Satoru rested his chin on his hand, observing the chaotic scene with a faint smile. His pale blue eyes curved slightly with amusement.
Looks like it's about time to leave.
There was no point in staying for a battle that didn't concern him. The only thing he needed to ensure was that his identity remained hidden—for now, at least.
As his thoughts wandered, Satoru recalled Kisame's earlier comment.
Join Akatsuki?
The notion lingered, and a knowing glint flickered in his eyes.
So, it was Black Zetsu pulling the strings.
Satoru had little doubt now that Black Zetsu was the one orchestrating this strange invitation. But why him?
The idea wasn't entirely unappealing.
If they're targeting me, it might be better to join and control the narrative myself.
Joining Akatsuki would grant him access to their inner workings—and more importantly, to Black Zetsu. It would be the perfect opportunity to gather intel and identify weaknesses.
The thought brought a sly smile to his lips.
Jiraiya's voice snapped him out of his musings.
"Toad Mouth Binding Jutsu!"
The hallway shifted, transforming into a living, pulsating chamber of fleshy walls—the stomach of a toad from Mount Myoboku.
Satoru's eyes flicked around the space, his curiosity piqued.
Ah, this. He'll use it against Pain later, too. Pretty effective.
Jiraiya's voice echoed confidently through the chamber.
"You're inside the stomach of the Toad of Mount Myoboku. No one has ever escaped from here."
His gaze locked on the three individuals opposite him—Itachi, Kisame, and Satoru.
Though Jiraiya regarded the Akatsuki duo as primary threats, his suspicion of Satoru had grown exponentially.
"Such a pity," Kisame said, shaking his head as he looked at Satoru.
"I thought we could recruit him. Guess this is the end of the line."
"It's useless," Jiraiya said with conviction. "No one escapes this technique."
A sharp explosion interrupted his words.
Jiraiya's head whipped toward the source of the blast.
When the smoke cleared, he saw a massive hole in the fleshy walls—and no sign of the Akatsuki members.
"They escaped?" Jiraiya muttered, his expression twisting in disbelief.
Rushing back, Jiraiya's focus shifted to Satoru, who still lounged lazily against the wall, completely at ease.
"Who are you?" Jiraiya asked, his voice cold.
"What's your connection to Akatsuki?"
Satoru tilted his head, his pale blue eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Hm, let's see..." he said, stroking his chin. "We haven't exactly become partners yet. Maybe acquaintances? Or strangers who've had a few chats?"
Jiraiya's frown deepened.
"This is the stomach lining of the rock toad. The longer you stay, the more likely you are to dissolve in its gastric juices," Jiraiya said sternly. "I'd suggest you take this seriously."
But Satoru appeared unfazed.
"I think it's about time," he said, standing up and adjusting the box of snacks beside him.
"By the way, don't touch my snacks. I'll come back for them later."
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed.
"Do you really think you can get out of here?"
Satoru chuckled, his white hair swaying slightly as he turned.
"Uncle, you need to pay closer attention."
With a wink, his form dissolved into a puff of white smoke.
"A shadow clone?" Jiraiya muttered, his eyes widening.
When? How?
He had been monitoring Satoru closely since the beginning. How had he missed this?
Jiraiya's expression shifted to one of frustration and contemplation.
Nearby, Naruto and Sasuke were grinning as they carefully arranged the snack box Satoru had left behind.
"Pervy Sage, why are you just standing there?" Naruto asked, glancing up.
Jiraiya sighed, rubbing his temples.
"You kids are unbelievable," he muttered, watching them with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Still, his curiosity got the better of him. Picking up one of the snacks, he popped it into his mouth.
A moment later, Jiraiya's face twisted in horror.
"Vomit! Vomit! What is this?!"
He clawed at his throat, his entire body convulsing as if he had been poisoned.
Naruto rushed over in a panic.
"Pervy Sage! Are you okay?!"
Sasuke, meanwhile, examined the snack box.
"'Durian Tomato Triple Sugar Special,'" he read aloud, his tone deadpan.
Elsewhere, Itachi and Kisame walked briskly through the forest, leaving the chaos behind.
"Why the retreat?" Kisame asked, his sharp teeth bared in a confused grin.
Itachi's dark eyes flickered with an unreadable expression.
"We've seen enough," he said simply. "Naruto isn't a concern right now."
Kisame frowned, glancing back at their route.
"You're acting strange today, Itachi."
Before Itachi could reply, a cheerful voice interrupted them.
"Hey! Wait for me!"
Both turned to see Satoru emerging from the shadows, a bright grin on his face.
"What about that cordial invitation? Or are Akatsuki's standards lower than I thought?"
Kisame's eyes widened in surprise.
"You again?! How did you find us?"
Itachi's gaze sharpened, suspicion flashing through his Sharingan.
"How did you track us without being noticed?" he asked, his tone low.
Satoru bent his head slightly, adjusting the bandages on his forehead.
"Trade secret," he said, his smile widening.
>>>>>
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