Neji Hyuga stepped forward and reported the course and outcome of the earlier battle to Shihōin Naraku.
"Yes, that was probably some kind of Puppet Technique!"
"The person who appeared before you really wasn't Uchiha Itachi. That dead ninja was only able to use the same abilities as him by drawing on Uchiha Itachi's chakra!"
"So you still need to be careful. Don't let your guard down just because it isn't the real person!"
"Yes!"
Neji nodded, taking Shihōin Naraku's words to heart with great seriousness.
Naruto hurried over to Naraku's side and asked anxiously, "Big Brother Naraku, when can we get moving again?"
"Wait a little longer, until Sakura finishes."
Naraku rested a hand on Naruto's head, signaling him not to rush. "Since the enemy came to stop us from continuing our pursuit, that means we're on the right track. As long as things go smoothly, I believe we'll find the Akatsuki's base soon."
"All right."
Naruto was barely persuaded. Of course, even if he still insisted on setting out immediately, Chiyo couldn't take it.
There was nothing he could do but wait.
Fortunately, Sakura's medical skills were indeed quite good. After a period of treatment, Chiyo was out of danger for the time being.
Everyone set out once more to track down the Akatsuki.
This time, however, they had only traveled for a few hours before the Akatsuki attacked again.
The Deva Path led Deidara and Sasori to block the group's way.
"Bastards! Stop getting in our way!"
A Rasengan appeared in his palm, and Naruto charged ahead of everyone else.
Boom, boom, boom...
Countless tiny birds flapped their wings and flew toward him at high speed. The instant they approached Naruto, they rapidly swelled, then exploded with a boom.
Before Naruto could even scream, flames and smoke