"Here's what happened..."
After hearing his subordinate's report, Danzo said nothing.
He knew the Water Shadow had definitely not returned with him because Eiji had moved him and he wanted to come to Konoha to negotiate.
That man had definitely been captured!
Although this speculation was difficult to believe, it was the most likely explanation.
Before he could regret that Eiji and the others had made it back alive, Danzo came up with a new idea!
Kirigakure had always been closed off, and the outside world knew very little about it.
If war broke out, it could very well cause Konoha a great deal of trouble.
Danzo thought that since the Water Shadow had come all this way, Konoha's intelligence department should interrogate him thoroughly.
They would squeeze out the last bit of value from his brain before extracting the Tailed Beast.
Then they would casually find a ninja to become the new Three-Tails jinchuriki.
Of course, that ninja would preferably be one of his subordinates.
That way, they could protect Konoha even better.
"Let's go pick him up."
Danzo quickly made his way to the docks.
But he was still one step too late. He saw Hiruzen there.
A bad feeling immediately welled up in his heart.
Damn it, Hiruzen got there first.
Hiruzen also spotted Danzo at that moment and immediately guessed his purpose.
"Danzo, you came at just the right time. I have a very important mission for you."
Danzo asked, "What mission is it this time?"
"The Water Shadow's arrival will certainly attract attention from all sides. Take some men to the border of the Land of Fire yourself and prevent spies from other nations from infiltrating."
Danzo shook his head. "I'd rather stay in the village and protect..."
"Danzo, Konoha needs you. The Land of