It played out somewhat differently from the original story.
Yet it still followed the story's momentum to some extent.
Naruto couldn't be sure whether this pursuit of the One-Tail would unfold just like it had in the original story. But at the very least, it was one of the important things to keep an eye on. Others might not know, but as someone from another world, Naruto knew very well that sealing Tailed Beast Chakra into the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path wasn't something that could be done in a day. Even with the entire Akatsuki organization assembled, sealing the One-Tail's Chakra would take two or three days. From the situation so far, Nagato seemed intent on first capturing the Tailed Beasts that were easiest to catch in one go, then sealing the One-Tail and Two-Tails into the statue, while keeping the remaining three Jinchuriki under control for the time being. Later, he would launch a full-scale war and forcefully capture the remaining four Tailed Beasts.
If his guess was right,
then when the time came,
Nagato might well lead the entire Akatsuki organization to the Land of Snow to capture him, Karin, and Utakata—the three Tailed Beast Jinchuriki. From that perspective, they had to keep a constant watch on Akatsuki's movements. Even the slightest scrap of intelligence could prove decisive on the battlefield. This was also the most direct reason Naruto absolutely couldn't afford to fall out with the Five Great Shinobi Villages right now, let alone attack Kirigakure.
Keeping himself safe and protecting his basic interests had to come first.
"Understood, Naruto. During this time, I'll have the Anbu prioritize scouting the Land of Rivers!"
Neji nodded gravely and replied.
"And Sasuke, too. I'll have to trouble you with him. According to our covert channel, it should