Following Kisame's gaze, Mei Terumi looked out at Kirigakure's peaceful streets and understood everything.
Lord Yagura had considered holding out in the village, but without support from the other shinobi villages, Kirigakure alone could not contend with the Akatsuki. There was little hope of victory.
The previous attack had already dealt the village a devastating blow. If another came, Kirigakure might collapse outright, losing the organization and order of a shinobi village.
By choosing to leave, he could buy time while also making the Akatsuki hesitate to act for fear of the consequences.
After all, every major shinobi village knew that the Akatsuki came from Amegakure, from the country that had once produced a Demigod. They could use that knowledge as a deterrent.
Once the other shinobi villages learned that Kirigakure had been attacked, they would surely take action as well.
At that thought, Mei Terumi signaled Ao with a glance, and he immediately slipped away from the group.
After a moment's consideration, Mei Terumi said to Kisame, "Let's work together to protect the village in the days ahead."
Mei Terumi knew how strong Kisame was. The strength he had displayed was no less than her own.
Kisame's expression remained unchanged. He glanced over the group and prompted her, "Chief Terumi, where is Utakata?"
"Utakata? He's been outside the village for the past day..." As the realization struck her, Mei Terumi's expression changed. As the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, Utakata was also one of the Akatsuki's targets.
Kisame shook his head. "It looks like Utakata's chances are grim."
With that, Kisame left the Elder faction's base, his retreating figure disappearing from Mei Terumi and the others' sight.
On the other side of Kirigakure.
After receiving Mei Terumi's signal, Ao tucked a letter onto a summoning beast. The letter briefly explained what had