Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 400 Failure in Progress

"The seal has been broken." Payne, who usually had a stern face, rarely showed a hint of confusion.

When he merged with the Gedo Mazo, the intense craving for the Tailed Beasts convinced him that it was the perfect vessel for them, and once he grasped it, he wouldn't easily let go. However, one person shattered this assumption during their first attempt: the sealing chains could indeed be broken. Naruto Uzumaki was indeed the biggest obstacle to Akatsuki's grand plan!

Fortunately, among the Jinchuriki from various countries, only two had a good relationship with this guy. It seems highly likely that he's the one who took the Seven-Tails. The capture of the One-Tails has failed, but at least they obtained some chakra, which is barely enough. Let's adjust the order slightly and test him as soon as possible. The Seven-Tails is Kakuzu and Hidan's prey, so let them test him after capturing the Two-Tails.

"The chains of the Golem have been severed?" Tobi, having received the news from White Zetsu, immediately appeared in the tallest building in Amegakure. He was even more anxious than Pain, because he knew exactly what the Golem was. And what was Naruto, who could sever the Ten-Tails' hull and its connection to the Tailed Beast? He suddenly couldn't understand it.

“He used a sword imbued with special chakra; I’ve never seen chakra of that color before.” Seeing Tobi arrive in such a hurry, Pain was somewhat surprised and tentatively asked, “The Golem’s chains… are they unbreakable?”

Afei was taken aback by the question, suddenly realizing he had lost his composure. He hadn't revealed the complete plan for the Infinite Tsukuyomi to Pain; this man was initially used as a cover, and also a pre-ordained sacrifice. Although he didn't actually intend to revive that troublesome guy, the Rinnegan still had to be retrieved later, otherwise he wouldn't be able to fully control the Golem's power.

"It was just an unexpected incident, which is very detrimental to our subsequent operations," Afei quickly offered as an excuse.

Sure enough, nothing good ever comes from getting involved with Kurama! I thought replacing the Jinchūriki with a weak infant would be easier to control, but who knew that the infant would become even more troublesome as he grew up. I have to find an opportunity to test that guy's strength. In all the battles so far, has Kurama ever used his full power even once? If the test results are not optimistic, then I'll have to advance the capture plan, even if it means accidentally killing Kurama in the end, it's better than leaving this threat alive.

The two leaders of Xiao actually reached a consensus on this issue and at the same time agreed on the selection of people to be sent to test the waters.

If the plan to capture the tailed beast is executed, Deidara and Sasori might not both return. At most, they have only captured half a tailed beast. If the casualties are too rapid, they will have to deal with the remaining tailed beasts themselves. Therefore, choosing a combination that is more resilient and less likely to die is reasonable.

They had expected the other two groups to bring back their respective targets, but communications a few days later were all bad news.

"We haven't even arrived at our destination yet, and the Four-Tails has already vanished right under White Zetsu's nose. We can't find it anywhere."

"That woman who was covered in flames just disappeared while we were fighting! Exactly the same as last time! It's unbelievable!!"

Itachi's message was concise and clear; he finished speaking and then hung up. Anyone who has worked as a subordinate knows that such a big matter wouldn't be resolved without several days of discussion at the top. Even though Akatsuki has few people at the top and is highly efficient, it still needs time to process the information.

Hidan and Kakuzu's side was quite noisy. Hidan, who had been tricked for the second time, was almost furious. He was already annoyed that he couldn't go all out, and now, twice in a row, their targets had been inexplicably intercepted, even during the fight! How could he not be furious?

As for Kakuzu, he considered things more thoroughly, and almost immediately thought of a technique renowned throughout the ninja world. In fact, he had already guessed it the first time, and the second time it was solid proof. The woman suddenly vanished into thin air at the last moment after her blood was collected; apart from the Flying Thunder God Technique, he couldn't think of any other technique that could accomplish this.

But isn't the Flying Thunder God Technique supposed to require contact to activate? The Two-Tails clearly didn't make contact with anyone; he was in mid-air, in a position where there were no openings in any direction, yet the person simply vanished into thin air. He could only faintly sense a tremendous amount of chakra.

"It was the Flying Thunder God Technique that took away the Two-Tails, though we don't know how it was activated." Kakuzu's definitive statement silenced his companion's chatter. He was also quite annoyed and really wanted to fight. Nobody likes the feeling of fighting halfway through, especially since it's always when they're sure to win that someone gets caught out.

"In the current ninja world, only one person can accomplish this." Black Zetsu was actually bewildered as well. Although he was born from the God Tree, he had only truly manipulated it in the last few decades, and he wasn't entirely clear about whether the chains the God Tree had placed on the Tailed Beasts could be severed. But! He recognized Yin-Yang Release!

There was a chilling familiarity in that mass of chakra that Pain had never seen before. It must be that White Zetsu sensed something too; though his mind couldn't remember, his body remembered the humiliating experience of being beaten by that thing, hence the strong physiological reaction. And he wouldn't forget how Hagoromo, who had mastered Yin-Yang Release to such an extent, had defeated his mother with such meager chakra!

The Nine-Tails is Hagoromo's favorite. Could it be that... that fox learned Yin-Yang Release and selflessly taught it to this generation of Jinchuriki?

Then Naruto Uzumaki is doomed. Even if the death of the Jinchuriki slows down the plan, this guy is someone who must be eliminated!

Black Zetsu, who already disliked Naruto, seized the opportunity and immediately began a new round of instigation.

Against the backdrop of Xiao's series of setbacks, it was natural for the other side to achieve a great victory.

Old Purple, who had been in contact with "Radiance" for some time, believed this crucial intelligence without hesitation after hearing that "Akatsuki" was keeping an eye on him, and then casually passed the information on to Han. Han was relatively safer in Iwagakure than Old Purple, who wandered around without a fixed abode and had no reliable companions.

It was at this time that Jinlun came knocking on their door.

It was just an ordinary ramen shop, but it was located in the middle of a main road, far from any village or shop, making it a good place to rest.

Old Zi lifted the curtain and went inside, ordering a bowl of noodles. He waited for the middle-aged owner, whom everyone seemed to see, toss out the fine noodles and cook them right there in the pot. However, although he had ordered vegetarian ramen, what he received was meat sauce ramen, topped with a large naruto roll as a garnish. When he smelled a somewhat familiar aroma, Old Zi didn't quite realize what was happening and asked the owner in surprise if he had misheard.

The shopkeeper just smiled at him and asked, "Is this meat sauce to your liking?"

Old Zi subconsciously tasted it and was surprised to find that it was the flavor he made most often. There were just a few people who had learned how to make this meat sauce, and there just happened to be one of the most likely people to be here.

"You said you were ready before, does that still stand?"

A moment later, Lao Zi burst into laughter and grasped the outstretched hand without hesitation.

For the past two years, he had been trying his best to avoid "Hui" and not to see, hear, or talk about him. But when that person reappeared, he still couldn't help but feel a longing in his heart.

He longed for a "new life".