Konoha, the Hokage's Office.
Tsunade let out a long sigh of relief as she looked at the safely returned Purifying Karma squad and the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, Utakata, whom they had escorted back. After hearing Kakashi's detailed report, especially the terrifying properties of the new living contamination and Uchiha Itachi's meaningful "indirect assistance" during the battle, her brows drew tightly together.
"That contamination... has it already evolved to the point where it can actively multiply and even possess some degree of awareness?" Tsunade pointed at the report's description of the contamination core, her tone grave. "And it seems capable of absorbing chakra and natural energy to grow. It's practically the natural enemy of every shinobi!"
She looked at Ling. "You severely damaged its core, but didn't completely destroy it?"
Ling nodded, his expression solemn. "Yes. That core has an extraordinarily tenacious life force. Although my Twin Dragon Purifying Erosion Pierce severely damaged it and forced it to shrink back and go dormant, I could sense that it hadn't been completely annihilated. It only temporarily lost the energy needed to multiply and move on a large scale. It's like a malignant tumor. Once it absorbs enough energy somewhere else, it could erupt again at any moment."
"We must find a way to eradicate it completely as soon as possible." Tsunade made her decision. "Direct all the Research Division's resources toward this. Prioritize analyzing the contaminated tissue samples Ling brought back. Also, share this detailed report on the new contamination with Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure. This isn't a threat that any single nation or village can handle alone."
She then turned to Utakata. "Utakata, thank you for trusting Konoha. Until this crisis is resolved, Konoha will ensure your safety. I also hope you'll assist us in facing the threats posed by the Akatsuki