"Damn it, he got away." By the time the flames had subsided somewhat, Kakashi shouted in anger. There was no trace of any Akatsuki members left before him.
Elsewhere in the distant forest, Xing Ruyu came to a stop. Not long afterward, her elder sister Xing Ruluo arrived, and Kakuzu hurriedly expressed his gratitude.
Xing Ruluo said gravely, "Kakuzu, you got carried away. If we hadn't received our master's orders, you would have died at the hands of Konoha's ninja this time."
Kakuzu hurriedly lowered his head, not daring to say another word. He truly did not dare offend the two sisters, especially since what they said was the truth.
After reprimanding him for a few words, the sisters left together. Kakuzu thought for a moment before turning and departing as well, returning to one of Akatsuki's bases.
For quite some time to come, he would have to behave himself, especially since he needed to find new targets and acquire replacement hearts.
Kakashi and the others also returned to Konoha. Shikamaru and the other two were deeply frustrated at having failed to avenge Asuma, but under the present circumstances, they had no better options. They could only wait until they discovered another Akatsuki base.
However, their operation had not been entirely fruitless. At the very least, they had obtained all of Kakuzu's information and abilities.
A huge part of ninja battles was an intelligence war. Fully grasping an opponent's information allowed one to seize the initiative at every turn. Should they face Kakuzu again, Konoha's ninja would have a far easier time of it.
Moreover, Konoha had also learned that Akatsuki had two female members. Though they knew nothing of the ninjutsu or abilities the women specialized in, they at least knew what they looked like.
Leaving Konoha's situation aside