A few seconds later, Makima turned sideways and swept a hand out gracefully.
The Military Police Force standing at attention behind her immediately opened a path.
"Then I wish you a safe journey, Ms. Yamanaka."
Ino Yamanaka said no more. With Shoyo Takeuchi beside her, she walked steadily through the gates of Kumogakure.
The moment she stepped beyond them, she saw a black-haired man beneath a tree not far away. He wore a Konoha Jonin vest and a gentle smile.
"Sai!"
All her strength and composure crumbled. Ino Yamanaka flew toward her husband like a bird returning to the forest and held him tight.
Sai wrapped his arms around her and gently patted her back. His voice was unusually soft and reassuring. "You've been through a lot, Ino. It's over now. Come on, Inojin's waiting for you at home."
He asked no questions. He simply showed her that Konoha would always be her safest haven.
Then Sai took the scroll from his back and rapidly formed hand seals.
"Super Beast Imitating Drawing!"
At his words, a huge, lifelike ink bird took shape on the scroll and let out a clear, ringing cry.
Sai put an arm around Ino's waist and leaped lightly onto the bird's back.
Only then did Shoyo Takeuchi, forgotten where he stood, come to his senses. He looked up and shouted anxiously, "Commander! What about me?"
Ino Yamanaka's voice drifted down from high above, light with relief and teasing beneath the rush of wind.
"You? Take the bus back!"
The ink bird beat its wings and soared toward Konoha, carrying the couple home at last after all they had survived.
All that remained was a pale-faced rookie on the ground and Makima's inscrutable gaze from the gates of Kumogakure.
The Canopy Screen's footage ended there.
Inside the