The Palace doors slowly opened, and sunlight streamed in alongside three figures, dispelling some of the oppressive gloom inside.
When the people of the Land of Demons saw who had arrived, their taut nerves eased a little in unison.
Leading the way was, naturally, the legendary Sixth Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki. His golden hair stood out in the sunlight, and his young face was calm, betraying neither joy nor anger.
But the two men following him kindled a faint hope in Taruho and the other guardians.
It was the Fifth Hokage, Jiraiya!
And Mr. Dan Katō, whose soul had reportedly returned to his body and who now looked reasonably healthy!
With the Fifth Hokage here...
And Mr. Katō here too...
Taruho repeated those words inwardly, a little more hope stirring in the depths of his eyes.
They knew little about Naruto Uzumaki, only that he was terrifyingly powerful, ruthless in his methods, and apparently as much of a womanizer as Jiraiya. But Jiraiya and Dan Katō were different.
Though Jiraiya was notorious for his lechery, his reputation for generosity and righteousness was known throughout the shinobi world. Dan Katō was known for being gentle and steady, a man who valued loyalty and affection.
With these two senior figures present, perhaps there was still room to negotiate?
An instinctive thought rose in many of their minds: the Sixth Hokage was still only the Sixth Hokage. However powerful he might be, he was still their junior.
Surely the real authority should lie with the more experienced and respected Fifth Hokage?
Perhaps Lord Jiraiya could persuade this young Sixth Hokage not to lay his hands on a small place like the Land of Demons?
Still, judging by how the three were positioned, the Sixth Hokage seemed to have more authority.
What happened next, however,