Reasonable Associations and Omens (Third Update)

This is only natural.

As Orochimaru, who had just attacked Konoha and even killed the Third Hokage, was currently a figure of great notoriety in the Shinobi World, it was even more so given he had been a Kage-level powerhouse known worldwide since the Second Shinobi World War. If the Namikaze Naruto who had just appeared was truly the rumored Nine-Tails Jinchuriki of Konoha and the son of the Fourth Hokage, then after defecting several months ago, the area where this S-rank missing-nin Orochimaru was located was indeed a plausible destination.

Among all the possibilities that could be surmised, this was the option with the highest probability!

"Well, it's highly likely. Isn't that Orochimaru very skilled at researching various forbidden techniques? He probably wouldn't let something like a Tailed Beast slip through his fingers. If this Naruto-kun really is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, many things would make sense. Furthermore, capturing the Three-Tails would be the optimal choice. But to think they actually knew the Three-Tails was in a released state? Heh! It seems there are still some minor issues within our ranks!"

A faint, chilling glint flickered in Mei Terumi's pupils. The words spoken in her soft voice sounded incredibly grim and cold to Ao and Chojuro, who were standing nearby.

The Fourth Mizukage had been controlled.

The entire Kirigakure had fallen into chaos.

Internal strife had consumed nearly half of Kirigakure's strength.

It could be said that period was the darkest time for Kirigakure.

They had finally managed to get Kirigakure back on the right track.

She never expected there would be such an unexpected turn of events.

Mei Terumi's heart was filled with murderous intent. If this Mizukage truly caught any trace of foul play, she would certainly not hesitate to use a 'Scorching Kiss'!

"Fifth, what do you