Iwagakure, Tsuchikage's Office.
The Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, looked at the intelligence report in his hand and fell into deep thought.
This intelligence was transmitted back to Iwagakure by a spy from Iwagakure was lurking within the Land of Fire, via Ninja Hawk.
The information was about Konoha escorting the One-Tail Jinchuriki of Sunagakure back to Sunagakure.
The information wasn't very detailed; it only included the departure time of the Konoha and Sand Village group, the number of people in the group, the relevant route, and that they would be sending the One-Tail Jinchuriki to the border of the Land of Wind via the Land of Rivers.
Although he only had this little bit of information, Ōnoki grasped the key to the whole matter almost instantly.
Kitsuchi Tu asked in a deep voice, "Father, should we send someone to assassinate the One-Tail of Sunagakure?"
"Well!"
Ōnoki sighed, his tone somewhat helpless, and said, "The person who sent this information back is dead!"
Kitsuchi frowned and asked, "Dead?"
Ōnoki nodded slightly.
Shimura Danzō was also an old rival of Ōnoki.
Although Danzo was a few years younger than Ōnoki, the two were considered to be ninjas of the same generation.
Such confidential information could not be easily obtained by a spy.
The fact that the One-Tail Jinchuriki was escorted back to Sunagakure was known only to the high-ranking officials of Konoha and Sand Village, and probably only to the few people who participated in the escort.
So the moment Ōnoki saw this information, he knew it was Danzo from Danzo.
As for Danzo's purpose, Ōnoki was well aware of it.
They killed the One-Tail Jinchuriki of Sunagakure.
Regardless of whether a war can be started, Danzo believes that as long as the power of Sunagakure can be weakened, it will be beneficial to Konoha.
After Ōnoki finished stating his speculation, Kitsuchi couldn't help but say hatefully, "That old fox Danzo, he really did have ill intentions!"
"Father, what should we do?"
At this point, Kitsuchi said with some reluctance, "This is a great opportunity!"
Ōnoki was also considering this matter.
Although it means Danzo as a weapon for Danzo, this matter is also extremely beneficial to Iwagakure.
However, once the operation begins, the strength of Iwagakure will inevitably suffer losses, which makes Ōnoki somewhat unhappy.
"Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy... these two are both Elite Jonin of Konoha, they're not so easy to deal with!"
"And then there's Baki from Sunagakure, who's been making waves these past few years."
Kitsuchi, unwilling to accept the situation, said, "Father, let me go!"
Ōnoki was extremely wary of Danzo, feeling that Danzo had some ill intentions this time!
However, if they could kill the One-Tail Jinchuriki of Sunagakure, they could not only break the alliance between Konoha and Sand Village, but also take the opportunity to weaken the power of Sunagakure.
Kitsuchi continued to persuade him, "Father, this is an opportunity not to be missed. If there is any danger, I will immediately lead the men to retreat!"
After pondering for a long time, Ōnoki finally nodded and said in a deep voice, "Then take Akatsuchi Fugai with you, along with four squads of Anbu."
"Hmm... that should be enough to handle it."
Kitsuchi replied, "Yes!"
Ōnoki cautioned, "Remember! If anything goes wrong during the mission, immediately bring your men back. I have a feeling that Danzo's purpose this time is not pure; he might very well turn against us."
Kitsuchi nodded and said, "I understand! Don't worry!"
The information that Ōnoki had was, of course, sent out by Danzo.
Danzo was currently in the Root's underground base, listening to his Genin report on the recent events.
No one understood the power of Hinata and Naruto being bound together better than Danzo.
Even Orochimaru's Otogakure was destroyed in an instant.
Therefore, Danzo would never send his subordinates to their deaths.
What's the point of Konoha's own people fighting each other?
So Danzo immediately sent the information to Ōnoki.
Ōnoki was a cunning old fox, so Danzo didn't intend to fool Ōnoki.
But will Ōnoki let this opportunity slip by?
Based on Danzo's understanding of Ōnoki would at least send someone to test the waters; if it worked, great, if not, he would withdraw.
But who is Hinata?
Danzo held Hinata's ninja file in his hand, which clearly recorded the entire process of Hinata's several battles with others.
Royal Flush!
Regardless of whether the enemy is strong or weak, Hinata's starting move is always her most powerful ultimate move.
During the attack on Otogakure, Hinata even had Nine-Tails fire two Tailed Beast Bomb in succession...
Ōnoki wants to test the waters, others have to be willing to let him test them first!
If they manage to find two Tailed Beast Bomb, then things will get interesting.
If Ōnoki's assassination succeeds, Gaara of Sunagakure will undoubtedly die, and Sunagakure will become the weakest of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
If Ōnoki fails, Iwagakure will pay a heavy price.
Therefore, regardless of the outcome, it will be beneficial to Konoha.
Danzo felt that this deal was worthwhile.
As for whether Ōnoki will have an extreme reaction after the operation fails?
Would Shimura Danzō be afraid of war?
If Ōnoki's operation fails, then Konoha and Sand Village will still be allies. If the two villages join forces to attack Iwagakure will inevitably be defeated.
Danzo had considered almost every aspect.
This time, betraying Konoha's information was definitely worth it!
Looking at his subordinates, Danzo coldly ordered, "You all set off immediately and follow Kakashi and his group. Keep a close eye on Kakashi for me."
"But remember! Never get too close."
"Kakashi's ninja dogs and the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan are enough to detect you..."
"As for the specific actions, you can adapt to the situation."
"Sand Village and the Iwagakure must have one of them die, and... only one of them can die!"
Danzo wasn't stupid; if he offended two villages at once, he would be asking for death.
Once Kakashi and his group engage in battle with the Iwagakure ninja, if the two sides remain deadlocked, the final outcome of the battle will be determined by Root.
However, Danzo felt that this possibility was actually very small.
The most likely scenario is that the gift they receive as soon as the people from Iwagakure appear is a Tailed Beast Bomb.
"Yes!"
The twenty-two Root Ninja responded in unison.
Danzo slowly rose to his feet and shouted, "Disperse!"
'Swish, swish, swish——'
Twenty-two Root Ninja simultaneously used the Body Flicker Technique, disappearing from their original positions almost in the blink of an eye.
Danzo's face was grim, and he said in a heavy tone, "Hiruzen, Tsunade... my decision is the only correct one. Only I can lead Konoha to glory!"
In the forests of the Land of Fire, Hinata and her group of eleven were hurrying along.
Based on the speed of a ninja, it would take about three or four days to run from Konoha to Sunagakure.
Hinata and the others' task was simply to escort Gaara and his companions to the border of the Land of Wind.
Including travel time, this mission should take at most four days to complete.
However, considering the danger of the mission, Hinata and the others must conserve enough stamina and Chakra to deal with any possible enemies.
If the problem lies within Konoha, then Hinata and her group's information has likely already been exposed...
Therefore, if an enemy appears, it must be powerful enough to devour Hinata and her eleven companions.
After hiking through the forest for more than three hours, Might Guy turned to Kakashi and asked, "Kakashi, do you want to rest for a while?"