Chapter 23 The Chase

Under the haze, the rain drifted lightly in the deserted area, occasionally lifting scraps of paper into the air.

Not far from where Logan and Itachi were, at the top floor of the tallest building, three individuals clad in Akatsuki cloaks stood together.

In front of them was a screen made up of countless pieces of paper, and what was displayed on it was the figures of Logan and Itachi. A woman with paper flowers in her purple hair formed a hand seal and kept the jutsu running.

Paper continuously flew in from outside, converging and keeping the images updated.

If Logan were to see this scene, he would surely understand why he was discovered without him noticing. In a moment of negligence, he even forgot about Konan's Paper Ninjutsu. In this complex environment, all was within Konan's surveillance network, as her ability is extremely useful for detection and anti-infiltration.

But what was slightly unexpected was that the three Amegakure's Jonin were unable to deal with Logan and Itachi. It wasn't until Kisame joined midway that the situation began to change.

"How about that Konoha's Ninja?" Obito, wearing a vortex mask on his face and claiming his identity as Madara, said suddenly.

There was also a man with an indifferent expression sitting on the main seat, wearing a ring on his right thumb with the word 'Zero' engraved on it. He was Akatsuki's current leader, Pain.

Since Kisame was tasked with dealing with the troublemakers, the three of them had been observing for a while. Encountering intruders was not uncommon, but this time, the intruders were somewhat special.

"Which one are you referring to?" Konan kept her hands still while forming the hand seal, maintaining the Jutsu while speaking. Her beautiful eyes lingered on the image of Itachi on the paper for a moment before saying, "Is it the Uchiha's genius?"

Obito nodded, his single eye behind the swirl mask showing interest, "At this age, he already awakened to three tomoe. I wonder if he has already awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan..."

"Our organization is currently understaffed, I think this Uchiha Itachi is a very good candidate." Obito looked at Pain, and said, "It's worth paying attention to."

Itachi's potential is widely recognized. Even those who lived far away from Konoha Village had heard of this boy's reputation as a genius. And today, facing a Jonin alone, it can be seen that his reputation is not unfounded.

"Apart from being relatively young and not yet able to stand alone, he completely meets the requirements of what Akatsuki needs." Konan's expression showed some interest, and she agreed with Obito's thought.

Pain nodded as well. However, after acknowledging Obito's proposal, he raised his hand and pointed to another person in the screen, "This person named Hattori, who seems to have some issues with Kisame, is also worth recruiting."

At this moment, the situation of Logan and Itachi on the screen was not very good. Kisame exerted considerable pressure on them. Coupled with two Jonin, their speed was significantly hindered. Seven or eight Amegakure's Ninjas, who came to support, took advantage of the opportunity and intercepted Logan and Itachi on their inevitable path.

The situation suddenly became unsolvable, as in a few seconds, they would be surrounded and trapped to death.

However, at this moment, a bright light illuminated the gloomy sky, lightning condesing into a small sun, breaking through everything in its path. Even though there was no sound in the image, the three Akatsuki's members could feel the ferocity of the lightning. Surely, being amidst it would be filled with the roaring thunder.

Logan used his Chidori and unexpectedly penetrated the defense line of the Amegakure's Ninjas in an instant. Itachi also used his Fire Release to force everyone back.

Just as the encirclement was about to form, it was shattered by their sudden burst, and the two of them dashed out again. Estimating the distance, they were about to escape from the Amegakure.

"There are so many talents in Konoha." Chidori's dazzling appearance attracted the attention of the three people. Obito sighed, acknowledging Logan's strength. However, he did not express a clear meaning to Pain's words.

In his heart, he is still more optimistic about Itachi.

There was a trace of sweat on Konan's forehead, and the paper twisted for a while, and finally dissipated and fell. She released the Jutsu, exhaled slightly, and said: "They've escaped from Amegakure. After a certain range, this Surveillance Jutsu would lose its effect."

"Uchiha Itachi is worth paying attention to, but for now, he hasn't reached the requirements of the organization's 'Capture the Tailed Beasts' plan, so let's wait. As for this Ninja named Raiden Hattori, he can immediately become a combat force." Pain considered for a moment before speaking, "Kisame also mentioned that this person possesses Space-Time Ninjutsu that allows him to suddenly disappears. He is not simple."

"Tobi, go and intercept Raiden Hattori, and convey the organization's intentions." Pain looked at the useless pieces of paper on the ground.

Logan and Itachi had already escaped from Amegakure, so they are already a long distance away.

He and Konan couldn't leave the village easily, so the most suitable person to pursue Logan is Obito.

"He's not a Missing-nin, so why should he join us?" Obito said lazily.

"If he refuses, then kill him." Pain paused and said with almost no hesitation, "Let's see how he handles such a simple multiple-choice question."

This time, their information was probed by the Konoha's Ninjas, but fortunately, no important information was leaked. Pain had considered simply keeping both individuals, attempting to recruit them if possible, and if they don't agree, they will just eliminate them.

However, if they were silenced, losing two members of the ANBU would not be a small matter, especially considering one of them was an Uchiha's genius. Matters concerning the Sharingan had always been exceptionally sensitive, so Konoha will definitely pay more attention to Amegakure and their organization in the future.

At that time, it will not be as simple as sending two people to get their information. In other Great Ninja Villages, capturing enemy Ninja typically involved interrogation and imprisonment, with severe cases resulting in execution.

However, Pain couldn't afford to do this. The Akatsuki couldn't openly confront major powers yet, as it would greatly affect their future plans.

The Uchiha couldn't be touched, but the other one didn't matter much.

"Alright." Obito understood Pain's implication. He shrugged, and stood up. The space was weirdly distorted, and in the next second, he disappeared.

…

"Senpai, are you okay?"

In the forest northeast of Amegakure, two figures are fleeing at high speed.

The rain fell on the raincoat and was constantly shaken off by their running momentum. There was also a trace of blood mixed in it.

Itachi occasionally glanced at Logan beside him. Even his usually indifferent face showed signs of fluctuation.

"It's okay, I won't die. Just keep running." Logan panted, a shuriken stuck in his left forearm, a souvenir from their recent breakout. The wound was constantly being washed by the rain and blood continued to flow out.

There was no time to tend to the wound now. Although they successfully left Amegakure and temporarily shook off the Amegakure's Ninja, the other party wouldn't give up easily.

'Especially Akatsuki.' Logan vaguely guessed that they were discovered because of Konan, 'It is simply impossible to be too vigilant when facing against this organization.'

Itachi pursed his lips. Talking while running consumed energy, and his condition wasn't great either. After running for a while, he couldn't help but recall the scene where Logan had bravely rushed ahead earlier. A sense of guilt arose within him.

'Perhaps, I shouldn't have hidden my abilities. I should have used the Mangekyo Sharingan earlier, so that we don't have to end up in the current predicament.'