After hearing Kakashi's report, the Third Hokage furrowed his brow deeply.
With Danzo behaving himself lately and envoys from various countries gathered in Konoha, the village's security forces were stretched thin. So they had temporarily reassigned the ANBU specifically tasked with monitoring Sasuke.
They hadn't expected trouble to arise so soon.
The Third Hokage asked, "Have you finished investigating? Who's pulling the strings?"
Kakashi shook his head. "We don't have much information yet. According to eyewitnesses, the person who was with Sasuke last night was a wandering medic named Shinnō."
"A wandering medic?"
Kakashi added, "I've already sent people to investigate him!"
Knock, knock.
A knock came from outside the door.
Asuma walked in with a document. "This is what we found on the wandering medic. According to the Intelligence Squad's analysis, he has a complicated background and may have ties to a hidden village. He's likely been involved in espionage."
The Third Hokage took the document from Asuma and skimmed it before letting out a sigh. "Trouble just keeps piling up."
Kakashi said, "Since he went to such lengths to lure Sasuke out of Konoha, he probably won't hurt him for now. If we go after them now, we might still catch up!"
The Third Hokage handed the document to Kakashi. "You're in charge of this. Choose whatever manpower you need. No matter what, bring Sasuke back to the village!"
"Yes, sir!"
Kakashi bowed and hurried out of the Hokage Office.
Kirigakure's delegation compound.
"What!? Sasuke Uchiha was lured out of Konoha?" The Fourth Mizukage shot to his feet upon hearing the news, his face full of alarm and doubt. "Is the information reliable?"
A Kirigakure Ninja hurriedly replied, "It should be. The one who did it was a wandering medic named Shinnō. They say he's a very capable