Orochimaru immediately dispatched ninja through a special communication method to summon the intelligence personnel who had arrived ahead of them.
They had only just arrived and did not yet know whether Hanzō had sent Rain Ninja to act as his eyes.
They had barely rested in place when Konoha intelligence personnel who had arrived earlier came to report.
"Konoha ninja Yamanaka Hayato greets—"
He was the leader of Konoha's intelligence division for this operation, as well as a Jonin of the Yamanaka Clan.
"No need for formalities. Tell us what intelligence you've gathered."
Tsunade spoke up, interrupting Yamanaka Hayato's greeting.
"Understood."
After gauging everyone's expressions, Yamanaka Hayato began his report.
"The Rain Ninja have already established surveillance along the border. The arrival of our main force cannot be concealed."
"The number of Rain Ninja has clearly increased in recent days, and there have been several clashes."
"We learned from captured Rain Ninja that Hanzō the Salamander knows Konoha's main force has arrived in recent days."
"He is currently stationed at his headquarters and has not moved at all."
"I suggest we first clear out the Rain Ninja scouts before making further plans."
As expected of an intelligence specialist from the Yamanaka Clan, he laid out both the intelligence and the proposed strategy with perfect clarity.
After hearing him out, Kawafune immediately had a bad feeling.
"We can't all stay gathered together."
"We need to split up at once. Otherwise, if Hanzō attacks, it could be a disaster."
Though he believed he was no weaker than Hanzō, Ibuse's destructive power against a large force was truly terrifying.
If anything went wrong, Tsunade's Antidote Pills could only delay the effects. Konoha could not afford such losses.
"Kawafune-kun is right."
Orochimaru had seen the horrific sight of Konoha ninja being slaughtered beneath Ibuse's