Looking at the Kazekage Gaara being taken away, Sasuke felt that helplessness sweep over her again—the same feeling she had two years ago when she watched Naruto leave helplessly.
Damn it. If only I could become a little stronger, this wouldn't have happened!
At that moment, Erii gently hugged Sasuke.
"It's okay. Don't blame yourself too much. This isn't your fault."
"Th-thank you, Erii-nee," Sasuke said with a forced smile, feeling grateful. "If it weren't for you, I probably—"
"We're good friends, aren't we?"
Erii smiled softly, her crimson eyes like a crescent moon.
"Yes, you're right. We are friends." Sasuke felt warmth spread through her heart. Then suddenly, as if remembering something, she asked, "By the way, how did you join the Akatsuki?"
"Hmm, because… it's more fun~"
Erii tapped her index finger on her lips, tilting her head, giving a cute answer.
Sasuke was stunned for half a second, then burst out laughing.
That really is so like Erii.
"I'm leaving now, Sasuke," Erii said, looking toward the approaching Konoha group. "See you next time~"
Though reluctant, Sasuke knew the Akatsuki and Sunagakure weren't on good terms. Meeting now might cause trouble. So she nodded, "Okay, if you come to Konoha next time, I'll treat you to Ichiraku ramen~"
"Alright, I'll wait for you~"
Erii waved with a smile, then her figure flickered and disappeared from sight.
Not long after, Kakashi and Chiyo caught up.
Also, the second team led by Might Guy arrived, but sadly, the battle was already over, leaving Guy a bit disappointed.
Sasuke quickly explained the situation, and everyone fell into silence.
Kazekage Gaara had not been rescued and was captured by the Aurora Order. And there were two heavy pieces of news!
"For now, let's send the intelligence back."
Kakashi was also helpless—he couldn't believe something like this had happened.
Onoki and Iwagakure Village had joined forces with the Aurora Order, and shockingly, they planned to declare war on the entire ninja world.
Their goal in kidnapping the Kazekage was undoubtedly the Tailed Beasts!
"Could they really want all the Tailed Beasts?" Sasuke bit her lip and clenched her fists, still feeling discouraged that she couldn't rescue Gaara.
She had been training for two whole years!
She had grown stronger, so why couldn't she catch up to Naruto or save her friend?
A deep sense of helplessness and heavy pressure weighed down on Sasuke's mood.
It seemed that Chiyo noticed what was on Sasuke's mind.
Trembling, she slowly walked over and silently embraced her.
"Child, I once thought true friendship between villages was impossible. I believed you didn't truly want to save that child. But now... I feel sincerity coming from you."
At that moment, everyone suddenly realized that besides Chiyo, the one suffering the most was probably Sasuke.
"I've heard about you, child."
Chiyo gently stroked Sasuke's hair and said softly, "From you, I can feel sincerity—something our generation lacks. Maybe the future of the ninja world will truly change because of you, hehe~"
"Lady Tsunade, how is the mission? Was the Kazekage rescued?"
Shizune, holding Ton-ton, stood obediently to the side. She looked at Tsunade's worried face and serious expression and asked.
"It's hard to explain in just a few words. Go see for yourself."
Tsunade sighed helplessly, rubbing her throbbing forehead, then tossed over the mission report.
When Shizune saw the contents of the report, her pupils suddenly shrank, and she showed a shocked expression.
"Is this... Iwagakure planning to declare war on the ninja world?!"
Now she understood why Tsunade had that reaction when she received the report.
Anyone in her position would be startled by this news!
Iwagakure Village had colluded with the Aurora Order, intending to seize control of the Tailed Beasts and declare war on the entire shinobi world.
This was shocking!
How long had it been since the Third Great Ninja War?
Everyone had thought the Five Great Ninja Villages would unite to resist the ever-growing power of the Aurora Order.
But unexpectedly, among the five, the most unnoticed village—Iwagakure—had become the sole "traitor."
What exactly was Onoki planning?!
"It's not over yet, Shizune."
Tsunade, feeling troubled, pointed to the intelligence report and said, "Look further. There's more."
After reading the second piece of news, Shizune nearly fainted from shock.
"No, it can't be!" Shizune exclaimed in horror. "The First and Second Hokage have actually been controlled by the Aurora Order!"
"I wish this news were false as well."
Tsunade sighed deeply, pressing her hand to her forehead. "But sadly, logic tells me that since the First and Second Hokage have been missing for so many years, Sasuke's intel is likely true."
This news was an enormous blow to Konoha.
The First Hokage, founder of the village, and the highly respected Second Hokage had apparently turned and fallen under the Aurora Order's control.
Could there be anything worse than this?
Probably not.
"Tsunade-sama, no matter if it's true or not, we must prepare a response!" Shizune quickly composed herself and looked at Tsunade seriously.
No matter the truth of this intelligence, they had to be ready in advance.
Otherwise, if the Fourth Great Ninja War truly broke out, and Konoha was invaded again, it would be more than they could handle.
"I understand your point, Shizune."
Tsunade stood up from her seat and turned to look out the window at the bustling village of Konoha.
"I will not repeat the mistakes of the Third Hokage. I will never let anyone set foot in Konoha again."
During his tenure, the Third Hokage's greatest fault was allowing Kumogakure to infiltrate Konoha.
"Shizune, go call Jiraiya."
Tsunade paused in thought for a moment, then spoke slowly.
"Lady Tsunade, should we inform the two advisers?" Shizune hesitated for a moment but decided to ask.
After all, before the Hokage makes any important decision, it must be approved by the two advisers. This system was specially established by the Second Hokage to limit the Hokage's power.
"No, there's no need to tell them for now."
Tsunade shook her head, her eyes flickering slightly. "To avoid unnecessary trouble, keep this matter confidential for the time being. Under no circumstances should it be leaked."
"Understood, Lady Tsunade!"
Shizune nodded, then hurried away holding Ton-Ton.
When Deidara and the others returned, Kitsuchi looked at them in shock. Their appearance was pitiful—some had lost arms, others had injuries piercing through their chests. His jaw nearly dropped.
"What exactly happened?!"
Kitsuchi stared at them in disbelief and asked.
Even though Deidara could be unreliable, his strength was ranked among the top in Iwagakure.
Now, after going out on a rescue mission, how come he came back with only one arm?
Moreover, the difficulty of this mission shouldn't have been that high, right?
Could it be that another genius has appeared in Konoha?
*******
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