Watching the two youngsters on the verge of a fight, Kazuyama Gekkō burst out laughing. He didn't even need to step in.
Tagitsuhime's chakra suddenly surged, pulling Haku back at once and melting all the ice he had created.
"Haku-chan, don't start fights so easily. That's not cute."
"The chakra I gave you wasn't meant for fighting your own allies, you know~"
Overwhelmed by Tagitsuhime's chakra, Haku could only glare furiously at Kimimaro. But Kimimaro remained completely indifferent, which only drove Haku crazier.
Seeing this, Orochimaru smiled faintly.
"Who would've thought these two brats don't get along at all? Heh heh heh."
"Kazuyama, are you still planning to take Kimimaro with you?"
"I doubt you'll be able to handle both of them."
Looking at Orochimaru's smug face, Kazuyama had the urge to kick him across the clearing. But he also realized that Haku's personality had changed because of his interference, making it difficult for him to get along with Kimimaro.
Rather than watch them bicker all day, it was better to separate them.
"You're right."
"Sensei, where are you going next?"
Kazuyama Gekkō already had plans in mind. He had also seen the state of Kirigakure.
It was clear that Akatsuki's base wasn't built anywhere nearby. He thought about it and silently accepted that fact. After all, Akatsuki's main reason for establishing a base was to store the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. Something that huge wouldn't fit anywhere near Kirigakure.
So, he decided to continue searching throughout the Land of Water.
"Hehehe, since I've already found something, I plan to return."
"Oh, and Kazuyama, I'd advise you not to go north right now. When I came here, Kumogakure was launching counterattacks around the Land of Water against Kirigakure."
"Try not to get caught up in it."
Kazuyama Gekkō knew all too well about that incident—he was the one who started it.
Hearing Orochimaru's warning, he couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Hm? What's so funny?"
"Oh? Don't tell me it was those two people from before?"
Kazuyama nodded as he laughed, his tone full of pride.
"I went to Kumogakure, gave the Eight-Tails a good beating, and then lured away his men."
"Of course, when I beat him, I used Transformation Technique to disguise myself as a Mist ninja."
Orochimaru: …No wonder Kumogakure hates the Mist so much. That explains everything.
...
Kirigakure.
"Lord Mizukage, the Kaguya clan's rebellion has been completely suppressed."
"The entire Kaguya clan has been wiped out."
The Fourth Mizukage personally surveyed the scene. His face remained expressionless as he looked at the bodies scattered across the ground.
He simply nodded.
"Dispose of all the corpses."
"I don't want to see any of them tomorrow."
The ANBU nodded and began directing subordinates to clean up.
Yet, for some reason, the Fourth Mizukage felt something was off. His gaze shifted toward the distant mountains before issuing another order.
"Have the ANBU patrol around the village. Don't let a single one escape."
"And keep a close watch on the Kumo as well."
"Damn the Kaguya clan, causing trouble at a time like this."
Kirigakure was now beset by both internal and external troubles. Kumogakure kept provoking them, and now the Kaguya clan had chosen this moment to rebel. This series of events made the Fourth Mizukage frown deeply.
He had a feeling there was more going on, but for now, he couldn't figure out what.
Helpless, he could only leave it be.
By the next day, the Kaguya clan had vanished from the land forever.
Meanwhile, Kazuyama Gekkō parted ways with Haku and Orochimaru. Instead of heading directly toward Kirigakure, he began traveling around it.
His first stop was the northern region of the Mist.
Whether there was war or not, he planned to explore the entire Land of Water.
...
In the southern region of the Land of Water, on an island far from the central area—
At first glance, it looked like a deserted island, but it wasn't.
Muren Uchiha had specifically chosen this island to store the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
The island was covered in mountains. They had hollowed out one of the largest peaks, transforming it into Akatsuki's base.
At this moment, deep inside the base, the massive Demonic Statue of the Outer Path stood towering in the darkness. In front of it, two figures—one tall, one short—stood facing it.
"Hey, Dou, is this really going to work?"
"I've sent you so many test subjects already. Why haven't I seen that human puppet you promised?"
Muren Uchiha looked at the boy in front of him with clear irritation.
But Dou remained calm, as if none of this concerned him. He had his own explanation.
"One plus one equals two—but that logic doesn't apply so easily to puppets."
"Making two Kekkei Genkai coexist isn't simple."
"By the way, how's the Kaguya clan situation?"
"Don't forget to send me their corpses."
The Kaguya clan…
It was obvious that their rebellion was closely tied to the two standing here.
"Hmph. The Kaguya clan was annihilated last night."
"Zetsu has already gone to Kirigakure to collect the bodies. You should get them this afternoon."
"But don't forget your research. I still want to see that puppet capable of holding two Kekkei Genkai."
Muren Uchiha snorted. To him, the Kaguya clan were nothing but barbarians.
He only had to whisper a few words, and they went wild.
"I know, don't rush me. Research can't be forced."
"If you've got that much time to nag me, why not go find someone useful?"
Veins popped on Muren Uchiha's forehead. Ever since he'd brought that kid Kabuto back, both his power and his temper had grown—and now he didn't even listen to him anymore.
Just a brat!
Because of him, Kakuzu had been constantly complaining.
"Do you even realize Kakuzu has serious issues with you?"
"The organization's budget can't handle your kind of waste."
"Kakuzu will be back in a few days. You'd better stay out of sight. If he snaps, don't expect me to stop him."
Kabuto scoffed dismissively. So what if Kakuzu came after him?
Did they really think he was still the same kid as before?
Having mastered all of Sasori of the Red Sand's secret techniques, Kabuto was confident in his strength.
At the very least, with his puppets, he could stand toe-to-toe with Kakuzu.
After all, he now represented the pinnacle of Puppet Technique.