The Third Hokage arrived at Kuming's residence with more than a dozen Anbu. The open space outside the courtyard was covered in signs of battle.
Large patches of ground had been scorched, broken branches and tree trunks were scattered everywhere, and the earth was stained crimson. Chaotic hoofprints marked the ground, while the smell of blood mingled with the scent of grass in the air. Everything here spoke of a fierce battle that had just taken place.
The Third Hokage's expression shifted when he saw the scene. But when he spotted the undamaged residence in the distance, the knot in his chest loosened.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had visited Kuming's residence several times and knew what sort of defenses it had. Since the residence hadn't been caught up in the fighting, his clever student would be fine.
He led everyone to the residence. The front gate stood wide open, so the Third Hokage raised a hand to signal one of the Anbu to cautiously enter. But before the man could step inside, Kuming's voice rang out from the courtyard:
"Teacher Sarutobi, you're here."
"Please, come in."
Hearing Kuming's voice, the Third Hokage quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Uzumaki Kuming sounded strong and healthy, not like someone who'd been injured. Hiruzen gently tugged back the Anbu who had been about to enter, then walked past him and into the residence.
The Anbu behind him started to follow, but the Third Hokage stopped them with a wave of his hand.
As soon as he entered Uzumaki Kuming's residence, Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Kuming sitting on the grass in the garden. The Wind Style released by Shimura Danzō had sent a torrent of cherry blossoms cascading from the tree, almost completely covering the ground. A handsome boy in white sat quietly amid the fallen blossoms.