Ize Gravely Wounded

"Eikō was one of Konoha's stronger shinobi. If he hasn't sent word for an entire day, the enemy must be formidable.

"Be careful on this mission," the Third Hokage said.

"Yes."

Fugaku glanced quietly at Yūhi Shenhong. He would become Kurenai Yūhi's father, though she had not been born yet.

Yūhi Eikō had been missing for a day, and worry showed in Shenhong's eyes. "I'm counting on you, Elder."

"Your father is one of Konoha's few truly powerful shinobi. This is my duty. There's no time to lose. The others have already assembled outside.

"We'll search the road from Konoha to the Capital first, then spread out," Elder Ize said.

"Lord Hokage, does the Intelligence Department have information on the bandits in the Land of Fire? While searching for Senior Yūhi Eikō, we could wipe out any groups whose locations have been confirmed," Fugaku said.

The Third Hokage took a scroll from the bookshelf behind him and handed it to Fugaku. "This contains everything we've confirmed about the bandit groups so far. It should save you considerable time."

Fifty well-supplied shinobi had assembled outside the Hokage Building. Many specialized in reconnaissance, including members of the Hyuga and Uchiha clans. Three Medical Ninja accompanied them.

Medical Reform had to begin on every front, and Tsunade had handled this part well. Having Medical Ninja accompany the team could change the minds of many shinobi who opposed the reforms.

Especially if someone was gravely wounded. Emergency treatment might save their life and earn the Medical Ninja a stronger reputation.

Fugaku scanned the group and spotted two familiar faces. One was Aida Uchiha, whose Sharingan had awakened its second tomoe after Fugaku provoked him more than a year ago.

The other was Aburame Nozawa, Fugaku's former teammate. Fugaku had not expected him to join