Shinji led everyone through the Space Gate and back to the Shinobi World.
He glanced over the group and instructed them, "Don't tell anyone about the Chakra Fruit."
"Yes!"
Everyone nodded in unison.
Shinji waved a hand. "All right, you're dismissed!"
They bowed to Shinji and prepared to go their separate ways.
Shinji called out to Sasuke, Naruto, Yakumo, and Haku. "You four, stay here."
Once the others had left, Shinji said to the four who remained, "I won't have time to oversee the Research Institute for a while, so you'll need to keep a closer eye on things."
"Understood."
The four nodded.
Shinji thought for a moment, then warned them, "Things at the Research Institute may be more complicated than you think."
Yakumo asked, "Sir, are you worried about the ritual? It's already been stopped, hasn't it?"
Shinji shook his head and sighed. "The ritual's effects have already taken hold. Stopping it now won't undo them!"
Haku seemed to realize something. "Are you worried about Fuma Ichiro?"
"Fuma Ichiro betrayed the Research Institute. I've already dealt with him in secret." After a pause, Shinji continued, "But while investigating him, I uncovered a problem involving Orochimaru."
Yakumo hurriedly asked, "Orochimaru? Are you saying he betrayed the Research Institute too?"
She had watched the Research Institute grow step by step, so she knew its internal structure well—and understood just how much authority Orochimaru held there.
If Orochimaru had betrayed the Research Institute, it would undoubtedly be a disaster for them.
Shinji said, "The evidence points to Orochimaru secretly researching divine arts behind the Research Institute's back. Amado even suspects that Orochimaru has awakened some kind of divine art, but has kept it hidden."
"Hmph, I knew Orochimaru was up to no good!" Sasuke snorted. "Shinji, let me take care of him!"