Naruto's sudden appearance here was not good news for Kakashi.
The situation in the Land of Rice Fields was complicated, with the Ninja Village Allied Forces, Orochimaru, and the Akatsuki Organization all entangled in a three-way struggle.
Whether Naruto ran into Orochimaru or the Akatsuki Organization, he would be in grave danger.
Just then, Tsume Inuzuka said to Kakashi, "We've collected enough of his scent. We can try tracking him!"
While Tsume's Ninja Dog had been gathering Naruto's scent, Yakumo had given Sasuke some basic treatment and bandaged him up.
So when Kakashi looked his way, Sasuke immediately said, "I'm fine!"
Kakashi warned him, "This mission concerns the safety of the village. You're not to act on your own like you did just now!"
Sasuke nodded, his face grim.
After coming close to death, he knew he'd been reckless and underestimated his opponent.
Besides, he was taking part in this mission on behalf of the Konoha Military Police Force. If it failed because of him, he wouldn't be able to explain himself to Shinji when he got back.
Kakashi glanced over the group. "Is everyone ready?"
"Yeah!"
"No problem!"
"Ready!"
"Woof, woof!"
The whole team answered in unison, including Tsume's Ninja Dog.
"Good. Let's go!"
Kakashi wasted no more time and led the team out.
Meanwhile.
After several days of pursuit and clashes, Jiraiya and Orochimaru had somehow reached the border between the Land of Rice Fields and the Land of Iron.
Across a canyon, they faced each other from a distance.
Jiraiya still wasn't willing to give up. "Orochimaru, whatever happens, Tsunade and I are here to support you. There's still room to turn things around!"
Orochimaru looked almost exasperated. "When I defected all those years ago, you chased me for months and got nowhere. What makes you think