In the Hokage Tower, Konoha's "F4" had been waiting for a long time. Apart from Hiruzen, the other three members displayed clear dissatisfaction with Aoba's tardiness.
However, Aoba paid them no mind. In Konoha, if you cared too much about the attitudes of the Konoha F4, you would probably live a decade less. Ignoring them was the better approach.
"Aoba Kamikawa, why have you returned so late? Your teammates returned and reported half a month ago. You're late by half a month; shouldn't you explain this?"
The two Evergreen Tree advisors were the first to speak out. Danzo remained unusually silent.
In fact, Aoba could sense that Danzo had some interest in him, but not much. This was likely due to Aoba's lack of "special talents."
Danzo preferred those with unique abilities, like secret techniques or bloodline limits. Aoba, who had risen to the rank of jonin through physical ninjutsu, was seen as a lower-tier candidate with limited potential.
As a result, Danzo's scrutiny of Aoba was less intense compared to the other two advisors.
"It's simple. I was injured. The intelligence Konoha provided about Orochimaru was severely flawed. It didn't indicate that he had such powerful summoning beasts. When we attacked the base, we were scattered by the summoning beasts. I was injured during my escape, and the direction I fled was off. That's why it took me longer to return to Konoha."
"Hmph. But according to the Root's report, Orochimaru mainly targeted Root members. Where did your injury come from?"
This was also a point of dissatisfaction for Danzo. This mission was actually a planned operation with Orochimaru.
"I'll make a symbolic attack, you abandon the base. Whatever you need, I'll provide. This way, Orochimaru suffers no real loss, and Root gains some presence."
Unexpectedly, Orochimaru suddenly turned against Konoha, resulting in a major massacre. Three of Root's four members were killed.
The returning member reported being killed by Orochimaru himself.
"Correct, I was not directly pursued by Orochimaru. It was one of his subordinates. If I'm not mistaken, the opponent should be a Kaguya clan member from the Mist Village, possessing the Shikotsumyaku bloodline limit.
That young man was extremely strong. His bloodline limit had a certain counter to my tactics. I was no match for him. I barely managed to escape."
As soon as Aoba spoke, Danzo knew he was referring to Kimimaro. Having collaborated with Orochimaru for so many years, he was well aware of this capable subordinate. Aoba's account made perfect sense.
At this moment, Hiruzen spoke up.
"Alright, Aoba, this was just a standard debrief. We have no intention of holding you accountable. In fact, the mission failure was due to insufficient intelligence. In principle, the responsibility does not fall on you.
However, I heard that you brought back a mother and daughter and guaranteed their stay in Konoha?"
"Yes, I encountered them being pursued by mountain bandits at the border of the Land of Fire and rescued them. I didn't expect them to have significant ties to Konoha. They are descendants of the Uzumaki clan. The girl is named Karin Uzumaki, and her mother is Yumi Uzumaki ."
"I see. Their red hair is indeed a distinct mark of the Uzumaki clan. The Uzumaki clan was once our ally, so it's only natural for Konoha to take them in.
However, even with your guarantee, there are still some procedures that need to be followed. The Uzumaki clan members are known for their ninja talents. We need to proceed with caution."
"That is only natural. I have no objections."
"Good, I'm glad you understand. Since they are Uzumaki clan members, the village can provide them with a monthly stipend. As for whether they live independently or..."
"Um, they can live with me. They've already agreed to that."
"Ha-ha. That's good. With you taking care of them, I can rest assured. The Uzumaki clan's descendants are friends of Konoha. You must take good care of them. Well, that's all for now. You've just returned, so go home and rest."
Hiruzen once again played the role of the good-natured leader, concluding the interrogation.
This left the other two advisors somewhat dissatisfied.
"Sarutobi, he's clearly hiding many things. Aoba Kamikawa's loyalty is questionable."
"Ha-ha, I understand your concerns. Don't forget, anyone who's been exiled to a border outpost for three years and had their promotion report held up for over a year would surely harbor some resentment.
Aoba must have some grievances towards Konoha. But that's not a major issue. I believe he still has the village's interests at heart. Moreover, he's not young anymore. I saw Yumi Uzumaki. Though she's weathered, she's not unattractive. This young man probably has other thoughts. I believe he will soon form strong bonds in Konoha. By then, his grievances with the village will naturally dissipate.
You've seen the reports from Hayate. Aoba's combat power is definitely at the elite jonin level. We need such talent."
After leaving the Hokage's office, Aoba also breathed a sigh of relief. This phase went more smoothly than he had anticipated.
Since Hiruzen had spoken, Karin's situation was no longer a problem. Danzo's lack of regard for his mediocre abilities was actually a good thing. It seemed he could settle down in Konoha for a few years.
Walking through the commercial street, he decided to buy some meat and vegetables at the market.
Although Karin had the Uzumaki clan's physique, she looked frail and malnourished. She had clearly been underfed in the Grass Village.
To ensure she could contribute in the future, she needed proper nourishment starting now.
Returning home, he felt a bit unfamiliar as soon as he opened the door. The entire yard had been cleaned spotless, with not a single fallen leaf in sight.
Entering the house, Yumi was busy wiping the tables and chairs. The kitchen had also been tidied up.
"Ah, sir, you're back. Let me handle it."
Yumi said as she reached out to take the groceries from him.
"Karin, I bought a lot of food. You're in for a treat this time."
Aoba wasn't short of money. The main issue was that he had no place to spend it while at the border. All his salary had been saved, and he had exchanged a lot of money from the spoils after the battle with the Cloud Village. Supporting two people was no problem.
However, to advance his own strength, the money was just a drop in the bucket. That issue would probably still rely on Orochimaru.
In the days that followed, apart from carrying out missions, Aoba focused on helping Karin improve her health and teaching her basic ninja skills.
And so, another month passed. One day, Karin suddenly screamed from the yard.
"Snake!!"