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-chris
-Mohamed
-BlueFern XO
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"Huff... huff...."
With rhythmic flapping sounds in the air, the villagers of Konoha looked up to see a huge white paper crane slowly flying overhead.
When the paper crane landed, and the Konoha ninjas learned that the severely injured ninja they had brought back was Sōsuke, their faces lit up with excitement, and they moved swiftly!
On one hand, they quickly took Sōsuke to the Konoha medical team, where numerous medical ninjas began treating his injuries. On the other hand, they immediately relayed this news to the Third Hokage.
Inside the Hokage's office...
"Bang!"
The Third Hokage suddenly stood up, his usually calm face showing some excitement. He asked in a stern voice, "Are you saying Sōsuke has returned to the village?"
The kneeling ninja promptly replied, "Yes, Lord Hokage. Captain Aizen was brought back by Shigemura Ryō, and he has now been taken to the Konoha medical room. The medical team is currently treating him."
Hearing this, Koharu and Mitokado also stepped forward, anxiously asking, "Hokage, shall we?"
The Third Hokage nodded gravely and said, "Let's go right away."
The three of them then instantly vanished from the room.
Meanwhile, in the underground base of the Root organization in Konoha...
A sudden, urgent knocking sound echoed outside a room. Inside, a middle-aged man with a grim expression, who had been meditating, suddenly opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Come in."
"Snap!"
The door opened, and a masked ninja walked in, speaking anxiously, "Lord Danzō, it's Captain Aizen... no, Captain Sōsuke who has returned...!"
Hearing this, Danzō, who had been squinting with a grim expression, suddenly widened his pupils in surprise and exclaimed, "What did you say...!?"
"Crack!"
The wooden desk in front of him shattered under the force of his grip. Danzō paid no mind to this but focused on the Root ninja, asking hoarsely, "When did he return!? How is he now?"
The Root ninja quickly explained, "Captain Aizen seems to be severely injured. He was brought back to the village by Shigemura Ryō and is currently being treated in the medical unit."
Hearing this, Danzō's agitated expression eased somewhat, but his face remained uncertain. Finally, he said in a deep voice, "Let's go and see for ourselves."
The two of them then swiftly moved towards the narrow, dark corridor outside.
In a building next to the Hokage Tower in Konoha, established as a medical ninja training class at the proposal of Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin, a ninja was brought in, causing a significant stir in Konoha. Many ninjas rushed to the scene upon hearing the news.
Inside a luxurious room in the building, several experienced medical ninjas were carefully treating a young man lying there. His clean face, tousled hair lightly covering his forehead, and his glasses, which had been removed and placed aside, revealed his handsome features. The young man's gentle appearance hinted at his kind nature.
Numerous medical devices were placed on his bare upper body, and many medical ninjas diligently treated his wounds, which were torn and bloody. Under the green glow of Chakra, the horrifying wounds gradually healed, revealing the young man's perfect muscular contours. His well-defined muscles hinted at the terrifying strength hidden within his lean physique.
The Third Hokage and two advisors of Konoha stood by, carefully watching his wounds heal bit by bit, in silence.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, the door was pushed open!
This startled the group of medical ninjas, but the Third Hokage frowned and waved his hand, signaling them to continue.
He then turned his frowning gaze toward the grim middle-aged man who had just arrived.
Danzō, after respectfully addressing the Third Hokage, turned his attention to Sōsuke, who was being treated, without uttering a word.
Seeing this, Koharu and Mitokado were a bit nervous, fearing a strain in their relationship.
Fortunately, the Third Hokage didn't seem to mind and said gravely, "Sōsuke's injuries are not life-threatening, so there's no need to worry too much."
Hearing this, Danzō just looked at Sōsuke, his dark eyes filled with complex emotions, and hoarsely said, "Since Sōsuke has returned alive, the matter with Sakumo will be written off. The Root organization will comply with the Third Hokage's wishes."
The Third Hokage nodded lightly, looked toward Sōsuke, and said softly, "This boy... is doing well."
He then turned to Danzō and said softly, "You've taught a good disciple, Danzō."
Hearing the Third Hokage's words, Danzō was slightly taken aback, his initial thoughts wavering. But soon, a firm look crossed his eyes, and he respectfully said, "It's just inheriting the Will of Fire... this boy... is naturally a ninja belonging to Konoha."
The Third Hokage also nodded lightly, his eyes settling with a serious expression, as if he had made some decision.
"Let's leave for now; there's no point in waiting here," he said. "When Sōsuke wakes up, we'll come back to ask about what happened in the Sand Village afterward. Perhaps Uchiha Shino is still alive too."
Koharu stepped forward and softly added.
The Third Hokage and Danzō both nodded lightly, and then the group slowly made their way outside.
"Snap!"
The door was pushed open, causing a slight startle among the people waiting outside.
Seeing the Third Hokage and other high-ranking officials of Konoha suddenly emerge from the medical room, Might Dai, Shimura Himiko, Kuroi, Shigemura Ryō, and others were all surprised.
Danzō had a somber look on his face and remained silent.
The Third Hokage, with his wise eyes, glanced over everyone's expressions. Seeing the worried looks on their faces, he seemed to solidify a certain plan in his heart.
"Let's all leave for now; Sōsuke hasn't woken up yet, and his injuries are not life-threatening, so rest assured," the Third Hokage said in a grave voice.
Hearing his words, everyone let out a sigh of relief. They respectfully bowed to the Third Hokage and the other high-ranking officials of Konoha and then left.
"They are all Sōsuke's comrades... much like we used to be, aren't they..." the Third Hokage remarked softly, watching their departing figures.
Danzō's eyes sparkled with a strange light, but he remained silent.
Following this, the group dispersed from the area.
As night fell, a crescent moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale moonlight over the land.
Inside a hospital room in the Konoha medical facility.
Sōsuke slowly opened his eyes as he lay on the bed.
A faint smile curled at the corners of his mouth as he slowly got up and stood by the window, gazing out at the bustling scenery of Konoha.
A gleam shone in his eyes as he murmured softly, "This dazzling era... is about to begin..."