Konoha in Shock

No one argued.

They all remembered how arrogant they had been just moments ago.

With dozens of Kage-level fighters, the Uchiha Shrine had earned the right to look down on most factions.

But the shinobi world had endured for a thousand years. Strange forbidden techniques and terrifying kekkei genkai had never been in short supply.

Being powerful did not mean being impossible to kill.

Madara Uchiha was the clearest proof.

Even with an undying Impure World Body, Ren had finished him for good with the Petrification Seal.

If they had faced Pain without any preparation, the outcome could have been reversed in an instant!

Kasumi walked to the center of the hall and knelt on one knee.

"Clan Leader."

"I was ignorant and arrogant when I made that pledge earlier."

"I accept whatever punishment you see fit."

The other three captains knelt at the same time.

"Please punish us, Clan Leader!"

Ren looked at the four of them.

"Punishment can wait until the campaign is over."

"I'm going with you this time, but not to deal with every enemy for you."

"I'm going to keep you from paying a needless price against the Rinnegan."

"The four Squads will still be responsible for taking down the Akatsuki Organization."

"I'll only intervene when necessary."

Kasumi nodded firmly.

"The Eleventh Squad accepts its orders!"

"Before we leave, I'll review every piece of intelligence we have on the Akatsuki Organization."

"I won't underestimate a single enemy again!"

The other three gave their solemn agreement.

No one in the hall opposed Ren going in person anymore.

They felt nothing but relief.

Relief that Ren had shattered the arrogance beginning to take root among the Shrine's members.

Relief that this meeting had happened before they set out.

Otherwise, the four Squads would have rushed into Amegakure