Saving the Uchiha clan starts with becoming the clan leader.

And it seems they were captured alive.

However, Jirobo's life or death is not important, since that fat man doesn't know much anyway.

Or,

Kidomaru, Sakon, Tayuya, Jirobo... these guys only know a limited amount of information. They only know the locations of some of the research bases they once established. Those research bases can be abandoned later, so there's no need to worry about them getting involved in anything more.

and also,

Having paid such a heavy price, they would not feel any fear or weakness even when facing the leader of the Akatsuki organization. There was no reason for them to stay and engage in a life-or-death struggle with the Konoha ninja.

Therefore,

We can retreat with peace of mind now.

Bai Ru thought to herself.

then,

"Farewell, everyone from Konoha."

Bai whispered goodbye in the mirror.

During these whispered murmurs,

The ice mirrors continued to multiply rapidly in all directions, and Bai's blurry figure could be vaguely seen in all the mirrors, making it impossible to determine which direction he was heading.

This is—

Ice Realm Mirror Technique.

It is one of White's trump cards.

"No."

Yamanaka Santen, having formed hand seals and attempted to use his family's sensory technique without success, opened his eyes, looked at Uchiha Itachi beside him, and gently shook his head.

"That mirror... if I'm not mistaken, it should be a high-level space-time technique. Its chakra aura jumps and appears in different places, making it impossible to pinpoint its location. It's very difficult to catch up with. Unless we are also a master of space-time techniques, we won't be able to catch up."

The so-called high-level space-time techniques refer to techniques like the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Divine Might.

Space-time techniques

It's not as mysterious as ordinary genin imagine.

Rather, space-time techniques are extremely common. For example, the 'scrolls' used by ninjas are themselves an application of space-time techniques, and summoning techniques are, in essence, another application of space-time techniques.

Techniques like Flying Thunder God Technique and Kamui, which allow for easy teleportation of ninjas with virtually no limitations, are high-level space-time techniques. They are not only extremely rare but also very difficult to master; they are either innate talents or cannot be learned through training.

of course,

If one were to truly master it, it would be extremely powerful.

The Fourth Hokage relied on his space-time techniques to dominate the Third Shinobi World War, allowing Konoha, which was on the decline at the time, to maintain its status as the victor and avoid falling into ruin.

"let it go."

Itachi Uchiha decisively abandoned the idea of ​​pursuing.

"However... does this mean that high-level space-time techniques have become cheap?" he muttered to himself, turning his head to look at the ruins where two Uchiha clan ninjas using high-level space-time techniques were still fiercely fighting.

A ghostly figure flickered across the ruins.

If it weren't for having a pair of good eyes, it would probably be impossible to see clearly the process of the two people's appearance and disappearance. Just by staring at them for ten seconds, Uchiha Itachi felt as if he were there, experiencing the terrifying danger that Shisui was enduring.

Such a battle,

It was extremely dangerous.

The slightest misstep could plunge one into an abyss of no return.

"Are you really not going to pursue it?"

Kimimaro, standing beside Itachi Uchiha, asked a question.

“We can’t catch up. Ice Release… This bloodline limit is very powerful! This enemy won’t be easy to deal with.” Itachi Uchiha watched as the wooden golem destroyed the ice mirrors. “Moreover, Kimimaro, you are good at taijutsu. You will be at a disadvantage against this kind of enemy. Don’t be reckless.”

"I never intended to pursue him in the first place."

Kaguya Kimimaro gazed at the gleaming ice mirror in the distance, a hint of melancholy hidden on her cold face. Inexplicable emotions surged within her heart like boiling water, and a thousand thoughts in her mind finally turned into a long, leisurely sigh!

"Orochimaru... Sir!!

Is that the 'body' you chose to replace me?

His feelings were quite complicated. During the advance, he had seen Lord Orochimaru, whom he had not seen for many years. However, he found that he no longer had the impulse to return to Lord Orochimaru's side as he had when he was a child. Lord Orochimaru also seemed to ignore him completely.

From beginning to end,

Not a single extra glance was cast his way.

Things are different now!

Everything is different now. He, who grew up in Konoha, is no longer the same person he was when he was a child. He is still grateful to Lord Orochimaru. If Lord Orochimaru had not taken him away from that mad clan, he would probably have become dust in history along with his clan members.

But he would never willingly offer his body to someone now.

He will choose an appropriate way to repay Orochimaru for bringing him out of danger back then, but if he can't find an opportunity... he won't force it!

······

At this moment,

In the direction from which Itachi and the others were coming.

Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha walked slowly, supporting each other. It wasn't that they were supporting each other, but rather that Naruto, who had already recovered from his injuries, was supporting Sasuke, whose leg injury had not yet healed. Behind the boys was Fugaku Uchiha, who stayed by their side like a mother hen protecting her chicks.

After they rescued Sasuke,

Instead of stopping while they were ahead, they continued their mission and chose to go and rescue Naruto.

They found Naruto, who was attempting to escape from prison, without much effort. There was no decent defense around the cell, so they made their way to Naruto without any obstacles, thus successfully achieving their goal of raiding Amegakure.

The smoothness of the situation made everyone realize that this incident was not as simple as it seemed, and that there were definitely deeper reasons that they did not know. However, such an environment was obviously not suitable for thinking, and knowing too many secrets was not necessarily a good thing. It was safest to just follow orders.

After a brief discussion,

They decided to escort the two boys to find Shi Shui.

The fastest and safest way to escort the boys back to Konoha is through Shisui's Flying Thunder God Technique. Otherwise, if they were to walk back... it would take too long, involve too many variables, and be much riskier. It would be better to come and find Shisui.

As for why they didn't go looking for Zongxian...

The three days in the mountains and Hyuga Iroha are not just there to make up the numbers.

They could see that Zongxian's Heavenly Path clone was engaged in a fierce battle with Pain's clones, so intense that it was impossible to even get close. Going over at this time would only be asking for trouble.

of course,

The situation in Zhishui is equally unsettled.

But compared to Sogen's side, this place is already considered a good place. At least these people can still be of use here. If they go to Sogen's side, probably only Fugaku Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha, father and son, can help Sogen with their Susanoo.

otherwise,

Faced with the immense power of the Rinnegan,

Honestly, it would be impressive if a skilled fighter like Shiro Aburame could last two rounds. Weaker fighters like Santen Yamanaka and Iroha Hyuga would just be there to fill in the numbers and create atmosphere.

······

"A bunch of useless trash!"

Beneath the orange-red swirling mask, Obito Uchiha's expression was not good. Although he was also trying to buy time, to entangle Shisui Uchiha so that Pain could finish off Mugen Uchiha as soon as possible, he wouldn't mind bleeding Konoha dry if the opportunity arose.

Konoha is currently far too powerful.

pity--

His wish was like a flower in a mirror or the moon's reflection in water—visible but unattainable.

Haku's subordinates were routed, and Haku himself made a hasty retreat... With the arrival of Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Itachi, the situation was completely ruined. Although he was not afraid of being surrounded by enemies with Kamui, he was helpless against Uchiha Shisui, a formidable opponent.

If one finds themselves surrounded by multiple pairs of Mangekyou Sharingan,

Even if he tells the truth, he will not feel good.

However, these are all minor matters, insignificant details. What annoyed him was that despite the long delay, there was still no good news from Payne's side. His unease was growing, and he had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

He no longer wanted to get entangled with Uchiha Shisui; he needed to assess the current situation before deciding on his next move.

"He is incompetent himself, yet he blames his subordinates for being useless,"

Shi Shui cleaved out a single stroke.

He then let out a sarcastic remark.

"Hmph! Say whatever you want. Sacrifice is inevitable on the road to the future." Uchiha Obito didn't care about Shisui's sarcasm at all. In order to reach that beautiful future with Rin, he was willing to sacrifice the lives of his master and mistress, who cared for him like parents. What was a few of Orochimaru's subordinates who had died?

Top priority,

We still need to get rid of Uchiha Shisui, that persistent pest, find Zetsu, or go and check on Pain's progress with our own eyes.

[Chapter 385. Time is on Payne's side]

As the saying goes, a ninja who cannot complete a mission is not a qualified ninja. The once-famous White Fang of Konoha was forced to commit suicide by the mastermind behind the scenes because he violated this rule. However, Obito Uchiha was not that kind of stubborn person.

Furthermore, he never truly regarded Payne or Zetsu as his superiors.

Payne was just a pawn.

I am also a pawn.

Pain, however, lacked the awareness expected of a pawn and instead considered himself a player. Obito Uchiha also didn't intend to remain a pawn for life, but... unless he removed the hidden traps left by Madara Uchiha, he couldn't escape his status as a pawn.

of course,

Shedding the status of a pawn is a matter for the future.

Right now, the priority is to get rid of that annoying guy, Uchiha Shisui.

"See you later."

Obito Uchiha faced the sharp edge of the Sky Blade.

As the blade, whipping with fierce wind, swept across his neck, the familiar sensation of striking thin air made Shisui frown unhappily. Although both were space-time techniques, Obito Uchiha's space-time technique and Flying Thunder God Technique were vastly different.