The mission had changed from investigating and treating the villagers to rescuing Tsunade.
"Rescue Lady Tsunade at all costs."
The Fourth Hokage wore a resolute expression. Based on the relevant information Nawaki had provided, they could confirm that a group of extremely powerful enemies existed at that lake. Sending ordinary ninja there would be tantamount to sending them to their deaths. Therefore, the Fourth Hokage prepared to assemble a group of elite ninja and have a Kage-level powerhouse personally lead them, ensuring the rescue would succeed without fail.
Once the Fourth Hokage issued the order, Konoha began to move.
The one leading the team this time was still the Third Hokage. He would personally act and ensure Tsunade was rescued.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Yū, within the lake, exhaled a breath of stale air. Releasing natural energy at such high intensity had placed a burden on his body.
But his efforts had not been in vain. He could sense more and more of the Three-Tails' chakra energy being drawn toward him. Even ordinary ninja could feel the evil of the tailed beast's chakra.
Kakuzu appeared beside him in a flash, holding a paper document in his hand. He immediately said, "The paperwork has been handled. We bribed a number of nobles and had them refuse Konoha ninja entry into their territories."
"That takes care of our worries. Next, we need to pick up the pace."
Uchiha Yū did not look at the document. He sat cross-legged on the ground and rested for a moment.
"We absolutely cannot hand Tsunade over to Konoha. We need her to stall for time, or to exchange for certain benefits."
As this concerned their tailed beast collection plan, Uchiha Yū's expression was solemn. Just then, several more Akatsuki members arrived and reported everything they had seen.
"Sir,