The next day, at dusk.
After traveling day and night, Orochimaru's Konoha team arrived in the heart of the Land of Iron and stopped by a small river to rest.
One reason was to save energy for the upcoming battle. The other was to confirm Tsunade's location to prevent them from missing her.
"...Tsunade-sama is fighting the enemy around the samurai village."
Hyuga Hizashi marked the map. "According to the information provided by the samurai, they are about two hours away from us."
The Land of Iron has always been a neutral country in the ninja world and does not participate in ninja wars, but it is impossible to stay completely out of it.
Like this time, they were worried that Tsunade, one of Konoha's three legendary ninja, would really die in the Land of Iron, but they did not dare to openly protect her. They could only play it carefully, using their knowledge of the country's terrain to point out an escape route for Tsunade and leak this information to Konoha.
Mifune, the admiral of the Land of Iron and the leader of the samurai, gives the first impression of being stubborn, but he also has a way of being smooth to survive in the gap between large countries.
After listening to Hyuga Hizashi's report, Orochimaru's expression was a bit playful.
"Kakuzu, a wanted criminal from Takigakure Village, and Sasori of the Red Sand from the Sand Village..."
He had heard of these two from the genie and was very impressed, but not because of their strength or achievements.
Takigakure Village's 'Earth Grudge Fear Technique' and the Sand Village's 'Human Puppet Technique'.
Kakuzu and Sasori of the Red Sand, one by changing hearts, one by turning the body into a puppet, have both achieved some form of long life.
Although different from the path he chose, they are still very valuable for reference.
Orochimaru couldn't wait to have these two lying on the experiment table, revealing the experience and knowledge accumulated in their minds.
That being said, Tsunade is now in a dangerous situation.
Leaving aside the Kumogakure, they have no intention of killing Tsunade. But these two wanted criminals who were brought out because of the Rock Village's black market reward have no concerns and their strength is beyond his expectations.
Tsunade has been able to hold on until now, probably because these two have special bodies.
The 'Earth Grudge Fear Technique' only has blood in the heart area, and other parts have been replaced with black threads.
Not to mention the human puppet, except for the outer layer of human skin, there is only a chakra core inside.
But both are experienced and powerful ninja. Takigakure Village's wanted criminal Kakuzu is an old man who has survived from the time of the First Hokage. Tsunade's fear of blood may not be hidden for long.
While thinking, a cloud of white smoke suddenly rose. The Konoha ninja present quickly got up and reached for the weapons at their waists.
Orochimaru reached out and pressed down, signaling the team not to panic. As the white smoke dissipated, a gray-backed viper dragged its body and swam to Orochimaru's feet, respectfully spitting out a delicate box.
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. He opened the box and glanced at it, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Kakashi, Hyuga Hizashi, you immediately take a ninja team and deliver this box to Tsunade."
Orochimaru handed the box to Kakashi, along with a sleeveless top. "This is Tsunade's clothing. I remember you have dog summons that can be used to track her."...
Kakashi took the clothing, his eyes changed slightly.
Judging from the style and material, this top does not look like outerwear, but more like a bra.
How could Orochimaru-sama have something so personal?
Although it was inappropriate, Kakashi couldn't help but start to think wildly.
Orochimaru looked around and noticed the strange expressions on everyone's faces and explained, "This is a collection contributed by Jiraiya."
The team immediately showed a knowing look.
"Don't make such a fuss. Get going quickly."
"Yes!"
Whoosh whoosh whoosh... After a burst of wind, Kakashi's team disappeared into the dense forest.
"You, seize the time to rest."
Orochimaru's eyes turned cold, and the team's cheerful mood suddenly took a turn for the worse.
"They are the mailmen and scouts for this operation. The work of fighting is our responsibility. Be careful not to lose your lives by being careless."
"Yes!"
The remaining four immediately put away their thoughts of joking, each leaning against a large tree and began to close their eyes and rest.
The ninja present were all experienced veteran ninja, so they naturally knew the priorities. Gossip about Jiraiya and Tsunade-sama could be discussed later at the Konoha tavern.
Orochimaru stood on the treetop, looking in the direction Kakashi left.
Optimistically, if Tsunade has these special glasses, she may be able to temporarily avoid her fear of blood.
In this way, this operation will be much easier, whether it is saving Tsunade's life or his later plan.
...
Bang!
A punch slammed into a large tree, twisting and collapsing the thick trunk, sending wood chips flying.
Tsunade's face was angry. "Sasori of the Red Sand, that damn bastard!"
Leaning against another big tree, Shizune's face was pale, vomiting a pool of poisoned blood, her voice weak.
"Tsunade-sama, I'm holding you back."
Tsunade turned her head and didn't look at Shizune, who was covered in bright red, but stared, her expression a mix of anger and fear.
Sasori and Kakuzu, whose bodies have been modified and are different from ordinary people, are now the enemies she is most willing to face, so she can use her combat power without any concerns.
But Shizune could not.
Over the years, she has only been taking care of herself and has not made much progress in her strength. She cannot last many rounds in front of strong people.
Especially Sasori of the Red Sand, who is even better than granny Chiyo of the Sand Village in terms of poison and puppet manipulation.
The one that Shizune is poisoned with now is a very complex chronic poison. Although it has been suppressed for the time being, it is impossible to carry out a rescue under such conditions.
Tsunade turned her head and looked at the bright red on Shizune's body, trying to face it, but the scene of Dan Kato's death rolled in her mind. Her body trembled and could not control herself.
Was she again going to watch a friend die, unable to do anything?
"Hehehe..."
Suddenly, a burst of laughter came from the treetop.
Kakuzu and Sasori of the Red Sand, who was inside Hiruko, jumped down and looked at Tsunade with playful eyes.
"It's unbelievable, Konoha's Princess Tsunade, the best medical ninja in history, has now become a useless person afraid of blood."
Faced with this ridicule, Tsunade was not as savage as usual. She stared wide-eyed, without saying a word, and froze in place.
Because in front of her, on Kakuzu and Hiruko, was covered in blood, like it had been brushed with layers of paint, bright red and eye-catching.
"A bounty of 130 million, it turns out it is so easy to get."
Kakuzu issued a sigh. As a bounty hunter on the black market, he knew better than other ninja how long it would take to accumulate this money with regular missions and how much effort it would take.
"You can save the sigh for later. Be careful of things taking longer than expected." Inside Hiruko, Sasori reminded him.
"I don't need you to tell me that."
Kakuzu had already made a hand sign and went all out with his attack.
His back swelled up, and a black-bodied monster wearing a mask burst out and attacked Tsunade.
Tsunade just stood there, seemingly in great fear, even forgetting to dodge.
Bang!
Suddenly, a tentacle broke through the wind from the side and slammed the black-bodied monster aside.
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