Fleeing from Konoha

Black Zetsu’s voice became deep and full of apprehension.

"Chiba Hakushi always likes to plan several steps ahead. Not counting the other ninja of the Land of Demons, just he, Uchiha Ruri, and Hyuga Ayane would require at least fifteen thousand ninja to successfully encircle them. Each of them alone can hold a significant position on the front battlefield. The Five Kage have severely underestimated the strength of the Land of Demons."

Considering additional factors such as morale, environment, and tactics, fifteen thousand ninja is still a conservative estimate.

Nagato is very clear about this point.

Upon hearing Nagato’s words, the Akatsuki members were somewhat silent.

Especially Itachi, who was even more shocked within. He knew that Chiba Hakushi and Uchiha Ruri, who could defeat Hidden Sand on the front battlefield, were very formidable, but now hearing the leader Nagato’s evaluation, at least fifteen thousand ninja are needed to conduct a successful encirclement of these three.

Isn’t this somewhat exaggerated?

What does fifteen thousand ninja mean?

This is equivalent to the total number of ninja from a large country’s Ninja Village, and even surpasses some.

Among them, not to mention the Chunin, the Jonin are not few in number.

Even so, fifteen thousand ninja are needed to perform the encirclement...

Reflecting on Nagato’s strength, there is no need for him to lie, which means this intelligence is truthful and reliable.

Itachi took a breath of cold air in his heart. Such a terrifying and dangerous existence must be reported back to the village.

Otherwise, the next encounter with the Land of Demons, Konoha will certainly suffer greatly again.

Disclosing this information about the Land of Demons shouldn’t be considered a violation of the agreement with Madara.

Moreover, Nagato saying this made Itachi very suspicious if it was a deliberate act, to make him, a ’spy’, transmit this intelligence to Konoha, thereby treating the Land of Demons more seriously.

The more he thought, the more likely it seemed.

Because within the organization, apart from Madara, Nagato is also an insider who knows the truth.

Even Madara seems to hold considerable respect for Nagato.

Can it be considered that Nagato’s strength surpasses Madara’s?

"Itachi-kun."

Orochimaru’s eerie voice came over.

"What is it, Orochimaru-senpai?"

Itachi put away his complex thoughts and turned to look in Orochimaru’s direction.

Orochimaru extended his long tongue, licked, and with a nauseatingly slick gaze, scanned Itachi’s body back and forth, finally settling his gaze on the dead Five-tailed Jinchuriki—Han on the ground.

"Could I ask you to temporarily seal this corpse? I’ll come to you to collect it later. My Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu is still missing some powerful ninja corpses as experimental material."

Itachi suppressed his disgust and nodded to indicate agreement.

"I understand."

He naturally had heard of the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu.

He didn’t expect that in addition to pursuing immortality, Orochimaru also researched this kind of Forbidden Technique that plays with corpses.

However, thinking about Orochimaru’s reckless way of doing things, trampling human ethics, he probably felt nothing.

Truly a thorough, snake wearing human skin.

"Thank you very much. This way, our bargaining chips are more plentiful."

Said Orochimaru, releasing the seal, the rainbow-like phantom disappeared from the Gedo Statue’s finger.

Sasori snorted coldly and also left with Orochimaru.

Seeing the topic was over, Nagato glanced at the remaining people and spoke:

"Then, this sealing work is finished for now. I also ask everyone to continue fighting for Akatsuki’s noble ideal. Dismissed."

After saying that, he released the Jutsu and vanished along with the Gedo Statue and Konan.

White Zetsu, Black Zetsu, and Hiruko’s figures also disappeared in the white mist created by the release of the Jutsu, leaving the place.

Finally, only Itachi and Kisame remained.

Itachi walked to Han’s corpse, took out a Blank Scroll, and prepared to seal Han’s corpse within.

Kisame approached Itachi from behind, pondered for a moment, then spoke: "Um, I don’t know if I should say this, Itachi, you’d better watch out for that Orochimaru guy. He’s a very dangerous presence, unlike Hiruko. If you end up dying, I’d have to find another partner again."

"Thanks for your concern. For now, let’s act separately. You probably have your own things you want to do, right?"

Itachi sealed Han’s corpse with a considerate expression towards Kisame.

Helplessly, Kisame shrugged, for the time being, he really had no particular things to do.

But he understood that Itachi seemed to have some personal matters to handle, and Kisame expressed understanding.

As fellow ’spies’, they still shared some commonality.