Sasuke Uchiha's escape through the window was like a boulder thrown into Konoha's deep waters. The ripples it stirred swiftly became surging undercurrents. Yet the crisis unfolding in the hospital's Isolation Zone left no room for anyone to turn their attention elsewhere.
The Sealing Crystal had spiraled completely out of control. The dark energy it unleashed rampaged through the ward like a beast freed from its reins. Purple-black tendrils attacked every living thing indiscriminately, corroding walls and medical equipment. Shrill alarms mingled with the explosive cracks of energy annihilation.
"Suppress it! Protect the wounded first!" Tsunade's roar rose above the chaos. She and Ling formed the first line of defense, combining the immense vitality of the Strength of a Hundred Technique with pure senjutsu chakra to erect a resilient shield. It confined most of the dark energy to the center of the ward, protecting the unconscious Itachi and several Medical Ninjas who had not managed to evacuate.
Kakashi's Lightning Blade struck like swift lightning, precisely severing each energy tendril that tried to breach their defenses. His Sharingan spun rapidly, tracking not only the energy's movements but everything that happened inside the ward, including Mori no Suke and his men's initial attempt to force their way in.
Mori no Suke and his Special Action Team had found themselves in an awkward position. They had come to take control, only to run straight into an incident of this magnitude. Confronted with the raging dark energy, they had no choice but to set aside their original orders and help Tsunade and the others hold it back. The Research Division scholar was so frightened that his face had gone deathly pale. He huddled in a corner, clutching his instruments, having long since lost the courage to record anything.
"Captain Mori no Suke! Assist with