Chapter 64
After parting with Jiraiya and the others, Zixu picked up his pace, eventually breaking into a run with Gaara in his arms.
Kankuro and Temari had no choice but to struggle to keep up. They didn't know how long they had been running, but they followed Zixu through forests, deserts, swamps, and valleys until they finally stopped at an extremely well-hidden crevice at the foot of a mountain.
Temari and the other girl were utterly exhausted from the chase and had little energy to take note of their surroundings. Zixu formed several hand seals at the crevice, confirming something multiple times before pulling Kankuro and the others toward it.
"Aaaaaah!" Kankuro and Temari screamed as they were forcibly dragged along, thinking Zixu had lost his mind. However, after a brief bout of dizziness, they did not find themselves in a river of blood as they had feared. Instead, they were greeted by dazzling sunlight.
Temari squinted, shielding her eyes with her hand against the glare, only to find herself staring at a breathtaking landscape of majestic mountains and flowing rivers. Many of the houses appeared to have been newly built, while groups of people busily moved complex and intricate equipment into place.
Upon closer inspection, she noticed Orochimaru leading the effort, meticulously directing the placement of various instruments with an almost reverent focus. His eyes reflected an obsession—these wires and electronic screens seemed to hold greater value to him than anyone else present.
Kabuto, holding a small shovel, adjusted his glasses with his free hand as he examined a figure encased in a wooden coffin, its body marred by cracks. If his hunch was correct, he had once again dug up the wrong grave.
On the other side, a silent clone lay lazily in a rocking chair like a true slacker. Finding the sunlight too bright, he casually retrieved a pair of sunglasses and put them on, completely disregarding any work.
Karin stood to the side, somewhat lost. If her memory served her correctly... she had unintentionally become a traitor? But that was fine. Being a defector was far preferable to having her blood drained in Kusagakure.
Hyuga Chinano and Neji stood together, gathered with other defectors from Konoha's branch families, engaged in deep discussions about future strategies. With their cursed seals now suppressed, their movements had become significantly freer. However, the cost of their newfound freedom was that their Byakugan made them prime targets.
Despite the risk, Chinano and the others felt relieved. No longer did they have to live under the oppressive watch of the main family. Some among them wept openly, releasing long-suppressed emotions, while others laughed, unrestrained in their joy. Some simply stood in silence, reflecting on their past humiliations.