At the same time, news that the Five-Tails Jinchuriki had been captured alive naturally reached Iwagakure.
The atmosphere in the Iwagakure office was so gloomy it was almost palpable.
Ōnoki leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed.
He seemed to have aged ten years.
When he spoke, his old temper was gone, replaced by nothing but exhaustion:
"Tell me. How was Han captured?"
Chijue Zhengming stood up, trembling slightly.
Deidara had done fairly well on his previous missions, but this time he had made such a colossal mess that they had even lost their Jinchūriki.
He said quietly:
"Deidara said that after Uchiha Zhengye subdued him, Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi captured Han alive with genjutsu in a single exchange."
Ōnoki opened his eyes, his expression unreadable:
"You're saying Uchiha Zhengye didn't even act when they captured Han?"
"According to Deidara, yes."
"Hmm..."
Ōnoki waved a hand, telling Chijue Zhengming to sit down.
What could he say? That Deidara hadn't tried hard enough? Or that Han should have traveled with the other Iwagakure shinobi?
Uchiha Zhengye had been there. More people would only have meant more easy targets.
With strength like that, it wouldn't have mattered who escorted Han.
This time, Ōnoki didn't lose his temper.
He leaned back in his chair and said calmly:
"Send a letter to the Third Hokage and ask what it will take to ransom Han."
The Iwagakure shinobi looked grim, but they lowered their heads and carried out Ōnoki's instructions.
The next day.
By the time Zhengye woke up, Karin had already left for the Ninja Academy.
She hadn't gone out of her way to wake him.
Zhengye rubbed his chin and smiled. The girl was quite considerate.
After washing up and stepping outside, he immediately noticed a difference.
Every member