A week later, the seals on Six-Tails and Seven-Tails were complete. Li Xing prepared to soak in a hot spring before continuing his research on the Reanimation Jutsu.
As he was about to leave, Itachi suddenly called out to him.
"Mr. Li Xing, are you free? I'd like to meet with you. There are some things I wish to discuss with you in person, privately."
Li Xing pondered for a moment. He didn't seem to have any prior dealings with Uchiha Itachi. What could Itachi possibly want to discuss with him? However, the Reanimation Jutsu wasn't urgent, so a meeting would be fine.
"Then find a place yourself. You can contact me once you're there."
"Half a month from now, in the southern part of the Land of Fire, at a stronghold from the Uchiha clan's war period. I'll be waiting for you there." After Li Xing agreed, Itachi left his contact information and departed with Kisame.
"Itachi intends to face Sasuke, doesn't he? That's why he chose that location. But why does he want to meet Li Xing?" Black Zetsu had already guessed Itachi's intentions but was unaware of his full plan. If Itachi were to leave his contingency to Li Xing, it could lead to significant trouble. Thus, Black Zetsu also decided to discreetly observe.
"What does it matter to you? If you want to know, go see for yourself. I haven't restricted your movements. Leader, Konan, if there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave." With that, Li Xing's figure vanished, followed closely by Karin and Yugito.
"They're all troublesome individuals. I will personally capture the Eight-Tails and the Nine-Tails. For the time being, try not to cause any major disturbances. That is all. Disband!"
Each group had met their tailed beast quota. Now, it was time for him to go after the remaining ones. After Pain, the Deva Path, assigned him his task, Deidara and Tobi also departed. A storm that would sweep across the ninja world was about to be unleashed. The Rinnegan would once again reappear.
...
In Konoha, Tsunade learned that Li Xing and his companions were active within the Land of Fire. She immediately summoned two ninja squads.
The new Team 7: Yamato, Sai, Naruto, and Sakura.
And Team 8, adept at exploration and reconnaissance: Hinata, Kiba, and Shino, temporarily led by Kakashi, who was also skilled in tracking.
"Listen carefully. You have three missions. First, search for Li Xing within the Land of Fire. Do not allow him to act recklessly. Ascertain what he is doing there. However, you are not to engage him in conflict. His current strength likely rivals the 'Demigod' Hanzo of the Salamander from back then.
Second, Orochimaru is dead, so Sasuke should be seeking revenge against Itachi. You need to find Sasuke and bring him back, or find Itachi and capture him alive. Itachi is Sasuke's target. If you capture Itachi, Sasuke will naturally return to seek him out. That is all. Depart immediately!"
"Yes!"
The group responded and then left the Hokage's office.
Outside Konoha village, the eight individuals discussed their strategy. The decision was made for Kakashi's ninja hounds to accompany them, with each person exploring at a distance of five kilometers.
...
"Sister Tsunade, I've brought you lunch!"
After everyone else had left, Karin brought lunch to the Hokage's office.
Upon seeing Karin, Tsunade's mood immediately brightened. She rushed forward to embrace her.
"What did you bring today? Is there any sake? Ha! Karin, you truly are my treasure girl. Come here, a kiss."
"Lady Tsunade, it's best to drink less during the day. And Karin, please don't bring sake next time," Shizune advised Tsunade to drink less and also instructed Karin not to bring sake.
"It's fine now, Sister Shizune. And Tonton has lunch too," Karin said nonchalantly, as long as everyone was happy. Kuaishu Ge.
After eating and drinking their fill, Tsunade's gaze fell upon Karin's face, and she suddenly thought of something. She then asked, "Karin, I have a mission I'd like to offer you. I'm not sure if you'd be willing. You're not a ninja, so it's okay if you decline."
"I'm willing." Having been in Konoha for so long without much to do, Karin readily agreed when Tsunade offered her a mission.
Shizune initially wanted to say something more, but seeing Karin's agreement, she decided to let Karin have her way.
"This mission is quite simple. Li Xing has been sighted in the Land of Fire. I want you to bring him back. I believe only you in all of Konoha can convince him to return. But don't worry, I will assign a jonin to accompany and protect you."
Upon hearing it was about Li Xing, Karin became immediately excited. "Brother Li Xing? I'll do my best, but I can't guarantee he'll listen to me."
Tsunade didn't seem to mind. "It's fine. Whether he comes back or not is his business. You wanted to see him, didn't you? Of course, it would be even better if he returned."
"Shizune, go fetch Kurenai. The mission to protect Karin will be entrusted to her."
...
Meanwhile, Sasuke, with his newly formed Snake Team, had also entered the Land of Fire. The combatant was Suigetsu, the sensory ninja was Jugo, and there was also a replacement for Karin, a medical ninja named Suien.
Suien's ability was to convert the life force of plants into human life force. Since Orochimaru couldn't find Karin, he targeted this special ninja, who was now taken over by Sasuke.
Compared to Li Xing, Sasuke's ninja team seemed unbalanced, with a majority of males and a lack of yin and yang harmony.
...
In the hot spring, Li Xing leaned back, gazing at the sky. He was beginning to question his life. The Reanimation Jutsu had repeatedly failed, and Li Xing could no longer think of any way to perfect this forbidden jutsu.
"Yin-Yang Release doesn't work, natural energy doesn't work, mixing them together doesn't work, Heavenly Dao power doesn't work either. Does the Reanimation Jutsu absolutely require living sacrifices? Why won't meteorites from beyond the heavens, containing immense energy, suffice? This is so difficult!"
"Star Lord, perhaps it's better to take things slowly. Sometimes being too hasty leads to wrong paths. Why not set this aside for now? You can resume when inspiration strikes," Karin said as she disrobed and entered the hot spring, gently hugging Li Xing.
"Yes, let's not overthink it for now. I believe you'll succeed one day. And! Karin, let go, this is my spot!" Yugito also stepped into the water, forcibly prying Karin's hands away and hugging Li Xing herself.
"That's right! Since we can't figure it out right now, let Kabuto research it! Although I don't think Kabuto will succeed, he should be able to optimize the Reanimation Jutsu into a perfect form."
"You two, one on each side, give me a massage. My shoulders are sore from sealing the tailed beasts these past few days. Later, we'll switch, and I'll give you massages."
Upon hearing their words, Li Xing threw in the towel. He immediately stood up, draped a towel around himself, and went into the room, lying on the bed.
Karin and Yugito exchanged glances. They could see a sense of competition in each other's eyes and immediately rushed to Li Xing's side.
"Karin, you've also been tired from sealing the tailed beasts. Leave this strenuous task to me!"
"What are you talking about, Yugito? You were also there when we sealed the tailed beasts, so you must be tired too. Let me do it. As the elder sister, I should take care of my younger sister."
Another glance was exchanged, and sparks seemed to fly from their eyes. They simultaneously began massaging Li Xing, but they continued to vie for territory on his body. Unbeknownst to them, they began a physical altercation, making Li Xing's back feel as though it had been struck by a large meteorite.
"Hey! You two! Stop fighting on my body!"