Three days later.
The travel-worn group finally reached Konoha.
Maruboshi Kosuke was badly injured, and the Kumogakure ninja were in even worse shape, slowing them down considerably.
Then there was Yoshikage, whose physical condition was so poor that he couldn't even manage a ninja run. A few steps left him panting.
Gazing at Konoha's gates, Maruboshi Kosuke sighed. "We're finally back."
Shibi Aburame and Nonō nodded repeatedly. This mission had left a profound impression on them.
Yoshikage collapsed on the ground, sprawled out on his back. He was finally safe.
Liu Yun narrowed his eyes slightly. In his field of vision, there were two points of light within Konoha.
One was Kushina, and the other...
Interesting. So they were Konoha ninja disguised as Iwagakure ninja?
Hiruzen Sarutobi? No, probably not. This felt more like Root's style.
"So... Danzo, you again?"
He sighed inwardly. If it was Danzo, there was nothing surprising about it.
That was what the Darkness of the Shinobi was capable of.
"Shibi, you and Nonō take Kosuke-sensei and the Kumogakure ninja to Konoha Hospital. I'll take Yoshikage to see Lord Hokage," he said.
Yoshikage asked cautiously, "C-can I go to Konoha Hospital?"
As he spoke, he held out a foot to show the blisters on his sole, proving that he wasn't lying.
"Sure. Go with them."
"Thank you, thank you!" Yoshikage hurriedly thanked him.
Liu Yun nodded and waved a hand casually.
He held no reverence whatsoever for so-called daimyo and nobles, and he hadn't hesitated to get physical.
Ever since then, Yoshikage had been obedient. When told to go east, he wouldn't go west, and he sought Liu Yun's permission before doing anything.
After the group split up.
Liu Yun headed to the Hokage Building alone.
Knock, knock, knock.
He entered the Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's