After leaving the Akatsuki, Sakata Shūichirō hurried to Root's secret base in the Land of Rain.
He found his supervisor and reported the results of his discussion with Yahiko, then mentioned that Yahiko had met with Chihane that day.
"Good, understood! Wait here a moment. I'll contact Hanzō right away."
The mysterious Root ninja had never expected such a double windfall: they had located Chihane and could wipe out the Akatsuki as well. He gave Sakata Shūichirō those instructions.
Whoosh!
The mysterious Root ninja vanished from the base, reappearing in Amegakure.
Before long, he met with Hanzo of the Salamander, who had been waiting for his news.
"Lord Hanzō, our man has sent word. Yahiko has agreed to come to Amegakure to discuss the details of an alliance with you, and his two companions will be coming with him!"
The Root ninja first told Hanzo of the Salamander what he most wanted to hear.
"Good. I can finally catch those little rats. I'll have someone prepare a generous gift for them."
Hanzō was pleased by the news. Every day the Akatsuki continued to exist was another day they threatened him.
"Lord Hanzō, Chihane Hatake has also appeared in the Land of Rain, and he had contact with Yahiko's group today."
Seeing Hanzō's excitement, the Root ninja added fuel to the fire.
"He had contact with the Akatsuki's leader? Understood. Don't worry! Once I've dealt with the Akatsuki, I'll kill Chihane Hatake!"
At this news, Hanzō's excited expression darkened at once. He considered it briefly, then spoke with a murderous gleam in his eyes.
"Yes, sir. I'll make the arrangements now!"
Whoosh!
With that, the Root ninja vanished with a swish.
He returned to Root's base.
"Sakata, Hanzo of the Salamander has everything arranged. Take them over this afternoon, and your