In Konoha: Three Choices at the Start

"I'll say just one thing: none of you can avoid facing Uchiha Liuyun!"

"You provoked him. Perhaps only you would die for that. But you provoked his women."

"Your entire clan could die. His women have always been the one thing no one must touch."

"And that's not all!" Hiruzen Sarutobi looked around and raised his voice.

"The Daimyo Palace may cease to exist anywhere in Konoha. The title of daimyo itself could become history this very year!"

"Third Hokage! Aren't you exaggerating?"

The daimyo of the Land of Fire no longer saw any need to keep up his act. Deep furrows creased his long face.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire Erased, Ice Age Returns!

"Ah." Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. They were people the times had left behind.

"Come on. Take me to see Kushina and the others. And if you can, Prince Dekang, apologize to the three of them."

Dekang Yingmu's face turned ugly at Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi had made himself clear. Dekang Yingmu loved beautiful women, but he wasn't a mindless fool.

"Fine! If they'll forgive me, I'll make whatever apology they want!"

Dekang Yingmu clenched his teeth, his face dark.

"Hopefully... we're not too late..." Hiruzen Sarutobi said cryptically.

Led by several maids, the group made its way to the palace where Kushina and the others were staying.

As they reached the entrance, they heard a little girl's laughter and a man teasing her inside.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and glanced at the people behind him.

"You're on your own."

Behind him, Dekang Yingmu clenched his fists and ground his teeth, keeping his head down.

"Come in." The doors opened, and a calm voice came from inside.

Hiruzen Sarutobi entered. At the sight of that familiar face, he gave a bitter smile.