Konoha's pursuers had already engaged Jūgo and Suigetsu, who were covering the retreat.
This was Konoha's home turf, after all. They were bound to suffer badly in a prolonged battle.
Sasuke's face was ashen, the killing intent in his eyes almost solid enough to touch.
Meanwhile, Konoha's main force, having received the news, was racing toward the Valley of the End like mad.
Back in the Valley of the End, Raito was making idle conversation with Tsunade.
The actual negotiations had long since ended, yet Raito seemed to have glued his backside to his seat with superglue. He showed no intention of getting up to leave.
Though Tsunade was inwardly puzzled and could not work out what Raito was up to, she could only patiently keep him company.
Just then, a breathless Konoha messenger stumbled out of the dense woods behind them.
"Lord Hokage... something terrible has happened! The sky is falling!"
That abrupt, bewildering shout made everyone present miss a heartbeat.
Tsunade's brow furrowed. Though the ninja had yet to report the details, her keen instincts instantly sent her gaze cutting toward Raito's face like a knife.
"It was you... what have you been doing behind our backs?"
Raito spread his hands innocently and smiled. "That's an unfair accusation. Haven't I been sitting here behaving myself right under your nose the whole time? What could I have done?"
Tsunade snorted, whipped around, and barked at the messenger, "What are you panicking for? Speak clearly! What exactly happened?"
"The Hokage... a thief broke into the Hokage Building and forcibly stole the Scroll of Seals!"
The instant she heard those words, Tsunade sprang to her feet, her expression dark as a thundercloud, and turned to glare fixedly at Raito.
"Was this the real purpose behind your grand visit to Konoha? To