Orochimaru and Kimimaro had an in-depth conversation about the Akatsuki organization.
Both had a deep understanding of Akatsuki.
The difference was that Orochimaru's knowledge came mostly from his investigations, while Kimimaro relied on memories from his past life.
But ultimately, their paths converged.
Both of them set their ultimate target on the masked man.
"Orochimaru-sama, after the incident at Tenchi Bridge, you'll need to make contact with the masked man. Be careful not to reveal any flaws in your act."
"Hehe, this is exactly the kind of thing I excel at. Don't worry. What concerns me more is how your relationship with Pain will proceed once our partnership inevitably breaks down."
"I've already thought of that. Pain is a proud person. He always believed your strength wasn't sufficient to work alongside him, so he never had much interest in you. Once I proved my strength and expressed my willingness to help him deal with the masked man, he already started treating me as an ally."
What Kimimaro didn't mention was that he had also healed Nagato's legs, significantly improving both Nagato and Konan's attitudes toward him.
They didn't fully see him as a companion, but as a cooperative partner, which was more than enough.
After all, compared to Obito, Kimimaro seemed much more reliable.
"Hehe, since you're so confident, I won't worry about it. But in your grand plan, I fear Otogakure will end up fragmented."
Kimimaro had already sent Zabuza and Haku to Kirigakure, Neji to Konoha, and Sasuke was soon to meet Itachi.
Otogakure's strong fighters were indeed being dispersed.
However, those remaining in the village weren't weak either, and with Kabuto managing the village's affairs, everything was well-prepared.
All these steps were laying the groundwork for their next moves.
They had been lying low for three years. Now, the time had come for action.
If they didn't act soon, Akatsuki would finish collecting the Tailed Beasts, and it would be too late to change anything.
"Doesn't that make it more interesting?"
The two exchanged a glance and saw the same amusement in each other's eyes.
In this world, only they truly understood each other.
After finalizing the details, they parted ways.
The next day, Konoha's squad arrived punctually at Tenchi Bridge.
"This is Tenchi Bridge. Everyone, stay on high alert. Although it's unlikely the enemy will ambush us, it's better to be cautious," Yamato said to the team.
"Byakugan!"
Hinata activated her Byakugan, scanning the surrounding two-kilometer radius.
Three years of training had significantly enhanced her ocular prowess.
"Do you see Sasuke or Neji?" Naruto asked eagerly.
The others also looked to Hinata, awaiting her response.
"No. Within a two-kilometer radius, there are no signs of any shinobi," Hinata replied, disappointing the group.
But the next voice they heard shocked everyone.
"Still as useless as ever, Lady Hinata, even with your Byakugan."
This voice... Neji!
Tenten immediately recognized it and turned toward the source.
On the opposite side of Tenchi Bridge, Neji and Sasuke appeared before the group.
"Neji!"
"Sasuke!"
Tenten and Sakura exclaimed simultaneously, their faces filled with excitement.
"You really came!"
Naruto's expression lit up with joy.
He had finally found Sasuke after three long years.
While the others were excited, Yamato's face was grim.
He surveyed the surroundings cautiously, feeling an ominous tension.
This situation seemed too strange.
Among the Konoha shinobi present, only Yamato seemed to notice the oddities.
The others were either too emotionally involved or simply naive.
Hinata's Byakugan hadn't detected Neji or Sasuke's approach, which meant their current abilities had grown strong enough to evade even Byakugan.
That was a dangerous sign.
If a fight broke out, it would be a significant challenge.
But Yamato could only sigh inwardly.
"Now I understand how tough it must have been for Kakashi-senpai," he thought, his respect for Kakashi growing even more.
"Neji-niisan! Come back home with us! Father misses you dearly!"
Hinata pleaded.
"Misses me? I doubt he's had a good night's sleep since I didn't die," Neji sneered.
"That's not true, Neji-niisan! You've misunderstood Father!" Hinata quickly tried to explain, but Neji wasn't interested in listening.
