Kakuzu

Sora Uchiha knew that many small slugs were formed from the decomposition of a larger slug, meaning slugs shared senses with each other.

Therefore, even if Tsunade hid in a cave, she could still receive information about the outside world through the slugs. This was also why she hadn't been found for a full day and night despite her serious injuries.

Now that Tsunade said someone was approaching, he didn't doubt her. He lowered his voice and said gravely, "How many?"

"One. Very strong. The slug could only observe from a distance; it couldn't get close."

After speaking, Tsunade added, "His entry route is exactly the same as yours."

Sora Uchiha's expression turned grim. The route was identical to his, meaning this person likely tracked him without him noticing at all.

Damn it, someone could track me without me noticing. This person's strength is above mine, he thought to himself.

At this moment, he suddenly remembered that the system had mentioned Tsunade would be in danger. When he arrived, Tsunade was fine, and the poison didn't seem too serious.

So, could this uninvited guest be the source of danger the system mentioned?

The more he thought about it, the more likely Sora Uchiha felt this possibility was.

After a moment of thought, he put down the Sword Box on his shoulder and took out the Kusanagi Sword. At the same time, he grabbed some Shuriken, Kunai, and Explosive Tags, hiding them in convenient places like his sleeves, inner clothing layers, and pant legs.

"I'll go take a look," Sora Uchiha said to Tsunade.

Tsunade narrowed her eyes and decisively refused, "No, it's too dangerous. His strength is above yours."

Sora Uchiha smiled faintly. "This mission is to rescue you. I can't let danger get close to you."

"That's an order," Tsunade said sternly.

Little sister, you'll only be qualified to order me when you become the Fifth Hokage~

Sora Uchiha suddenly leaned close to Tsunade. At this distance, Tsunade's amber irises were clearly visible.

She was undeniably beautiful. The war hadn't marred her delicate charm, not to mention her exaggerated figure added an endless allure. Setting aside her fiery temper, she was the dream woman for any man.

No wonder Jiraiya, that old pervert with countless conquests, always cared most about Tsunade.

"I'm an Anbu member. I only obey the Hokage and my captain. Sister Tsunade, you don't have the authority to order me~" His words might have sounded ambiguous, but the sharp gaze from beneath his fox mask conveyed an unwavering refusal!

Tsunade stared blankly at the little brat in front of her. For a moment, she felt he had become incredibly mature. She opened her mouth, sighed, and then took a Slug from the abyss of her chest.

"Take this with you." Without allowing Sora Uchiha to refuse, she placed the Slug directly on his shoulder.

Sora Uchiha blinked and looked at the little Slug. The little guy seemed quite fond of him, sticking directly to his face. Up close, there was a faint milky scent.

Smacking his lips, Sora Uchiha thought Tsunade truly had extraordinary talent, far surpassing "Bentenkyo" for a lifetime.

"Don't worry, I'm not an idiot. Since I dare to go alone, I have the confidence to escape. If I can't win, I'll abandon you and run for my life. As for you, the famous Konoha Sannin, don't die in this small village."

Sora Uchiha chuckled softly, the Chakra in his hand quietly disappearing, and his figure was instantly swallowed by darkness...

Tsunade lowered her eyelids. For some reason, this little brat who appeared was very much to her liking, and she developed a certain feeling for him.

Of course, this feeling wasn't romantic. She wasn't so desperate as to be interested in a child. She just... suddenly wanted a younger brother.

After a long silence, a faint, emerald green light flickered in the darkness. With the replenishment from the Soldier Pill, she recovered some Chakra and used the Mystical Palm Technique along with the Slug to silently heal her injuries.

Sora Uchiha lowered his footsteps and walked back the way he came. He was very worried because the cave was extremely deep and had no light source. If he used Chakra to illuminate the surroundings, he might be detected by the opponent. So, he was currently walking completely in the dark.

He truly wished he had a pair of Byakugan for night vision. Unfortunately, he wasn't from the Hyuga Clan. Forget Byakugan; he hadn't even awakened his own clan's Sharingan yet.

He thought that life had been too smooth. When would he awaken the Sharingan if things continued like this?

Little did he know, the chance for awakening he so desired would bring him immense sorrow when it finally arrived.

Of course, Sora Uchiha was living quite well now. The cruelty of war hadn't significantly impacted him.

After fumbling in the darkness for a long time, he could feel the bats on the cave walls staring intently at him.

He thought, This is a terrible feeling. It's chilling.

Drip... drip... drip...

Cold water droplets created ripples in the muddy ground.

He had some thoughts about the enemy he was about to face.

Drip... drip... drip...

It could be pursuers from Iwagakure.

Drip... drip... drip...

Or perhaps he had been accidentally discovered by a ninja from Takigakure.

Drip... drip... drip...

He hoped it was the latter, as ninjas from Takigakure were weaker than those from Iwagakure, making them easier to deal with.

Drip... drip... drip...

There was another issue: if a fight broke out, the commotion would surely be significant, attracting a large number of Takigakure ninja regardless of who the opponent was.

Stomp... stomp... stomp...

Sora Uchiha's breath hitched as the dripping sound turned into footsteps, footsteps that weren't being concealed at all.

Sora Uchiha instantly judged that this person was very confident!

Thump, thump, thump...

Honestly, the footsteps grew closer and closer, feeling like a bell ringing inside his head with every step, growing louder and louder, increasing the pressure.

The moment the footsteps appeared, Sora Uchiha was already clinging to the wall like a bat, gazing down from the direction of the sound. He was attached to the steep wall; this was just basic training, effortless for Sora Uchiha.

He silently gripped the Kusanagi Sword, held his breath, and completely merged with the darkness.

Soon, a light source appeared not far away, and Sora Uchiha clearly saw the approaching figure.

A height of 1.85 meters, wearing a headscarf, a black robe, and eerie green eyes...

Sora Uchiha's pupils contracted sharply.

Kakuzu?!

The fearsome man who had attacked Hashirama and was still unharmed?! Hadn't he defected from Takigakure? Why was he here?!

No! Wearing a mask, could it be that Kakuzu was the one who ambushed Tsunade?!

There was no more time to think, as Kakuzu had already arrived directly below him.

Snap--

A subtle, almost imperceptible sound of air being cut rang out.

Kakuzu's heart leaped. His years as a mercenary had given him an extraordinary keenness. He abruptly looked up and saw a cold glint shooting down from above, targeting his throat!

Sora Uchiha had made his move.