He brought the yellow scroll back to the surface and called Karin aside.
"Karin, take this."
Karin took the scroll and opened it curiously, immediately drawn to the profound, intricate sealing formulas written on it.
"This is..."
"Tell anyone who asks that your mother left this to you, and that it contains secret techniques passed down through the Uzumaki Clan." Toru Kujyo's tone was calm, but his gaze held a deeper meaning. "From now on, Hinata and Sasuke will study the Sealing Jutsu in it with you. You're their 'teacher.' Understand?"
Karin was quick-witted and immediately understood Toru Kujyo's intention. He was giving them a plausible cover for learning these powerful Sealing Jutsu. With her status as an Uzumaki orphan and these "secret family techniques," no one would grow suspicious even if they displayed remarkable talent for Sealing Jutsu in the future.
"I understand, Lord Toru Kujyo!" Karin nodded firmly and carefully put the scroll away.
Seeing how dependable she was, Toru Kujyo's lips curved into a smile.
The pieces were in place. Once they returned to Konoha, this grand game would truly begin.
For Toru Kujyo, the journey back to Konoha was a rare stretch of pleasant leisure. Hinata stayed beside him, speaking softly, her gaze always drifting toward him; Karin skipped along ahead, her short red hair like a flame burning in the sunlight, occasionally turning back to look at him with admiration and ask about everything in Konoha.
Karin was full of curiosity and longing for Konoha, chattering and asking questions all along the way. "Lord Toru Kujyo, is Konoha really as big as the stories say?" "Is Lord Hokage really powerful?" "Will I get to meet Naruto-kun?"
"Of course." Toru Kujyo chuckled in reply, a trace of warmth rising in his heart as he watched her