"Enough. He forced my father to his death back then. He's my enemy now!"
"No, it's not like that! There's more to the story, Neji-niisan. Please give me a chance to explain!"
"Hehe, trying to fool me again? Fine. If you can defeat me, I'll consider giving you a chance to lie to me."
Neji smirked coldly before darting off in another direction.
"Neji!"
Team Guy and Hinata immediately gave chase.
"Be careful, Guy-sensei!" Yamato called out, knowing he could only warn the strongest among them.
Meanwhile, Sasuke remained behind, his eyes fixed on Naruto and Sakura.
"Naruto, Sakura, you shouldn't have come here," Sasuke said coldly, observing the subtle changes in them over the past three years.
"How could we not come when you're here?" Naruto retorted bluntly.
"Sasuke-kun, leave Orochimaru! He only wants to use your body as a vessel. Staying with him is far too dangerous!" Sakura pleaded.
"So what? If it means gaining the power to avenge my clan, selling my soul is worth it. Naruto, isn't your dream to become Hokage? Instead of wasting your time trying to bring me back, you should focus on becoming stronger."
"If I can't even save my comrades, what right do I have to become Hokage?" Naruto's voice was firm, his determination evident.
Sasuke's expression wavered momentarily before he let out a cold laugh.
"Touching words, but you're still too weak, Naruto."
In an instant, Sasuke appeared next to Naruto.
Their eyes met—Sasuke's crimson Sharingan against Naruto's clear blue gaze.
One was filled with light, the other consumed by darkness.
"So fast," Sakura muttered in shock, realizing just how vast the gap between them and Sasuke had grown.
Sasuke's strength was far beyond their imagination.
Yamato's face darkened as he assessed the situation.
Sasuke's power was, at minimum, on par with his own.
Even in terms of speed, he surpassed him.
Trouble was brewing.
"Three years, and this is all you've improved? Naruto."
Sasuke's voice rang out again, snapping Naruto back to his senses.
"I know I'm not strong enough yet, but I still want to try pulling you out of the abyss of revenge. Are you truly happy, consumed by vengeance?"
"Happy? What a childish notion. Show me that incredible power inside you!"
The three tomoe of the Sharingan spun, unleashing their power!
Sasuke instantly entered Naruto's mental world.
Meanwhile, Neji led Hinata and the others several kilometers away before stopping.
"Neji! Have you really abandoned everyone?"
This time, it was Tenten who spoke up.
Seeing Neji's completely changed demeanor, she felt a deep pain in her heart.
The Neji who seemed cold on the outside but genuinely cared for his companions seemed to have disappeared.
The Neji before her now had only the icy, emotionless gaze of the Byakugan, with none of his former warmth.
Could it all really be in the past?
Tenten couldn't accept this reality.
"Neji! Do you know how much Tenten suffered after you left? Why did you leave the village? Is Orochimaru's Sound Village really that enticing?"
Lee couldn't hold back and shouted loudly.
Neji looked at them and said, "Words are meaningless. As I've said before, defeat me, and we can talk about anything. Come on, show me how much you've grown in these three years."
"Neji! You've let me down so much! Everyone came all this way to find you, and this is your attitude? It seems as your teacher, I need to let you taste the iron fist of my youth first!"
Unable to hold back, Guy launched himself like a cannonball toward Neji, with a punch of immense speed and power.
Yet Neji didn't dodge or block, as if the attack was beneath his notice.
Just as the punch was about to land, a white figure suddenly appeared, effortlessly catching the powerful blow.
"Guy-sensei, this is a matter between the younger generation. You shouldn't interfere. If you're itching for a fight, I'll gladly spar with you."
The newcomer was none other than Kimimaro. Guy's overwhelming strength couldn't be allowed to disrupt the scene.
During the Konoha Crush, Kimimaro had already faced Guy's Morning Peacock. This time, he wanted to experience the taste of the Afternoon Tiger.
Guy was surprised to see his punch blocked so easily but soon his eyes burned with fighting spirit.
