Both sides began the war by gathering their strength and collecting information about the other side in preparation for the upcoming hostilities. Kisame continued to gather intelligence on Kumogakure's military strength and on Killer Bee traveling with him everywhere while hidden inside Samehada. The team of Anko Mitarashi tracked Kabuto Yakushi, which led them to Madara Uchiha's lair. Other Shinobi Alliance teams had fanned out to collect other information about Akatsuki and their hideouts.