Chapter 148: Ch.148 Overt and Covert Struggle for Command
Hokage Office.
The Third Hokage, along with the village's advisors and elders, was listening to Kakashi and Asuma's detailed report on the recent mission.
Kakashi finished his report, "That concludes the full account of this operation."
Asuma added, "I have nothing more to contribute."
The Third Hokage removed his pipe, exhaling a puff of smoke. "So, the demon from the Land of Demons and the wandering doctor known as 'Shinnō' have both joined the Akatsuki?"
Kakashi nodded, "Yes."
Danzō's expression darkened as he furrowed his brow, "Why would the Akatsuki lure Sasuke out of the village?"
Koharu Utatane also questioned, "And why did they let him go in the end? It seems rather unusual."
According to Kakashi's report, the Akatsuki had ample time to either kill or capture Sasuke, but instead, they left him unconscious in the canyon. This fact didn't add up.
Kakashi explained, "I'm sorry, but we haven't gathered enough clues yet. Perhaps once Sasuke wakes up, we can understand the reason."
The Third Hokage then asked, "How are Sasuke's injuries? When can we expect him to wake up?"