The situation is quite urgent.
Uehara Naraku could only hurriedly enter The Hidden Rain Village and explain his plan to Konan.
For this Akatsuki mission to reclaim the Kazekage, only Deidara, Sasori of the Red Sand, and Nagato were at the Akatsuki base, unless they used the Form Transformation Jutsu to create more puppets.
But that's too much trouble.
So this time, it's still up to Deidara to transport Gaara's body, and find an opportunity to return the Kazekage's body to them midway. As for intercepting other reinforcements, Nagato and Sasori of the Red Sand will handle it.
Before leaving, Uehara Naraku specifically instructed not to let Sasori act alone, lest his impulsiveness get him killed.
Because Hatake Kakashi and Temari were eager to rescue Gaara, they hurriedly brought Uehara Naraku, their reinforcement, back to their assembly point where the group of ninjas was tasked with pursuing Akatsuki.
Uehara Naraku really wanted to persuade them not to rush.
Really, there's no need to rush.
Shukaku had long been extracted from Gaara's body, which was already cold, as Uehara Naraku had personally witnessed; besides, Akatsuki would definitely return the body to them, which would also be personally directed by Uehara Naraku.
When the three of them arrived at the meeting point, Uehara Naraku glanced at everyone, most of whom were his old friends, except for Sai, who felt unfamiliar.
Oh, and Granny Chiyo.
This old woman probably had a big fight with her grandson Sasori of the Red Sand, believing she was still useful, so she came along.
"Uehara, long time no see!"
Uzumaki Naruto greeted Uehara Naraku warmly with a smile, extending his fist.
"Ha, Naruto has grown up!"
Uehara Naraku chuckled softly and bumped his fist against Naruto's.
Uzumaki Naruto stretched his fingers and said confidently, "I've become very strong now! If there's a chance, we can have a good fight!"
"I'm looking forward to it."
Uehara Naraku squinted his eyes slightly, revealing a kindly smile, like a senior watching the growth of a junior.
Standing beside Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura had also grown up a lot since a few years ago and politely nodded in greeting, "Senior Uehara, long time no see."
"Sakura has also become much prettier than before."
Uehara Naraku nodded somewhat casually, finding it difficult to like Haruno Sakura, who had disrupted his plans several times in the past.
Seeing this woman still annoyed him!
Haruno Sakura's face blushed slightly, intending to say something modest, when she saw Uehara Naraku's gaze shift to Sai.
Sakura: "..."
The compliment about her being pretty was definitely perfunctory!
"I'm Sai."
Sai extended his palm and smiled at Uehara Naraku, "I just joined the Seventh Class not long ago."
Uehara Naraku also squinted his eyes. At this moment, he felt he'd met a kindred spirit, so he unreservedly exposed Sai, "I can't tell you're a member of the Seventh Class because your smile is too fake."
Sai: "..."
"Hey, hey, hey, he's your junior!"
Hatake Kakashi couldn't help but tap Uehara Naraku's shoulder, gesturing, "Go say hi to Guy and the others!"
The next moment, Uehara Naraku turned his head, looked at Might Guy's Third Class, and showed a cheerful smile, "Mr. Guy, Lee, long time no see!"
"Mr. Uehara!"
Rock Lee gave a thumbs-up, showing off his eight teeth, shining in the sunlight, "Long time no see!"
Might Guy also gave a thumbs-up, laughing heartily as usual, and mistakenly called Uehara by another name, "Long time no see, Lord Kitahara Naraku! I really want another passionate, hot-blooded battle!"
"Hmm..."
Uehara Naraku's smile gradually turned subtle.
If every battle could have Might Guy by his side, he could endlessly steal the Eight Gates Secret Taijutsu from Might Guy. Now, Guy should be able to open the Eighth Gate and use Night Guy and Sekizo, right?
Infinite Night Guy, just thinking about it makes the scene unimaginably beautiful.
Even Uchiha Madara couldn't withstand a series of Night Guy and Sekizo kicks!
Tenten, being sincere, waved her hand to Uehara Naraku and then kindly offered him a cup of juice, "Senior, I remember you really like iced juice! This is specially prepared for you!"
"Thank you, Tenten is still as adorable as ever!"
After taking the juice, Uehara Naraku sincerely praised her and then started a small talk with Tenten, "I remember two years ago during the Chunin Examination at The Hidden Sand Village, our village's Ajisai was well taken care of by you."
"It's fine, it's as it should be!"
Tenten touched the back of her head embarrassedly, smiling, "I also learned a lot from her..."
Uehara Naraku skeptically glanced at Tenten, "Oh? Is there something about Ajisai worth learning? I didn't notice... don't let her fool you!"
Tenten: "..."
Saying that makes me seem really silly!
Hyuga Neji had complicated feelings; after seeing Uehara Naraku, he merely nodded slightly to acknowledge his presence.
After all, Uehara Naraku injured the Hyuga Clan's previous Clan Leader, Hyuga Hiashi, who now had to rely on a wheelchair, and the Hyuga Clan could only let the young Hyuga Hinata take over the position of Clan Leader.
Because Hinata's strength has never been impressive, the burden of the Hyuga Clan for the next few decades would fall on this Clan Leader's cousin, Hyuga Neji.