Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
"Lord Tsuchikage, the Konoha Shinobi broke through before we could surround them. Our forces were only a step behind..."
In the Tsuchikage's Office, Third Tsuchikage Onoki listened to his subordinate's report with a grave expression. Even upon hearing that the mission had failed, he did not get angry.
Only after the ninja below had finished his report did Third Tsuchikage Onoki look at the map and let out a cold laugh.
"Those Konoha Shinobi got away quickly enough."
Then Ōnoki heavily tapped a spot on the map of the Land of Grass with his finger.
"It doesn't matter if the small fish got away. After all, if we tried to swallow so many small fish in one bite, Konoha's big fish would unite in outrage. If they targeted us on the battlefield afterward, this mission's failure might not be a bad thing.
"But there are still three big fish inside the encirclement. Send orders to the frontline ninja. Monitor the movements of the Konoha Shinobi at the Land of Grass border at all times. Until those three big fish are caught, do not allow a single Konoha Shinobi to break through."
"Yes!"
The ninja below hurriedly shouted his acknowledgment, while Third Tsuchikage Onoki revealed a smile.
"Princess Tsunade, the Princess of the Senju Clan. Capturing that big fish would be worth more than anything. And Jiraiya and Orochimaru are both rising talents of Konoha, as well as disciples of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
"These three fish are no small catch. Even if they are dead fish, we can use this opportunity to strike at Hiruzen Sarutobi's prestige. Then, with Konoha having White Fang while Hiruzen Sarutobi loses his three strongest aides... Heh heh!"
Third Tsuchikage Onoki's target from the very beginning had been these three.