Could it be that Konoha had suffered particularly heavy casualties, and that was why they were reacting this way?
That was the only explanation Asuma Sarutobi could think of.
At the thought, his heart rose into his throat. "The village's casualties..."
Although he knew the Allied Shinobi Forces were behind him, with people from other villages present too, Asuma still could not hold back.
Naraku had already rushed back as quickly as he could.
So had he still been a step too late?
"Huh?"
The Konoha ninja froze, then hurriedly waved his hands. "The village didn't suffer serious casualties in this battle."
"Everyone's fine. Everyone's all right!"
Huh?
What nonsense were you talking about?
Akatsuki had attacked, and its leader at that. How could Konoha possibly have suffered no casualties at all?
"That's not quite right. Some people were injured, but there really weren't any deaths."
"It was mainly because Lord Naraku returned in time that the village only had a few people injured."
Oh, so that was it.
But wasn't that a little too far-fetched? By the time Shihōin Naraku left the Allied Shinobi Forces, Akatsuki should already have been attacking Konoha for a while.
Had not a single person in Konoha died during that time?
Not only was Asuma confused, but the Allied Shinobi Forces behind him were also rather puzzled.
Why were the Konoha ninja speaking so vaguely that no one could make sense of what had happened?
"Here's what happened. Before Lord Naraku returned, Lord Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, happened to return to the village. Lord Jiraiya and Lord Hokage joined forces and held off the attack by Akatsuki's leader."
"Lord Naraku appeared at the critical moment and repelled the enemy's attack. In the end, Naruto Uzumaki dealt with Akatsuki's leader, Nagato!"
The explanation was