The meeting room fell into a long silence.
Jiraiya looked torn, his heart a jumble of emotions. He did not know whether to object or agree.
After a long while, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly nodded, fully endorsing Tsunade's plan.
"Tsunade is right."
"We can't ruin those two children just for the sake of temporary peace of mind."
"Naruto and Sasuke were never going to follow the same path as ordinary shinobi."
Tsunade hesitated no longer. Instantly regaining her decisive bearing as Hokage, she swiftly finalized the entire security plan.
"Here's what we'll do."
"From now on, Naruto and Sasuke will live together, look after each other, and train side by side."
"The Anbu will guard them covertly in seamless, round-the-clock shifts. They must never reveal themselves or interfere with the boys' growth."
"We'll also deploy Konoha's most elite Jonin squads in groups around the perimeter, creating multiple layers of protection."
At that, a glimmer of unwavering trust crossed Tsunade's eyes, and she slowly added:
"Besides that..."
"I trust Uchiha Itachi."
"Itachi is meticulous, loves Sasuke deeply, and cares about Konoha."
"Once he recognizes the terrifying threat Isshiki poses, he'll do everything in his power to protect Sasuke from the shadows and fend off every unknown danger."
With every arrangement settled, Tsunade wasted no more time. She immediately rose to personally select elite shinobi and adjust the Anbu's deployment, methodically putting every layer of the plan in place.
And events unfolded exactly as Tsunade had predicted.
Hidden within Konoha, quietly watching the Sky Screen, Uchiha Itachi's deep eyes darkened the instant he finished watching the entire battle between Naruto, Sasuke, and Isshiki.
He calmly reviewed the battle from beginning to end, dissecting Isshiki's abilities and analyzing every detail of the battlefield.
The moment he saw Isshiki physically overpower Sasuke, shatter his Susanoo,