After several days in Takigakure, Sasuke's high fever had subsided. However, the prolonged torment had still damaged his body, leaving him unable to wake anytime soon. His body was still slowly recovering; the rest was a matter of time.
Naruto and Sakura had gone out to complete their intelligence-gathering mission. Along the way, they fought members of the Zero Organization arranged by Anyo and collected some scattered information about the Akatsuki.
At this point, their trip to Takigakure was completely over. On the return journey, there was one more person in the carriage: Mikoto.
Naruto looked curiously at the newcomer and asked, "Huh, Uncle, why are you bringing a stranger back?"
Sakura was puzzled too. Moreover, she keenly noticed that this woman paid particular attention to the unconscious Sasuke. Could it be...
"Children shouldn't meddle in adult business. Sort out the intelligence you gathered this time properly. It'll be useful to the village."
With that one remark, Anyo silenced them both.
The carriage returned to Konoha without incident. After they got out, Anyo put a bamboo hat on Mikoto, and the four of them went to the Hokage Office together.
As soon as they entered, Naruto shouted, "Granny Tsunade, quick! Sasuke's hurt! He needs you to treat him!"
The delight on Tsunade's face turned to surprise. There were injuries even Anyo couldn't heal?
From the surgery they had performed together on Rock Lee, Tsunade had clearly sensed that Anyo's medical skills had reached an extremely high level, perhaps even surpassing her own. Just what kind of injury couldn't he heal?
Meeting Tsunade's questioning gaze, Anyo shrugged. "Actually, it's just a minor problem. Don't listen to Naruto making a fuss. In a few days, Sakura might be able to bring Sasuke around herself."
Hearing Anyo mention her, Sakura stepped forward twice