New Operations

"Your Konoha dared to hide such important intelligence from us?!"

The Third Tsuchikage's roar shattered the oppressive silence hanging over the temporary command center.

The Fourth Mizukage raised an eyebrow and demanded of Tsunade and Jiraiya, "Can we still trust you?"

Tsunade immediately tried to explain.

Jiraiya stopped her. "Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan really were my students. I took them in back then, in the Rain Country. I understand your suspicions. They were a concern for us in Konoha, too. That's why we had no choice but to keep it quiet."

"Hmph, easy for you to say!" The Fourth Raikage snorted. "The leader of the Akatsuki Organization is your student. Itachi Uchiha, Hiruko, and those Mangekyo Uchiha called 'A,' 'B,' and 'D' are all from your Konoha, too. Half the Akatsuki Organization is connected to you. How do you explain that?"

The Fourth Mizukage's expression darkened further.

Kirigakure had always considered the Third Mizukage's control by a mysterious Uchiha a deep humiliation, so the Fourth Mizukage had never stopped suspecting Konoha.

That was also why he had sent Haku to Konoha back then.

Facing accusations from all sides, Tsunade had no choice but to steel herself and explain, "Putting aside the fact that the Uchiha Clan was wiped out by Itachi Uchiha, even if they still existed, that wouldn't prove that the Uchiha in Konoha were working with the Uchiha in the Akatsuki Organization!"

The Fourth Mizukage asked, "Where's your proof?"

Tsunade snapped, "If Konoha had been hiding that many Mangekyo Uchiha, would we have struggled so badly in the Third Shinobi World War?"

During the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha had been stretched thin and barely held its ground. If the Fourth Hokage hadn't emerged, the war might well have ended in Konoha's defeat.

And even as the victor,