"Seal off the Square's exits. Verify the Forehead Protector's identity first."
Sasuke closed the secret scroll without letting the Recording Team project that line onto the public Water Mirror.
Neji activated his Byakugan to inspect the Forehead Protector.
"There are no chakra formulas attached. The blood hasn't fully dried. The Forehead Protector's serial number belongs to the northern border patrol."
Kakashi immediately opened the Roster he carried.
"The registered holder is Chunin Toru Aoki. He was sent to the northern trade route in the Land of Fire three days ago, accompanied by four others."
"How long have they been out of contact?"
"Twelve hours."
"Bring up their last report."
An Intelligence Shinobi handed over a scroll.
"The last report mentioned two people wearing Akatsuki cloaks. They didn't approach the caravan and only stopped at a nearby Bounty Exchange."
Shikaku finished reading the record.
"The Akatsuki is deliberately leaving traces."
"They want us to move our forces north."
Sasuke placed the blood sample in an Evidence Bag.
"Send the Hyuga out for long-range reconnaissance first. No large units are to leave the village. Raise security at the hospital, the Orphanage, and the sealing zone."
Naruto came up from below the platform.
"Are they coming for me this time?"
"Go back to the Training Ground. Fugaku will be responsible for your protection."
"I've already joined the Joint Law Enforcement Department's reserve unit!"
"The reserve unit doesn't participate in operations against S-Rank Missing-nin."
Naruto pointed at the secret scroll.
"They specifically demanded the Nine-Tails. Will hiding me solve anything?"
"If you stay in the center of the barrier, it'll be harder for them to take you away once they get inside."
Sasuke tossed him a new access pass.
"Go familiarize yourself with the routes in the underground shelter. If you encounter spatial fluctuations,