Hokage's Office.
A gathering of Hidden Leaf's top brass filled the room. Some wore expressions of anger, others remained silent, and a few had faces darkened with grim resolve.
Tsunade declared, "This matter must be investigated thoroughly!"
The Third Hokage glanced at Danzo, withholding an immediate response, as if weighing his options.
Danzo, though his face was shadowed, maintained an air of calm confidence.
This time, using Uchiha Shinji's parents to lure her out of the village was indeed a scheme he had facilitated in collusion with Orochimaru.
But he had been meticulous.
Kurama Murakumo's mission was legitimate on its face, and the news of their squad's peril was spread to the Kurama clan through rumors.
Thus, while Danzo played a key role, all he had done was pass certain information to Orochimaru.
As long as Orochimaru remained uncaptured, no one could directly implicate him.
Without a witness, even Tsunade couldn't topple a village advisor elder so easily.
Sensing this, Mitokado Homura cleared his throat: "Ahem, let's put the internal investigation on hold for now! We need to figure out why Orochimaru targeted Kurama Uchiha Shinji and what his connection to Akatsuki is!"
Utatane Koharu nodded: "Yes, internal investigations can't be rushed."
Tsunade immediately shot a fiery glare at Homura and Koharu.
While these two advisors often opposed Danzo on many issues, when it came to the authority of the advisory council, their stance predictably aligned with him.
Seeing the situation spiraling, the Third spoke up: "I'll personally oversee this internal investigation! Now, let's move on to other matters. Jiraiya, has it been confirmed that Orochimaru defected from Akatsuki?"
Jiraiya replied, "It's confirmed! Akatsuki even scoured the black market for Orochimaru's whereabouts. So, I'm certain that this plot targeting Kurama Uchiha Shinji involved no collaboration between Orochimaru and Akatsuki. Their paths likely crossed because they both took an interest in her!"
"It seems the reemergence of Wood Release has caught Akatsuki's attention," the Third nodded, continuing, "I've read the report, and it mentions a peculiar Akatsuki member. What's the deal with that?"
Kakashi, standing at the periphery, stepped forward, detailing the scene before saying measuredly, "Based on my observations, the Akatsuki member who appeared in spiritual form likely wields a Space-Time Ninjutsu akin to the Fourth's 'Flying Thunder God Technique.'"
"What!?"
Homura and Koharu, hearing this for the first time, visibly paled.
No one understood the implications of 'Space-Time Ninjutsu' better than these advisors, who had witnessed the Fourth's rise.
If Akatsuki had someone akin to the Fourth, it was dire news for the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
The Third, face stern, asked, "Can you confirm this?"
Kakashi shook his head.
The Third turned to Tsunade: "What about Kurama Uchiha Shinji? She was the one attacked—surely she can provide some intel?"
Tsunade answered, "I've questioned her. The situation was chaotic, and the opponent approached in spiritual form, striking instantly. She had no time to react, so she couldn't offer any useful information."
After a moment's thought, the Third said, "For someone with the Koryugan to have no time to react is telling evidence in itself. We can't afford to be complacent!"
Tsunade and Kakashi voiced no objections.
Clearly, they agreed with the Third's judgment. Though hard evidence was lacking, the clues suggested Akatsuki had a member wielding 'Space-Time Ninjutsu,' and it was likely true.
The Third called out, "Intelligence Analysis Team!"
"Here!"
Yamanaka Inoichi stepped forward.
The Third issued his order: "Immediately draft contingency plans for dealing with spiritual forms and 'Space-Time Ninjutsu'!"
"Understood!"
Inoichi responded, then stepped back.
For a shinobi village like Hidden Leaf, no matter how tricky spiritual forms or 'Space-Time Ninjutsu' were, they weren't without countermeasures.
The Third turned to Kakashi: "Anything else to add?"
Kakashi said, "The mysterious Akatsuki member wore a hooded red-cloud cloak and a mask. They're likely distinct from Scorpion and Deidara, belonging to the 'A' faction."
Homura, hoping to avoid adding another formidable foe, asked, "Could they be 'A,' or perhaps the already-known 'B' or 'C'?"
Kakashi shook his head: "I've seen all three members of the 'A' faction. Though they always wear masks, I'm certain this new Akatsuki member isn't 'A,' 'B,' or 'C.'"
Koharu couldn't help but grumble, "How does Akatsuki keep recruiting such troublesome people?"
Kakashi continued, "I suggest creating a special file for this new Akatsuki member, similar to the one for 'A.'"
The Third agreed, "Very well, let's designate them codename 'D' for now! Compile all intelligence related to 'D' and share it with the other villages as soon as possible."
"Yes!"
The group responded in unison.
After the meeting, Tsunade returned to Hidden Leaf Hospital.
As a precaution, not only had Kurama Murakumo's squad of four been admitted, but even Uchiha Shinji, who appeared uninjured, was kept in a hospital bed by Tsunade's orders.
Seeing Tsunade return, Shizune hurried to meet her: "Lady Tsunade, how's the investigation going?"
"Hmph!" Tsunade snorted coldly. "Investigate what? It's obviously that old bastard Danzo!"
Shizune asked, "What did the Hokage say?"
"The old man hasn't made up his mind yet…" Shaking her head, Tsunade sighed. "Forget it. How's Uchiha Shinji? Are the test results back?"
Shizune handed Tsunade a report: "We've checked her with every instrument. There's no trace of any seals like those used in the 'Flying Thunder God Technique.' The opponent likely didn't have time to tamper with her!"
"That's a relief!"
Tsunade exhaled, her greatest fear being that the enemy had left a mark on Uchiha Shinji, enabling a future 'Space-Time Ninjutsu' ambush.
Entering Uchiha Shinji's room, Tsunade asked, "How are you feeling?"
Uchiha Shinji said helplessly, "Lady Tsunade, I'm really fine!"
"Even if you're fine, you'd better stay in the hospital for a few days!" Tsunade briefly recounted the Hokage's Office discussion, then added, "That Akatsuki member, codenamed 'D,' has their sights on you. Be extra cautious for a while!"