"Lord Orochimaru? You're back?"
"I'm back."
Orochimaru took a step forward.
"I was passing through the ancient ruins in Kirigakure and got trapped by a hidden sealing jutsu inside.
Fortunately, my student finally found me."
Minato knew about Orochimaru's undercover mission, but with outsiders present, he could only exchange a few pleasantries.
"Once we're finished here, I'll take you to the Intelligence Department to register."
"No problem."
Orochimaru moved aside and leaned against the wall.
Minato turned to Xuanhui again.
"Xuanhui, what exactly happened?"
Xuanhui's eyes widened slightly. He straightened his back, his expression turning serious.
"The Akatsuki... are researching the secrets of the tailed beasts!"
The Third Kazekage and Shibuki also looked up, listening closely to Xuanhui.
"But they don't seem to have made any progress. After I destroyed their base, they didn't even have time to take the jinchūriki. They grabbed nothing and just ran."
The two began carefully examining the children again. Aside from two needle marks, they could find nothing else for the moment.
"As long as the children are safe."
Minato walked over and patted both children on the head.
"Next, we'll have to investigate the Akatsuki."
"Exactly! Those people are getting far too brazen!"
"We must unite every force we can call upon and eliminate this potential threat."
After a brief exchange, the Third Kazekage and Shibuki left with their respective villages' jinchūriki.
Before leaving, Fū playfully raised an eyebrow.
Gaara smiled faintly and tried to raise his eyebrows, only to realize he had none.
After seeing off the visitors from the other villages, Minato left with Orochimaru.
That left Xuanhui and Pakura alone again.
"Home..."
Pakura lazily draped herself over Xuanhui's shoulder, relaxing every muscle in her body.
"How did you get so lazy?
Back then, you clung to my waist, crying and