Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.
Allied Shinobi Forces Headquarters.
The top brass of the Allied Forces were gathered around a massive map of the ninja world, discussing strategies for the next stage of the war.
Suddenly, the Tsuchikage smacked his forehead.
"Right, we've been so focused on the sealing techniques that we completely forgot — the Island Turtle's location being exposed is a huge problem!"
The representative from Kumogakure nodded.
"Even though the Island Turtle drifts slowly across the ocean, its speed is still limited. Once it's spotted, a broader search area could easily locate it again… It's time to relocate them!"
The Hokage spoke up.
"How about moving them to the Land of Fire? There's a massive iron fortress in Konoha that can protect them safely."
The Mizukage shook her head.
"That's not ideal. Akatsuki has several sensory-type shinobi — placing them on land makes them too easy to find. It'd be better to hide them within the waters of the Land of Water."
The Tsuchikage frowned.
"No good. Akatsuki has too many bases in the Land of Water's territory."
The Mizukage scowled.
"Then what do you suggest, old man? You want us to dump them in your barren Iwagakure?" (Ծ‸ Ծ)
The Raikage raised his voice.
"Enough arguing! I say we move them directly to the coastal waters behind our command center. The most dangerous place is often the safest one!" (´∇ﾉ｀*)ノ
"That way, if anything happens to them, the main forces can provide support immediately."
The others fell silent, deep in thought.
After a moment, Tsunade — the Hokage — spoke first.
"I think that could work."
Both the Tsuchikage and the Mizukage nodded.
"Agreed."
The Mizukage added, "One more thing — how exactly do we make the Island Turtle move that fast?" (￢‸￢) ?
The Raikage turned toward Tsunade, who looked unsure and shook her head slightly.
"Anyway," the Raikage said, "let's first send the decision from headquarters to the island. As for how to move it — we'll figure that out somehow." (--003d°ω°)
With that, the Raikage ordered Yamanaka Inoichi, the head of the communications division, to attempt mental contact with the Kumogakure shinobi stationed on the Island Turtle.
But just as the order was issued, Inoichi's expression suddenly changed dramatically!
"Urgent report from the Land of Lightning's border guard! A massive number of white creatures are emerging from the sea!!" (´°Δ°`)
Before anyone could react, Ao, who was responsible for sensory duties, also stiffened in shock.
"I'm detecting an enormous surge of chakra at the Land of Lightning's border! Two individuals with massive chakra levels — they're like… tailed beasts!!"
The Raikage's eyes widened.
"Tailed beasts? Akatsuki's actually unleashing tailed beast-level power to launch a direct assault on our headquarters?!"
Standing beside him, Tsunade studied the strategy map spread across the table.
"The closest unit to the Land of Lightning's border is Darui's First Division."
The Raikage barked, "Send the message — have them return immediately for support!"
But before the command could even be relayed, Inoichi's expression twisted again.
"Urgent news from the Second Division! A small-scale Edo Tensei unit from Akatsuki has appeared near the Iron Country border!!" (ŐдŐ๑)
The Tsuchikage frowned.
"Edo Tensei shinobi appearing? Ao, how did your sensory detection miss that?" (´｀;) ?
Sweat trickled down Ao's temple as he replied nervously,
"It's strange… these Edo Tensei shinobi seemed to have appeared out of thin air!"
The Tsuchikage asked again, "Can you confirm who they are?"
Inoichi nodded.
"According to the front-line reports — the Fourth Kazekage from Sunagakure, the Second Mizukage from Kirigakure, the Third Raikage from Kumogakure, and… Danzō from Konoha."
The Raikage froze.
"Tch…"
"Even my old man's been resurrected?!" (ꐦ ಠ 皿 ಠ)
After hearing that lineup, the Tsuchikage shook his head.
"No, it's not just them."
"Ao said they appeared out of nowhere — that reminds me of someone!"
"My teacher, the Second Tsuchikage of Iwagakure. He not only possessed incredible chakra sensing ability, but was also a master at concealing his presence."
"So that means… there are probably five Edo Tensei shinobi near the Iron Country!"
The Raikage's secretary gasped.
"The Second Tsuchikage — the man who developed the Kekkei tōta?!" (๑ʘ̅ д ʘ̅๑)!!!
The Tsuchikage sighed heavily, his back bending slightly as if weighed down by memory.
"The Kekkei tōta isn't something ordinary shinobi can handle… Looks like I'll have to go myself."
With that, the Tsuchikage floated into the air and sped out of the headquarters toward the distant battlefield of the Iron Country.
...
Not long after the Tsuchikage's departure, Ao's face changed again, his voice trembling.
"Commander! Multiple new chakra signatures have just appeared at the Third Division's battlefield in the Land of Rain — where they're fighting Akatsuki's Kekkei genkai squad!" ╭(°A°`)╮
Inoichi quickly followed up.
"Report from the Third Division — Hyuga Tokuma and Aburame Muta from Konoha have discovered Akatsuki's hidden base! The message is being transmitted back to headquarters now!"
Hearing the rapid chain of reports, the Raikage felt his head pounding.
Tsunade exhaled slowly.
"It seems Akatsuki has launched their full-scale assault. Still, at least we've pinpointed their secret base."
She stepped forward to the battle map, folding her arms thoughtfully.
"At present, we're dealing with three major battlefields: A, B, and C."
"A: The Land of Rain — Kakashi's Third Division is engaging Akatsuki's Edo Tensei vanguard and their reinforcements."
"B: The desert at the Iron Country border — Kitsuchi's Second Division is battling the four resurrected Kage and Danzō. The Tsuchikage's already headed there, so that front should hold."
"C: The coastline of the Land of Lightning — according to reports, the enemy there includes Edo Tensei shinobi and tens of thousands of unidentified white creatures. The First Division is currently moving to reinforce."
"From the looks of it, Akatsuki's army near the Land of Lightning poses the greatest threat. Should we send the Fourth Division to support them?" Tsunade asked.
"Shikaku, what's your take?" She looked over at Nara Shikaku standing beside her.
Shikaku replied calmly,
"I advise keeping the Fourth Division at headquarters for now. What we've seen so far likely isn't Akatsuki's full force. If we redeploy the Fourth Division and leave the command center under-defended, we could be wide open to an ambush."
The Raikage nodded.
"Good point. Let's hold our position for now and adjust based on how the situation evolves."
"Also — the Third Division's been battling the Edo Tensei forces for quite some time. The Fifth Division is stationed not far away; send them to reinforce."
"And notify the Surprise Attack Division — have them launch a strike on Akatsuki's headquarters!"
Inoichi nodded firmly.
"I'll send the message to Captain Mifune right away."
...
Island Turtle — Tailed Beast Bomb Training Chamber.
Naruto's Tailed Beast Rasengan continued to fail at the final step.
Shinju spoke up, "Maybe take a break for now. Relax a bit, then try again."
Before Naruto could respond, a Kumogakure shinobi burst into the chamber, panting.
"Message from Allied Headquarters! Our location's been compromised — they're ordering us to move the Island Turtle to the coastal waters near Kumogakure!"
Killer B asked, tilting his head,
"Did A say how we're supposed to move it?" (‧_‧?)