Katahara: (With interest) Drust and the Adeptus Mechanicus... what about them?
Laffitte: (Seriously) Drust and the Adeptus Mechanicus are currently in one of the three great sacred regions: the Ryūchi Cave, where they have been for about a year.
Katahara: (Reflecting) The Ryūchi Cave, a sacred place. An interesting choice by Drust and the Adeptus Mechanicus. Well, that's all, Laffitte.
Laffitte: (Bowing his head) My lord. I will keep everything under control and ensure that our interests are protected.
With that, Laffitte withdrew, fading into the shadows to carry out Katahara's orders.
Katahara: (With a nostalgic smile) It will be interesting to return to Konoha...
One week later.
Three canoes were navigating a vast lake. Katahara was accompanied by three children: Momonosuke, Metsu, and Sao Temuri, along with Kuzan, Ryuma, and finally, Yagura. In the other two canoes, fourteen high-level Jōnin, including two Mist swordsmen, protected Katahara.
Yagura: (With a tone of concern) Katahara-sama, I don't understand why we are diverting this way; our destination is Konoha.
Katahara: (Calmly) We are going to see an old friend. As far as I understand, I am in charge of this delegation.
Yagura: (Frowning) We are heading towards Uzushiogakure... If we're not careful, we'll fall into a powerful illusion.
But before he could continue, a small port became visible, where several boats were docked.
Katahara: (Firmly) From now on, none of you have permission to speak unless I indicate otherwise.
As they docked at the port, they were greeted by several Uzumaki shinobi who escorted them to a large hall in the heart of Uzushiogakure. There, they were met by the village's elder leader.
Ashina Uzumaki: (Smiling) Katahara, my friend, it has been a long time since we last saw each other. It's a pleasure to welcome you to our village.
Katahara: (Returning the smile) The pleasure is mine, my friend. Thank you for having us.
Ashina Uzumaki noticed the presence of the Kirigakure shinobi and the Kirigakure plate that Momonosuke wore.
Ashina Uzumaki: (With an inquisitive look) I'm sure you're not here just for a friendly visit... Kirigakure.
Katahara: (In a grave tone) Business... my friend.
Ashina Uzumaki: (Nodding) That explains a lot. Please, go ahead...
His eyes fell on Momo.
Ashina Uzumaki: (Smiling) Little Momo, you are now quite the shinobi... I didn't expect this surprise. If I didn't know you, I would say you are an Uzumaki, with that amount of chakra...
Katahara: (With a smile) It seems time is taking its toll on you, old friend.
Ashina Uzumaki nodded, a nostalgic smile lighting up his face.
Ashina Uzumaki: Indeed, time changes us all. I'm glad to see you've found a new home in Kirigakure and made great changes in the village. I'm sure you have made wise and brave decisions for the well-being of everyone.
Momonosuke: (Determined) Yes, Mr. Uzumaki, I'm grateful for everything my master has done for me.
Ashina Uzumaki: (With a warm smile) I'm glad to hear that, young Momo. There's no doubt that with Katahara's support and your dedication, you will become a great warrior.
Katahara: (Nodding) Momonosuke has great potential, and I am sure he will become one of the best.
As they were welcomed, a grand banquet was prepared, celebrating their arrival in Uzushiogakure.
Konoha, Hokage Building:
The Hokage building stands majestically in the heart of Konoha, a structure that not only houses the political power but also represents the determination and sacrifice of its leaders. With its robust and elegant design, it offers a panoramic view of the village, a constant reminder of the responsibility that rests on the Hokage's shoulders.
Inside the office:
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sits behind a wide polished wooden desk. His tall and slender figure radiates a calmness that only years of experience can provide. The silver mane that falls to his shoulders, along with his bright eyes, reveals the depth of his wisdom. Each line on his face tells stories of past battles and difficult decisions, marking his dedication to the village. Dressed in his traditional red and white robe adorned with the symbol of the leaf on the back, and a cape that gently waves behind him, Hiruzen holds his iconic pipe, the aroma of tobacco enveloping the air.
In front of him, a team of ANBU stands in silence, three ninjas cloaked in mystery. Their faces are hidden behind white masks that reveal only the intensity in their eyes. They wear fitted black tunics that allow them to move with agility and discretion, each displaying the leaf symbol on their left arm, a sign of their unwavering loyalty to Konoha. Despite the masks that conceal their identities, the seriousness in their gazes reveals their dedication and commitment.
Hiruzen watches them closely, his penetrating gaze assessing every detail. The atmosphere in the room is tense; the silence is laden with the imminent need for answers.
ANBU Leader: (Stepping forward and bowing slightly) "Hokage-sama, we have been waiting for news from Kirigakure and its delegation. The lack of communication is concerning."
Hiruzen: (Frowning) "It is not common for Katahara, the former Mizukage, not to inform us about the progress of his mission. What have you discovered?"
ANBU Leader: (Seriously) "So far, we have received no communication from the delegation. We are closely monitoring the situation and have sent follow-up messages, but we have not received a response."
Hiruzen's face hardens at the unsettling news. Although he maintains a serene exterior, concern invades him. He leans back in his chair, allowing his thoughts to flow, pondering the strange silence surrounding the delegation.
Hiruzen: (Gravely) "Keep all communication channels open and continue sending messages. If we do not hear from them soon, we will consider sending a search and rescue team. We cannot allow a lack of information to provoke conflict between villages."
ANBU Leader: (Nodding with determination) "Understood, Hokage-sama. We will ensure that everything is in order and that, if necessary, we are ready to act."
Hiruzen looks at his team with a mix of admiration and concern. Each of them represents the best of Konoha, and their dedication is unwavering.
Hiruzen: (Looking out the window at the village) "The presence of the Fifth Elder in this mission adds more weight to the situation. I hope they reach an agreement without complications."
ANBU Leader: (Firmly) "We will do our best to ensure the safety of Kirigakure's delegation and manage any eventuality with the utmost caution."
Hiruzen thanks them with a gesture of his hand, his expression softening slightly. He trusts in the skills and commitment of the ANBU to safeguard Konoha and its allies.
Hiruzen: (With a faint smile) "I know I can count on you. Every decision we make here impacts not only our village but the entire ninja world."
With one last bow, the ANBU members withdraw, leaving Hiruzen in his office, immersed in thoughts about the uncertain future that awaits Konoha.