Path Not Taken 91

Tsunade

This intel about Grass Village sending an assassin against the Sky Ninja leader...

Tsunade

And of course it's Naruto they're targeting. Too convenient.

Tsunade

Damn that Azula! She's turning Naruto's assassination mission into her own sick game.

Tsunade

(She's grooming him to become just like her... a killer who enjoys the hunt.)

Tsunade

Shikamaru and Kakashi are too obvious choices. She'd expect them.

Tsunade

And now she's probably leaking information to draw Sasuke in too. Playing us all like pawns.

Tsunade

Hinata, Sakura, Rock Lee, and Shino with Asuma leading. Not the team she'd expect.

Tsunade

(I hate dancing to her tune, but until I uncover her true objective...)

Tsunade

Deliver these orders immediately. Top priority, highest secrecy.

Tsunade

So Azula wants to play games with my shinobi? Time to change the rules.

Tsunade

I didn't become Hokage by being predictable.

Tsunade

I'll play along for now, but remember this, Azula...

Tsunade

When you manipulate a Hokage's precious people, you'd better be prepared for the consequences.