Chapter 6
As the group reconvened in Tsunade's office, the Hokage herself was holding a piece of paper, her expression grave. The room was tense, each person bracing for the news they knew would not be good.
"What does it say, Granny Tsunade?" Naruto asked, his voice steady despite the anxiety that gnawed at him.
Tsunade looked up from the letter, her eyes scanning the faces of her trusted shinobi. "It's from Obito," she began, confirming their worst fears. "He's demanding a trade."
"A trade?" Sakura echoed, her mind racing through the possibilities.
"Yes," Tsunade continued. "He wants Sasuke. In exchange, he's offering... information. Information on a threat even greater than him, something he claims we can't handle without Sasuke's power."
Sasuke's expression was unreadable, his Sharingan flaring to life as he processed the news. "He's lying," Sasuke stated flatly. "He just wants to use my power for his own ends."
Kakashi's gaze was fixed on the letter, his mind working through the implications. "Obito always has a plan within a plan. We can't take this at face value."
Hinata spoke up, her voice firm. "We can't just hand Sasuke over. There has to be another way."
Naruto stepped forward, his resolve clear in his blue eyes. "We're not trading anyone. We'll figure out what Obito is up to and stop him. Like we always do."
Tsunade nodded, her respect for her shinobi evident. "I agree. We don't negotiate with threats. But we need to be cautious. If Obito is after Sasuke, he won't stop at a letter. We need to be prepared for an attack at any time."
Sasuke stood, his stance that of a warrior ready for battle. "Then we'll set a trap. If he wants me, he'll come. And when he does, we'll be waiting."
Kakashi's eye crinkled as he nodded. "A sound plan. But we'll need to be strategic. Obito is cunning and unpredictable."
Sakura's hands clenched into fists, her medical ninjutsu already at the forefront of her mind. "We'll need to be at full strength. I'll make sure everyone is prepared for medical emergencies."
Naruto looked at his friends, his teammates, his family. "Let's do it. Let's end this once and for all."
The room filled with a renewed energy, a collective determination that resonated in each heart. They were the defenders of Konoha, and they would protect their village and each other, no matter the cost.
Tsunade folded the letter, her decision made. "I'll inform the ANBU and increase security. We'll need every available shinobi on alert."
As the meeting concluded, each person had a role, a purpose driven by the love for their village and the bonds that held them together. They would face Obito, and they would do so as one. The letter was not just a threat; it was a catalyst that united them in a common cause, a reminder that their strength lay not just in their individual abilities, but in their unwavering unity.