The mission had changed from investigating and treating the villagers to rescuing Tsunade.
"Spare no expense. Rescue Lady Tsunade."
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 was present at that lake. Sending ordinary ninja there would be tantamount to sending them to their deaths. Therefore, the Fourth Hokage planned to assemble a group of elite ninja and have a Kage-level expert personally lead them, ensuring the rescue would succeed without fail.
After the Fourth Hokage issued his orders, Konoha began to mobilize.
The person leading the team this time was still the Third Hokage. With him personally taking action, they had to rescue Tsunade.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Yuu, within the lake, exhaled a breath of turbid air. Releasing Natural Energy at such intensity had placed a burden on his body.
His efforts had not been without reward. He could sense more and more of the Three-Tails' chakra being drawn in. Even ordinary ninja could feel the evil aura of Tailed Beast chakra.
Kakuzu used the Body Flicker Technique to arrive beside him, a paper document in 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 resolves our worries. Next, we need to pick up the pace."
Uchiha Yuu did not look at the document. He sat cross-legged on the ground and rested briefly.
"We absolutely cannot hand Tsunade over to Konoha. We need her to buy time, or exchange her for certain benefits."
This concerned their Tailed Beast collection plan. Uchiha Yuu's expression was solemn. Just then, several more Akatsuki members arrived and reported what they had seen:
"My lord, we found traces of Konoha ninja