Xiao Xie had previously disguised himself as Obito and captured Danzo. In order to rescue Danzo, the Root ninjas had attached themselves to the Third Hokage.
With Danzo, that troublemaking bastard, out of the picture, the Root ninjas naturally stepped in to help when they saw Konoha Village under attack.
With the Anbu and Root's elite jonin holding him back, Shukaku had been unable to cause too much destruction.
If they had not needed to send some of their forces to deal with the Sand Ninja and Sound Ninja, Shukaku would likely have already been jointly suppressed by the Anbu and Root's elite jonin.
Xiao Xie glanced at the battle between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru. Under the attacks of Hashirama Senju in Sage Mode and Tobirama Senju using the Flying Thunder God, Sarutobi Hiruzen was instantly put at a disadvantage.
Xiao Xie had specifically reminded Orochimaru earlier to beware of Sarutobi Hiruzen's Reaper Death Seal, which was why Orochimaru had the First Hokage and Second Hokage go all out, giving Sarutobi Hiruzen no chance to use the Reaper Death Seal.
Under the joint assault of the two Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen's defeat in the short term was already certain. Taking advantage of this time, Xiao Xie turned his attention to Shukaku.
Within Xiao Xie's perception, Jiraiya had already arrived in Konoha, but he was currently helping Konoha's people deal with the Sand Ninja and Sound Ninja. He would not be able to get away anytime soon, making this the best opportunity for Xiao Xie to act.
"Hinata, this is no longer something you can interfere in. Hurry and fall back! Leave the rest to me!" Xiao Xie instructed Hinata, then pushed off lightly and charged toward Shukaku.
"Okay! Kiba, Shino, let's go help rescue the villagers!"
Hearing Xiao Xie's words, Hinata