Seeing everyone in the room so unsettled, Kakashi was the first to regain his composure. He asked Haku, "Do you know where Anyo went? He's been gone so long this time. Didn't he leave any word?"
At that, everyone's eyes turned to Haku except Naruto's.
Haku thought for a moment before saying, "Although he didn't say anything, knowing him, he wouldn't disappear for long without a trace. He'll definitely send word back."
Just then, two of Konoha's senior advisers, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, arrived as well.
"It's unexpectedly lively here," Utatane Koharu said first. "I don't know what meeting you're holding, but stop it immediately. There's something more important."
"Whatever you have to say can wait," Tsunade said impatiently. "For now, get out."
Sensing something wrong with the atmosphere, Mitokado Homura tugged at Utatane Koharu's sleeve.
Naruto, who had remained silent all this time, finally recovered from the news he had just heard. With a somber expression, he asked, "Were you the one who sent him, Granny?"
"Yes," Tsunade replied.
Naruto grew furious. "Why did you let him act so recklessly? You should know Pervy Sage's personality better than anyone, Granny. Letting him go somewhere that dangerous alone..."
"Enough, Naruto," Kakashi interrupted. "Surely you understand how the Fifth Hokage feels."
Naruto froze in place, his fists clenched tightly, then headed for the door. Ignoring Sakura's calls, he said, "Damn it. If Pervy Sage had become the Fifth Hokage, he never would've let Granny Tsunade take a reckless risk like that."
Only then did Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura understand what had happened. Their expressions changed drastically. "What? Don't tell us Jiraiya..."
"Was it the Akatsuki?"
Tsunade nodded. "Yes."
"It seems we've come at just the right time. Please read this carefully." Mitokado Homura took out a letter and placed