Chapter 31
Chapter 31
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 0
Chapter Title: Anbu Pursuit Order
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Hokage Building, Anbu Base.
A silver-haired Kakashi, without his mask, stood silently among the numerous Anbu ninja wearing various animal masks, quietly applying a medicinal patch to the wound on his forehead.
After Orochimaru's escape, he had immediately given chase and encountered him outside the village's protective barrier.
However, Kakashi still hadn't fully emerged from the shadow of Rin's death. He was somewhat mentally dazed, and the heavy drain on his Sharingan had greatly weakened his combat prowess.
As a result, he was no match for Orochimaru and failed to apprehend him.
That said, the Third Hokage's explosive tag had also injured Orochimaru.
Moreover, Kakashi's Sharingan was still only two-tomoe—and a transplant at that—so the wounded Orochimaru hadn't even considered taking it, sparing Kakashi's life.
After being stared down by those snake-like eyes, Kakashi hadn't continued the pursuit and instead returned to the village.
Creak—
The heavy Anbu doors slowly swung open.
As the Third Hokage and Danzo emerged one after the other, Kakashi lowered his hand and donned his white cat mask.
Under the moonlight, Sarutobi Hiruzen took two steps forward and addressed the Anbu ninja below the steps in a solemn voice.
"This emergency assembly is to swiftly capture Orochimaru, who slipped through the net during the previous operation."
"Intelligence indicates Orochimaru is injured. We must apprehend him before he crosses the Land of Fire's border!"
"Listen up! The intel, knowledge, and techniques Orochimaru possesses are invaluable assets to Konoha!"
"Do your utmost to bring him back alive!"
"If he escapes the Land of Fire's borders, it will be a severe blow to Konoha!"
"Therefore, capture him before he leaves the Land of Fire! Everyone, search with full effort!"
"Disperse!"
With the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's speech concluded, dozens of Anbu elite ninja scattered in all directions!
Sarutobi Hiruzen turned and headed back into the Anbu building.
"To think even someone like you would fail."
Danzo's voice rang out.
Sarutobi Hiruzen halted but did not respond.
"I will lend my full support to the capture operation," Danzo added at last. "For the sake of Konoha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen closed his eyes. "How considerate of you."
With that, he opened his eyes again and slowly walked into the Anbu building.
Danzo remained standing behind him like a bald vulture, his single eye fixed on the sparsely lit lights of Konoha village under the night sky.
Outside the village.
Twenty Anbu ninja fanned out in pursuit.
Including Root, Anbu had a total of over seventy elite ninja.
Of course, it was impossible to deploy them all.
This time, Sarutobi Hiruzen had mainly mobilized the squad leaders and vice-captains from each unit—all at minimum Special Jonin level.
He knew full well that his disciple was no ordinary ninja.
Even the Anbu operated in pairs, each carrying signal flares. Upon spotting Orochimaru's trail, they would immediately fire one to summon nearby Anbu reinforcements.
Added to Orochimaru's current injured state, this gave them a chance to capture him alive.
Soon, the twenty ninja used the Barrier Team's detection of Orochimaru's escape route from Konoha and began tracking him from that direction.
Some dashed through the forests, others followed the rivers, and a few even submerged into the waterways, all seeking any trace of Orochimaru.
Meanwhile, Kakashi, acting alone, sped through the forest, his mind wandering.
"He didn't even have me in his sights..."
Kakashi recalled his clash with Orochimaru. Even after being wounded by the explosive tag, the man hadn't spared him a glance, coldly brushing past as if he were nothing.