"Don't listen to his nonsense. Your father is still alive, and he's been quietly protecting you in his own way all along."
Anyo's words made Naruto's eyes light up, but he immediately shook his head in disbelief. "No way. If he's still alive, why hasn't he come to see me? Does he hate me? Just like the village..."
"Naruto, don't jump to conclusions," Anyo said seriously. "No one would hate their own child. I'm your father's best friend. The reason I temporarily took charge of Team 7 was also because of your father."
"Really? Where is he?" Naruto's eyes were full of questions.
Anyo smiled gently. "Somewhere far away. Ninjas have many missions that must be kept secret. But that day isn't far off. Before long, you'll be able to meet him. Trust me."
Naruto nodded firmly, his eyes full of longing. Seeing this, Sakura also gave a knowing smile.
Just then, a voice came from the distance.
"Are you the ninja squad sent by Konoha? We're ninjas from Takigakure. We've come to find you."
"Ah, thank goodness! We're saved!" Hearing the voice, Sakura hurriedly waved. "Yes, we're over here!"
With the Takigakure ninjas guiding them, they boarded a horse-drawn carriage and finally left the dense forest.
Outside the carriage, Genno chatted with Anyo.
Genno asked, "Why did you suddenly change the plan? This place is much more dangerous than those members."
"It wasn't intentional, but it doesn't matter now." Looking at Takigakure just ahead, Anyo felt a little apprehensive. But thinking of someone inside the carriage calmed him considerably.
"Once we're in the village, follow the original plan. Send my two students elsewhere and give mother and son somewhere to spend time alone."
"All right."
Upon entering Takigakure's territory, they got out of the carriage and boarded a boat