Faced with Iwagakure's attack and the main force's rout, Akaseki did not abandon the Land of Grass. Instead, he moved to reinforce Kannabi Bridge!
After a brief meeting, mainly spent persuading Yamanaka Sansan to stay behind, Akaseki took twelve Konoha ninja and headed for the Kannabi Bridge front.
Although he left hardly anyone with Yamanaka Sansan in Kusagakure, other Konoha ninja were scattered throughout the Land of Grass on missions. They would gradually return to Kusagakure as well.
One of Yamanaka Sansan's main tasks was to recall those Konoha ninja, lest the Stone Ninja invade the Land of Grass while they remained unaware of what had happened.
If Kannabi Bridge fell, Yamanaka Sansan would have to lead them in retreat—
Meanwhile, Akaseki also left a Mirror Clone here!
Whenever he was in Kusagakure, Akaseki kept a Mirror Clone active at all times. This reduced his chakra-refining efficiency, since he would not normally splurge on the "full package" to boost his chakra recovery. But refining chakra already did little to improve his strength now, so he did not mind slowing down a little more—
As Akaseki's original body left Kusagakure with his men, his Mirror Clone summoned Kusagakure's leader, Cao Bao, and both his aides.
Cao Bao still had no idea what had happened. After all, Grass Flower's people had previously fallen out badly with Iwagakure, so Iwagakure had not notified them of anything in advance.
"Jonin Akaseki, did you summon us for something important?" Cao Bao had no idea why Akaseki had suddenly called him over along with both his aides.
"Hahaha, do you know what day it is today?" Akaseki laughed.
What was special about February 13?
Cao Bao and his two aides exchanged glances and shook their heads.
"Today is my birthday—the birthday of Akashi Uchiha!" Akaseki declared