Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 59

The night passes quietly and without incident. The forest is wrapped in a soothing stillness, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds greeting the dawn. As the first rays of sunlight filter through the trees, I slowly open my eyes and glance over at Itachi, who is already awake and watching the team's shelter in the distance. The group is preparing to leave the building Yamato constructed.

Together, we observe from afar as Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and Yamato set out for their next position—the bridge, where they simulate the upcoming encounter and finalize their strategy. Yamato leads the team, his instructions clear and precise, while Naruto listens with a determined expression. Sakura appears equally focused, though Sai remains as unreadable as ever.

Quietly, I turn to Itachi. "As soon as we gather more information, I'll need to contact Akatsuki to avoid suspicion," I say, my voice calm but tinged with slight unease.

Itachi nods, his gaze still fixed on the group. "I expected that," he replies evenly. "But the members are all far enough away to take days to reach this location."

I let his words sink in before adding, "Yes, all of them except Zetsu. He could be here instantly. He's not a fighter, but he reports everything directly to Pain."

Itachi tilts his head slightly toward me, his dark eyes meeting mine. "I understand," he says at last. "If Zetsu shows up, you'll need to act. But it has to be convincing."

Taking a deep breath, I nod. "Yes. If he appears, I'll have to make it look like I'm trying to capture Naruto. You'll need to stop me in time, Itachi. There can't be any doubt."

A faint smile crosses Itachi's face. "We'll manage. I'll be there, Yukari."

His words calm me, but the thought of Zetsu's sudden arrival keeps my nerves on edge. "I can't take any risks," I say. "If Zetsu reports back, there must be nothing suspicious. I need to ensure my position within Akatsuki remains intact."

Itachi places a reassuring hand lightly on my shoulder. "You're strong, Yukari. You've managed all these years. And I'll make sure nothing goes wrong."

I nod to him and turn my attention back to the group. Yamato appears to be reviewing the final details of their strategy, while Naruto looks impatient. The tension in the air is palpable, but with Itachi by my side, I feel steadier.

The team takes strategic positions around the bridge. Yamato, disguised as Sasori's puppet through his Wood Release, stands inconspicuously on the bridge, waiting for Orochimaru's spy to appear. The wind whistles through the gorge, adding to the tense atmosphere as everyone watches for the slightest movement.

From our hidden vantage point, Itachi and I observe the scene closely. "Very clever," I think, watching Yamato in his disguise. "Wood Release is incredibly useful—he just needs to be convincing now."

Time drags on in excruciating silence until a slim figure finally appears at the other end of the bridge. Kabuto Yakushi. I recognize him immediately, even though it's been years since I last saw him. He hasn't changed—still that manipulative expression and the dangerous glint in his eyes. He walks calmly and confidently toward Yamato, as if certain he's dealing with Sasori.

Kabuto stops a few steps away and scrutinizes Yamato—or rather, the puppet—with slightly narrowed eyes. "Sasori-sama," he begins in a respectful yet calculating tone. "It's been a long time. I have the information you requested."

Yamato nods slowly but remains silent. I watch as he carefully analyzes the situation, measuring Kabuto's every move and ensuring no mistakes are made.

Kabuto, however, seems to grow suspicious of the silence. His eyes narrow further, and I can see him subtly scanning the surroundings. He likely senses that something isn't right. Finally, his wary smile twists into a cold grin. "I see. You're not Sasori."