After parting with Rorin, Uchiha Itachi moved alone through the forest, leaping from branch to branch.
After traveling for a while, he finally returned to the agreed meeting spot with Uchiha Sasuke.
Seeing Itachi return, Sasuke slowly stepped forward.
"What were you doing? You were gone for so long."
Itachi landed lightly, looked at Sasuke, and said,
"Since you want to make a move against Uchiha Madara, I had to investigate his whereabouts."
Sasuke's interest was immediately piqued. "And the result?"
As for how Itachi conducted the investigation, he didn't care much.
Itachi smiled faintly.
"I still don't know Madara's exact location, but I already have a way to find him."
Sasuke's eyes lit up as he waited for the rest.
"According to reliable information, Uchiha Madara is about to head to the Hidden Cloud Village to capture the Eight-Tails jinchūriki. So, Sasuke, our goal is to defeat and capture the Eight-Tails jinchūriki before he does. That way, we won't need to search for Madara—he'll come to us on his own," Itachi explained calmly.
Capture a jinchūriki? Isn't that the Akatsuki's job? Sasuke frowned slightly; something about it felt off.
"Then why don't we just stay near the Eight-Tails jinchūriki and wait for Madara to show up? Wouldn't that be simpler?" Sasuke asked in confusion.
Itachi shook his head with a small smile.
"We don't know when Madara will approach the Eight-Tails jinchūriki. Are we supposed to stay by his side as bodyguards the entire time?"
Sasuke was momentarily speechless and lowered his head awkwardly.
"So capturing the Eight-Tails jinchūriki ourselves is the best option. Then we just wait for Madara to come to us—no need to look for him," Itachi said.
"How can you be sure Madara will come himself? What if he sends other Akatsuki members to take the Eight-Tails jinchūriki back?" Sasuke thought for a moment before asking.
"The Eight-Tails jinchūriki is extremely important to Madara, and capturing him is originally his task. Also, if the jinchūriki is in our hands, Madara will consider who is strong enough to defeat us. From my investigation, the apparent leader, Pain, has already been dealt with during the attack on the Hidden Leaf Village. So there's a high chance he'll come personally."
Itachi patiently explained.
Sasuke nodded slightly. "Then let's set out."
"Mm. The target is the Hidden Cloud Village—we'll need to search there as well. Let's go!" Itachi said, and they set off.
After traveling for a while, Sasuke turned to Itachi and volunteered eagerly,
"When we find the Eight-Tails jinchūriki, let me handle it. You can just back me up."
Itachi raised his head slightly, thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
Receiving the approval, Sasuke smiled, his eyes gleaming.
The two brothers set out on the road toward the Hidden Cloud Village in the Land of Lightning.
...
Meanwhile, after seeing Itachi off, Rorin didn't return directly to the Hidden Leaf Village or to Nagato. Instead, he made a trip to the Land of Mountain Streams.
During the past couple of days visiting Nagato, Rorin had noticed there were no signs of cooking. Nagato and Konan were probably surviving on soldier pills.
That wouldn't do. So Rorin decided to go to the Land of Mountain Streams to buy some nutritious supplies and food for Nagato.
Although Nagato's lifespan had been restored, his body still needed proper nourishment. Just look at him—he was practically skin and bones.
Rorin was waiting until Nagato's condition improved so he could use the Five-Seal Barrier to help him break through his limits.
As for why he didn't buy things in the Hidden Leaf Village, it was mainly to avoid unnecessary trouble—explaining such a large purchase of supplements would be inconvenient.
After a shopping spree, Rorin stored everything in a space scroll.
Then he used Flying Thunder God to return to Nagato's temporary camp.
Rorin handed the scroll to Nagato, who looked at him in confusion.
"What's this?" Nagato asked.
"Inside are daily necessities, food, and supplements. I figured you haven't been eating properly these past few days, so I took the liberty of buying these for you," Rorin said gently.
Nagato felt a warmth in his chest and looked at Rorin gratefully.
"Alright, your priority now is to take care of your body. I'll still need your help later to break through my limits," Rorin said with a smile.
Nagato nodded and passed the scroll to Konan.
After that, Rorin waved goodbye to the two of them and returned alone to the Hidden Leaf Village.
Once Rorin left, Nagato and Konan summoned the contents of the scroll—and were immediately stunned.
"This… didn't Rorin buy a bit too much?" Nagato said, the corner of his mouth twitching.
"It is quite a lot," Konan replied softly.
But since it was already bought and given, they might as well eat.
A quarter of an hour later, smoke began to rise from the paper-style tree structure.
Rorin had even prepared pots, bowls, and utensils for them.
Konan was cooking while Nagato organized the supplements. Suddenly, he noticed a large jar.
He picked it up and examined it. Inside were objects soaked in liquid that resembled medicinal herbs. "What's this?"
Curious, Nagato opened the jar, and a rich aroma of alcohol spread out.
"Looks like medicinal wine," he murmured with a smile.
Soon, Nagato poured himself a bowl and began savoring it slowly.
...
After delivering the gifts, Rorin returned to the Hidden Leaf Village and went straight to Ichiraku Ramen.
"I hope Nagato and Konan like the gifts I gave them," Rorin muttered to himself.
...
The next day.
Nagato and Konan ate breakfast in silence, the atmosphere somewhat awkward.
Suddenly, Nagato frowned and stopped moving, then set down his chopsticks.
Konan noticed immediately and asked, "Na… Nagato, what's wrong?"
Nagato met her gaze and nodded. "I received a thought wave from Uchiha Madara. It seems he wants to see me."
"Then what do we do? You can't meet him in your current condition—he'll realize what's going on," Konan said in a low voice.
Nagato nodded slightly, then turned his gaze toward Yahiko's body, which Konan had wrapped in paper.