"Should we head back to Konoha? New Year's is almost here. We don't know many people, so we should go see how Miyue and Yanta are doing."
After saying that, Shadow Clone Zero glanced at his little apprentice behind him. Seeing her lost in thought, he simply made the decision himself.
"Kuro, giddyup!"
"Meow...?"
Within Konoha, the places formerly managed by Uchiha Gen's three shadow clones had gradually been left unattended following the clones' disappearance. The Konoha Academy was fine; the principal's authority was constrained by the Hokage, so it did not amount to much.
The Uchiha Clan Grounds still had the Council of Elders besides Uchiha Gen, and life there remained as monotonous as ever.
Root, however, was different. With its leader gone, all missions and plans had come to a standstill. The spies stationed outside had voluntarily gone into hiding, and among Root's many departments, only the Training Department was still operating.
Yanta held Miyue's hand as they once again tried knocking on the door to Root's office. There was still no answer after a long while. They opened the door and looked inside, then shook their heads in disappointment before leaving.
"Master still hasn't come back..."
Miyue asked worriedly,
"Could something have happened to him?"
"No way. Master is so strong. In today's Shinobi World, other than Lord Hokage, who could possibly be his match?"
"That's true."
After thinking for a moment, Yanta came up with an idea.
"How about we use a Ninja Cat to tell Master directly? The wedding date is almost here. If he can't make it in time..."
"Then we can only postpone it. Something like this only happens once in a lifetime. If Master doesn't come, how regrettable would that be?"
"Right. Then let's head back first."
Meanwhile, Shadow Clone Zero