Chapter 195: 195.Action Plan
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In a dimly lit cave, the colossal Gedo Statue loomed, with phantom figures standing on its ten fingertips.
From the statue's mouth emerged energy surrounding a tall man wearing a straw hat and red armor. As time passed, the energy withdrew back into the statue's mouth, and the lifeless man fell from mid-air.
"With this, the Five-Tails is sealed, hmm!" Deidara relaxed his hands from forming seals. "Who will take care of the Six-Tails next?"
"We've located the Six-Tails Jinchuriki's hiding place, and I'll handle it," said Pain's voice.
"Heh, taking on both the Five-Tails and now the Six-Tails," Kisame laughed. "Leader, you've been quite busy lately."
"There are other tasks for you all," Konan interjected, "which is why Pain will handle the Six-Tails."
"Hey, Konan-senpai! If it's a mission, Tobi's up for it!" Tobi chimed in playfully, waving his arm.
Ignoring him, Konan continued assigning tasks. "Then, except for Kisame and Itachi, I expect the rest to complete your missions swiftly."
Pain severed the link, retracting the Gedo Statue. Once the others disappeared, only Pain, Konan, and the apparitions of Kisame and Itachi remained.
"Leader, do you have a special mission for us?" Kisame asked.
"Itachi," Pain said, staring at Itachi's expressionless face. "Go see your brother."
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly. "What exactly would you like me to do?"
"Your brother, Uchiha Sasuke, has been with Uchiha Kaito, correct?" Pain replied calmly. "Capture him and bring him to me. I need information on Kaito."
"What do you think, Mr. Itachi?" Kisame teased.
Itachi remained silent.
"Of course, I know of your intentions," Pain's voice grew colder. "Itachi, your brother, whom you purposely left alive, has now awakened those eyes. It's time for you to harvest the fruits of your labor."
"I understand. I'll find him."
Itachi replied briefly, falling silent afterward.
"Very well."
Pain then completely severed the link.
"Pain, Itachi probably won't do as you say," Konan said, approaching Pain.
"I know. Uchiha Itachi has never truly been one of us," Pain said emotionlessly.
"Do you have another plan, then?" Konan asked.
"Yes," Pain replied, heading toward the cave's exit. "Zetsu and Tobi will keep an eye on them."
"Tobi? That guy isn't trustworthy either!" Konan followed him.
"It doesn't matter. For now, Tobi and Zetsu's goals align with ours," Pain explained. "Once we capture Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Kaito won't be an issue."
"Speaking of which, it seems strange that Kaito would let Sasuke wander alone," Konan noted, a bit hesitant. "We should proceed cautiously."
"Zetsu has confirmed that Sasuke can summon that man who calls himself Uchiha Izuna," Pain said, "as well as Kaito's clone."
"Understood," Konan smiled. "With most of the Tailed Beasts sealed, our plan is progressing smoothly."
Pain affirmed, "Yahiko's dream will come true."
---
Land of Birds.
As Kisame and Itachi exited their hiding place, a White Zetsu clone suddenly burst out of the ground, revealing half of its body in front of them.
"Yo! Good afternoon, you two."
The half-buried White Zetsu raised a hand in greeting.
Kisame and Itachi looked at him with cold expressions, saying nothing.
"You're both so cold," White Zetsu joked, feigning a pout.
"Cut the chatter."
Kisame lifted his bandaged sword and struck the ground beside Zetsu, causing rocks to splatter on his face.
With a toothy grin, Kisame asked, "So, what is it?"
"I'll tell you!" White Zetsu quickly surrendered. "Itachi's brother has entered the Land of Rivers and is heading towards the Land of Rain."
"I understand." Itachi nodded and turned to Kisame. "Let's go."
"Yes, Mr. Itachi." Kisame lifted his sword and casually swung it over his shoulder.
The two walked past Zetsu without a glance.
"Hey! Are you ignoring me?" White Zetsu called after them, sinking back into the ground with a grumble.
Kisame laughed. "Your little brother sure has guts, heading straight for the Land of Rain. If he's unlucky enough to run into the boss, we won't even have to step in."
"Just ignorance," Itachi said, his face still expressionless.
"You're quite the cold-hearted brother," Kisame teased.
However...
Mr. Itachi really does care about his little brother.
Kisame discreetly observed Itachi's clenched fist and quickened pace.
---
Land of Rivers.
"So, the Akatsuki are the true rulers of the Hidden Rain Village?" Neji asked in shock, staring at Sasuke.
"That's right." Sasuke nodded calmly.
"Wait!" Neji jumped in front of Sasuke, blocking him with an outstretched hand.
"What is it?" Sasuke frowned.
Neji seemed conflicted, finally speaking with frustration, "If you know the Akatsuki are in the Hidden Rain, how do you expect the two of us to get in there and find Uchiha Itachi?"
"I wasn't planning on barging in," Sasuke replied, looking at him curiously. "Just to search for any traces of Itachi's movements."
"That's not acceptable," Neji argued. "As far as I know, the Akatsuki members are dangerous. Even if we find Itachi, you can't fight him in the Land of Rain! If we draw in other dangerous members, we're done for."
Sasuke thought about it, admitting Neji had a point.
"So, what do we do?" he asked directly.
How should I know!
Neji felt a pang of frustration but suggested, "Use a summoning creature to scout. We can wait until Uchiha Itachi leaves the Land of Rain before we move."
How long will that take!
Sasuke wasn't thrilled with the idea.
But...
He looked at Neji.
If we encounter other enemies, I might not be able to protect this weaker guy.
Fine, better listen to him, or he might end up dead by accident.
After all, I'm the one who brought him out of Konoha.
As team leader, it's my responsibility.
"Alright," he finally nodded.
Neji felt a bit irritated by Sasuke's look, snapping, "Hey! What's with that look?"
"Nothing." Sasuke coughed, looking away. "If we're waiting, use this time to train."
"I don't need you to tell me that!" Neji growled, his face darkening and a vein popping on his forehead.
This guy clearly looks down on me!
Does he think he's hiding it well?