“This one is Naruto… So, the one I sent before was Fū…!” Kakashi muttered with a troubled expression.

Due to the considerable distance between Konoha and their current location, both Naruto and Fū being wrapped in paper, and the limited time available, Kakashi lacked the opportunity to individually identify Naruto and Fū. As a result, he chose to send the Jinchuriki who was closer to him first.

Naturally, Kakashi had arrived with the intent of retrieving both Jinchuriki. However, if he couldn’t manage to rescue both, he would prioritize Naruto over Fū. Naruto held a unique position, not just as Konoha’s Jinchuriki but also as the son of Kakashi’s Sensei. This connection meant Kakashi had a special affection for Naruto.

This sentiment had led Kakashi to hope that the Jinchuriki he had sent to Konoha earlier was Naruto. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. The one he had sent earlier turned out to be Fū, not Naruto.

‘Now, how do I retrieve Naruto?’ Kakashi pondered as he focused on the floating figure of Naruto behind Nagato.

On the opposite side, Nagato also fixed his gaze on Kakashi. “You’re employing the Flying Raijin Jutsu, correct?” he inquired, adding, “It’s rather surprising to witness this Jutsu in action. Undoubtedly, it’s an intricate Ninjutsu, and you’ve mastered it quite well. You did manage to utilize the element of surprise to retrieve one of the Jinchuriki. However, if you believe that same approach will succeed again, you’re mistaken.”

Kakashi gritted his teeth and retorted, “It doesn’t matter what you believe. Nonetheless, I won’t allow any harm to befall Naruto!”

“Do your best, but you won’t be taking him away,” Nagato replied in a flat tone, as if stating an inevitable outcome.

Kakashi didn’t engage in further argument. Instead, he lowered his center of gravity, ready to initiate a fresh attempt to rescue Naruto.

He understood well that the element of surprise he had employed earlier represented his best opportunity to save both Jinchuriki. However, he had managed to save only one. Now that Nagato was alert, the task of rescuing Naruto had become exceedingly challenging.

Yet, regardless of the difficulty, as long as even a slender chance remained, Kakashi wouldn’t relinquish his efforts to save Naruto.

What about the possibility of dying?

Kakashi wasn’t overly concerned. Despite mentioning that another one of those attacks might be lethal, it was a touch of exaggeration. While it caused excruciating pain, it wasn’t enough to end him with just two or three strikes.

His body was significantly robust due to his training in Flying Raijin and Eight Inner Gates. He could withstand at least a dozen or so of those attacks. With this strength, Kakashi didn’t believe he would meet an easy death. He decided to take the chance, realizing he had nothing to lose except some chakra. In the worst case, he’d retreat without success.

As Kakashi resolved to proceed and assumed his stance, Konan, who had been silent, raised her hand. It split into countless paper butterflies that took flight and converged toward Kakashi. The numerous ‘Chi’ sounds that reached his ears made Kakashi realize that many of these butterflies contained explosive tags.

Recognizing the danger, Kakashi swiftly weaved hand signs and slammed both his hands onto the ground. ‘Earth Style Barrier: Earth Dome Prison!’

Instantly, a dome of earth materialized around Kakashi. It encased him, providing protection from the swarm of butterflies and their explosive potential.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

As the swarm of butterflies collided with Kakashi’s Earth Dome Prison, a series of explosions reverberated, generating ‘rumbling’ noises that etched cracks upon cracks onto the Earth Dome Prison.

However, the Earth Dome Prison continually regenerated itself, fueled by the chakra it absorbed from Kakashi. Utilizing the cover of the explosions and the protective barrier of the Earth Dome Prison, Kakashi once again triggered the Flying Raijin. With a silver flash, he materialized directly beside Naruto.

Yet, just as he was about to touch and extract Naruto, wooden stakes erupted from Naruto’s body, ensnaring him. ‘Shit!’

Caught off guard by the sudden emergence of wooden stakes from Naruto’s form, Kakashi attempted to sever them using his kunai. However, no matter how many he cut, the stakes displayed no inclination to halt.

Soon, the stakes accelerated their growth, entwining Kakashi in their grip, constricting him and draining his chakra.

‘Damn it!’ Kakashi’s thoughts resonated as he forcibly activated the Flying Raijin, vanishing to create distance between himself and Naruto.

As Kakashi retreated, Naruto hurtled toward Nagato.

Without dedicating much attention to Kakashi, Nagato pinpointed the location of the Flying Raijin seal on Naruto’s body. He then employed a Fuinjutsu technique to seal it, rendering it impossible for Kakashi to reappear beside Naruto.

Noting this development, Kakashi found himself in a helpless predicament. ‘Now what…?’

Despite the brief confrontation, Kakashi had employed an array of tactics to rescue Naruto. These efforts had depleted a significant portion of his chakra. From his initial journey from Konoha to employing a Lightning Clone, followed by the use of Flying Raijin to send Fū to Konoha, and then attempting to use Flying Raijin to send Naruto as well—resulting in the transport of only a few papers—the consumed chakra couldn’t be swiftly replenished. Moreover, he had employed the Earth Dome Prison to shield himself. This didn’t even take into account the chakra absorbed by the Wooden Stakes that had sprouted from Naruto’s body.

While he still possessed ample chakra for a few more rounds, considering that Nagato had sealed the Flying Raijin on Naruto’s body, the likelihood of successfully rescuing Naruto now appeared insurmountably slim.

Kakashi’s determination to rescue Naruto, even if it meant sacrificing himself, remained unwavering. However, the possibility of achieving this goal amidst Nagato and Konan’s vigilant watch appeared exceedingly slim. Kakashi’s role as the Hokage’s Hand and the specific order given by Elder Hiruzen forbade him from squandering his life in vain.

Furthermore, the unresolved Uchiha Clan coup further constrained Kakashi’s capacity to expend his life recklessly. Though the notion was agonizing and unacceptable, Kakashi recognized the need to withdraw. ‘We’ll need to devise an alternative plan to save Naruto,’ he thought.

With this resolve, he once again regarded Nagato, Konan, and the unconscious Naruto. He activated his Flying Raijin Jutsu and vanished in a silver flash.

Nagato didn’t see fit to impede Kakashi’s retreat.

As Kakashi withdrew, Nagato picked up Naruto and turned to Konan. “Let’s depart.”

Konan nodded, “Yes.” And the two left for the new base of Akatsuki.

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