"Then let me show you the power of the Blue Beast of the Leaf! Leaf Strong Whirlwind!"
Guy spun into a powerful reverse kick aimed at Kimimaro!
Kimimaro crossed his arms to block, but the force of the kick sent him flying several meters.
Guy's kick was incredibly powerful, its impact capable of shattering rocks.
Even Kimimaro had to use deflection techniques to disperse the force. Otherwise, he wouldn't have avoided pain.
"Guy's strength has improved compared to three years ago," Kimimaro thought to himself.
"Bring it on!"
Guy continued his taijutsu assault, clashing with Kimimaro.
For a while, their attacks were evenly matched, neither gaining the upper hand.
"Kimimaro is incredibly strong to be able to fight Guy-sensei on even footing," Lee thought, stunned.
Of everyone present, Lee knew best how formidable Might Guy was.
If Lee himself faced an assault like that, he wouldn't last ten moves.
But Kimimaro intercepted every punch and kick with ease, showing no sign of falling behind.
Just this alone proved Kimimaro's strength was far beyond Lee's.
Lee realized again the terror of true geniuses—those even more frightening than Neji.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on such thoughts. With Kimimaro holding back Guy, the task of dealing with Neji fell to them.
"Neji, now it's our turn."
Lee's eyes burned with determination as he readied himself for battle.
"You were never my match, and that hasn't changed. Or have you mastered the Eight Gates to their peak?" Neji sneered.
"I haven't mastered the Eight Gates, but that doesn't diminish my determination to pull you out of the darkness. Neji, take this! Every punch from now on is the result of my training to defeat you! Gate of Life, open!"
Lee instantly opened the Third Gate, releasing a green energy aura.
Neji's eyes narrowed, carefully observing Lee's transformation.
Compared to three years ago, Lee had become adept at controlling the Eight Gates, opening the Third Gate as easily as eating or drinking.
"Lee has indeed improved," Neji thought, though his face remained icy cold.
"Do you really think just three gates are enough to face me, Lee? You underestimate me."
"Of course, that's not all! Fourth Gate of Pain, open! Fifth Gate of Limit, open!"
Lee opened two more gates, his aura growing even more fearsome.
Five Gates!
This was his peak during his battle with Gaara years ago.
But now, this was on a completely different level. Lee had mastered the power, using it seamlessly without the struggles of the past.
With the power of five gates, Lee's strength surged as he charged Neji!
The real battle was just beginning.
Tenten wasn't idle. She clutched two scrolls filled with weapons, ready to strike at the right moment.
Three years ago, Tenten had trained alongside Neji and knew how terrifying his Byakugan was. Ordinary weapons couldn't touch him.
If it was impossible before, it was even more so now.
She had to wait for the perfect chance to act.
"Tenten, I'll help you find an opening to attack Neji," Hinata said softly, noticing Tenten's intentions.
"Thanks, Hinata," Tenten replied, accepting her help.
With Hinata's Byakugan locking onto weaknesses, Tenten's chances of success would greatly improve.
For three years, Hinata had often joined Team Guy as a temporary member, so her coordination with Tenten was already seamless.
"Leaf Great Whirlwind!"
In his Five Gates state, Lee moved with incredible speed, managing to push Neji back for the first time.
Lee's kick forced Neji to block with his arm, sending him skidding backward several meters.
"Twin Rising Dragons!"
Following Hinata's guidance, Tenten sprang into action.
The scrolls unfurled like twin dragons, surrounding her as she unleashed a barrage of weapons at Neji.
Hinata's voice called out constantly, guiding the attacks to strike at Neji's most vulnerable points.
With Lee pinning him down and Tenten attacking from range under Hinata's direction, the three worked together with remarkable synergy.
Seeing this, Neji couldn't help but smile faintly, though it was almost imperceptible.
"Everyone really has grown a lot," he thought with quiet satisfaction.
But he soon retaliated.
"Rotation!"
A massive blue chakra shield erupted around Neji, deflecting all incoming attacks.