"Yes."
Aoba nodded. "That masked person is probably a member of some sinister organization.
We need to report this to the village as soon as possible so it can prepare."
Asuma nodded. "All right.
Let's head back now.
Your injuries are serious. You need treatment as soon as possible."
Supporting Aoba, Asuma slowly made his way toward Konoha.
The last light of dusk fell across them, stretching their shadows long behind them.
All that remained on the battlefield was devastation and the lingering smell of blood.
After they had walked for a while, Aoba suddenly asked, "Asuma, do you think that masked person could be connected to the Akatsuki members who attacked the village before?"
Asuma paused, then said gravely, "It's very possible.
Akatsuki members wear black robes and masks.
And they've always wanted to stir up wars between nations so they can profit from them.
It looks like Konoha is facing serious trouble again."
"Whether it's Akatsuki or some other organization, I won't let them get away with hurting our comrades in Konoha."
Resolve hardened in Aoba's eyes.
Asuma looked at him with a proud smile. "That's the spirit. You remind me of myself back in the day.
Don't worry. With us veterans around, those people won't hurt the village so easily."
Aoba and Asuma exchanged a glance. Both went on alert.
Asuma helped Aoba behind a boulder, where they quietly watched for movement.
Before long, a group of people in Konoha Ninja uniforms came into view.
At their head was an elderly man with white hair and a scar on his face: the Lord Third, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Lord Third!"
Asuma called out in relief and stepped out from behind the boulder.
The Lord Third looked at Asuma and Aoba with concern. "Are you two all right? As soon