News of the upcoming contest between Konoha and the combined forces of Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure, following the Kage Summit, quickly spread throughout the ninja world. Madara Uchiha, hidden in the shadows, also learned of this.
Madara had abandoned his Amegakure base and remained hidden in his original secret hideout.
After his brief battle with Yusuke, he realized he couldn't defeat him. Remaining in Amegakure risked an attack from Yusuke.
"Master, Konoha is about to have a contest with three other villages in the Land of Iron. This is a perfect opportunity to ambush Konoha and seize the Nine-Tails," Zetsu suggested to Madara.
Madara shook his head, "Yusuke Uchiha possesses Obito's Kamui. The current Hokage also has Hiraishin. If Konoha is attacked, the Anbu can instantly return using special communication methods."
Zetsu was puzzled, "Should we just let such a good opportunity pass us by without taking any action?"
Madara said coldly, "The three villages' contest against Konoha will inevitably end in their crushing defeat. It will also allow them to truly witness Konoha's strength. Once they experience true fear, it will be much easier for me to seek their cooperation!"
On a forest path leading to Konoha, two figures walked slowly—one walking normally, the other levitating.
Strictly speaking, one was walking, the other was flying.
These two were Kabuto, returning from his Senjutsu training, and Ichikishimahime, the snake sage, with whom he had signed an equal summoning contract.
Because Ichikishimahime also wanted to see the scenery outside Ryūchi Cave, Kabuto simply brought her along when he left.
"Kabuto, how much longer until we reach Konoha? Can't you just call that annoying guy to teleport us back?"
Holding a small fan of unknown origin, Ichikishimahime incessantly complained to Kabuto.
It was midday, when the sun was at its most intense, making the already hot weather even more unbearable, especially for Ichikishimahime, a snake who preferred the shade.
Kabuto remained expressionless, his tone cold, "I can't possibly trouble Sensei with such a trivial matter. Besides, if you find the heat unbearable, you are welcome to return to Ryūchi Cave."
The "annoying guy" she referred to was Yusuke, who had previously demonstrated his strength at Ryūchi Cave.
Kabuto, somewhat intimidated by Ichikishimahime's incessant chatter, feigned indifference to encourage her to speak less.
"If I'd known this beforehand, I wouldn't have chosen her!" Kabuto silently regretted his decision.
After walking for another two hours, Kabuto and Ichikishimahime finally reached Konoha's territory. After registering with the guards at the village entrance, Kabuto led Ichikishimahime into Konoha.
Observing the bustling streets, Ichikishimahime displayed a look of curiosity.
Although she was still levitating as she walked, attracting the attention of many villagers, this was not an uncommon sight in the ninja world. For instance, Tsuchikage Ōnoki could also levitate using the Earth Release: Light-Weight Rock Technique.
At that moment, Izumi, who happened to be strolling through the streets, noticed Kabuto accompanied by this peculiar young girl and approached them with a curious expression.
"Kabuto, you're back from your Senjutsu training? Who is this little girl?"
As Izumi questioned Kabuto, she gazed at the adorable Ichikishimahime, impulsively reaching out to stroke the top of her head.
However, at that very instant, Ichikishimahime's eyes transformed into vertical slits, scales manifested on her face, she opened her mouth to reveal a forked tongue and sharp fangs, and assumed a ferocious expression, demonstrating her displeasure at Izumi's attempt to touch her head.
She, Ichikishimahime, a prominent figure within the sacred Ryūchi Cave, second only in stature to the White Snake Sage, could not be treated so casually!
Although Ichikishimahime had adopted what she considered to be her most intimidating posture, she was unaware that her appearance was so endearing that even the slight manifestation of reptilian features did not appear frightening.
Izumi was momentarily taken aback by Ichikishimahime's display, but she quickly formulated a countermeasure. For Izumi, who frequently interacted with the children of the village, dealing with such a young individual presented no significant challenge.
Retrieving a string of steaming three-colored dango from a paper bag she was carrying, Izumi offered them with a smile, "These are Konoha's specialty three-colored dango. Why don't you try some?"
Upon seeing this, Ichikishimahime initially hesitated, but the alluring aroma emanating from the three-colored dango proved too tempting to resist. With a swift movement, she snatched the dango from Izumi's hand and began to devour them with gusto.
At this point, Izumi let out a triumphant chuckle and reached out once more to stroke Ichikishimahime's head.
Just as Ichikishimahime was about to express her displeasure and resist, Izumi promptly raised the paper bag, which was still brimming with dango, giving Ichikishimahime a subtle indication that more delectable treats were readily available.
Finally, succumbing to the irresistible allure of the delicious food, Ichikishimahime ceased her resistance to Izumi's affectionate gesture.
Kabuto, standing nearby, shook his head in resignation, never having anticipated that upon encountering Ichikishimahime, Izumi would completely disregard his presence.
"Izumi, do you know who this little girl is? She's not as simple as she appears."
Kabuto addressed Izumi, who was still playfully interacting with Ichikishimahime.
Although Ichikishimahime possessed the appearance of an adorable young girl, as a high-ranking member of Ryūchi Cave, she was far from harmless.
Observing Izumi's apparent fondness for Ichikishimahime, Kabuto felt it incumbent upon himself to offer a word of caution, in order to prevent any unforeseen complications.
Izumi, however, responded with a dismissive wave of her hand, "Of course, I know. She's the snake sage from Ryūchi Cave. I just didn't expect her to be so cute."
Upon Yusuke's return to Konoha from Ryūchi Cave, he had shared his experiences with Izumi during their conversations, enabling her to readily deduce Ichikishimahime's identity.
At this point, Izumi revealed a troubled expression, "It is truly unfortunate that I lack the aptitude for Senjutsu training; otherwise, I would have eagerly sought training at Ryūchi Cave and subsequently entered into a summoning contract with the adorable snake sage. I truly envy you!"
At this moment, Izumi recalled that her own summoning beast was the grim and fearsome Shinigami, causing her to feel a surge of disappointment.
"Oh, right, I almost forgot to mention the important matter. Since you have returned, I shall escort you to my brother's office!"
Suddenly remembering the impending contest against the three major ninja villages, Izumi placed her hands on the shoulders of both Kabuto and Ichikishimahime.
Activating the "Heart Flash" ability inherent within her Mangekyō Sharingan, Izumi instantaneously transported both Kabuto and Ichikishimahime to Yusuke's office.
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