Just as Zhengye took over as clan head...
Beneath the wall on Konoha's southern side, a group of figures moved swiftly through the shadows along its base.
Yamanaka Fu led the way, carrying something tightly wrapped in dark cloth on his back.
Its shape resembled a curled-up human body, and the faint rise and fall of its chest showed that whoever was inside was alive.
Three ninja dressed as ANBU followed him, but their eyes were distinctly different from those of the ANBU.
Cold. Mechanical.
They were what remained of Root's forces.
Wrapped in cloth, Danzo lay motionless on Yamanaka Fu's back, like a backpack or a piece of luggage.
Without alerting anyone, they slipped through a gap in the southern wall during a patrol shift change.
Once they entered the forest outside Konoha, Danzo's aged voice came from within the cloth.
"Are we out of the village?"
"Lord Danzo, we've reached the outskirts of Konoha."
"Good. Pick up the pace. I can hardly wait."
"Yes, sir."
The group did not stop, quickly disappearing into the forest outside Konoha.
Iwagakure, Land of Earth.
With many of the combatants deeply traumatized, they had rested for days before finally dragging themselves back to Iwagakure.
But when Kitsuchi and the others went to report to Ōnoki,
they heard devastating news.
The Five-Tails Jinchuriki had been captured, and he was already in Konoha.
"Father, is that true?"
Kitsuchi could hardly believe it, even addressing him as he would in private.
Ōnoki drew a light breath, his expression grave. "The Third Hokage's letter requesting negotiations has arrived."
He handed Kitsuchi an official letter.
The Third Hokage's message was simple: Konoha would not keep the Five-Tails for its own use.
However, Ōnoki would have to pay a ransom.
The details would be discussed in person.