Naruto: Uchiha Survivor Forced to Save the Shinobi World-Chapter 365: Uncertain Subordination

"Why?"

The Third asked a question that many in the room were desperate to understand.

Tsunade pondered for a long time but ultimately shook her head slowly: "I'm sorry."

Though she had been present and witnessed the entire battle, she couldn't discern the opponent's purpose. If she had to guess, it seemed they were testing Yakumo's Wood Release abilities.

Because it was only when facing Yakumo that the opponent truly got serious.

Before that, Sasuke's provocations had been completely ignored, almost as if the opponent knew Sasuke and chose not to engage him seriously.

Considering Akatsuki's 'B' was an Uchiha, this behavior didn't surprise her too much.

Unable to get answers from Tsunade, the Third turned to Kakashi.

Under the scrutiny of the Third and the advisory elders, Kakashi spoke reluctantly: "My view aligns with Lady Tsunade's. The opponent's actions this time were strange, but they indeed refrained from killing. Aside from Gai, the few injured on the battlefield were merely caught in the crossfire."

The Third asked, "Is Gai alright?"

Tsunade replied, "I've treated him. He has a few fractures but will recover with rest."

Even opening just the seventh gate, 'Gate of Shock,' of the 'Eight Gates' placed an immense burden on a shinobi's body.

Moreover, Gai had used 'Daytime Tiger' to clash head-on with a complete 'Susanoo,' so after deactivating the 'Eight Gates,' his body immediately gave out.

Relieved to hear Gai's injuries weren't severe, the Third exhaled.

Against a behemoth like a complete 'Susanoo,' even a major village like Hidden Leaf had few countermeasures. Gai, who nearly pierced 'Susanoo' with a single move, became one of the village's key strategies for dealing with it.

The Third then scanned the room: "Speak up—any thoughts?"

Yamanaka Inoichi stepped forward first: "On behalf of the intelligence team, I apologize! We underestimated Akatsuki's 'B,' nearly putting the village in grave danger!"

The Third nodded, accepting the intelligence team's apology.

Inoichi continued, "We previously assumed Akatsuki's 'B' was subordinate to 'A.' But based on current events, 'B's' strength may not be inferior to 'A's,' and their hierarchical relationship remains uncertain."

Akatsuki's 'A' had a record of fighting the demon Moryo multiple times, using 'Susanoo' in those battles. Comparing their 'Susanoo,' it was clear 'B' was likely not weaker than 'A.'

Thus, their supposed subordination couldn't be confidently asserted.

After Inoichi finished, Danzo quickly interjected, "I propose raising Akatsuki's 'B's' danger level and placing Uchiha Sasuke and Uchiha Shinji under full surveillance!"

Tsunade responded, "I have no objection to raising 'B's' danger level, but I cannot agree to fully monitoring Uchiha Sasuke and Uchiha Shinji!"

A complete 'Susanoo' possessed the power to destroy a shinobi village, so elevating 'B's' danger level was a given. Even if Hidden Leaf didn't propose it, the other four villages would.

But Tsunade strongly disapproved of Danzo's habit of suppressing their own people.

After all, there was no evidence linking Uchiha Sasuke or Uchiha Shinji to the Akatsuki.

Kakashi added, "We can analyze the losses at the archives to deduce the Akatsuki's purpose for this attack."

"Hm, follow up on that. Have the archives submit a report as soon as possible."

The Third nodded slightly, steering the conversation along Kakashi's suggestion.

"Hmph!"

Danzo could only snort coldly.

Ignoring Danzo, the Third instructed Koharu Utatane to represent Hidden Leaf in reassuring the other four villages, tasked the intelligence team with intensifying Akatsuki data collection, assigned Asuma to calm the villagers, and more, before declaring the meeting adjourned.

As the meeting ended, the high-ranking officials filed out of the Hokage's office.

The Third asked Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi to stay behind.

Knowing why the Third kept her, Tsunade cut to the chase: "I believe this attack was likely to test Yakumo's Wood Release strength!"

Kakashi nodded, "Yes, the opponent focused on Yakumo throughout, with clear intent."

"So that's the case?" Sighing, the Third asked, "How did Yakumo perform this time?"

"Exceptionally well!"

Tsunade immediately praised her.

Kakashi added, "She's one of the few in our village capable of confronting 'Susanoo' head-on!"

The Third fixed his gaze on Kakashi: "What about Sasuke?"

"Sasuke...?" Hesitating, Kakashi shook his head, "Sasuke currently lacks the ability to engage in battles at the Akatsuki's level."

The Third's eyes narrowed: "I'm asking, will Sasuke become a Hidden Leaf shinobi? Will the village have its own Mangekyo Uchiha?"

Kakashi didn't answer immediately, pondering carefully before saying, "That depends on how we treat the Uchiha."

"I understand!" Nodding, the Third waved them off, adding, "Tsunade, take care of Yakumo!"

In the forest.

Having dispelled 'Susanoo,' Karin lightly landed on a tree branch.

She nervously scanned her surroundings, like a child caught doing something naughty.

Thanks to her 'Kagura Mind's Eye,' she was certain there were no Hidden Leaf pursuers within dozens of miles, yet she couldn't shake a lingering sense of guilt.

"I actually fought Yakumo just now..."

Excitement, exhilaration, and lingering fear flooded her heart.

Then, she calmed herself, meticulously reviewing the entire operation, terrified of overlooking or botching something that could derail her leader's plans.

Swish!

At that moment, a figure appeared before her.

"My lord!"

She hurriedly stepped forward, kneeling on one knee in salute.

Without a doubt, the figure was none other than Uchiha Shinji, who had been silently observing Karin from the shadows all along.

After saluting, Karin quickly retrieved two scrolls from the shinobi pouch at her waist, presenting them to Shinji with both hands.

Shinji took them and glanced at the covers. One was labeled 'Adamantine Sealing Chains,' the other 'Four Symbols Seal.'