Chapter 115: Chapter : 117
"No." Kirito refused without hesitation, his tone firm. "Even if you become Hokage in the future, for your sake and for the sake of our daughter, you must never reveal our connection—not even to Jiraiya."
"The ninja world is far more complicated than you know, Tsunade. I've been exposed to things you can't begin to imagine," he said quietly. "If anyone finds out about us, there will be consequences. Many lives will be lost."
"Is this the end for us?" Even the strongest woman has her vulnerabilities. Tsunade's voice cracked slightly as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Don't worry," Kirito reassured her, gently stroking her face. "This will all be over in less than five years. I promise. During that time, I'll visit you and our daughter in Konoha whenever I can."
Tsunade nodded silently and leaned into his chest, seeking comfort. At that moment, the strong, fiery kunoichi seemed more like a vulnerable wife worried about her husband's safety. Seeing her like this, Kirito sighed inwardly, marveling at how love could change even someone as strong as her.
After what felt like an eternity, morning came. Kirito bid farewell to Tsunade and their daughter, Chinatsu, leaving behind a significant sum of money. Of course, he didn't hand it to Tsunade directly; knowing her gambling habits, it would disappear in days. Instead, he entrusted Shizune to distribute the funds to Tsunade gradually, ensuring they wouldn't run out.
Kirito returned to the inn where Pakura awaited him. She greeted him with a calm smile, adjusting his Akatsuki cloak as he approached.
"How was your training, Lord Kirito?" Pakura asked politely. Unaware of his escapades with Tsunade, she assumed he had been honing his skills the entire time.
"It went... well." Kirito's lips curled into a sly smile, briefly recalling his time with Tsunade. "What about you? Did you enjoy your time here?"
"It was peaceful enough," she replied simply. "Are we heading to Konoha now?"
"Yes," Kirito confirmed, brushing a hand through his cloak. "But we need a solid plan. Kakashi has seen our Akatsuki uniforms. If we walk in dressed like this, we'll be swarmed by Konoha's ninja before we even take a step inside."
As they spoke, a faint pull emanated from the rings on their fingers. They exchanged glances before sitting cross-legged on the floor, entering the Akatsuki's slide body meeting.
In the dimly lit cave, the flicker of a solitary flame illuminated the space. Eleven phantom figures of Akatsuki members appeared one by one.
"The meetings are happening quite often lately," Hidan muttered, clearly annoyed.
"Shut up, Hidan, or I'll kill you," Kakuzu snapped, his emerald-green eyes narrowing as he glared at his partner.
"Yeah, yeah, try me." Hidan rolled his eyes but didn't press further.
At that moment, Pain's authoritative presence filled the space. His stern gaze swept across the group before settling on Kirito. "How is the situation?"
"It's under control," Kirito replied smoothly. "Luo Sha is dead, and we're preparing to head to Konoha."
Deidara chuckled. "Killing a Kazekage—how artistic. Maybe I'll try that someday, like you or Sasori."
"Don't worry. You'll get your chance," Kirito said with a smirk. "I handed Luo Sha's human skin to Orochimaru for his disguise, but I kept the body. Scorpion, I think you'd appreciate it. A ninja with magnetic-release abilities should make for an impressive puppet, right?"
Scorpion's voice was cold and emotionless. "I'll take it. In return, I'll create more toy puppets for your daughter."
"Fair trade." Kirito shrugged.
Pain's voice cut through the conversation. "What's your plan for Konoha? With Kakashi having seen you in your Akatsuki attire, you'll need to proceed carefully."
Kirito nodded. "Exactly. I'll disguise myself and infiltrate Konoha. Our Akatsuki cloaks are too conspicuous; they'll attract unnecessary attention. Besides, Orochimaru is already using his human-skin disguise. I don't need to follow that grotesque method."
Pain considered this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. For this mission, you may remove your Akatsuki attire. However, remember this: the Impure World Reincarnation of the First Hokage poses a significant threat to our plans. If he is allowed to regain his prime, it could jeopardize everything we've worked for."
Kirito's expression hardened. "Understood. My mission is twofold: to uncover information about Konoha's Jinchuriki and to ensure the First Hokage's Impure World Reincarnation is permanently neutralized. I'll handle Orochimaru if the opportunity arises."
Pain added, "Do you need support from the organization for this mission?"
Kirito shook his head. "No, but I'd like an official identity as a Genin from the Hidden Rain Village. Since most Rain Village ninjas wear cloaks and masks, it'll be easy to blend in without raising suspicion. The cover will allow me to observe Orochimaru and monitor Konoha's defenses during the Chunin Exams."
Pain nodded. "Done. But ensure there's no connection to the Akatsuki. The Rain Village must remain a secret."
"Of course, Leader," Kirito said with a confident smile. "I won't act as a Rain Village ninja unless absolutely necessary."
The meeting concluded, and Kirito exited the slide body state. His thoughts shifted to the upcoming Chunin Exams and the chaos to come.
(End of Chapter)
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