Moving into the Senju Clan Grounds

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Shin and the others for a while, then a sorrowful expression crossed his face.

"Sigh, I never expected the Uzumaki Clan to suffer such a disaster. Don't worry. Konoha and the Uzumaki Clan are the closest of allies. We'll find the culprit."

"For now, you can stay in Konoha. Rest assured, no one here will be able to hurt you."

After Sarutobi Hiruzen made his promise, Uzumaki Hikari, Uzumaki Kai, and the others visibly relaxed.

"Lord Hokage, you have to help us find the culprit," Uzumaki Kai said through tears.

His

parents and family had all died in the destruction of the clan.

Uzumaki Akiko was wiping away her tears, too. When she thought of her family, the tears came pouring down.

"Don't worry. The Uzumaki Clan is an ally of our Konoha Village. Anyone who attacks the Uzumaki Clan is an enemy of Konoha," Sarutobi Hiruzen said solemnly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen really did have a few tricks up his sleeve as Third Hokage. His reassurance even put Kushina, who had been feeling a little nervous, at ease.

How did Shin know? Of course, it was because Kushina was holding his hand, and her grip had loosened.

When they had first entered Konoha, Kushina had held Shin's hand tightly. The five-year-old couldn't help being nervous in an unfamiliar village.

"Tsunade, what do you think about letting them stay in the Senju Clan Grounds?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked Tsunade.

"That's fine, but there's something I need you to explain."

Thud!

Tsunade slammed her fist down on Sarutobi Hiruzen's desk. The solid-wood desk cracked like a spiderweb.

"Third Hokage, after we entered the Land of Fire, we were attacked by ninjas from an unknown force. What was that about?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen froze, then immediately stood up.

"You were attacked?"

Seeing Tsunade's icy expression, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew it must be true. Had ninjas from another country entered the Land of Fire?

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked with a grim expression, "How many ninjas attacked you?"

"Twenty-five. At least ten were Jonin, and one was an Elite Jonin," Tsunade said angrily.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression shifted repeatedly. More than ten Jonin and an Elite Jonin—that was no small force.

If they really were ninjas from another country, they might be plotting something.

"Tsunade, this was my failure. I didn't notice such a large force entering the Land of Fire. Don't worry; I'll have the Anbu investigate."

Sarutobi Hiruzen knew that if Tsunade was this angry, there must have been casualties.

"Tell me when you find anything."

Tsunade led Shin and the others out of the Hokage Office. As soon as they stepped outside, they saw a gloomy-looking man walking toward them.

Tsunade furrowed her brow. It was Danzo.

Although Danzo held a high position in Konoha, Tsunade despised him. He was a thoroughly underhanded man.

"Tsunade, you're back. Are they members of the Uzumaki Clan?"

Danzo looked at the Uzumaki clanspeople behind Tsunade, his eyes flickering. Both of his eyes were intact; he hadn't yet received a transplanted Sharingan. His arm was the same.

"Hmph."

Tsunade snorted. She didn't even acknowledge Danzo before leading Shin and the others away.

As he left, Shin glanced at Danzo. He had already recognized him; the scar on Danzo's chin was quite distinctive.

Danzo's expression darkened. Tsunade hadn't shown him the slightest respect, just like those Senju Clan members.

Danzo entered the Hokage Office and glanced at the damaged door before looking over at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Danzo, what brings you here?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked with a frown.

"I came to discuss something with you."

"Good. I have something to discuss with you, too." Sarutobi Hiruzen stood and walked to the window. He watched Tsunade lead the Uzumaki Clan survivors away, then waved his hand.

At Sarutobi Hiruzen's signal, the Anbu Ninja hidden nearby to protect the Hokage left. Only Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō remained in the office.

"Danzo, let me ask you something. Tsunade said she was attacked on her way back. I want to know whether you had anything to do with it."

Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at Danzo, his gaze sharp.

"Hmph. You actually suspect that I'd attack your student?" Danzo snorted, narrowing his eyes.

"This has nothing to do with me."

Danzo swept out of the room. He no longer intended to discuss what he had originally come to talk about with Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"So it really was you, Danzo."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sat down. He knew Danzo too well. Even though Danzo hadn't let anything slip, Sarutobi Hiruzen had still seen through him.

Punish Danzo? Not only was there no clear evidence, but even if there were, Sarutobi Hiruzen would cover for him. He would have to find some way to handle Tsunade.

"This is the Senju Clan Grounds. You'll be staying here from now on. Most of the houses are empty, so you can choose whichever one you like."

After leading Shin and the others to the Senju Clan Grounds, Tsunade explained.

"It's so big! It's even bigger than our Uzumaki Clan Grounds," Uzumaki Akiko said.

Shin looked around. It was so deserted. It seemed that the once-greatest clan of the Sengoku era had all but vanished.

"Kushina, which one do you want to stay in?" Shin asked.

"Shin, you and the little girl, come with me," Tsunade said to Shin.

"Hmm?"

Shin gave Tsunade a questioning look.

"Kid, you weren't as ordinary as you seemed earlier. I saw it," Tsunade said, then turned and headed in the other direction.

Shin's face stiffened. After hesitating for a moment, he took Kushina by the hand and followed Tsunade.

Seeing Shin and Kushina leave with Tsunade, Uzumaki Kai felt a little jealous.

"Damn it, why does Lady Tsunade treat him differently from the rest of us?"

Uzumaki Akiko didn't dwell on it. Having a place to stay was already wonderful. She chose an empty room and began cleaning it.

"Why do we have to follow her?" Kushina asked, clearly unhappy.

Shin spread his hands. Tsunade had discovered some of his abilities. All he could do now was hope she wouldn't tell anyone.

If she did, life in Konoha would probably bring him no end of trouble.

Tsunade led them to a small courtyard and said, "There are a few empty rooms over there. You can stay here."

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Shin looked around the courtyard. It was undoubtedly much nicer than the place they had just passed.

"Does someone live here?" Shin asked Tsunade.

"That's right. I live here.

I get bored living alone, so I thought I'd let an interesting kid like you stay here."

Tsunade looked at Shin with a hint of interest. She was especially curious to find out more about this unusual kid.

"And you, little girl, are just coming along for the ride. You can thank me," Tsunade said to Kushina.

"I'm not thanking you!" Kushina said angrily. How dare Tsunade call her an extra? It was infuriating.