Senju Clan Compound.
Minako Uzumaki sought out the family's last remaining elder, Mukai Senju.
After a long conversation, the Kage Level veteran shook his head and refused to go to the Land of Lightning. His weathered face was calm and serene, though his words carried a clear note of caution.
"Lady Minako, no matter how badly battered the Land of Lightning's ship is, it still has a few sturdy planks. The Senju of the Forest can't withstand upheaval and turmoil right now. Besides, the clan doesn't lack secret arts or ninjutsu. What it lacks is time to recover."
"Mito-sama and I feel the same way, but we still have to consider Elder Mukai's opinion."
The Senju of the Forest were now ruled by two Uzumaki women. This reality moved Mukai Senju, who had witnessed the clan at the height of its glory, almost to tears.
"To have earned the trust of Mito-sama and Lady Minako is a great comfort to me."
"I entrust the future of the Senju of the Forest to you both."
Watching Mukai Senju's elderly back as he walked away, Minako's expression remained calm. She started toward the Hokage Building, but suddenly stopped and headed for the annex where Senju Moriki was confined.
Minako looked at Senju Moriki, who was still as disheveled as ever, then left in disappointment.
Senju Moriki noticed the scene, too. Watching her slender figure disappear around the corner, he twisted his mouth into a smile that looked more like a grimace.
"Do you think it's a waste of time even to say a word to me? Have you already been corrupted and fallen into depravity by those evil Uchiha?"
"Now, only the Box of Paradise at Hozuki Castle in the Land of Grass can grant my wish."
"But before that, I need