For Mei, this matter was indeed appealing.
After all, if it succeeded, it would be a good thing for everyone, and an even greater honor for her personally.
However, she was quite a bit older than Deidara and Takemi, so she naturally considered things more thoroughly when handling matters.
For example, if they were to launch a surprise attack, how many military ration pills, explosive tags, and ninja tools would they need to bring to ensure success.
What routes to take for a safe retreat, as well as Kumogakure's environment, the location of important targets, and so on.
Even after the attack, how to ensure Kumogakure's losses while also making them surrender.
Even the distribution of benefits in the later stages were all issues that needed to be thought through.
"Fortunately, there's still time. Let's figure these problems out first."
Mei wasn't in a hurry, and Takemi wasn't exactly in a hurry either, only Deidara was impatient.
However, with a goal in mind, Deidara became energized, as he finally had something to do.
Of course, what he thought about most was how to make himself happy. He didn't care much about anything else.
"At least, he won't bother me every day."
Takemi was in a great mood. Deidara was actually quite nice and fun to be around.
However, his talkativeness gave him a headache, not to mention he also needed to study the new things he had acquired.
"For example, Storm Release."
Hiruko had used Storm Release, but unfortunately, only once. He surrendered too quickly, leaving Takemi no chance to observe it carefully.
Therefore, he needed to meticulously ponder it. Besides that, he also deeply regretted one thing.
"Hiruko's Chimera Technique…"
The Chimera Technique was a unique and unexpectedly effective jutsu that could lead to Kekkei Mora.
"It's just that there are quite a few problems with this jutsu."
Takemi remembered that when he saw Hiruko, he felt that he was strange.
In Edo Tensei, the compatibility between soul and body, and the precision of Chakra control, determined the summoned person's strength.
Hiruko's assimilation of others clearly led to his own disharmony. But undeniably, his jutsu was very interesting.
"I'm close to gathering the Kekkei Genkais I need, and it's time to consider the Kekkei Mora. Although his jutsu is crude, it still offers some reference."
If Takemi were an ordinary person, then the Chimera Technique would undoubtedly be his best choice.
Even with problems, he would try to take a chance.
But as an Ōtsutsuki…
He would at most use such a jutsu for reference, taking its essence and discarding its dross, to find more ideas for himself.
He didn't need to assimilate others. He could achieve many things through his own 'sweat and effort'.
Days passed, and Takemi studied every day. After all, he had a lot to learn, whether it was Storm Release, Mount Myōboku's Senjutsu, or Wood Release.
Besides that, he also occasionally trained with Kakashi and the others, or mooched meals from Naruto and the other rookies, living a pretty good life.
However, Kakashi soon came knocking.
"Has Sunagakure been settled?"
Walking with Kakashi towards the Konoha prison, Takemi asked curiously.
"They're releasing people so quickly."
"You clearly weren't paying attention in the meeting."
Kakashi said casually while looking at the book in his hand.
"Sunagakure has already sent representatives. They will negotiate with Konoha and Iwagakure regarding the current situation, so the people can't remain in prison."
"I see."
Takemi nodded, and then he asked curiously, "It wouldn't be Chiyo, would it?"
"That's right, it really is her."
"As expected, Sunagakure doesn't have many people left."
Hearing this, Kakashi nodded.
Sunagakure's decline in talent was obvious to all. Otherwise, Takemi wouldn't have proposed such an absurd idea.
Of course, what was even more absurd was that the Second Hokage, immediately after being revived, had almost the same idea.
"You brat, you're really causing us trouble. Second Hokage-sama thinks highly of your proposal, and this has also influenced Third Hokage-sama."
Kakashi rubbed his white hair, speaking somewhat exasperatedly.
"Now they are considering what kind of person to choose."
"Huh? Really?"
Takemi was stunned for a moment, while Kakashi rolled his eyes.
"Otherwise? And you need to have a clear understanding of your own position, Takemi."
"I'm your student, Kakashi-sensei."
Takemi blinked. He knew what he meant, but he had high emotional intelligence.
"You brat."
Kakashi smiled and patted Takemi's shoulder, then after a moment of thought, he asked, "Although I personally don't like this approach, if it has to be done, who do you think is suitable?"
"I don't know Sunagakure particularly well. Asking me this question seems a bit off, doesn't it?"
Takemi shrugged. Actually, he thought the most suitable person was Pakura.
This woman was betrayed by Rasa and even the entire Sunagakure. If she were alive, she would definitely be the best choice.
But unfortunately, she had already died at the hands of the Kirigakure, and among the living…
"Speaking of which, I do think there's someone good."
"Who?"
"Rasa's son, Gaara."
"That One Tail Jinchuriki?"
Kakashi looked at Takemi with a strange expression. Was it really appropriate for a Jinchuriki to become a Kage?
"However, it doesn't seem impossible…"
"Right, Kakashi-sensei."
Takemi chuckled, walking and whispering, "Although he's the Kazekage's son, his relationship with the Kazekage shouldn't be good, and he should be Sunagakure's most important combat force right now, so…"
"You brat, you have so many schemes."
Kakashi nodded, but he quickly shook his head again.
"How come I never noticed you were so bad before?"
"How am I bad? Kakashi-sensei, don't slander me."
Takemi rolled his eyes, speaking discontentedly, while Kakashi spread his hands.
"Still not bad? Only you could come up with so many messed-up things."
"But isn't Second Hokage-sama the same?"
"…"
"So, Second Hokage-sama is also very bad?"
"…"
"Also, Kakashi-sensei, you still haven't fulfilled your promise of the hot spring."
"…"
Kakashi was somewhat exasperated. It seemed he had accidentally included the Second Hokage in his scolding.
Besides that, Takemi was now even thinking about a hot spring.
The two chatted and laughed along the way, and soon they arrived at the prison.
Led by Anbu, they soon saw Gaara and the others who were imprisoned inside.