As Takayama Haru was making his way back, Uchiha Mikoto and Haruno Akari had already returned with their group to the Hidden Leaf Village.
However, they weren't the first to arrive back—Danzo's delegation had returned slightly earlier.
Led by Mitomonita and Koharu, Danzo approached the main gate of the Hidden Leaf Village.
Looking up at the night sky over Konoha, Danzo took a deep breath. "I'm back."
He glanced at the young Mitomon Ryosuke and Shun Shindo. "Go call Lady Mito of the Uzumaki Clan. The seal on the Two-Tails is unstable. It's a dangerous situation."
Sarutobi Biwako quickly interjected, "In that case, you shouldn't enter the village. Let's head to the training grounds instead!"
Danzo looked at her and nodded. "Indeed, Lady Biwako is as considerate as ever. Please summon Lady Mito immediately."
Despite his calm tone, the situation remained tense.
Behind him stood a trembling blonde girl with iron shackles on her wrists. Her armor indicated she was a shinobi from the Hidden Cloud Village.
At that moment, Uchiha Mikoto and Haruno Akari arrived with the rest of their group.
Mikoto spotted the lights at the gate from afar and broke into a run. She shouted loudly, "Emergency! I need to see Lord Minato immediately!"
Danzo stopped in his tracks and turned.
Sarutobi Biwako rushed forward. "Mikoto, what happened?"
"Lady Biwako, Takayama Haru was attacked by the Third Mizukage! And there were so many of those white humanoid creatures—we need to send help now!"
Biwako's expression changed instantly. "Which jonin are still in the village?"
Danzo approached, asking, "What's going on?"
Seeing him, Mikoto's face darkened. But Akari stepped up and quickly explained the situation.
Nearby, Mitomon Yan said, "Earlier, Namikaze Minato already departed."
Mikoto's eyes lit up. "Minato? Why didn't I see him?"
Yan shrugged. "No idea."
"Lady Biwako, can't we send more reinforcements? I don't know how the Hidden Mist managed to produce so many of those white monsters."
Koharu coldly responded, "No. We can't spare additional forces here—we have even more critical missions."
Obito couldn't contain himself. "What mission could be more important than rescuing Takayama-sensei?"
Danzo eyed Obito. A Uchiha child, already awakened to the Sharingan?
Second Hokage was right. The Uchiha Clan truly is dangerous.
"Kid, nothing is more important than the Hidden Leaf Village. Anyone can be sacrificed for its sake. That's the Will of Fire."
"No one is more important than the village!"
"Your thoughts are dangerous. Is this what the Uchiha teach? Or is this Takayama Haru's influence?"
Obito staggered back under Danzo's words.
Mikoto stepped in front of him, shielding him. "Lord Danzo, children don't think that deeply. But is rescuing Takayama-sensei truly against Konoha's interests?"
Danzo squinted. Shun Shindo stood up beside him. "Are you trying to tell the administration how to do our job?"
"Lord Minato is away. Right now, the most urgent matters take priority over rescuing Takayama Haru. Besides, you already sent Minato. What more do you want?"
"Are you defying the orders of the administrative department?"
Mikoto was shocked. She lowered her head. "No, I wouldn't dare. But..."
Mitomon Ryosuke cut her off. "No 'buts.' As Konoha shinobi, we must uphold the Will of Fire!"
"We protect the village above all else. Personal feelings don't matter. Chunin Mikoto, your attitude is dangerous!"
Shun Shindo scoffed and turned to a subordinate. "Summon Lady Mito immediately. We need her to stabilize the Two-Tails' seal."
"Anyone who stands in the way and risks the village's safety is an enemy of Konoha!"
...
Uzumaki Courtyard.
Kushina beamed at Uzumaki Mito. "Grandma Mito, did I do it? Did I really succeed?"
Mito gave her a warm smile and nodded. "Yes, you've grasped most of the Uzumaki sealing techniques."
"That's great!"
Mito gently patted her head. "Is there someone you miss?"
Kushina's cheeks flushed. "Maybe..."
She missed Takayama Haru deeply.
It had been three days. When would he return?
"Don't worry," Mito reassured her. "Haru is strong. He'll be just fine."
Kushina nodded, though her worry remained. He was due back today, wasn't he?
This was his first mission, and it was a B-rank. How could she not worry?
A flicker of unease crossed Mito's face, but she masked it quickly.
"Haru is probably already on his way back. You'll see—he might even return tonight."
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Orders from the Administrative Department. Lady Mito, please come with us."
Mito frowned. "Administrative Department?"
"Yes. There's an urgent matter that needs your help."
"What is it?"
"There's a problem with the Two-Tails' jinchūriki captured by Lord Danzo. He needs your assistance—urgently."
Mito turned to Kushina. "Kushina, come with me."
"Yes, Grandma Mito!"