Caught in the Act!

"I'll leave the Nine-Tails behind as well. I've already instructed it that if the battle situation becomes dire, it can help out—but don't call on it too often. You know that guy doesn't have the best temper. If I'm not around, it might rebel."

Hiko would not take the Nine-Tails with him. He would leave it on the battlefield as a safeguard for Hatake Sakumo.

However, the Nine-Tails had a terrible temper. Even with Hiko's instructions, helping once or twice would be fine, but if it happened too often, the Nine-Tails definitely would not listen to Hatake Sakumo. To prevent that from happening, Hiko could only warn Hatake Sakumo in advance.

Otherwise, Hatake Sakumo might treat the Nine-Tails like a laborer, only for it to rebel outright in the end.

As for the Nine-Tails' safety, Hiko was not worried. So what if Nagato came with the Six Paths of Pain? Could he kill the Nine-Tails instantly? The Nine-Tails would not be captured so easily. If it was truly enraged, it might choose to self-destruct.

If that happened, Black Zetsu would cry, because the Nine-Tails would need a long time to revive.

Besides, Hiko was not just for show. He only needed to use the Summoning Jutsu to take the Nine-Tails away. It was impossible for Hiko not to know if the Nine-Tails got into a battle.

After arranging everything, Hiko left the camp and headed toward Konoha at top speed.

Meanwhile, the Third Hokage had only just led his men into the research facility. As for those who had sent Hiko the warning beforehand, no one worried about being punished. Leaving aside the fact that Hiko would absolutely protect them, even if the Third Hokage truly got angry, what could he do?

Kick every member of the Uchiha Clan, Hatake,