### Chapter 184

Tsunade's expression changed. She sighed helplessly, saying: 

"The two elders are currently being hunted by the Third Kazekage."

Was there really such a fortuitous event?

Orochimaru's eyes lit up with intrigue. 

This guy... noticing the change in Orochimaru's pupils, Shinki was certain that Orochimaru had conducted some strange experiments since arriving at the front line. His altered eyes were undeniable proof. 

It wouldn't be long before Orochimaru earned the title of Konoha's Great White Snake. 

"I heard that Shinki and his team are carrying out a special mission together?" Orochimaru asked with a sly smile. 

"Revenge mission," Shinki replied without hesitation. "Last year's incident infuriated the daimyo, who kept pressuring the village. Hokage couldn't bear it anymore and proposed this mission. The village wanted me to lead it, but I refused. In the end, the two elders took it up. However, after reaching the Land of Wind, we split up. They went northwest, and I went south." 

"It seems that the devastation caused to the village and the oasis sparked a fierce response from the Sand Village, leading to another group being pursued." 

That was likely the case. As for how he completed the mission, Shinki didn't bother explaining. What mattered was that it was done. If anyone had doubts, they could investigate for themselves. 

As for the group being hunted, it had nothing to do with him. 

"Hehehe..." Orochimaru chuckled, his tone as usual. But upon closer listening, one could sense his good mood. 

Why was he in a good mood? Only Orochimaru himself knew the answer. 

"It seems the old man will have to go to great lengths to rescue those two. Hopefully, the operation won't turn the Bear Country into a third battlefield." 

"I hope so," Tsunade sighed, rubbing her forehead in frustration. 

She and Orochimaru both understood that the Third Hokage wouldn't abandon his old comrades. However, with the elders being hunted, they had no choice but to send a rescue mission. A small team wouldn't suffice, and a large one risked turning the Bear Country into another battlefield. 

This concern was valid. 

The Rain Country was already the first battlefield, and the River Country was the second. Adding the Bear Country as the third battlefield would complicate matters further. 

If this scenario unfolded, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Hamura would undoubtedly go down in history as the first individuals to escalate a conflict into a warzone within a minor country simply to save village elders. 

"I hope it's in time," Tsunade muttered. 

Orochimaru's grin widened. 

When he was in the village, he had been annoyed by those two elders. Now, as fate turned, it was his turn to relish the moment. 

Would they make it in time? Tsunade glanced at Shinki curiously. 

Shinki pondered briefly before responding: 

"It depends on their luck. The Sand Village is pursuing them relentlessly, but a Sarutobi clan member in their team has contracts with several flying summoning beasts. They've likely been in constant communication with the village. Who knows? The rescue team may already be in the Bear Country." 

As long as the contact remained intact, the Third Hokage would have acted once the Sand Village initiated its chase. 

The problem was the distance. Without prior preparations, the rescue might not arrive in time. 

"In that case, they might catch up. I just hope we don't see a third battlefield," Tsunade sighed again. She was too tired to overthink. 

The Third Hokage and his advisors wouldn't deliberately deceive anyone. If things went awry, it could only mean Koharu had been foolish enough to fall into Shinki's schemes. 

In any case, it was beyond their reach. Why worry about it now? 

Eating was the priority. 

Tsunade, who had been craving food for ages, ate heartily. Even Orochimaru seemed to enjoy himself, suggesting the camp's meals were subpar. 

No wonder Tsunade had been so eager for decent food. Even Orochimaru, who usually wasn't picky, seemed visibly relieved. 

"Buy some supplies when you return and send them to me, or I'm going on strike!" 

"I promise to send them," Tsunade mumbled through a mouthful of food. 

It wasn't that Shinki hadn't wanted to send something earlier, but Tsunade had always refused. Her inept cooking skills were infamous. If others prepared meals for her, jealousy among the ranks could arise. Best not to provoke unnecessary drama. 

---

While Shinki and his team enjoyed their barbecue feast, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Hamura were in dire straits in the Bear Country. 

Mitokado Hamura was faring slightly better, but Koharu, as a medical ninja, was clearly in poor condition. They had been relentlessly pursued by the Third Kazekage and his forces, enduring significant losses during their escape. 

"Is that Third Kazekage insane? He just won't give up!" Koharu cursed, exasperated. 

Hamura chose silence. If he were in the Kazekage's shoes, he'd be even more relentless. 

"Keep moving. Once we reach the Bear Country, we'll have more places to hide," Hamura said finally. 

In the barren Land of Wind, the Kazekage could easily locate them no matter where they ran. But the Bear Country's terrain would shift the odds in their favor. 

The Third Kazekage wouldn't dare fly through the dense forests. Between the natural poison gases in certain areas and the danger of ambushes, he would be forced to slow down. 

---

"Lord Kazekage, the Bear Country is just ahead..." 

"Keep pursuing! We need their heads as an explanation to the daimyo and villagers," the Third Kazekage ordered coldly. 

He didn't care about crossing into another country. 

As long as they didn't enter the Land of Earth, he would continue the chase. 

What could the Bear Country do? As a minor nation, they had no say in the matter. Until they gained significant influence, their complaints held no weight. 

Even so, the Kazekage wasn't reckless. 

While he could hunt alone in the Land of Wind, doing so in the Bear Country was too risky. He decided to wait for reinforcements before entering. 

---

Back at the Konoha camp, Tsunade lay sprawled on her bed, patting her belly contentedly. 

This was classic Tsunade behavior. Without outsiders around, her carefree side showed in full force. 

"Burp~~~" 

After a loud burp, she turned sideways to look at Shinki, who sat nearby. 

"I feel like Orochimaru has been acting strange lately. Keep your distance from him, and don't cooperate unless it's about puppets." 

"Then why do you still support him seizing power and controlling the camp? Aren't you afraid he'll cause trouble?" Shinki asked, turning to her. 

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