Tatsuma did not choose to perform the surgery on Dan Kato before departure, even though the scheduled time had already passed. However, Tsunade and Dan Kato both understood.
This time, the chief surgeon was Tatsuma, and Tatsuma was also the one most confident about the surgery. If any adverse reactions occurred post-surgery, it would also be Tatsuma who would take charge and provide a treatment plan.
After all, it's just a little longer to wait. They had already waited for half a year, so Dan Kato was not in a hurry.
In fact, the person who least wanted the surgery was Dan Kato himself. After all, he was genuinely afraid of any further accidents. Losing a life was a minor issue, but he still had many things he wanted to do.
Similarly, he was also the one who most wanted the surgery, for the same reason: he had too many things he wanted to do.
After examining Dan Kato's condition, Tatsuma left Konoha Hospital. Tsunade also knew that her disciple was in the ANBU. Seeing his solemn expression these past few days, she assumed he had an important mission.
After escorting Tatsuma to the entrance of Konoha Hospital, Tatsuma was about to say goodbye and leave when Tsunade pulled him back. With rare seriousness, she said, "Tatsuma, you have always been a person with your own ideas.
Regarding the things grandmother left for you, I shouldn't meddle. I know your grand aspirations, but only by staying alive can you do the things you want to do. Don't realize your stubbornness only when it's too late."
Tsunade's attitude surprised Tatsuma. He pursed his lips, wanting to say something, but Tsunade hugged him and slipped something into his hands, softly saying, "I only have you and Nawaki left, take care."
After she finished, Tsunade let go of Tatsuma. She intended to pat his head as she usually did, but was startled to realize that Tatsuma was no longer shorter than her.
Tatsuma gently lowered his head, allowing Tsunade's raised hand to land on the back of his head, and responded, "I understand, sensei. You take care of yourself too.
By the way, stay away from the casino. I recently took inventory of the family's assets, and we can't afford your splurging anymore."
After saying this, Tatsuma shrugged off Tsunade's hand, then walked away with a smile. Tsunade was stunned for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "Once I recover, I'll go to the casino and win it back!"
Tatsuma didn't look back; he just raised his hand and waved. The anger on Tsunade's face quickly dissipated. After letting out a long breath, she turned and walked back into the hospital.
After leaving the hospital, Tatsuma returned home. He checked the supplies he had prepared for the trip. After confirming everything was in order, he stored various scrolls according to his habits.
Then he put on his ANBU uniform, fastened his mask, and was about to leave when he noticed the bottle of poison that Orochimaru had given him on the table.
The hallucinogenic poison, unlike the neurotoxins, cytotoxins, and cardiotoxins that Tsunade "copied" from Chiyo, held a different position in Tatsuma's mind.
Although all these poisons were intended to incapacitate enemies, the hallucinogenic and anesthetic poison always made Tatsuma feel uneasy. He even wanted to ask Orochimaru if this poison was addictive.
After staring at the small vial for a long time, Tatsuma decided to put it down, foregoing the poison that Orochimaru claimed even a tailed beast Jinchuriki couldn't resist.
After a final check of his ninja tool pouch to ensure everything was in order, Tatsuma left his home.
Since this was an ANBU mission, he didn't need to apply for a village exit permit or choose to leave through the village gates.
Moving swiftly through the village during a relatively busy time, Tatsuma remained unnoticed. Soon, he arrived at the designated meeting spot.
Minato was already waiting. Tatsuma landed beside him and said, "I thought you would be with Kushina in the Senju Clan's territory."
"I didn't tell her I joined the ANBU."
Minato scratched his head, feeling a bit guilty. Although he had told Kushina that he was going on a mission, he hadn't been completely honest, which gave him a strange sense of guilt.
Tatsuma nodded and asked, "Has Sakumo-sama not arrived yet?"
"Not yet."
Just as Minato finished speaking, another voice suddenly interrupted, "That means your sensory skills aren't good enough."
Looking towards the source of the voice, Tatsuma saw that Sakumo Hatake had somehow already seated himself on a large tree branch. His slightly tired eyes carried a hint of good-natured mockery.
"Sakumo-sama." x2
Upon seeing Sakumo Hatake, both Tatsuma and Minato immediately straightened their postures and greeted him respectfully. Sakumo Hatake jumped down from the tree and waved his hand, saying, "Actually, I followed Yaksha here, so I'm the last one to arrive."
Regarding what Sakumo Hatake said, Tatsuma wasn't sure if it was true or not, so he didn't respond.
Tatsuma had been quite confident in his stealth skills, but his equally confident counter-tracking and reconnaissance skills hadn't detected Sakumo Hatake's presence.
Therefore, he couldn't be certain if Sakumo Hatake was trying to comfort him or if he really had been followed all the way without realizing it.
Sakumo Hatake didn't continue on the topic. Instead, he came over to the two of them and said, "Leave the Flying Thunder God technique mark on me. After some thought, leaving it on clothing still carries some risk."
A smile unconsciously appeared on Tatsuma's face. Sakumo Hatake's suggestion was proof of his trust in Tatsuma and Minato.
