Jiraiya's death caused a stir among Konoha's upper ranks, but it did not lead to any unrest.
For them, ninja dying in battle was already commonplace. Even if they felt some regret, they focused more of their attention on the intelligence Jiraiya had sent back.
That string of codes left the entire cipher team racking their brains, yet they still could not make sense of it.
It was not until Naruto pointed out that the first number was not nine, but "yu," that they found a new lead.
Naruto, meanwhile, was taken to Mount Myoboku by Sage Fukasaku, beginning his journey of Sage Art training.
About a week later, outside Konoha, the ninja responsible for keeping watch lay sprawled all over the ground. Before them stood expressionless figures clad in black robes patterned with red clouds.
The Deva Path looked at Konoha's towering walls in the distance, his Rinnegan devoid of emotion.
He had waited far too long for this day.
From this moment on, let the world know pain. Spouting such an unbelievably cringeworthy line, the Deva Path was the first to head toward Konoha's main gate.
He did not form any special hand seals to pass through Konoha's barrier, but he had no need for such a thing.
Who are you? The Konoha ninja guarding the gate asked in a low voice. Six figures dressed in black robes with red clouds had appeared in his sight.
Akatsuki? he thought, while signaling his companion with his eyes to hurry into the village and report it.
Banshō Ten'in!
The next moment, his body suddenly flew into the air and swiftly landed in the other man's grasp. Looking into those cold Rinnegan, he struggled fiercely, but it was useless.
Where is Uzumaki Naruto? the Deva Path asked indifferently, his grip tightening