mission against Akatsuki?
Was Konoha overflowing with talent or desperate for manpower?
Black Zetsu chuckled, then added, "Also, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Naruto, is coming."
"And Might Guy's team has received orders from Tsunade and is heading here too."
"Wow, even the Nine-Tails is here. Talk about fate." Kisame grinned, then glanced at Kirito.
"A shame your real body isn't here. Otherwise, we could capture the Nine-Tails early."
"As long as the Nine-Tails is still in Konoha, it doesn't matter," Pain said indifferently. "Our priority is finishing the One-Tail's sealing. We'll use the Elephant Turning Technique to buy time."
"Kisame," Pain continued. "Since Kirito's clone is here instead of his real body, you will intercept Might Guy."
"As for Kakashi, Itachi will handle him."
"And once the One-Tail is sealed, Sasori and Deidara will capture the Nine-Tails."
At the same time, Kakashi, Chinatsu, Karin, Sakura, Naruto, and Granny Chiyo were moving rapidly through the forest, closing in on Akatsuki's base.
(End of Chapter)