"Eat this."
The black-robed figure handed Sasuke a red pill.
Sasuke accepted it and swallowed it without hesitation. The pill melted in his mouth, spreading a warm sensation through his spine and legs. The blood loss from his severed limbs was swiftly replenished, bringing a touch of color back to his previously pale face. The cold sweat on his forehead ceased as well.
Letting out a deep breath, Sasuke turned to the black-robed figure and said, "Luckily I have you, thank you."
"Don't ever do something like that again."
There was a hint of reproach in the black-robed figure's tone.
"Alright, alright, I got it." Sasuke said with a small nod.
He recalled that the black-robed figure had once mentioned her ability to heal even the gravest injuries. That assurance had given Sasuke the courage to take such a risky gamble.
However, he never wanted to experience the pain of severing his own legs a second time.
Turning to Gaara, whose face still reflected shock, Sasuke smirked and declared, "I won, you agreed to the terms… Now, act as if I've captured you."
"No problem."
Gaara replied with calm tone. Although Sasuke had used a clever trick, Gaara accepted his loss without complaint.
"Gaara, if he takes you away, you will definitely be drained by the leader. You can't go!"
Deidara interjected with a frown.
Deidara and Sasori had been stationed in Sunagakure not only for their own purposes but also to protect Gaara. If Gaara was taken, how could Deidara possibly explain it to Naruto upon his return?
Sasuke explained, "Don't worry, I just need the presence of a Jinchuriki to draw out the true mastermind of the Akatsuki."
"That won't work either. The risk factor is too high."
Deidara argued, not wanting Gaara to take any risks.
"It's fine. I trust Sasuke." Gaara said, making his decision clear with a single sentence.
"Thanks, brother. I promise, I won't let anything happen to you."
Sasuke said, patting Gaara on the shoulder. He was genuinely grateful for Gaara's trust.
"But…"
Deidara tried to protest further, only for Sasori to interrupt him, "With that person around, we have nothing to worry about."
"That's... okay."
Deidara hesitated. Though impulsive, he wasn't foolish. He understood the warning in Sasori's words.
With this black-robed figure around, trying to stop Gaara and Sasuke from going would be futile.
Besides, after witnessing her healing abilities, Deidara felt that as long as Gaara wasn't instantly killed, he wouldn't die from any injuries.
"In that case, let's not waste any more time. We'll take our leave."
Sasuke said, motioning for the black-robed figure to follow.
"You're not taking me with you?"
Gaara was a little confused.
Sasuke explained, "Why should I bring you along? I'd have to take care of your meals and lodging. Besides, you're the Kazekage… you've got a village to manage. Don't let this distract you from your duties."
"Then how do you plan to use me to force out the Akatsuki's mastermind?"
The more Gaara listened, the more confused he became.
They came to catch him, but didn't take him away. It didn't seem right no matter how he thought about it. It seemed like Sasuke just came here to show off and would leave after that.
Sasuke explained, "We still have to capture other Biju and Jinchuriki. With more leverage, we'll have a better chance of drawing out that person."
The black-robed figure added, "I have a technique akin to instantaneous teleportation. When we need you, we'll come to Sunagakure."
Hearing this, Gaara looked enlightened.
"I see."
"Alright, you carry on with your responsibilities. If we need you, it won't take long. I still have unfinished business, so we'll catch up another time."
Sasuke said as he waved his hand.
Before anyone could respond, a dark green portal materialized out of thin air before the black-robed figure. Sasuke and the black-robed figure stepped through, and the portal vanished without a trace.
"The other side of the portal seems to be the border of the Land of Wind. I didn't expect that that black-robed figure could master such a terrifying Space-Time Ninjutsu."
Sasori mused aloud.
In Sasori's opinion, the black-robed figure's fully concealed appearance was a deliberate choice to mask her identity. Even if she revealed her face, Sasori doubted he would recognize her.
None of the techniques he had witnessed matched any powerful Shinobi from his memory, making this mysterious figure an enigma.
Yet, this unknown strong man gave Sasori a sense of déjà vu.
'That's right!'
'Back when I first encountered Naruto-kun, there was the same overwhelming feeling… a sudden, radiant presence that shook me to the core.'
'Could this black-robed figure be another such extraordinary existence?'
Before Sasori could delve deeper into his thoughts, another spatial disturbance manifested in mid-air. This time, the portal was black rather than green.
As the black portal appeared, several figures emerged. Leading the group was Orochimaru, followed by Itachi and Kisame.
"Why are you here?"
Sasori was a little confused.
Orochimaru got straight to the point, "We traced a spatial ripple to this location. Did Sasuke and a person in black robe show up here?"
"They were here, but they just left. Who is this black-robed person, anyway?"
Sasori asked.
From Orochimaru's inquiry, Sasori inferred that this wasn't their first encounter with the enigmatic figure.
Orochimaru explained, "This black-robed figure is Naruto-kun's nemesis. But Naruto-kun hasn't shown up yet, and Sasuke remains skeptical of our words. Desperate for vengeance, he's even allied himself with this person. We don't know what kind of agreement they have established. By the way, what was their purpose in coming here just now?"
Sasori mused in a deep voice, "Naruto-kun's nemesis? No wonder they have so many secretive methods."
He then recounted the events with precision, leaving nothing out.
Hearing this, Orochimaru's frown deepened, "I didn't expect this black-robed figure to be so formidable in so many ways. It seems Naruto-kun must be undergoing special training somewhere to prepare to face them."
Gaara, listening quietly, interjected, "But there's something I don't understand… why can't I sense the Servant Contract on Sasuke?"
Gaara clearly felt it in Orochimaru and Itachi, but not in Sasuke.
Orochimaru recounted the time when Naruto faked his death, and Gaara suddenly understood.
Gaara sighed, 'No wonder Sasuke thought Naruto was dead and had been harboring misunderstandings.'
"There's another space fluctuation. Let's go!"
Orochimaru declared, preparing to open another black portal.
But Sasori stopped him, "Wait!"
"What is it?"
Orochimaru raised his brows slightly.
Sasori pondered for a moment before responding, "What good will it do to chase them aimlessly? Sasuke's ultimate target includes Gaara. He'll return sooner or later. Instead of pursuing him blindly, we should prepare thoroughly and wait for him to come to us… like waiting for prey!"
"That's not a bad idea. What do you think, Itachi?"
Orochimaru turned his head and looked at Itachi.
After a moment of silence, Itachi nodded slowly, "Alright, let's go with that plan."
Since he placed all his hopes on Naruto, Itachi had found peace with his choices. This time, his goal was to ensure Sasuke's safety and bring him back. No matter how much trouble Sasuke caused, Itachi, as his older brother, wouldn't stand in his way. This was his debt to Sasuke and to the Uchiha Clan.
With that, the group returned to Sunagakure to discuss the specifics of their 'waiting game'.
…
Meanwhile, near the Land of Wind's border, Sasuke and the black-robed figure were on the move. Heading east, their next targets were Nibi and Hachibi, who are both in Kumogakure.