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Tayuya's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Kabuto. "Is what you're saying true?"
Kabuto nodded.
"Idiot! Fool! Have you lost your mind!? Since you said only three people know that name, why don't you ask that bastard Yoshida Shin how he knows it?" Tayuya scolded.
Kabuto shook his head.
How could he not know that?
Of course he did.
But he was afraid to ask.
This was his dream, his reason for living.
He was afraid that if he kept asking, the dream would shatter.
Whether "Yoshida Shin's" words were true or false, he chose to believe they were true.
Because he would rather live in the dream.
"Good question. Kabuto, guess why I know about this?" Midorima said with a smile.
Kabuto's body tensed. He didn't want to know the reason; he wanted to live in the dream.
"Didn't I say it before? Before Danzō died, he used that damn seal jutsu. But have you ever wondered why he used that jutsu?" Midorima point at himself "Because he wanted to drag me down with him."
"So it was you!" Kabuto exclaimed in surprise.
Looking at the "terror" in Kabuto's eyes, Midorima wondered if this guy thought he was the one who beat Danzō into oblivion?
Back then, he hadn't used his full strength and had slacked off the entire time. In that state, taking down Danzō would have been tough.
"It was me." Midorima felt no shame whatsoever. It wasn't that he couldn't do it; he just might have had to reveal his Sharingan. "Danzō probably told me these things to buy time, to facilitate his use of the jutsu.'"
"Why would he mention 'Yakushi Nonō'?" Tayuya wasn't willing to let Kabuto be so easily "led astray" by Midorima.
"He was severely injured and had no chance to escape. I asked him if he had any last words before he died, and he told me this. You can doubt the truth of these words, but I tend to believe they are true. After all, this matter wasn't a big deal to him, and he was also preparing the 'Dead Demon Consuming Seal'—where would he find the time to make up lies?" Midorima pointed to his temple. "Although he had ambition, he was a bit stupid."
Both Tayuya and Kabuto silently agreed with that assessment.
"So? Any more questions?" Midorima put his hands on his hips, smiling at Tayuya.
"Wait... Of... Of course there are!" Sweat beaded on Tayuya's forehead, but her eyes seemed somewhat unfocused.
Although Midorima's words sounded incredible, they were logically consistent. If things had really developed in that direction, it was entirely possible Danzō would have said those things.
"What question?"
Tayuya's mind went blank. "Of course it's... it's... Ah, right! How do you know what Kabuto looks like? You directly said 'Yakushi Nonō' earlier, which means you recognized Kabuto. But if you've never met Kabuto before, how would you know what he looks like?"
It was originally just a desperate attempt to find a topic, but after saying it, Tayuya indeed felt this question was really difficult to answer.
She was very satisfied with her quick thinking.
"Are you an idiot?" Midorima looked at Tayuya in astonishment, pointing at Kabuto. "I could just grab any Konoha ninja and ask a couple of questions to find out. Which ninja wears those heavy, round, black glasses? That feature is way too obvious, okay? Besides, before Danzō died, he said all sorts of nonsense to buy time. Otherwise, how would I know in such detail?"
Anyway, Danzō was sealed away by the "Dead Demon Consuming Seal." Pinning everything on him was definitely the right move.
Tayuya opened her mouth but didn't know what to say, only able to mutter repeatedly, "I'm so stupid."
"Alright, regarding the matter of 'Yakushi Nonō,' I've told you everything I can. As for where she is, I'm sorry, that's my bargaining chip. I can only tell you after I see Sasuke and obtain the 'Jūgo cells.'"
Kabuto frowned tightly, clearly growing impatient. "You don't need to worry about her. As long as you tell me... Nonō's whereabouts, I'll take you there. That way, you can also save time..."
"You traitor!" Tayuya said angrily.
"I don't have time to play games with you. Do you know how I've lived these years?" Kabuto glared at Tayuya, the malice in his eyes unconcealed, making even Tayuya, who was accustomed to death, feel fear. "Say one more word, and I'll kill you with my own hands! Let me tell you, I have someone I care about, and unfortunately, it's not you."
"He just wants us to lead the way! Once he finds the base, he'll kill us all! What do you think the 'Akatsuki' are? They are all demons who kill without blinking!" Tayuya screamed hysterically, breaking into tears by the end.
She desperately wanted Kimimaro to live longer, but if she led "Yoshida Shin" to the base, he might kill all the Sound Five.
"Let me put it this way: although we are all 'Akatsuki,' not every member has the same thoughts or methods. Don't forget, Orochimaru was also a member of Akatsuki. Did you despise him?"
"He was different..." Tayuya retorted.
"Yeah, he was different. In fact, everyone is different. How can you be so sure what I'm saying is false? Moreover, Kabuto has already agreed, and I'm still trying to persuade you. What's my goal here?" Midorima placed his hand on Tayuya's head and ruffled her hair a couple of times. "I don't like killing people either. Besides, I have the capital to 'trade' with you. That's all."
Tayuya looked at Midorima and Kabuto with a complex expression.
Midorima was one thing, but Kabuto was already very impatient, the hostility in his eyes growing stronger.
"I understand. I agree," Tayuya nodded helplessly.
"Good. Oh, by the way, one more thing."
"Huh?"
"You should wash your hair more often. It's a bit dirty," Midorima said, looking at his hand with a disgusted expression.
"..." The muscles on Tayuya's face twitched a couple of times.
If she weren't completely outmatched by Midorima, she would have punched him in the face right then.
...
"Hey, wake up..."
Sasuke's eyebrows moved, and he opened his sleepy eyes to find Karin standing outside his cell, hands on her hips, talking to him.
"What is it?" Sasuke asked, puzzled.
"Let's go." Karin destroyed the seal on Sasuke's cell and opened the door. "I found out that right now is when the base's defenses are at their weakest. If we don't leave now, we'll never get another chance."
"But how are you outside?" Sasuke was confused.
Karin rolled up her sleeve, revealing the bite marks. "Don't forget my status. I'm quite popular throughout the base. Originally, Orochimaru wanted to take me as a subordinate, but I refused. Later, he left the base and never came back, so the matter was dropped."
"You mentioned a 'big guy' before..." Sasuke stepped out of the cell.
"I've already found where he's being held. You know ninjutsu, right?" Karin asked.
Sasuke nodded.
"Follow me, then." Karin waved her hand and led Sasuke, moving cautiously towards the outside.