Zetsu vanished as eerily as he had appeared, but his malicious words hit Ling and Kakashi like a bucket of ice water, instantly making them realize how dire the situation was. The thing underground was no mere threat-it was a disaster painstakingly prepared by the Akatsuki, now on the verge of detonation!
"Move!" Kakashi barked. He and Ling sprang back, no longer bothering to conceal their movements as they raced back the way they had come.
Almost the instant they burst out of the lower passage and returned to the main section of the castle-
BOOM!!!
An incredibly deep roar, seemingly rising from the depths of the earth, thundered beneath their feet! The entire castle shook violently. Walls and pillars groaned under the strain, and dust rained down. A shrill alarm instantly rang throughout the castle-the highest-level alert, sounded only when the Land of Iron's samurai discovered a major enemy attack or disaster!
"What's happening?!"
"An earthquake?"
"Enemy attack!"
The Kage and their guards, who had been resting in the various courtyards, rushed out at once, their faces filled with alarm and apprehension.
"Lady Tsunade!" Kakashi and Ling hurried straight to Tsunade and rapidly reported what they had discovered below. "...It's a dark nest, drawing in Leyline Energy. It may have been deliberately detonated!"
Tsunade's expression changed drastically. She immediately ordered Shizune, who stood beside her, "Notify every Konoha ninja. Maximum alert! Prepare for combat and civilian rescue!" Then she turned a sharp gaze on the other Kage emerging from their rooms. "Everyone! The Akatsuki have planted an explosive device beneath the castle. Its energy is extremely unstable. We must evacuate all noncombatants immediately and find a way to contain the explosions!"
Raikage A reacted first, roaring, **"C! Darui! Organize the Cloud ninja, help the samurai evacuate everyone, and establish