Kawaki Aoba thought back for a moment and said, "While we were scouting, we found a squad of Sunagakure ninja moving toward Konoha. They said they were going to destroy Konoha's supply lines."
"Moreover, when we tracked them, we sensed something strange about the fluctuations in their chakra. They didn't feel like ordinary Sunagakure ninja."
"Thinking about it now, they may have been connected to that mysterious person."
Shikamaru Nara added, "And during the battle, the Sunagakure ninja leading them mentioned that their reinforcements would arrive soon."
"That shows their operation was organized and planned. Someone must have been directing them from behind the scenes."
Sasori's gaze turned even colder. "It seems there really is someone in Sunagakure's upper ranks colluding with Akatsuki."
"I'll investigate this personally. Once I find that person, I'll let him experience the power of my puppet techniques."
Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the camp. A Konoha ninja ran in and said in panic, "This is bad! A large number of Sunagakure ninja are heading this way! They say they've come to take back the prisoners, and that we attacked Sunagakure, so we must give them an explanation!"
Kawaki Aoba's expression immediately turned grave. "It seems the traitor in Sunagakure's upper ranks already knows we captured prisoners. They want to seize them and silence them."
"We need to prepare for battle!"
Kakashi nodded and said to everyone, "Everyone, take your positions. Sakura, continue interrogating the prisoners and gather as much information as possible. Shikamaru, devise a defensive plan and use the surrounding terrain to set traps. Choji and Ino, protect Sakura and the prisoners. Aoba, come with me to stop the Sunagakure ninja up front. Delay them as long as possible and avoid a large-scale conflict. Sasori, if you're willing, come with us