Race Against Time // Naruto Time Travel AU

Ch 35

Jiraiya's POV
J "Alright, I talked to the old man, I'll go back in about an hour to get our meeting time, he's working with Shikaku to clear schedules and make preparations."

KN "How much did you tell him?"

J "Not much, he knows Kakshi is involved, not to tell Danzo or any of the elders, and to keep the meeting secret. That's about it."

KN "Alright, what should we do while we wait?"

K "Don't get caught by someone."

KN "That's going to be harder than it sounds."

J "What do you mean?"

KN "Someone's coming."

K "Do you know who?"

KN "Mmmmmm.... it feels familiar but I don't recognize it yet.... oh. It's Gai."

K "Ah. I'll handle this, just stay here."

KN "Okay."

...................

J "So, I've been wondering..."

KN "What is it?"

J "Back when we first left for Orochimaru, there was that Zetsu thing following us..."

KN "Yeah, I remember."

J "Do you have any ideas what happened to it? Or if there's any others following us?"

KN "I- it's really strange."

J "So something has been happening with it?"

KN "Yes, something has been happening with him. I feel him show up every now and them, but just as quickly he's gone, same as that night. It's like someone or something is killing them, but I don't know who."

J "Do you have any theories?"

KN "Not really. Anyone I've considered doesn't make sense."

J "Who've you considered?"

KN "Well, first I thought of Orochimaru, he was part of the Akatsuki a while ago and knew about Zetsu, it'd make sense for him to have gone after him. But it keeps happening even after we took him down.
Then I thought of Itachi, but he has no reason to help a stranger who could be a threat to the village, and he wouldn't think you need help with that.
The only other one is maybe Obito? He's working with Zetsu, but he never really committed fully to Madara's plan, he could be doing something his own way... but he hasn't come around me at all while I've been here, and it wouldn't make sense for him to cut out his own spy network towards someone like me."

J "Strange... could it be something else?"

KN "It's too consistent to be a wild animal, I don't know what else it could be. You got any ideas?"

J "No, not really. Take it this isn't something the hokage could help with."

KN "No, there was one night I tried to go out to see for myself, but it happened way too fast, it was done long before I got there. There's no one in the village who would be able to catch it."

J "Not that I like leaving this unanswered, but ultimately it seems to be benefiting us right now, so let's put it off for a but okay?"

KN "Yeah, alright."

J "Anyways, Kakashi should be back in a moment, I'm gonna head off."

KN "It hasn't been an hour yet though..."

J "Ah it's fine."

KN "Pervy Sage."

J "What is it?"

KN "Don't be a perv."