Chapter 103: A Feint?At that moment, Tsunade took the opportunity to speak up: "I see! That is truly a pity. It seems we have chosen a poor time to visit today, so we will have to come another day to learn about your Village's secrets.""Since your Village leader is also not here, let's leave it at that for today! There are still a mountain of matters to resolve back at the Village, and I am always a bit uneasy leaving Asuma to handle them all by himself."Everyone had expected the group to take this chance to head back, but to their surprise, Danzosaid with a smile: "Oh? Since Hokage-sama is so worried about the Village, why don't you head back first?""I am quite interested in this place, so I will stay here for a few more days. Perhaps once your Village leader returns, I will be able to fulfill my wishes.""Furthermore, with Hokage-sama presiding over the Village, there is even less need for me to do anything. Little brothers, you wouldn't mind if I imposed on you for a few more days, would you?""Not at all, not at all! We would be more than happy to have you! How could we possibly mind?" the two Ninja from the Hidden Mist Village replied in a hurry.This put Tsunade in a difficult spot. She hadn't expected that old bastard Danzo to be so cunning, using her own words to launch another attack.Now, Tsunade was backed into a corner. Naturally, she could not allow Danzo to stay here alone; there was no telling what kind of trouble he would stir up if she did.However, she had already stated that there were matters in the Village that needed handling. If she went back on her word and stayed, it would certainly give people something to talk about—especially Danzo, who would surely not pass up such a good opportunity to push her out.Just as she was feeling very troubled, Shikakustepped forward and said to Tsunade: "Hokage-sama, although the Village's affairs are pressing, they can wait a little longer.""It is already late, so why don't we stay here for the night to get some proper rest? It won't be too late to set off tomorrow morning, and this will save us from other unnecessary troubles.""Besides, I have long heard that Huayin Village has a special kind of fish that is incredibly delicious, with tender, smooth meat and few bones. Combined with the unique cooking methods here, it leaves one with an unforgettable aftertaste. I would like to try it, and I hope Hokage-sama will grant me this request."Tsunade feigned a helpless expression, shook her head, and said: "You! I really don't know what to do with you. But after hearing you describe it, I want to try it too. Very well, we'll do as you say. We'll stay here for the night and set off tomorrow!"Although Danzo was very dissatisfied with this result, he said nothing. After all, it wasn't Tsunade's idea, but rather Shikaku's wish to stay an extra night.The group enjoyed dinner at Huayin Village and tasted their specialty fish; the flavor was indeed excellent. After finishing their meal and chatting for a while, everyone returned to their respective rooms.Once the others had left, Tsunade immediately asked Shikaku what they should do next. They couldn't really leave first thing in the morning; that would be pointless.Shikaku comforted her, telling her not to worry and that everything was within his plan. When the time came, Tsunade just needed to cooperate and issue an order for everyone to return to the Villageimmediately.Late at night, Huayin Village fell into a deep silence. Except for a few Ninja on night watch, everyone had already drifted off to sleep.Suddenly, shouting erupted from where the group from Konoha was staying, waking everyone up. When they went out to check, they found that it was Shikaku who had woken them up.Although Tsunade had no idea what he was up to, she cooperated and asked: "We have to travel early tomorrow morning! Why did you wake everyone up at such a late hour?"Shikaku looked anxious and said: "I apologize, Hokage-sama. I know it is very abrupt to disturb everyone's rest, but I just received intelligence from the Anbu, and I had no choice but to do this because of an extremely urgent matter.""Oh? What matter is so urgent? Tell me quickly." Tsunade played her role as the straight man perfectly.Shikaku quickly explained: "It is like this: our Anbumembers have obtained intelligence that a large number of members from the Akatsuki Organization have entered the territory of the Land of Fire.""According to the Anbu's and my own deductions, they are most likely here for Kisame. However, their primary target is not to intercept us halfway, nor is it to head to the Land of Fire's Daimyo.""Their destination is very clear: it is Konoha Village. It seems they intend to launch a surprise attack on Konoha, eliminate us first, and then go to rescue their companion. Moreover, the Uchiha Clan's rogue Ninja, Itachi, is among them! I hear he is the one leading this operation."Upon hearing Itachi's name, Danzo and the Third Hokage both wore meaningful expressions. However, they did not speak, instead turning their gazes toward Tsunade, as if waiting for her to make a decision.Tsunade pondered for a moment and felt that they could not proceed with the previously established plan, otherwise it would be easy for others to spot flaws. So she said: "It appears their target is us, but we cannot rule out the possibility that this is just a feint.""They are feigning a siege on Konoha to make the Daimyo lower his guard, and then, after attracting everyone's attention, they will go to rescue their accomplice.""Let's do this! Kakashi and I will go to rendezvous with the people escorting Kisame, and then we will go together to find the Daimyo. First and foremost, we must ensure their safety.""Yamato will stay here. Although the Akatsuki Organization's target is not here, we cannot rule out that possibility. At the moment, Huayin Villagelacks powerful Ninja, so you will help them for the time being.""Danzo and Teacher, I must trouble you to take the others and return to the Village as quickly as possible. Immediately initiate wartime protocols; Konoha Village is to be placed under total lockdown. No one is allowed in or out during this period.""When I am not in the Village, all matters are to be decided jointly by Shikaku and Asuma. The situation is urgent, so everyone, please overcome the difficulties. Let's set off now!"Tsunade's words were very firm and brooked no argument. Under such circumstances, everyone had to follow the Hokage's arrangements, and none of the four high-level Advisors from Konoha dared to voice any objection.And so, the group from Konoha split into three parties and set off overnight to their respective destinations.At this moment, Kisame and his group were about to reach their destination. Even if Tsunade and Kakashi traveled without sleep or rest, they would still arrive two or three days later than them.After Danzo and his party returned to Konoha Village, they immediately began setting up defenses in accordance with Tsunade's requirements, causing a bit of panic among the people for a time.However, the thing Danzo was most concerned about now was whether Itachi was still loyal to Konoha. If he was, why would he lead the Akatsuki Organization to attack Konoha?Furthermore, his first move was a lethal blow, making it almost impossible to discern what his true intentions were. For this reason, he specifically went to find the Third Hokage to ask for his opinion on Itachi.At first, the Third Hokage maintained that he absolutely believed in Itachi's loyalty to the Villageand that he must have had hidden reasons for doing this. Perhaps the information obtained by the Anbu was something he had intentionally leaked.But after Danzo aggressively questioned him a few times, the Third Hokage once again fell into hesitation, and his belief in Itachi began to waver.Danzo seized the opportunity and stated: "It seems you are not entirely sure either. If Itachi really does appear this time, we must do everything in our power to kill him.""The existence of this person is simply too dangerous for the Village. He possesses a vast amount of the Village's top-secret information. If this were to become known to the enemy, the Village would be plunged into immense trouble."
