A little while later...
Hiruzen arrived with Jiraiya, Genya, and the others, with Daki behind them, bound tightly from head to toe.
Jiraiya summoned his golden chains again, binding Gyutaro as well and sealing his mouth shut.
"Lord Hiruzen, allow me to introduce you. This is Master Urokodaki." Makomo removed her mask, her voice gentle.
Urokodaki bowed and said gratefully, "I am Sakonji Urokodaki. Thank you for coming to support us in person. Without you, I would have met my end here."
"Heh, this is all thanks to His Majesty's generosity. I wouldn't dare take the credit. Besides, it was your two students who requested that we come to your aid."
"Your arm..."
Urokodaki's wound had stopped bleeding. Holding his severed arm, he smiled faintly. "These things are inevitable in battle. I'm fortunate enough to be alive."
"You're certainly taking it well. Don't worry. This is a minor matter. The Empire will reattach it for you."
Everyone was overjoyed to hear this. Urokodaki breathed a sigh of relief as well, and his tense expression softened.
Then something else occurred to him, and he hurriedly asked, "How much would that cost?"
"Ha ha..." Hiruzen waved a hand. "You were injured in the line of duty. There won't be any charge. That includes the reserve members, too. The Empire will do everything it can to save them."
Urokodaki and the others looked around. Apart from those who were already dead, the surrounding members had all had their wounds bandaged. Judging by their condition, they seemed to be out of danger. Murata was leading a group of people in caring for them.
"Thank you, Lord Hiruzen. I'll recall the others right away."
"By the way, Lord Hiruzen, Shinobu and I would like to head back and bring our younger sister here to train