The Senju Clan Compound.
Kushina, who had just returned from the Death Forest, rushed inside.
"Grandma Mito, Yumiko, I'm back."
She hadn't called for Tsunade because Kushina knew perfectly well that Tsunade wouldn't be home at this time of day.
"Welcome back, Kushina."
Yumiko, who was studying Sealing Technique with Uzumaki Mito, hurriedly replied.
She had already been in Konoha for several days.
But because of what she'd experienced in Kusagakure, she still felt very insecure.
So even when she was with fellow Uzumaki like Uzumaki Mito and Kushina, she kept putting herself in a subordinate position.
Kushina was still young and naturally didn't understand Yumiko's state of mind.
But the perceptive Uzumaki Mito, wise with age, had noticed.
She sighed to herself.
This wasn't something that could be fixed with a few simple words. Yumiko would have to adjust to her new life gradually, on her own.
In truth, Uzumaki Mito liked Yumiko quite a lot. She had a real talent for Sealing Technique and as a Medical Ninja.
Tsunade had been leaving early and returning late every day under Hiruzen Sarutobi's arrangements, so she was incredibly busy.
That was why Uzumaki Mito had to teach Yumiko Sealing Technique for the time being.
"Konoha has lots of delicious food and fun places. I'll take you to them sometime."
Having finally met a fellow Uzumaki her own age, Kushina was eager to share everything.
"Even though this isn't our homeland, I'm sure you'll come to love Konoha!"
"Actually, I already love it here!"
Meanwhile,
in the Hokage's Office,
Otani Kawa, the Jonin leading Kusagakure's team, was lodging a protest with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
First, his village's Genin team had been wiped out in the Death Forest.
Second, there was Yumiko.
The second was the real reason for his visit.
Although