Undying Body

After the gathering ended, Sasori tossed aside Hidan, who had been rambling on endlessly, and returned to his laboratory to continue modifying his body.

Zetsu immediately set out for the Land of Fire. Once he met up with Orochimaru, they would search for clues regarding Kakuzu's "disappearance."

As for Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki, they continued north.

"Itachi, Uchiha Houka is from the same Uchiha Clan as you. You two must be on fairly good terms, right?" Kisame Hoshigaki looked at Uchiha Itachi with a smile. "If he obstructs our mission and you can't bring yourself to act, I can do it for you."

Uchiha Itachi remained calm as he replied flatly, "You don't need to test me. If what you said really happens, I'll put the mission first."

"Is that so?" Kisame Hoshigaki cackled.

The two headed north all the way, in the direction of the Land of Waterfalls.

After Kakashi returned to Konoha, the news quickly reached Danzo's ears.

"Kakuzu failed?" Danzo frowned slightly, then snorted. "If Uchiha Houka hadn't exposed Kakuzu's weakness to the Ninja World, Kakashi would never have been a match for him. What a pity!"

But since Kakashi had returned safely, this matter could only be dropped for the time being. Otherwise, the slightest hint of movement would draw Hiruzen Sarutobi's attention!

After returning to Konoha, Kakashi went to see Rin. Although Houka had not said it outright, his attitude had at least shown that Obito was safe, and that was enough.

Though Rin was a civilian ninja, her talent was fairly good. She had already become a Special Jonin, excelled at Medical Ninjutsu, and was now an important member of the Medical Unit.

When Kakashi came to see her, quite a few people gave him suggestive looks, making him rather uncomfortable.

"Kakashi,