Land of Fields, Yakugakure – Village Hidden in Medicine.
"You're saying that both Akatsuki members, Kakuzu and Hidan, were forced into a messy retreat at that underground hot spring?"
In the Ta-kage's office, Pakura looked at Kagutsuchi with considerable surprise.
"That's correct. This is the latest intelligence Guren and her team just sent back from the Land of Rivers," Kagutsuchi confirmed with a nod.
"To cause trouble for two Akatsuki members... it means there must be some significant secret hidden beneath that hot spring," Pakura mused aloud after several seconds of contemplation, a thoughtful expression on her face. Whether during her time in Sunagakure or after establishing Yakugakure in the Land of Fields, she had never heard any rumors related to such a place. This suggested the underground hot spring was likely an undiscovered ruin.
Thinking this, Pakura looked up at Kagutsuchi. "Since the Akatsuki have already found it, they'll likely send people to investigate. What are our plans?"
Kagutsuchi replied, "The leader is already preparing to send personnel. Whatever is there, we cannot allow it to fall into Akatsuki hands."
"Send personnel? Given our current strength, confronting the Akatsuki might be pushing it, wouldn't you say?" Surprise colored Pakura's face as she heard Kagutsuchi's words.
Pakura had personally experienced their previous battle with the Akatsuki. She knew very well that while the Divine Court members Tatsuya had recruited were powerful, they were still arguably a step below the Akatsuki's leader. Their victory last time was largely due to the element of surprise – the enemy hadn't known their intelligence had been compromised. If their opponent had gone all out from the beginning, Jizo and Kagutsuchi might not have had the opportunity to injure the leader's main body. Furthermore, the other Akatsuki members who accompanied their leader clearly hadn't been fighting at full strength either. Aside from the fallen Iwamoto, who was somewhat weaker, the rest of the Akatsuki members were all powerhouses who had crossed the Kage-level threshold.
This time, the Akatsuki certainly wouldn't make the same mistake. In another direct confrontation, the Divine Court might not necessarily have the upper hand.
Hearing Pakura's concerns, a mysterious smile touched Kagutsuchi's lips. "Don't worry. This time, our strength has also seen a significant improvement. It will be fine."
Strength improved? Could it be... he plans to come personally?
A thoughtful look appeared on Pakura's face at Kagutsuchi's words, and she gave a slight nod. Although they hadn't seen each other in a long time, Pakura had no doubt that Tatsuya's strength must have grown immensely. According to reports from the Ansei Hall branch in Konoha, Tatsuya now seemed to possess a godly power capable of overwhelming the vast majority of shinobi. If Tatsuya himself could be there, then they truly wouldn't need to worry about the Akatsuki leader going uncontested.
A wave of emotion washed over Pakura as she considered this. In just a few short years, the once-fledgling boy had somehow reached the very pinnacle of the ninja world.
Seeing the shifting emotions on Pakura's face, Kagutsuchi continued, "This time, both Suijin and I will be going. The village will be left in your hands."
Pakura snapped back from her reverie, her expression turning serious as she addressed Kagutsuchi. "Leave the village to me. There won't be any trouble! Also... please watch over Guren for me. Don't let anything happen to her."
"Understood. We'll look after her," Kagutsuchi nodded, then turned and left the Ta-kage's office.
Watching Kagutsuchi's retreating figure, a flicker of worry entered Pakura's eyes. This time, perhaps, the decisive battle between the Akatsuki and the Divine Court was finally about to unfold.
Konoha, Military Police Force Headquarters.
Itachi pushed open the door and walked into Tatsuya's office.
"Captain, today's training tasks are complete. Awaiting further instructions," Itachi reported, giving Tatsuya a respectful bow.
Since the implementation of the Military Police reform plan, Tatsuya's Third Combat Department had received the largest influx of new recruits. Two-thirds of its personnel were not members of the Uchiha clan. The skill levels of these new members varied greatly, ranging from elite Jonin of other clans to mere Genin. Faced with this situation, Tatsuya had directly appointed Itachi to oversee all training matters for the Third Combat Department. Regardless of the challenges, Tatsuya wanted to do his best to shape this crucial contingent of shinobi into an effective force.
"Ah, Itachi. Come in, sit," Tatsuya looked up and smiled warmly at Itachi, gesturing towards a chair.
Itachi's gaze lingered on Tatsuya for a few seconds before he sat down, subtly trying to determine if he was facing the real Tatsuya or merely a clone. Within the newly reorganized Third Combat Department of the Military Police, Captain Tatsuya's habit of frequently using Shadow Clones to shirk duties was practically an open secret. If not for Tatsuya's genuinely terrifying strength, someone would have likely voiced objections long ago. Even so, people still occasionally spoke ill of him behind his back – not just members of the Uchiha clan, but also some younger shinobi from other clans who weren't particularly fond of Tatsuya's methods.
It was human nature. Tatsuya, naturally, paid it no mind.
Looking at Itachi across the desk, Tatsuya's expression was slightly complex. Honestly, keeping Itachi confined to the Military Police, which rarely participated in active missions, felt like a waste. Given his talent for awakening the Sharingan, experiencing more life-and-death situations might have smoothly triggered the Mangekyo Sharingan. Once Itachi awakened those eyes, his strength would skyrocket to Kage-level, potentially placing him among the stronger Kage-level shinobi. An Itachi with such power would be an invaluable asset to Tatsuya.
Yet, Tatsuya knew deep down that Itachi wouldn't want to gain power through such means. It was precisely because of this understanding that Tatsuya had secretly signaled Uchiha Misuke to suggest Itachi's transfer out of ANBU.
"Brother Tatsuya, is something the matter?" Itachi asked after a moment of silence, sensing the complex gaze directed at him. This time, Itachi didn't use Tatsuya's official title, instead addressing him with the more familiar "Big Brother."
Hearing this, Tatsuya blinked in slight surprise, then immediately broke into a broad smile. "Itachi, I have a personal mission I'd like to entrust to you. I wonder if you'd be willing?"
"Brother Tatsuya, please speak freely," Itachi replied directly after a brief pause, implicitly agreeing.
"Itachi, I'm planning to leave Konoha for a period of time," Tatsuya said, his voice becoming serious. "During my absence, I need you to help me keep an eye on Danzo. If Root makes any suspicious moves, notify me immediately."
"Leave the village? Brother Tatsuya, have you informed the village authorities about this?" Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Tatsuya, asking the crucial question.
"I'll leave a Shadow Clone in the village. It will spend most of its time here at the Military Police HQ. I need you to cooperate and help cover for my absence as much as possible," Tatsuya replied, a look of appreciation on his face as Itachi immediately grasped the key issue. In the world of Naruto, Itachi's intelligence was always top-notch.
Hearing Tatsuya's confirmation, a sharp glint flickered in Itachi's eyes. He asked in a low voice, "Brother Tatsuya, why not entrust this matter to Brother Shisui?"
Tatsuya shook his head. "There are some things Shisui can't keep hidden. Entrusting this to you is more appropriate."
Itachi fell silent for a moment before nodding. "Since Brother Tatsuya feels I am suitable, then leave this matter to me."
"Good! With you handling it, I can rest assured," Tatsuya said with a satisfied smile and nod.