Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Battle Plan
Kirito was lounging in the gazebo outside the bathhouse, dressed in a crisp white bathrobe and savoring the serene atmosphere. The villagers around him were enjoying the same tranquility after their baths, a rare moment of peace in Konoha.
When an Anbu appeared before him with a message from Tsunade, Kirito sighed lightly.
"Got it. I'll head over shortly."
As the Anbu vanished, TenTen, also in a bathrobe, raised an eyebrow. "What does Lady Tsunade need you for?"
"It's likely about Naruto and Sasori," Kirito replied. "Naruto won't back down from a mission involving Orochimaru, and since he's a Jinchuriki, leaving the village without proper precautions is risky. I'm the 'insurance.'"
TenTen smirked, resting her chin on her hand. "You really are Lady Tsunade's favorite. Be careful out there."
Kirito gave her a brief hug before making his way to the Hokage's office.
In her office, Tsunade greeted Kirito with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry to call on you again, but you're the only one I can trust to ensure Naruto's safety," she said.
"It's fine," Kirito said casually. "I expected as much."
Tsunade handed him a report. "The Torture Department confirmed Sasori's information. He was planning to meet his undercover agent near Orochimaru at Tenchi Bridge in seven days."
Kirito glanced at the report. Before he could read further, Tsunade asked with a sly grin, "Do you know who Sasori's undercover agent is?"
Kirito replied without hesitation, "Kabuto Yakushi."
Tsunade blinked in surprise. "How did you—"
"It was obvious," Kirito said.
Tsunade nodded, impressed. "Yes, it's Kabuto. What's shocking is that Kabuto was not only Orochimaru's right-hand man but also Sasori's spy. It's like unraveling a series of nested dolls."
The report detailed Kabuto's task: gathering cells from Orochimaru's discarded reincarnation bodies. Sasori had intended to study the secret of Orochimaru's immortality to counter him effectively.
"This is all we've got," Kirito noted. "Nothing beyond the meeting location and Kabuto's identity?"
"The Torture Department is still working on cracking Sasori's memory seals," Tsunade replied. "But it seems Sasori only cooperated on matters involving Orochimaru. He's tight-lipped about everything else."
Kirito set the report on her desk. "Understood."
"Your priority is Naruto's safety. Kakashi will handle matters related to Sasuke, but you're there to stabilize Naruto if things get out of hand."
Tsunade's concern was evident. She knew how emotional Naruto became when it came to Sasuke, and she didn't want his impulsiveness jeopardizing the mission.
"No problem," Kirito assured her.
"Do you know where to meet them?"
Kirito tapped his temple. "I'll find them."
"Don't use your Byakugan in the village!" Tsunade shouted after him as he left with a smirk.
The meeting point was the familiar training ground where Team Seven had once held their "Bell Test." Kirito arrived to find Naruto and Sakura already waiting.
"Kirito, you're here!" Naruto greeted him with a wide grin. "Grandma Tsunade really came through this time. I couldn't find anyone else to join us!"
Sakura, more practical, asked, "Won't your absence affect Team Three?"
"It's their rest period anyway," Kirito said. "Besides, Guy-sensei will adjust things as needed."
Naruto clenched his fist with determination. "Good! This time, we'll find Orochimaru and bring Sasuke back!"
Sakura nodded. "Yes! Once Kakashi-sensei gets here, we'll be ready."
But as time passed and Kakashi still hadn't arrived, Naruto began pacing impatiently.
"Why is he always late?" Naruto complained.
"It must be another old lady crossing the road," Sakura muttered, fists clenched.
Kirito, meanwhile, studied the three wooden stakes from the Bell Test with nostalgic interest.
Finally, Kakashi appeared, looking as laid-back as ever.
"Sorry, sorry," he said, waving. "I got a little carried away reading the new Icha Icha book."
"The new book?" Sakura asked suspiciously.
Naruto froze. "Wait... the new book? Could it be—"
"Ahem!" Kakashi interrupted, quickly shifting to a serious tone. "Alright, everyone, listen up. Our mission is to impersonate Sasori at Tenchi Bridge and make contact with his undercover agent. Through him, we'll locate Orochimaru and, hopefully, Sasuke."
Naruto straightened up, his focus snapping back. "Right. We'll find Sasuke and bring him back!"
Kakashi nodded. "Kirito will assist with the mission and also act as backup. He's also in charge of handling Sasori's puppets if needed."
"No problem," Kirito said calmly.
"Sakura, as our medical ninja, your role is support. Stay safe and focus on healing."
"Leave it to me!" Sakura replied confidently.
Kakashi concluded, "The journey to Tenchi Bridge takes about four days. We'll leave tomorrow morning at seven. Rest up tonight."
Before Naruto could protest, Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Why wait until tomorrow?!" Naruto groaned.
"While Kakashi-sensei's reasoning makes sense," Sakura mused, "it still feels... off."
Kirito waved. "See you tomorrow."
As the team dispersed to prepare for the mission, a sense of anticipation hung in the air.
(End of Chapter 112)
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