While Shukaku might be the weakest of the Tailed Beasts in direct combat, its escape skills were unmatched. If not for that, it never would have slipped through Sunagakure's encirclement for eight long months.
Inside the Leaf command tent, Orochimaru returned from the front lines and pushed open the flap. His pale eyes settled on the man seated inside.
"What's the situation with Sunagakure?"
Sakumo, polishing his short sword, didn't pause in his movements. He kept his attention on the blade.
"We still can't pinpoint Shukaku's exact location, but the reconnaissance squad has already dispatched Hyuga trackers. They should be able to locate it before long."
"Don't be careless."
Another figure stepped into the tent. The man's unmistakable spiky hair marked him as a member of the Nara clan. He carried a scroll under one arm.
"This is the latest configuration of Sunagakure's sealing squad," he announced. "Sakumo, review it. Tell me the personnel you need, and I'll immediately transfer them from the front lines."
Nara Shikaku had only been at the Konoha base for two days, yet he had already taken full command from Tsunade. His calm efficiency left no room for doubt.
Sakumo finished wiping his blade and finally accepted the scroll. He read carefully.
"Sunagakure's sealing unit consists of fifteen members. Accompanying them are four protection squads. All captains are elite Jonin, and their squads are composed of standard Jonin."
Raising his head, Sakumo asked, "Is there any specific intel on the fifteen sealing members?"
"Confirmed," Shikaku replied. "Their combat ability averages around Chunin level."
Sakumo nodded. "How many teams can we withdraw from our main battlefield? And how many stationed here can participate?"
Shikaku answered immediately.
"Based on Tsunade's latest message, only three elite Jonin and two squad leaders can be withdrawn. One is a Jonin, the other a Special Jonin."
He shook his head slightly.
"As for those stationed at the base… most are Chunin or Genin. Anyone with higher combat ability is either already deployed or recovering from injuries. If they weren't injured, they'd be on the front lines."
Even for someone as capable as Shikaku, the shortage of manpower was impossible to ignore. The Eight-Tails disaster had reshaped the entire war. With Sunagakure gaining the upper hand, every available Konoha force had been sent to reinforce the main battlefield.
And still, it wasn't enough.
Because of its position at the center of nations, Konoha couldn't empty its village of shinobi like Sunagakure could. They had to account for threats from the Land of Water across the sea, and the ever-unpredictable Land of Lightning.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
"Sunagakure sent far too many people for this sealing mission. Shukaku's power is considered low among the Tailed Beasts. With their Tea Kettle sealing implement, a five-person sealing group would suffice. Sending fifteen… They're expecting us to interfere."
Sakumo closed the scroll.
"How about this," Orochimaru suggested. "I'll join the mission as well."
Shikaku shook his head.
"No. If you leave, Tsunade alone won't be able to restrain the Third Kazekage. Once he moves, we lose any chance for victory."
Sakumo nodded in agreement. Konoha was lacking in high-tier combat power. If the Third Kazekage appeared, there was no one left who could face him.
Shikaku then shifted topics.
"By the way, Sakumo. Are you certain you want to take that Uchiha kid?"
Ever since Chiyo had mentioned the "White Fang" half a year ago, Hayashi's reputation had grown enormously. Rumors spread rapidly, claiming he possessed strength rivaling the Sannin despite being only eleven.
Most didn't believe it. But those who had actually seen him fought differently.
Orochimaru smirked faintly.
"Half a year ago, he killed one of the Third Kazekage's personal guards. As for his current strength… I can't say."
Shikaku blinked in surprise. A Kazekage's guard was far stronger than any ordinary elite Jonin. If the boy had truly done that…
Sakumo continued, "Hayashi won't be fighting directly this time. The battle will be handled by myself and the others."
"He will serve only as a distraction. As long as he draws Shukaku's attention when it appears, then leads it away from the sealing site, that alone is enough."
Shikaku considered this. It was simple, but effective.
Uchiha Hayashi had once struck Shukaku with Lightning Release. Given the One-Tail's petty and vengeful nature, its reaction was practically guaranteed.
Shikaku cast a quick glance toward Orochimaru writing the mission scroll.
So this was Tsunade and Orochimaru's plan?
Was this how they used their own disciple?
"Report!"
An ANBU wearing a fox mask appeared and knelt.
"The reconnaissance team has confirmed Sunagakure's sealing squad has departed."
"Very well." Sakumo rose and slid the White Light Chakra Blade into its sheath.
"Have they confirmed the leader?"
"Yes. Chiyo's son."
"Oh?"
Sakumo's eyes sharpened.
"So, it's Ebizo. I was just thinking I'd like to meet him."
…
"I really hope to meet him," Ebizo said.
Across the golden desert, a squad of Sunagakure shinobi ran swiftly beneath the blazing sun. At the front was a red-haired man carrying a giant scroll across his back.
A woman in her twenties ran beside him. Her long yellow hair flowed behind her, and a massive iron fan was secured at her back.
"Ebizo, who are you talking about? Hatake Sakumo?"
"Yes," Ebizo replied, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
She frowned. "Why do you think he'll be the one to intercept us?"
"The Konoha base has been short on high-end combat power lately," Ebizo explained. "They can't match our numbers. To guarantee the mission, they will send their strongest fighter."
"So you requested to lead this mission yourself?"
"Not exactly."
He shook his head.
"The Third Kazekage came to me personally and ordered me to lead this team."
The woman's amber eyes narrowed.
"Feels like he's planning something."
"Perhaps," Ebizo answered calmly. "But even if I haven't fought Hatake Sakumo directly… he won't kill me."
He gave her a sideways glance.
"And besides, you're here. So who knows who will kill whom."
The yellow-haired woman nodded, though worry slipped into her eyes.
"I wonder how Sasori is doing. Leaving him alone in the village like this…"
"Shin, it's alright."
Ebizo reached over and squeezed his wife's hand.
"He's a smart child. He'll understand."
"That's what worries me." Her voice softened. "He's so mature. When I left… he didn't cry. He just watched me from the gate."
Silence settled between them. Ebizo imagined the small, lonely figure of his son. It weighed on him more heavily than any mission.
"…Alright," he said suddenly.
She blinked. "What is it?"
"I've decided. After this mission, I will return home. Sasori likes puppets, doesn't he? I'll teach him everything. The full puppet-crafting arts."
His voice was firm.
As though he was convincing himself as much as her.