Chapter 136: Destination: Land of Lightning

The brief return to Otogakure was a whirlwind of strategic discussion. Ren, Orochimaru, and the leaders of Hebi convened to address the growing threat of the Akatsuki. The organization's method of operating in two-man cells to capture the Tailed Beasts presented a clear vulnerability: they could be hunted down and eliminated one by one.

"Hehehe~ So, Ren-kun, you have decided to move against Akatsuki," Orochimaru rasped, his golden eyes gleaming with interest. "What role do you envision for me?"

"Your role is simple," Ren stated, his arms crossed. "Provide me with continuous, real-time intelligence on the movements of every Akatsuki member and the location of each Jinchuriki."

"Merely information?" Orochimaru's smile was sly. "You do not wish for the resources of the Sound Village to assist you directly?"

"The choice is yours," Ren replied, his tone indifferent. "Your assistance is welcome, but not required. We are fully capable of handling this ourselves."

Orochimaru let out a dry, rattling laugh. "Hehehe~ I see. While I would be delighted to aid you, my... physical condition has been deteriorating. My next reincarnation deadline approaches, and facing the powerhouses of Akatsuki in my current state would be... unwise. Furthermore, Konoha's agents are like persistent flies. I shall offer my full support after my rebirth."

Ren's response was a derisive snort. "How convenient. You offer a pittance of information while we shoulder all the risk. If we fail, you lose nothing. Is this what you call partnership?" He paused, a cold smile touching his lips. "Not that I expected more. I intended to handle this from the beginning."

"Do not misunderstand, Ren-kun," Orochimaru soothed, though his eyes held a calculating light. "The information network of Oto is vast. You will have access to all of it. And when the situation demands it, you may call upon the shinobi of the Sound. Think of it as a division of labor." The source of thɪs content is novelꞁire.net

A tense agreement was struck. Orochimaru would be the intelligence arm, and Hebi would be the blade. Ren accepted the terms without further complaint, his long-term plans making Orochimaru's temporary utility all that mattered.

Now, days later, Ren and the full team of Hebi were moving with swift purpose through rugged, mountainous terrain. Their destination: the Land of Lightning.

"Boss," Suigetsu grumbled, catching up to walk beside Ren. "I still don't get it. Why agree to such a raw deal? Orochimaru sits safe in his hole, and we do all the dirty work. It's not fair!"

Ren didn't break his stride. "Our primary objective aligns with the task. I never expected sincerity from a snake. His information is a bonus, not the foundation of my plan." Ren's voice dropped, taking on a grim, knowing edge. "Besides, Orochimaru... his time is short. There's no need to quarrel with a dead man."

The entire team stumbled mid-step, shocked into silence. Suigetsu, Karin, and Jūgo all stared at Ren's back.

"W-What? Boss, what do you mean?" Suigetsu stammered, his bravado gone.

"That's enough questions," Ren said, his tone final. "You will understand when the time comes. For now, we have a long journey. Pick up the pace."

With that, his speed increased dramatically, becoming a blur that left the others scrambling to catch up.

They traveled for two more days, the landscape shifting into the stark, dramatic mountains that characterized the Land of Lightning. Finally, they reached a small trading town nestled in a valley, their first stop within the nation's borders.

"Boss, we're here. What's the plan now?" Suigetsu asked as they walked through the bustling, if rustic, streets.

"We find an inn. We rest tonight. Tomorrow, we head for Kumogakure," Ren stated.

"Kumogakure? We're really doing this?" Suigetsu's voice held a mix of excitement and trepidation. "That's one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages! Their shinobi are supposed to be monsters—all muscle and lightning jutsu. And their Raikage... the stories say the Third Raikage fought an army of ten thousand for three days and only fell from exhaustion, not injury!"

Ren glanced at him. "Are you afraid?"

"Who, me? Never!" Suigetsu puffed out his chest, then deflated slightly. "It's just... that's a whole village. We're just four people."

Karin adjusted her glasses with a smirk. "What's the matter, Suigetsu? Losing your nerve? I thought you were a proud swordsman of Kiri."

"Shut up, Four-Eyes! I can handle it! Besides," he said, gesturing to Ren, "we've got the Boss. How tough can a Raikage be compared to him?"

"Enough," Ren cut off their bickering. "We are in enemy territory. I want no unnecessary attention. Our objective is to locate the Two-Tails Jinchuriki and secure her before Akatsuki does. That is all. Now, find us lodging."

He led them to a modest inn on the town's main street. Ren secured three rooms: one for himself, one for Karin, and a shared one for Suigetsu and Jūgo.

The atmosphere was tense but focused. Each member of Hebi knew that the following day would not be a simple reconnaissance mission. It would likely be a direct assault on one of the most fortified locations in the shinobi world.

Tomorrow, they would knock on the gates of the Cloud.

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