Their indifference as the enemy left dealt a considerable blow to the allied forces' morale.
They waited for the Kazekage and the elder to order a pursuit, yet few dared take even a step forward. Even those unwilling to let the enemy go were held back by the Sand Ninja around them.
A ninja's duty was to obey orders, even orders that meant certain death. In turn, responsibility for not pursuing fell on the highest-ranking figures present: the Kazekage and the elder.
Kakashi sighed inwardly, but he did not pursue either. Instead, he looked toward Kazekage Rasa.
"Treat the wounded and tighten security around the perimeter in case the Akatsuki attack again."
The Kazekage waved a hand and issued his orders to the Sand Ninja, making no mention of the One-Tail or the recent events. Then he headed toward the devastated camp with Elder Chiyo.
With the Konoha ANBU suffering one defeat after another and the Akatsuki easily subduing Shukaku, their side had already sustained heavy losses.
Kazekage Rasa gradually came to understand something: even if they recovered the One-Tail now, there was no telling whether they could hold on to him.
The Konoha ANBU could not stay in Sunagakure forever, and a jinchūriki needed time to develop into a fighting force.
Once he understood that, Rasa increasingly felt that the One-Tail was a hot potato. Keeping him offered no benefits and would only bring even greater losses.
The One-Tail was already gone. Next, the threat would fall on the other shinobi villages that possessed tailed beasts.
His only real regret was failing to eliminate the missing-nin Sasori of the Red Sand. Sunagakure would very likely have to take part in the battles to come.
At that thought, Kazekage Rasa's interest in committing troops dwindled further.
Elder Chiyo, meanwhile, walked