Not far outside Yugakure, Yūto had finished his investigation and was hurrying back.
Suddenly, he saw explosions and blue, mouse-shaped flames erupt inside Yugakure.
Startled, he immediately recognized Yugito Nii's signature move, a Fire Release Ninjutsu called Fire Rat Ball.
His opponent's scheming had actually surpassed his own!
In a flash, Yūto "understood" everything!
The killer had deliberately murdered the shipowner. Although he did not know how the killer had learned his next move, killing the shipowner had indeed stopped Yūto from continuing his journey.
Then the killer had predicted that the Yukage would ask him to investigate the murders, luring him out of the village before seizing the chance to kill Yugito Nii.
Brilliant!
What a perfect plan!
Even Yūto had to marvel at the depth of his opponent's scheming.
But he could not actually let the killer murder Yugito Nii. Her death would absolutely set Kumogakure ablaze.
Although Yūto was not afraid of dying, he still had friends in Konoha. He did not want his friends and loved ones to die because of his mistake.
At that thought, Yūto abruptly picked up speed.
At the hot spring, the Yukage was panting from the battle, while Yugito Nii looked perfectly at ease.
After all, the Yukage was old, and years without fighting had taken a considerable toll on his stamina.
Now the Yukage understood everything too. Like Yūto, he believed Hidan had planned all of this.
Their starting points differed, however. Yūto believed Hidan's objective was to kill Kumogakure's Jinchūriki, while the Yukage believed Hidan wanted to restore the glory of the Jashin Cult.
The Yukage asked gravely, "Hidan, stop. Your plan won't succeed. The Jashin Cult is already a thing of the past!"
"You may have lured that Uchiha boy away, but he'll be back soon!"
Hidan