The intelligence Jiraiya sent through reverse summoning from Mount Myōboku struck the Allied Forces' leadership like a boulder hurled into a stagnant pool, unleashing towering waves. Offshore islands, larger remnants of the God Tree, suspected aggregates of tailed beast chakra, and Obito's confirmed whereabouts... all of it pointed to a far greater, far more dangerous conspiracy.
"We can't wait any longer!" Raikage A was the first to slam the table and rise, his voice booming like thunder. "We must assemble an elite force immediately, cross the sea, destroy the threats on those islands, and capture Madara Uchiha!"
"Crossing the sea to wage war is easier said than done!" Ōnoki immediately poured cold water on the proposal. "We know nothing about the conditions offshore. Our supply lines would be long, the enemy would be rested and waiting, and those strange plants pose another threat. A reckless expedition would be far too risky!"
Mei Terumi also urged caution. "Our most pressing task is to find an effective way to counter those dark plants and the Sacred Lord's will. Otherwise, no matter how many people we send, we may only be delivering nutrients to those 'God Tree remnants.'"
After a brief silence, Gaara spoke. "Perhaps we can pursue both approaches. Assemble a small elite vanguard team of ninja skilled in infiltration and reconnaissance, and send them offshore to verify the intelligence and gather as much additional information as possible. Meanwhile, the Allied Forces' main force can continue fortifying our defenses and accelerate research into a countermeasure."
This relatively cautious plan won the approval of most of those present. After heated discussion, they settled on a vanguard team consisting of Kirigakure's elite ninja Ao, who possessed the Byakugan; Konoha's Shino Aburame, for insect-swarm reconnaissance and analysis; and Kumogakure's Omoi and Karui, who excelled at