Once the Flying Thunder God technique mark is left, it is nearly impossible to remove without the primary caster's consent. If it were on items like clothing or kunai, the technique could be nullified by destroying those objects. However, when it comes to the human body...
Without much thought, since Sakumo Hatake trusted him enough, Tatsuma stopped hesitating. He reached out towards Sakumo Hatake, who lifted his shirt, allowing Tatsuma and Minato to inscribe the Flying Thunder God technique marks on both sides of his ribs.
With the technique successfully inscribed, this meant that as long as he is within Tatsuma and Minato sensing range, they could teleport near Sakumo Hatake at any time, which was good for protection.
However, if they harbored any ill intentions and attacked Sakumo Hatake when he was unguarded, even Sakumo Hatake himself might suffer some harm.
After inscribing the technique, Tatsuma withdrew his hand and said, "Thank you for your cooperation, Sakumo-sama. After the mission, Owl and I will remove the Flying Thunder God technique marks."
Putting down his shirt, Sakumo Hatake shrugged indifferently and said, "It's fine. I don't work in those corporate offices at the Daimyo's mansion. Having some markings on me doesn't matter."
Seeing Sakumo Hatake so relaxed, Tatsuma smiled politely in response.
After adjusting his clothes, Sakumo Hatake walked towards the perimeter wall, saying, "I've contacted the Land of Iron. They don't seem willing to grant passage, so we'll have to choose either by sea or through the Land of Frost."
Sakumo Hatake had asked for Land of Iron's opinion because Konoha and Land of Fire recognized Land of Iron's neutral status. As for the Land of Frost, no prior notification was needed; they could enter and exit freely without interference, even without being detected.
Tatsuma nodded and replied, "I've read reports on Uchiha's Northern War before and know a few routes. I'm not sure if they've been cleared by the Hidden Cloud."
"We'll find out when we get there. These old war routes have more than one way of being handled—not just clearing, but possibly ambushes as well."
Sakumo Hatake casually imparted a tidbit of knowledge, which Tatsuma and Minato both took to heart.
Using ANBU's specific methods, the three departed from Konoha and headed north towards the Land of Lightning.
However, the three weren't moving quickly. Perhaps it was to accommodate Tatsuma, or maybe because Sakumo Hatake's own physical condition hadn't fully recovered after his injury. They could be described as leisurely heading towards the Land of Lightning.
This mission had no time limit. Despite its high priority, so high that Sakumo Hatake had to set aside other tasks to execute it, there was no specified deadline for completion.
In theory, if they couldn't complete the mission, the village wouldn't recall them. They could continue roaming outside, gathering intelligence. However, the three wouldn't do such a thing, and the village wouldn't allow it. If they were caught slacking off, the village would likely remind them repeatedly to either speed up the mission or return directly to the village.
It took them two days to sneak into the Land of Frost. Along various pre-planned routes, they investigated while moving towards the Land of Lightning.
Many of these operational routes had been severely damaged, with some terrain along the routes even altered, particularly in the part of the Land of Frost.
However, this was normal. Konoha's ninjas could easily infiltrate the Land of Frost, and ninjas from the Hidden Cloud Village could do the same effortlessly. Even if they were discovered, the Land of Frost wouldn't dare to say anything.
However, Tatsuma and the others found a relatively intact route. After Tatsuma inspected the supplies along the way and confirmed there were no issues, they used this route to head towards the Hidden Cloud Village.
"There are quite a few Sensing ninjas in the Hidden Cloud Village. Although they're not as specialized as the Hyuga, Inuzuka, or Aburame clans and their sensing coverage isn't extensive, we still need to be cautious."
As they approached the Land of Lightning, Sakumo Hatake reminded them. He knew Tatsuma and Minato were both Sensing-type ninjas. He had heard that Tatsuma's Sensing ability was stronger, but nearing the Land of Lightning, Tatsuma entrusted the Sensing task to Minato.
Sakumo Hatake worried that this was a decision made too lightly by Tatsuma. However, in response to his concern, Tatsuma smiled and said, "I don't have Lightning nature Chakra, but Minato does."
"The Land of Lightning has a lot of stormy weather, which could limit my Sensing ability. On the other hand, Minato's Sensing abilities will likely be enhanced in this environment. Besides, with Minato's caution, it should be fine."
Minato nodded enthusiastically. He also sensed Sakumo Hatake's concern, though he understood it was a reminder for the mission. Still, the feeling of not being trusted made him uncomfortable.
Tatsuma's support quickly dispelled his discomfort, restoring his confidence.
Seeing this, Sakumo Hatake realized his misunderstanding and turned to Minato, saying, "Then I'll rely on you, Owl."
After nearly another day spent changing routes several times, they cautiously crossed Raiko Ridge and finally entered the Land of Lightning. Finding a place to rest, Sakumo Hatake spread out a map and asked, "The Land of Lightning has advanced communication technology of various kinds. We can only choose remote mountain paths to detour towards the Hidden Cloud Village. What do you both think?"
Although these points were discussed earlier, detailed route planning wasn't done due to uncertainty about the landing site. Minato looked at the map, envisioning a winding route in his mind.
Just as he was about to give his suggestion, Tatsuma spoke up first: "We're not going to the Hidden Cloud Village."
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