Chapter 340: Return to the Land of Rain
A few days later.
The border between the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire.
Four figures stopped at the borderline.
"We've finally arrived."
Yahiko looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings, a mix of emotions surfacing within him. Counting the days, it had been so many years since he last stood here—so many that he could no longer keep track of them, countless days and nights lost to time.
"If it weren't for him, we would have arrived long ago," Konan grumbled, her frustration evident as she pointed an accusing finger at Kakuzu.
"Little girl, I'm hurt," Kakuzu muttered weakly, too drained to argue. It was true—he had slowed the group down considerably. With only one heart left and the strain of years of imprisonment, followed by another brutal beating, Kakuzu was in no condition to keep pace. His battered state left him feeling both humiliated and aggrieved.
"Hmph, you got hurt because you asked for it," Konan retorted sharply, casting him a disapproving glance. Kakuzu's suffering was undeniably self-inflicted.
Early that morning, Yahiko and the others had arrived at the Anbu prison. Armed with Tsunade's warrant, they gained access to Kakuzu without much difficulty. Remarkably, despite years of confinement, the old mercenary was still alive—a testament to his sheer vitality.
When informed they were taking him out, Kakuzu had barely hesitated before agreeing. Years of imprisonment had brought him to the brink of madness. He even had grandiose plans: with three "teenagers" under his command, he would take charge of things as soon as they left.
However, Yahiko and the others merely sneered at his delusions.