Anbu Mission: Shadow of the Land of Rain

After his clash with Danzo, Ling's standing in the Anbu quietly rose. Early that morning, he received a special mission.

"Traces of Akatsuki Organization activity have appeared on the border of the Land of Rain," Kakashi said in the mission briefing room. "We need a squad to go investigate."

Ling looked at the mission roster: Kakashi as captain, himself, Yamato, and a new face—an Anbu member codenamed "Kite."

"This mission is very dangerous," Kakashi said gravely. "The members of the Akatsuki Organization are all S-rank rogue ninja. If we encounter them, retreat immediately."

The four-man squad set out at once. On the road, Ling noticed there was something unusual about Kite's behavior. This Anbu member in a bird-faced mask had chakra that felt strangely familiar.

[Abnormal chakra fluctuation detected]

[Identification: Transformation Technique disguise]

Ling grew wary in silence, but did not say anything. Through the vision of his Sharingan, he could see through the disguise and confirm the other party's true identity—it was actually Sasuke!

Why would he disguise himself as an Anbu and join the mission? Ling's heart was full of questions, but he decided to observe first.

Rain fell endlessly along the border of the Land of Rain, and visibility was very low. Kakashi signaled for the squad to stop.

"There's a strong chakra reaction ahead."

In the rain, three figures wearing Akatsuki Organization clothing appeared and disappeared indistinctly. Ling immediately recognized two of them: Kakuzu and Hidan.

"The Immortal Duo..." Ling warned his teammates in a low voice.

Kakuzu's green eyes swept over them. "Bugs from the Hidden Leaf Village dare come here too?"

Hidan swung his Bloody Triple-Bladed Scythe and laughed wildly. "Lord Jashin needs sacrifices!"

Battle erupted in an instant. Kakuzu attacked first, four Earth Grudge Fear masks separating from his back and casting ninjutsu of different attributes at the same time.

"Fire Release: Searing Migraine!"

"Wind Release: Pressure Damage!"

"Lightning Release: False Darkness!"

"Water Release: Water Curtain Tent!"

The four ninjutsu worked in perfect coordination, covering the entire battlefield. Yamato immediately formed hand seals.

"Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall!"

A wooden wall rose up, blocking the bombardment of ninjutsu. But Kakuzu's offensive came in an unbroken stream, forcing everyone to keep retreating.

Just then, Hidan had already finished preparing his ritual. He cut open his own arm with the scythe and drew an eerie formation on the ground.

"The ritual begins!"

Ling immediately realized the danger. "Stop him! Once the ritual is completed, he can hurt his opponent by hurting himself!"

But it was already too late. Hidan had obtained a drop of Kakashi's blood, and the ritual officially took effect. When he drove the black rod into his own body, Kakashi let out a pained grunt at the same time.

"Teacher Kakashi!"

Ling immediately charged at Hidan, but Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear blocked his path. Just then, Kite, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly made a move.

"Chidori!"

Lightning pierced through one Earth Grudge Fear mask. The familiar ninjutsu made Kakuzu freeze for a moment.

"An Uchiha brat?"

Sasuke took off his mask, his Three-Tomoe Sharingan especially striking in the rain. "Your opponent is me."

Ling understood at once. Sasuke had heard that the Akatsuki Organization was connected to Itachi, so he had disguised himself and joined the mission.

The two brothers exchanged a glance, then split up to fight with perfect understanding. Ling was responsible for dealing with Hidan, while Sasuke held off Kakuzu.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Binding Net!"

Lightning turned into a great net and fell over Hidan, but the other party did not dodge at all. Under the effect of the ritual, Hidan was already in an unbeatable position.

"It's useless!" Hidan laughed madly as he thrust the black rod toward his heart. "Feel Lord Jashin's wrath!"

Ling endured the severe pain, his Two-Tomoe Sharingan spinning rapidly. With the system's assistance, he found the flaw—that blood-red formation!

"As long as I destroy the ritual formation..."

He unleashed Lightning Flash Body with all his strength and appeared at the edge of the formation in an instant. But Hidan also sensed his intention, and the Bloody Triple-Bladed Scythe came whistling toward him.

At that critical moment, Sasuke's shout rang out.

"Brother!"

A shuriken struck the scythe away with perfect accuracy. Taking advantage of that opening, Ling's lightning release completely destroyed the blood-red formation.

"No!" Hidan let out an unwilling roar. "My ritual!"

With the ritual broken, the effect of his immortal body temporarily vanished. Ling seized the chance and poured all his strength into a lightning release ninjutsu.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Tiger Tracking Fang!"

A fierce tiger of lightning swallowed Hidan completely. On the other side, Sasuke had also gained the upper hand in his fierce battle with Kakuzu. With the help of his Sharingan, he saw through all of Kakuzu's attacks.

"Chidori Current!"

Countless lightning snakes coiled around Kakuzu, temporarily subduing him.

"Retreat!" Kakuzu made the decision on the spot and swiftly left with the heavily injured Hidan.

The battle ended, but the rain was still falling. Sasuke stood before Ling, his gaze complicated.

"I have to find Itachi."

"I know," Ling said softly. "But don't let hatred blind you."

Sasuke did not answer. He merely put his mask back on and vanished into the curtain of rain.

Kakashi walked to Ling's side. "Let him go. Some roads have to be walked alone."

On the way back to the village, Ling kept thinking. The threat of the Akatsuki Organization was drawing closer and closer, and the road Sasuke walked in pursuit of Itachi was destined to be full of thorns.

The system issued a new mission at just the right time.

[Main mission updated: Raise strength to Kage level]

[Current progress: 68%]

[Time limit: Three months]

Ling looked in the direction of the Land of Rain, his heart filled with determination. Before the greater storm arrived, he had to become strong enough.

(Chapter Forty-Three End)