The celebration in the Country of Roran had reached its climax. They showed no sorrow over the princess's fall, celebrating with wild fervor instead.
Their bizarre behavior only deepened Minato Namikaze's unease.
Moreover, the four "Leaf Village" ninja they had encountered earlier also bothered Minato Namikaze. In his memory, he had never seen any of those four in Leaf Village!
The two hurried after Princess Sara and soon arrived at the "Princess's Residence."
"Your Highness, this is your residence?"
"Yes. Why? Didn't you say Mother was at my residence?"
"But..." Minato Namikaze sighed. "I understand." They had all been played by Anrokuzan. It seemed he had made thorough preparations, even setting up a fake princess's residence to deceive them.
Sara was no fool. Seeing Minato's expression, she knew something had gone wrong. Fortunately, Hyuga Iwa and the others were over there. With their strength, nothing unexpected should happen, right?
Minato sighed softly. "Forget it. Come with me. It seems we've all been deceived by Anrokuzan. The queen isn't here."
After another moment of thought, Minato instructed Kakashi Hatake, "Kakashi, investigate those patterns again. I think they may be a jutsu formula, though I don't know its exact effect. Also, if anything goes wrong, destroy those patterns. That should disrupt Anrokuzan's plan."
"Yes, Minato-sensei." Kakashi Hatake knew the situation was serious. Without another word, he vanished in a flash.
"Come, Your Highness. Accompany me to see Her Majesty. Don't worry, Hyuga Iwa has already cured the queen's poison. She was poisoned too deeply and hasn't awakened yet, but her life is no longer in danger."
"I'm counting on you, sir ninja." Sara knew that, given Anrokuzan's reputation and authority in Rōran, she could not possibly stand against him. The only people she could rely on now were those before her. They