"Sigh..." Mabui raised her hand to wipe the sweat off her forehead, feeling a headache. She understood the Raikage's personality well; once he made a decision, no one could change his mind. There was nothing she could do but notify C and Darui.
Thirty minutes later.
Darui and C arrived at the Raikage's office simultaneously.
Raikage angrily said, "Why are you two so slow?"
Darui stepped forward and respectfully replied, "Apologies, Raikage-sama. I was just at the intelligence department. Squad Seven sent back an important message..."
Raikage: "Hmm? What information?"
Darui: "In the forest near the Valley of Clouds and Lightning, two ninjas wearing black cloaks with red clouds were spotted hiding. The intelligence department is currently analyzing their identities based on the physical characteristics reported by the squad."
C: "Raikage-sama, I believe they are likely the enemies. I've already dispatched ten nearby squads to support!"
"Report!"
A ninja suddenly rushed in and stood straight, shouting:
"Raikage-sama, the intruders' identities have been preliminarily identified. One is an S-rank rogue ninja from Takigakure and a bounty hunter, Kakuzu. The other one's identity is still unknown, but he appears to be extremely dangerous as well!"
"What?" C exclaimed in surprise. "An S-rank rogue ninja? Raikage-sama, I suggest we dispatch ten more elite Jonin squads for support!"
"No need for such trouble!" Raikage gritted his teeth and roared, "These two must be the bastards who took my brother and Yugito. I'm going to deal with them personally! Darui, C, you two come with me!"
"Wham!"
With that, Raikage turned around and smashed his fist into the window, shattering the glass instantly.
"Don't just stand there! Follow me!"
"Uh..." Seeing this, C and Darui both shook their heads helplessly and quickly followed him.
Mabui looked worried and sighed, "Sigh... I'll have to replace the glass again. This is the fourth time this month..."
...
At the Akatsuki base.
The members were still standing on the various fingers of the Gedo Statue, focused on sealing the Tailed Beasts.
"Huh?" Black Zetsu seemed to sense something and warned, "Kakuzu, Hidan, there is a large amount of chakra approaching your bodies. About ten elite ninja squads are heading your way."
Kakuzu: "Hmph, it seems we've been discovered."
Pain slightly opened his eyes: "Kakuzu, Hidan, you can stop sealing the Tailed Beasts for now and go take care of your bodies..."
"Ha ha ha, great!" Hidan laughed loudly, "These past few days have given me backaches and leg cramps. Finally, I can kill some people and relax. Kakuzu, let's go before the boss changes his mind!"
Pain: "You will be facing many Jonin from Kumogakure, and there might be stronger individuals. Do you need me to send one or two more members to assist you?"
"No, definitely not!" Hidan shook his head frantically, "They are all offerings to Lord Jashin. No one can take them from me!"
With that, the virtual images of Kakuzu and Hidan disappeared instantly.
Near the forest in the Valley of Clouds and Lightning.
Sitting cross-legged on a rock, Kakuzu and Hidan simultaneously opened their eyes.
"Strange, where are they?" Hidan looked around.
Kakuzu retorted angrily, "Idiot, didn't you hear Zetsu? He said the enemies are on their way. They should arrive soon."
"Kakuzu, you called me an idiot again! If I weren't in a good mood, I would definitely fight you!" Hidan stretched and yawned:
"Ah, that feels good! Time to get ready for some action!"
...