Holding the sleeping Naruto, Manji glided silently over Konoha's rooftops in the night.
The flames from the massacre still flickered faintly in the direction of the Uchiha Compound, yet the civilian residential district was unusually quiet.
The Lord Third had anticipated this and immediately stationed the Barrier Team there, blocking out the sound and ensuring that no Uchiha escaped.
Manji landed outside Naruto's tiny apartment and formed hand seals with one hand. The lock clicked open without a sound.
The room was sparsely furnished.
There was a small bed, a table with a chipped corner, and several crooked sheets of paper pinned to the wall, each bearing practice attempts at the character for "shinobi."
Just as in the original story, there were expired instant noodles and expired milk, along with a large pile of paint buckets.
Manji gently laid Naruto on the bed and tucked him in.
Once that was done, Manji raised a hand and gently closed it around empty air.
Space warped slightly.
The next second, Sarutobi Hiruzen appeared in the middle of the room.
His pipe was still held between his fingers, but his expression had already become utterly deferential.
"My lord."
Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed respectfully.
Manji dispensed with pleasantries and said calmly, "A transmigrator tried to go after Naruto just now. I've already dealt with him."
Hiruzen frowned slightly, but had the good sense not to ask further questions.
"You'll help me put on an act."
"Our official story is that unidentified Uchiha remnants attempted to abduct Naruto tonight, but I discovered them in time and drove them off."
"Naruto was frightened and temporarily lost consciousness. As Hokage, you'll 'receive a report' shortly and come here in person to make sure he's safe."
Manji continued speaking.
Hiruzen immediately nodded. "Understood. Should I arrange for the Anbu