Konoha, underground shelter.
The villagers huddled together with their families all wore anxious expressions. They strained their ears, staring fixedly at the shelter's ceiling as they cautiously listened for movement on the surface.
Yugao, who was also listening, said to Kurenai beside her, "Captain, it sounds like there's no movement outside anymore!"
"Huh, it really does seem quiet now," Kurenai said.
Earlier, they could still faintly hear explosions from above and feel the slight tremors in the shelter's floors and walls. But now, they could neither hear nor feel anything. The village seemed to have returned to its usual peace.
Hyuga Rin, who was anxiously pacing in circles, said to the Shadow Guard protecting her, "How about we go up?"
Rin had already heard about Satori rampaging through the village. Having experienced the previous battle that destroyed the village, she vividly remembered Satori's destructive power. The thought of Hyuga Kagami facing such a monster left her flustered and uneasy.
Hayate helplessly spread his hands. "The Hokage specifically instructed us that without his orders, we aren't allowed to leave the shelter even one step."
Anko put an arm around Rin's shoulder and said softly, "Don't worry. He's the Hokage now, so he'll definitely be fine!"
Rin could only nod.
Yet when Anko turned away, a trace of worry flashed through her eyes as well.
In truth, it was not only Hyuga Rin. The four members of the Shadow Guard were also deeply concerned for Hyuga Kagami's safety.
As the Shadow Guard of Hyuga Kagami, the Fifth Hokage, the four of them were bound to him. They would either suffer together or prosper together.
Anko especially felt this way. Hyuga Kagami, who came from the same lineage as Orochimaru, could be said to be the only high-ranking figure in the village who