As soon as the Third Hokage finished speaking, the advisor Elders all turned to look at Tsunade.
The situation was extremely delicate.
The Akatsuki Organization had thrown out Yugito Nii as bait, drawing away a large number of elite forces from the Five Great Shinobi Villages. Now, they had sent someone to infiltrate the village and abduct Naruto.
No one could say for certain whether the Akatsuki Organization had another move planned.
Thus, as Hokage, the Third Hokage could only remain behind to guard the village.
But the one who had abducted Naruto was the powerful "A" from the Akatsuki Organization. Among those currently in the village, only the advisor Elders and Tsunade had the strength to contend with "A."
Tsunade hesitated briefly before nodding.
This time, she did not refuse.
When Jiraiya had led his team away earlier, he had asked her to protect Naruto. She had just agreed, only for Naruto to be abducted by the Akatsuki Organization moments later. How could she possibly tolerate that?
Seeing Tsunade agree, the Third Hokage's furrowed expression finally eased.
Sasuke volunteered at that moment. "That guy took Naruto right in front of me. I'm joining this operation too!"
The Third Hokage looked at Tsunade.
Tsunade said, "Let him come."
Under the Third Hokage's personal direction, a temporary squad was swiftly assembled.
Naturally, Tsunade led the team. Besides Shizune, who had always stayed by Tsunade's side, the Third Hokage also assigned the Ino-Shika-Cho trio—Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, and Inoichi Yamanaka—as well as Shibi Aburame and a Jonin from the Hyuga Clan.
With Sasuke, who had strongly insisted on joining, that made eight people in total.
Temporary encampment of Amegakure.
One Amegakure shinobi pulled aside the curtains and said quietly, "What's going on tonight? Why is the Hokage Building still brightly lit?"
"Something