The joint squad returned to Sunagakure with Gaara, who was gravely injured and weak. Though they had successfully rescued the Kazekage, the weight of the mission far outweighed the joy of victory. More troubling for the Konoha shinobi was that they had secured no substantial spoils-Sasori of the Red Sands and Deidara had swiftly withdrawn without hesitation after the fungal mat's core was destroyed, leaving behind no key items to study. All the squad brought back were combat records and samples of fungal mat fragments collected at the scene, which were rapidly losing their activity.
The atmosphere in the Hokage's Office was somber. Tsunade, Kakashi, Yamato, and several key Jōnin were reviewing the mission.
"So, aside from these samples that are about to become useless and the combat data, we gained almost nothing?" Tsunade rubbed her brow, a trace of exhaustion in her voice.
Kakashi reported, "Yes. The enemy was extremely cautious and decisive about retreating. Sasori's puppets self-destructed during the withdrawal. Once separated from the main body and core, the fungal mat's energy rapidly lost its activity, greatly reducing its research value."
Yamato added, "However, the combat data confirms several things. First, the Akatsuki is indeed attempting to weaponize that corrupting energy and use it against Jinchūriki. Second, this energy is highly resistant to conventional ninjutsu, but extremely concentrated, powerful attacks, such as Naruto's Wind Release: Rasenshuriken and Mr. Might Guy's advanced taijutsu, can still destroy it effectively. Third, it has some ability to interfere with and resist space-time ninjutsu."
Tsunade looked at Naruto, her gaze settling on his still-bandaged arm. "Naruto, your new technique is immensely powerful, but its cost is just as great. Until we find a safe way to use it, you are forbidden from using it again in actual combat."
Though reluctant, Naruto understood the