Responding

A few days later, a messenger hawk carrying top-secret intelligence landed in Konoha.

After the Intelligence Squad deciphered the message strapped to the hawk's leg, they immediately brought it to the Third Hokage's desk.

"A base where the Akatsuki Organization is holding captured Jinchuriki has been discovered?"

The Third Hokage instinctively furrowed his brow the moment he saw the report.

Because the intelligence was so important, all the members of the Advisor Elder Council had also gathered in the Hokage Office.

Utatane Koharu said, "The Akatsuki's base is in the Land of Demons? That does fit the Intelligence Squad's earlier assessment."

Tsunade asked, "Is the intelligence reliable?"

The Third Hokage replied, "The Reconnaissance Squad included sensor-type ninja. They confirmed there was a Tailed Beast's chakra inside the cave, and the Jinchuriki seemed to have gone berserk. But the Akatsuki quickly subdued the rampaging Jinchuriki, so the squad couldn't obtain any more information."

Jiraiya said, "We searched for so long without finding anything. Now this intelligence suddenly surfaces—could it be an Akatsuki trap?"

The Third Hokage nodded. "We can't rule out that possibility!"

Mitokado Homura said gravely, "If this really is a trap set by the Akatsuki, then their objective is obvious!"

Utatane Koharu finished his thought. "Lure our main forces away, then attack Konoha again, just like last time!"

The Third Hokage wasn't surprised in the least.

When they agreed to gather the remaining Jinchuriki in Konoha, they had already anticipated they would face such a grave situation.

What he hadn't expected was for the Akatsuki's next offensive to come so soon!

Tsunade frowned. "But isn't this trap from the Akatsuki a little too obvious?"

"No!" The Third Hokage slowly rose and went to the window, clasping his hands behind his back as he looked outside. "The Akatsuki are testing