Chapter 319: Danzo Gears up.
2:30am. Hokage Tower.
15 minutes ago, the Hokage had summoned around a dozen ninjas from Jonin and Anbu ranks and held a secret meeting. Hiruzen looked at them and his eyes held a grim edge that had everyone slightly tense. They had all heard about Orochimaru and Tsunade's clash. Asuma, Anko and Anbu Deer were some of the people taking part in this meeting.
Hiruzen quickly began without wasting any more time. "I called all of you here because you are some of the best in the village and your loyalty is unquestionable. The mission I'm about to assign you is of a grave nature."
Hiruzen was silent for a moment and quickly looked at each of them and then continued. "You'll be assigned a team composed of Jonins and other Anbu personnel. Each of you will either be the leader of the team or will be the second in command. This is a joint mission and Shikaku Nara and Anbu commander Ox have already picked the ones you'll be leading for this task."
"What's the mission? Does it have to do with Orochimaru?" Asuma couldn't help but ask. He knew a joint operation like this was highly unusual.
Hiruzen looked at his son and nodded. He then began to explain. "We have identified several hidden bases in this country belonging to him. They have defensive measures in place and each of them are guarded by at least 2 dozen men. Your task will be to eliminate or if possible, capture those men for interrogation and then raid the hideout. Take anything and everything of value and rescue Tsunade or Shizune if they are at that location."
The shinobi nodded but some were still not sure why Anbu and Jonins were working together.
"But this is only the primary task that you must complete." Hiruzen spoke and he looked to the side and nodded at his secretary. The Chunin handed the ninjas a folder consisting of several documents on certain ninjas.
"Your secondary mission is to eliminate the ninjas you see in your files." As soon as Hiruzen's words were finished there were murmurs within the assembled shinobi.