"Everyone, assemble!"
At Shihōin Naraku's command, the Allied Shinobi Forces, who were still resting, dropped what they were doing as quickly as possible and lined up before him.
"According to the intelligence we just received, the Akatsuki has attacked Konoha."
The members of the Allied Shinobi Forces who had not heard the Katsuyu Sage speak earlier were all stunned.
The Akatsuki had attacked Konoha?
Really?
Everyone found it hard to believe. With Shihōin Naraku, the God of the Shinobi World, around, the Akatsuki had actually dared to provoke Konoha!
The Akatsuki really was bold.
On second thought, that was how the Akatsuki had always operated.
Since they had dared to attack the Five Great Nations everywhere and capture the Tailed Beast Jinchūriki before, there was nothing strange about them heading to Konoha now.
"I will return to Konoha ahead of you. Asuma Sarutobi will lead the Allied Shinobi Forces there after me."
"Is that understood?"
"Understood!"
"Yes!"
Naraku's imposing gaze swept over the Allied Shinobi Forces, and everyone immediately straightened up and answered.
"Go get ready now!"
"Assemble and depart in five minutes!"
"Yes!"
Watching the Allied Shinobi Forces disperse, Naraku turned and nodded to the Katsuyu Sage, then said, "Asuma, I'm leaving the Allied Shinobi Forces to you."
"Be careful. The journey back might not be very safe."
"I understand!" Asuma nodded solemnly. "But how will you get back? Even with your speed, you won't make it to Konoha in time..."
"Do you need me to use the Reverse Summoning Technique?" the Katsuyu Sage offered from beside him. That way, Naraku could return to Konoha in the shortest possible time.
Naraku shook his head. "No need to trouble you, Katsuyu Sage. I have a faster way."
"All right, then I'll leave first."
With a pop, the Katsuyu Sage, who