(Chapter 443: Arriving at the Hidden Sand Village)
Chen Fan had naturally anticipated Gaara's capture. Even if Tsunade had not mentioned it, he would have gone anyway. To seal the tailed beasts, they first had to summon the Ten-Tails' husk. Over the past two years, Akatsuki had been active everywhere. Aside from profiting from war, they had also been collecting the tailed beasts sealed within Jinchuriki;
Konoha had its own intelligence network, and one Jinchuriki after another had fallen victim. If things went according to Uchiha Madara's plan, Konoha would eventually be attacked as well. Although Konoha had already become a massive power, an attack by Akatsuki would inevitably leave it severely weakened;
After saying all that, it sounded as though Chen Fan were some great hero. In truth, he was going after the Ten-Tails' husk, which had already sealed away several tailed beasts. He could try to seize it. There were only Sasori and Deidara there, and Chen Fan should be able to deal with them. Either way, he would not lose out;
When Chen Fan and Mei Terumi arrived outside the Hidden Sand Village, the village, having heightened its guard, discovered the two of them;
They quickly informed Maki, who hurried to the entrance to welcome Chen Fan. Maki had personally witnessed Chen Fan's battle with Orochimaru. Chen Fan was also Fifth Hokage Tsunade's man. Though he did not recognize the other woman, even if Chen Fan had come alone, he would have been worth more than an entire squad of shinobi;
The Hidden Sand Village did not think Konoha would disregard the safety of its ally. On the contrary, they felt Konoha attached great importance to its allies, having even sent Chen Fan. Maki felt somewhat relieved;
"Thank you, Lord Chen Fan, for coming to the Hidden