By the time everyone reached Konoha at a little past six in the morning, Jiraiya had been carrying Uzumaki Kushina ever since they disembarked and entered the Land of Fire.
Unable to endure the jolting caused by traveling at high speed for long stretches, they had needed to take a long rest along the way. That was why they had returned so late.
The trip out hadn't taken nearly this long. But Hyuga Shinichi figured that at this hour, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Mito, the Hokage and his grandmother, should both be awake, so he led everyone straight to the Hokage's office.
Sure enough, Sarutobi Hiruzen was already seated at his desk, getting ready to work. Once he saw that they had brought their mission target back safely, he ordered the Anbu to fetch Uzumaki Mito.
While they waited for Uzumaki Mito to arrive, Uzumaki Kushina didn't seem especially excited. She was simply unfamiliar with her surroundings and kept hiding behind Hyuga Shinichi.
Hyuga Shinichi was only two years and two months older than Uzumaki Kushina, but he was much taller than her. He stood well above the average height for his age and was almost as tall as Nawaki, who was two years and one month older than him.
So Hyuga Shinichi could easily shield Uzumaki Kushina from view. This left Sarutobi Hiruzen, who wanted to meet her, sitting there in silence, unsure how to start a conversation.
Hyuga Shinichi noticed the situation, smiled, and gently patted Kushina's head before introducing her to him.
"Kushina, this is the Hokage of Konoha. You said you wanted to meet him, didn't you? Go on and greet Lord Hokage."
Seeing Hyuga Shinichi introduce him, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled kindly and said,
"Ha ha ha, you can just call me Grandpa."
Though Sarutobi Hiruzen was