Exposure

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After entering the Land of Grass, Houka and Orochimaru headed for the Land of Grass's capital.

According to Orochimaru, Akatsuki had no scruples when it came to amassing wealth. After provoking a war between the Land of Grass's Daimyo and Kusagakure, they would maintain the balance between both sides and prolong the war as much as possible, then profit wildly from both sides' war efforts!

As they neared the Land of Grass's capital, Houka used his Chakra Sensory Technique to detect a large number of chakra fluctuations. Most ranged from Genin to Chunin—wandering ninja hired from the Black Market.

Houka was now a well-known figure in the Ninja World, so he deliberately disguised himself. Orochimaru, on the other hand, went openly, his flowing black hair and seductive kimono as conspicuous as ever.

After entering the Land of Grass's capital, the two began searching everywhere. Yet after several days, they found no trace of Uchiha Itachi or Kisame Hoshigaki.

"Should we keep waiting, or go take a look around Kusagakure?" Houka asked. "How about asking the Land of Grass's Daimyo?"

Under the night sky, gentle moonlight shone over the two of them. Houka subconsciously took several steps back, a chill running through his heart.

Unaware of Houka's thoughts, Orochimaru pondered, "If we alert the Land of Grass's Daimyo, we may well alert the enemy! Itachi and Kisame could appear at any time. You stay here while I head to Kusagakure. If they show up, use a Shadow Clone to contact the other. Houka-kun, no problem?"

"Of course," Houka readily agreed.

Orochimaru then left that very night and hurried toward Kusagakure.

As soon as Orochimaru was gone, Houka slackened off and began loafing on the job.

Over at Kusagakure.

After Uchiha