Everyone was wearing the white overcoat over their Konoha's suit, like the ones Naruto used when they first met Obito in the woods, where Obito revealed his other voice for the first time. The samurai escorted them to the border and said goodbye to them.
They walked a mile or so and had already crossed the bridge and the weather was slowly started to getting a bit better. Living in such cold weather was definitely not something Aoto liked. Konoha was still better.
"We will have to be alert and we can't afford to confront anyone because there is a very high chance we will be ambushed because we have caused quite the incident before. They must have seen the damage near the place and there is a high chance they will attack us since it's near the border of ours and the Land of Iron." Kakashi said as he was ready to lay out the plan in order to escape.
"Oh no.. I am not going to walk the return path." Aoto protested. Kakashi and Itachi looked at Aoto in confusion. He wasn't someone of a tantrum person so what was he up to? Corazon already had the sling ring on his fingers and proceeded to open a portal.
And for the first time Kakashi and others saw the portal and from the portal they could see the lush trees on the other side. They were stupefied seeing this. Kakashi and others had only seen them using shield and swords before, but they had never seen anything like this.
"What is this?" Aoto replied. He walked right in, and looking at it, the others did too, crossing the portal. At first, they couldn't believe it, but when they found themselves in the same forest, they were quite taken aback.
They had covered such a long distance in mere seconds.
"This is amazing," Itachi couldn't help but be impressed.
"Did you create this technique?" Kakashi asked. He wanted to use his Sharingan, but using it again might cause him to enter sleep mode. Moreover, he had a feeling he wouldn't be able to copy this technique, just like last time.
"Something like that," Aoto didn't elaborate. After they passed through, the portal closed.
"This is truly the Land of Fire," Guy exclaimed, his surprise evident. They could already tell that they were only a few miles away from Konoha and would reach there in less than an hour. They started walking back home.
"Kakashi-san, I know you'll report what you've seen to Hokage-sama, but you should also let him know that I won't share my techniques with anyone until I trust them enough. I won't allow anyone to force me into it," Aoto said. This statement made Kakashi tense up, and he looked at Aoto. He had been contemplating what to report to the Hokage.
"I'll convey the information," Kakashi nodded.
"Guy-san, Itachi, I hope you can keep the details of this mission confidential," Aoto continued. Both Itachi and Guy nodded. As ninjas, secrecy was ingrained in them.
"You can count on me," Guy said, and Itachi simply nodded. With those thoughts in mind, everyone soon returned to Konoha. After passing through the gate, they went their separate ways to complete their reporting tasks.
"Do you think Konoha will remain uninvolved after what you've shown them?" Corazon asked, his smile replaced by seriousness.
"I don't really care. Danzo was taught a lesson long ago, and if he wants another confrontation, I'll show him hell," Aoto replied in a cold voice.
"The Hokage might not be pleased with that, and the other advisors might not be either."
"Good, let them come. I want them to. I'll treat them the same way I did Danzo."
"Taking that route could put you in a precarious position," John said. "You don't yet control all the financial power of Konoha."
"I never said I wouldn't teach them. I said I'll choose who gets to learn about our magic," Aoto clarified.
"Do you have some individuals in mind?" Corazon inquired.
"I do, but it's not yet the right time," Aoto replied.
"What will you do with the beast?" John asked.
"Hmm... I haven't thought about it. We'll see what we can do. For now, let it stay in the library. Make sure it doesn't feel lonely. Instruct everyone to treat the Seven Tails as if it were one of us," Aoto said.
"Are you sure about that?" Corazon questioned.
"They have the same range of emotions as us, Corazon. Just because they're powerful doesn't mean they lack emotions," Aoto explained. Although they found it odd, they soon reached home, and everyone stared at them with wide eyes.
Especially Shikuro, who seemed quite tense.
"Hey, we're back," Aoto greeted.
"The shops are closed, but everyone's gathered in the main shop, the bakery."
"Thank goodness you're here."
"What's going on?" Aoto was a bit confused.
"Do you even know what you brought into the library?" Shikuro practically yelled upon seeing Aoto's return. After the Seven Tails was brought in, it had tried to escape. However, the library's power was too strong for it, rendering it immobile. It could still emit shrill cries, and since only Aoto had control over the library, no one else could enter it.
Shikuro had entered and immediately recognized what it was. He forbade everyone from entering until Aoto arrived. He could guess what had happened, as he himself understood magic. He had been concerned about them and had nearly rushed to them to check their condition. However, he stopped himself, considering various factors.
Since the library was connected to Aoto, it meant he was fine. Having the Seven Tails in the backyard was a significant matter that could disrupt the balance of power in the world. He hoped it wouldn't lead to another war.
"Yes, he will be our new friend from now on." Aoto replied with a smile and all he got in return was a hit on the head by Arya, Winry, Edward and Shikuro together.
"In no way that beast is going to be our friend." Everyone shouted together.
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