"But if we agree to an alliance and move Takigakure's Seven-Tails Jinchuriki to our village, won't we be drawing the Akatsuki's fire onto ourselves as well?"
Tsunade asked with a frown.
"What's more, judging by the current situation, Takigakure approaching us for an alliance at this point and wanting to send over the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki is clearly an attempt to divert the Akatsuki's attention."
Jiraiya spoke frankly.
"I know. But the question is, if we refuse their request, will the Akatsuki leave Konoha alone?
Of course not. Given everything that's happened so far, we can already be certain that their goal is to collect all the tailed beasts. Naturally, the Nine-Tails inside Naruto will become their target too.
We can't avoid an attack from the Akatsuki.
So I don't think there's anything wrong with accepting Takigakure's request for an alliance."
Tsunade also gave the matter some careful thought.
"I understand. In that case, let's accept Takigakure's request for an alliance."
"Good. Send them a reply, then. Set a date for the alliance with Takigakure and confirm when the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki will come to Konoha. I'll go to meet her myself."
"Do you need to go personally?"
"Of course. Besides ensuring the Jinchūriki's safety, we need to show Takigakure where Konoha stands."
Then Jiraiya added another point.
"But we'd better make it clear to them that the Jinchūriki's transfer must be carried out in secret, lest the Akatsuki intercept and kill her on the way."
"Don't worry. I know what to do."
Konoha's reply soon reached Takigakure.
The higher-ups of Takigakure breathed a sigh of relief upon receiving it.
Although they couldn't shake the feeling that sending the Jinchūriki to Konoha amounted to abandoning her, the terror posed by the Akatsuki was undeniable.
They had to consider the village too.
In