Asuna and the others had not returned to Konoha Ninja Village in a very long time. During their service as Guardian Ninja, they had been unable to leave the Capital and had to remain near the Daimyo at all times. All these years, they had only been able to hear news of home from others.
Now, they could finally escape the detestable Daimyo and return to their familiar hometown. Even Hizashi Hyuga and Shibi Aburame looked excited at this moment.
"The air back home really does feel better to breathe." Mizuki took a deep breath. "The Capital just felt more and more foul as time went on."
"If you like the air back home so much, let's get back there," Asuna said.
The group immediately headed toward Konoha Ninja Village. When the Konoha ninja responsible for inspections and security at the village gate saw them, someone hurried to the Hokage Building to notify Satomi.
While Kazemori Masaki was away from the village, the Hokage's Cabinet handled most of the routine administration, with the Hokage's Wife, Satomi, reviewing matters and making decisions in his stead. Being at Kazemori Masaki's side had given Satomi some political experience through constant exposure, but she had never held an actual post, so she was certainly less practiced than the Hokage's Cabinet.
Thus, Satomi primarily served as a supervisor. Although the final authority lay with her, she generally would not reject proposals the Hokage's Cabinet had discussed and agreed upon. Moreover, she participated in those discussions herself, so the final decisions were ones she approved of as well.
Naturally, Satomi knew where Kazemori Masaki had gone. Whenever she had a spare moment in the office, she would look out the window and wonder whether her husband and daughter were safe, far away from home. Kazemori Masaki