The convoy returning to Konoha did not take the central avenue where heroes were welcomed.
The vehicles slipped in through the western freight entrance. ANBU had cleared the route in advance, leaving not a single civilian in sight. The specially built armored vehicle carrying Namikaze Minato was covered in A-Rank Sealing Formulas, while thick Chakra Metal plating shut out every attempt to peer inside or out.
The convoy stopped at no department. It drove straight to the underground entrance of Konoha Hospital.
Baishi did not go to meet them.
He sat in the Hokage's Office, a cup of tea gone cold on his desk. Shikaku Nara stood beside him with the newly compiled escort report in hand.
"Lord Hokage, the subject has entered Underground Passage Three. He should reach the Special Care Unit handover point in five minutes."
"And the Medical Team's preparations?" Baishi looked out the window, as though gazing at the four blurred faces on Kage Rock.
"Lady Tsunade supervised them herself. Every medical ninja involved in the handover has changed into the highest-grade protective gear. The Soundproofing Barrier and life-support system have both been tested. Procedurally, nothing has been left to chance," Shikaku replied.
Baishi nodded and said nothing more.
A heavy silence settled over the office.
Konoha Hospital, seven floors underground.
This was the most heavily defended and least-known part of the hospital. The air carried the cold, mingled scent of Disinfectant and Chakra Suppressant. The corridor walls were cast from Special Concrete mixed with Chakra-Conductive Metal, and a set of Sealing Formulas glowed every ten meters.
The armored vehicle came to a stop.
Tsunade wore an airtight white protective suit, goggles, and a respirator. Only her brown eyes were visible. Behind her, two teams of medical ninja stood at attention, the atmosphere grim.
The vehicle