A hidden location in Amegakure!
Just as Shisui had captured the Second Elder alive and Hiashi, Guy, and the others were leading their men to clear out Iwagakure, a figure arrived there. With long black hair and two deep lines on his face, it was Itachi, who had left Sunagakure after receiving Tsunade's orders.
He wore a black combat uniform and carried a silver short blade on his back. Aside from not wearing a mask, his attire was very similar to Konoha's Anbu.
"Lord Itachi, Orochimaru's presence is here!"
Just then, a gentle female voice came from Itachi's chest. After a brief wriggle, a creature with a pair of white antennae crawled out from his clothes. It was Katsuyu, the summoned beast of Shikkotsu Forest.
In order to help Itachi successfully locate Orochimaru, Tsunade had placed a Katsuyu on him to assist in tracking Orochimaru down.
"Thank you for your trouble, Lady Katsuyu."
Itachi spoke slowly to the Katsuyu at his chest.
Whether out of respect for Tsunade or simple courtesy, Itachi and Katsuyu had treated each other respectfully throughout the journey, even using honorifics in every conversation.
"You're too kind, Lord Itachi!"
"Now that we've found Orochimaru, what comes next is no longer suitable for me to take part in!"
Katsuyu continued.
After Itachi nodded, she vanished with a bang in a cloud of white smoke.
Whoosh!
Gusts of wind swept through, dispersing the white smoke.
Itachi then looked ahead and saw a massive mountain peak. At that moment, he stood at its base.
So he's in there.
Itachi thought to himself, his expression gradually turning solemn.
As one of the Sannin, Orochimaru had always possessed immense strength. He was a veteran Kage-level powerhouse.
If that were all, Itachi would not have feared him too much. With his current