After a bumpy journey, Asuma slowly entered Konoha's main gate, supporting the battered Shikamaru.
The gate guards jumped at the sight of Shikamaru, covered in blood and dressed in tattered clothes. Even their identity checks came to an abrupt halt.
Everyone knew that Shikamaru's mission to lead a squad out to intercept the rogue ninja of the Akatsuki had been a battle with almost no chance of survival.
Word had already reached the Hokage's Office, and all of Konoha High Command had assembled in the emergency council chamber.
The veteran advisers who had remained after the Third retired, the Anbu leadership, the jonin representatives, and even Danzo, who had long lurked in the shadows, were all present.
The atmosphere in the spacious chamber was unbearably oppressive. Every gaze immediately landed on Shikamaru and Asuma as they were helped inside.
Tsunade sat in the Hokage's seat, her brows tightly knitted. After examining the blood and wounds of varying depths covering Shikamaru, she sighed in relief. They were only superficial injuries.
"Shikamaru, report on the battle. Don't leave out a word."
Shikamaru straightened.
He began with Hidan taking Choji's blood.
He concealed nothing, including the fact that Hidan and Kakuzu had been coming to rescue Obito.
The council chamber fell deathly silent.
The senior officials exchanged looks, their eyes filled with shock, disbelief, and a trace of lingering fear. The Akatsuki had reacted far too quickly.
Besides, weren't you a terrorist organization? Since when did you rescue your comrades?
Shizune stood beside Shikamaru.
"Shikamaru, let me treat your wounds first."
"Thanks."
Shikamaru nodded.
Asuma stood to one side and took over, his tone utterly solemn.
"We only survived and forced those two Akatsuki rogue ninja to retreat because of Shikamaru's extraordinary tactical judgment and courage under pressure.
"With any ordinary ninja in