Land of Waves, where arrogant and vengeful people are gathered together...
Takemi's implication was already crystal clear.
Kakashi and Jiraiya couldn't possibly not understand, but they still found it somewhat hard to believe.
What kind of person with what kind of power could suppress these arrogant individuals?
Even if it was just superficial peace, at least they weren't actively causing trouble and could cooperate during battles. This was already unimaginable.
"Could it really be true?"
Jiraiya's expression turned serious, but there was still some hesitation in his eyes.
If that were truly the case, the situation would be grave.
"We can't be certain, but we can't rule it out either."
Kakashi pondered for a moment beside him before speaking in a low voice, "When I encountered Itachi and Jūzō before, I felt something was off, but the situation was urgent, so I didn't think too much about it."
"Recalling it now, the problem seems really big. Combined with Jiraiya-sama's intelligence, I'm afraid things are exactly as we suspected."
Jiraiya was silent for a moment, as everything seemed to point to a scene he really didn't want to imagine.
But the time, location, and even the organizational structure all overlapped. This was a huge problem.
"This organization is more terrifying than we imagined." Jiraiya rubbed his temples, feeling somewhat annoyed.
"Itachi, Jūzō, and if you add Orochimaru, they are all S-rank rogue ninjas. What does this organization want to do?"
"Regardless of what they want to do, I'm afraid their actions won't be simple."
Takemi blinked beside him, suddenly remembering Kakashi's mission, and then asked in a low voice, "One more thing, haven't you noticed that the Land of Waves is very close to a certain place?"
"Very close."
Kakashi reacted quickly, immediately thinking of something. "Are you talking about the Land of Water?"
"Kakashi-sensei, I'm thinking about something." Takemi nodded.
He said, "What kind of person could afford to hire such a powerful organization? Clearly, the Land of Waves doesn't have that capability."
"Of course, there are exceptions, but I think they would be difficult to get in touch with, like the wealthy merchant Gato we were planning to rob before."
"Hey, hey, hey? Robbing a wealthy merchant?"
Before Takemi could finish speaking, Jiraiya's eyes widened.
"Kakashi, what exactly have you been teaching this kid? This idea is very dangerous!"
"Stop spouting nonsense, Takemi."
Kakashi covered his forehead helplessly. Takemi hadn't mentioned this the whole way. He himself had almost forgotten about it, but now it had surfaced again.
What a deep obsession!
"Who knows where he learned that idea? But there's a lot of sense in what he says. It's true that ordinary wealthy merchants would find it difficult to get in touch with such an organization." Kakashi shook his head and said.
Although Takemi was being a pain in the ass, he had given them a lead.
Kakashi said, "This kind of organization either only takes missions in the black market, or they directly carry out war missions through villages. Iwagakure is very fond of hiring some organizations for suppression missions, so..."
Jiraiya continued, "So, they are near the Land of Waves, most likely accepting a commission from Kirigakure?"
Having analyzed to this point, Jiraiya's thoughts also became clear. His eyes flickered slightly, as if he was trying to make a decision.
"Jiraiya-sama, you're not planning to go to Kirigakure yourself, are you?"
Seeing that look in his eyes, Takemi immediately guessed what he was thinking.
"Jiraiya-sama, please don't be impulsive!" Kakashi also reacted immediately, saying in a low voice.
"If our judgment is correct, then going there rashly would be extremely dangerous, especially since Kirigakure is surrounded by the sea on all sides, making even retreat impossible!"
Kirigakure has a huge geographical advantage. A long strait isolates them from land attacks, while they can launch attacks withot any worry.
Moreover, they truly have a grudge against Konoha. Almost every time a major war breaks out in the Ninja World, they attack Konoha.
As for the reason, it is said that their founder was unwilling to join when Konoha was just established, or wanted to bargain.
Then, unfortunately for them, they encountered Madara, who was fed up with them. Not wanting to get troubled, he simply sent them all to their current home.
"Indeed, the hatred from past wars, and a mysterious organization that has likely absorbed Itachi, Jūzō, and can even suppress Orochimaru."
Takemi nodded along, adding, "Kakashi-sensei often visits the memorial stone to mourn his past friends. Maybe next year we'll have to burn more incense."
"..."
Jiraiya's eyelid twitched. He glared fiercely at Takemi. Why was this kid's words so unpleasant?
However, he wasn't angry, because he knew it was all true, but he was still unwilling.
"Jiraiya-sama, why don't you come back to Konoha with us?"
Looking at the silent Jiraiya, Takemi glanced at Kakashi before continuing to speak, "This situation has clearly exceeded the scope of your personal investigation. If it really involves Kirigakure, you can at least find some help by returning to Konoha."
"That's right, Jiraiya-sama."
Kakashi also nodded along. He really didn't want Jiraiya to act recklessly.
"The situation with that organization is extremely complicated, and they seem to be incredibly powerful. This isn't a small matter."
"And Takemi is right, if it's really related to Kirigakure, then the best choice is to return to the village. You will definitely get help after returning with us."
"After all, whether it's Orochimaru or Itachi, they are both rogue ninjas from Konoha. The village won't ignore such a dangerous organization."
Kakashi's words carried a lot of weight, and Jiraiya also fell silent upon hearing this.
He really didn't want to go back, but things had reached this point, and there seemed to be no better option.
"Alright, I understand."
Thinking this, Jiraiya could only nod helplessly.
"Seriously, I didn't expect things to get so complicated, and in the end, I even have to sacrifice my freedom. Damn it..."
Hearing these words, both Kakashi and Takemi breathed a sigh of relief.
Kakashi was truly worried about Jiraiya acting recklessly. If their deduction was correct, Jiraiya going to Kirigakure would be like an act of suicide.
No one in the Ninja World can stand against an entire village alone.
Only the legendary First Hokage could do that. But that was just a legend.
"Done!"
As for Takemi, it was much simpler. He just wanted Jiraiya to see the 'cherry blossoms' in his hometown. Otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered to guide Kakashi and Jiraiya.
Of course, while tricking Jiraiya into returning to Konoha, it wasn't a bad thing to also find some fun for Obito.
After all, Kakashi's Exclusive Side Mission was still there, and he couldn't miss any opportunity.
"But if he really goes there, maybe he might actually run into Obito."
Takemi was actually quite curious about when Obito had lost control of Kirigakure, as the original story hadn't specified it.
However, he guessed it should have happened in recent years.
"Maybe that exclusive side mission can be completed faster than expected." Takemi muttered to himself, and just then, his system finally reacted.
[Completed Side Mission: Jiraiya-sama, the cherry blossoms in your hometown are blooming]
[Reward: Jiraiya's Senjutsu]