Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 63.

"He will need a few days of rest, but he will pull through. Any more time, and it would have been too late."

Tsunade's words finally allow me to breathe again. I hadn't even realized how long I had been holding my breath until an overwhelming sense of relief washes over me. Itachi will live.

I look at Tsunade. She looks exhausted—no surprise, considering the enormous amount of chakra she must have used to save both Itachi and me.

"Thank you, Lady Hokage."

A faint smile flickers across Tsunade's face, but it doesn't last long.

"What are your plans now, Yukari?" Her tone is neutral, but I can tell something is weighing on her.

I don't hesitate. "I will return to Amegakure and explain my disappearance. After that, I will meet with Kisame and try to gather more information. But one thing I can already tell you—the Kyūbi is meant to be sealed last. As long as the Hachibi remains safe, we have some time... but it's running out."

I pause for a moment before adding with determination, "I will leave immediately."

Just as I move to stand, I feel Tsunade's hand on my shoulder.

"As much as I'd love to send you out right away, you need to rest." Her gaze is firm, but there's concern behind it. "You were at death's door, Yukari. Your body needs time to recover."

I grit my teeth, but before I can argue, she continues.

"But tell me—what can you say about Pain?"

I take a deep breath. "Not much more than what I've already reported. Every member of Akatsuki, except for Pain and Zetsu, is relatively easy to read. Pain gives away nothing. Even though Konan has always been kind to me, she never truly revealed anything either."

Tsunade presses her lips together as if she's deep in thought. "Jiraiya left for Amegakure shortly before your arrival. He intends to uncover more about Pain and infiltrate the village secretly."

I jolt upright.

"That's bad. Very bad."

Immediately, I feel my body tense again. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm.

"Even if Master Jiraiya manages to enter the village unnoticed... the rain in Amegakure is controlled by Pain." My voice is sharp. "That was in one of my first reports. It means the moment he crosses the border, Pain will know he's there."

Tsunade pales. "Then I need to assemble a rescue team."

I shake my head. "They won't make it into the village. They won't even come close."

My gaze hardens. "I'm leaving now."

Tsunade opens her mouth to protest, but I cut her off.

"Jiraiya will take about one to two days to reach Amegakure. If I hurry, I can still reach him in time."

"Yukari, you arrived in Konoha two days ago. You were unconscious for a long time, and I've been treating you for days." Tsunade's stare is piercing.

Two days.

Two whole days... I was so weak I hadn't even noticed how much time had passed.

"Then I need to move even faster." I meet Tsunade's gaze head-on. "If Pain has already found Jiraiya, there will be a fight. But if I'm in Amegakure, I might be able to attack first—buying Jiraiya a chance to escape."

I know Akatsuki no longer trusts me the way they once did, but I will find a way.

Tsunade studies me carefully. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"