Uzumaki Mito's eyes lingered on Sarutobi Hiruzen, her stare intense and unwavering. Under her gaze, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a creeping sense of fear. She then addressed the group:
"You must be exhausted and injured from your ordeal. The Senju clan has specialized medical ninjas who will treat your injuries. For now, go and rest."
"You are to remain within the Senju clan's compound for the next few days and are not permitted to leave."
"Do not speak of Tobirama's death to anyone. If asked, say nothing. Is that clear?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others exchanged puzzled looks, unsure of Mito's intentions. Was she suppressing the news of the Hokage's death and placing them under house arrest?
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a bitter taste in his mouth. His role as the Hokage's successor had suddenly become a liability. If he obeyed Mito's orders and stayed in the Senju compound, what if he vanished?
Uzumaki Mito was more than the widow of the First Hokage. She had been a formidable leader of the Uzumaki clan during the Warring States Period, a warrior who emerged victorious from countless battles.
To underestimate Mito as merely a figurehead would be a grave mistake. At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen's very life hung in her balance.
There might be a dozen elite Senju ninjas outside the door, ready to act on her command.
"Mito-sama, we..." Danzo hesitated, knowing the potential danger. If Mito turned against them, escape might be impossible.
"Danzo, Mito-sama has made arrangements. We should stay here," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, casting a reassuring look at Shimura Danzo and agreeing to Mito's request.
Though Hiruzen had limited contact with Uzumaki Mito, he had often seen her alongside his master, Senju Tobirama. He knew Tobirama respected her deeply.
While he might not fully trust Mito, Hiruzen had unwavering trust in his master, Senju Tobirama. Since Tobirama had chosen him as the next Hokage, Hiruzen was willing to stake his life on that decision, believing Mito would not betray Tobirama's wishes.
This monkey is quite interesting.
"Then go. Someone will escort you to a place to rest," Uzumaki Mito said calmly.
After Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others departed, Senju Taomu entered, a sense of unease growing in him.
The Shadow Guards had returned, appearing defeated and worn. Where was their clan leader, Senju Tobirama?
Could it be possible that Tobirama was dead?
"Lord Patriarch..." Senju Taomu tentatively asked Mito.
"Set Konoha's barrier seal to wartime status. Take my warrant and instruct the ANBU to monitor the entire village."
"Deploy all remaining ninjas in the family to observe those in Konoha. Report any unusual behavior to me immediately, particularly from the Uchiha!"
"And send someone to notify Momo, instructing him to return from the front lines right away."
Mito's rapid series of orders left Senju Taomu bewildered. Was Konoha under attack, or was the Uchiha clan planning a rebellion?
Even the young Senju leader, Senju Momo, was being recalled from the front lines.
(Note: Hashirama's son was not named in the original series, so this is a fictional addition. Nōshu was not born during this time, so he should still be alive.)
"Mito-sama? What's happening? The clan leader, I don't know him."
"Hurry up and go!" Mito's stern tone reminded Senju Taomu of his place.
"Yes, Mito-sama!" Senju Taomu quickly departed to carry out her orders.
Left alone, Uzumaki Mito slumped in her chair, her energy waning, her previous composure slipping away.
"Hahaha, Mito, Hashirama's bastard brother is dead too. It seems that the Konoha Hashirama built is on the brink of destruction!" a gloating voice echoed in Mito's mind.
Within Mito's sealed space, a massive fox sat, its nine tails bound tightly by chains.
Kyuubi laughed, the chains clinking, the harsh sound resounding through Mito's mind.
"This is retribution, Mito. What good is imprisoning me all these years? Is there peace in the ninja world?"
Kyuubi sensed everything outside, including Mito's emotions. It felt her sadness, despair, and pain, but offered only scorn.
"Hmph, demon fox!"
"Konoha will not fall, and Hashirama's efforts won't be in vain. I will protect Konoha," Mito declared, her thoughts summoning chains that bound Kyuubi's mouth, twisting its body.
"Uh huh"
"Mito, I****"
The chains silenced Kyuubi, and Mito's calm returned, murmuring to herself:
"As long as I'm here, Konoha won't change."
Konoha Security Department
Uchiha Nan sat in the captain's room. The Security Department had three captains, each with their own room. The other two captains were on the front lines, leaving Uchiha Nan to oversee the Uchiha clan.
After sixteen years of effort, Uchiha Nan had risen to a senior position within the Uchiha clan. Second only to the clan leader, Uchiha Tomita, he was now the second in command in Konoha.
Uchiha Nan possessed a three-tomoe Sharingan, exceptional lightning release techniques, and had developed the Chidori technique (from the turntable). Skilled in various fire techniques and proficient in swordsmanship, he once tied in a duel with the talented Hatake Sakumo of the Konoha Hatake clan.
Through his efforts (and over a decade of hard work), Uchiha Nan had earned a formidable reputation within the Uchiha clan.
"Pah"
Uchiha Nan's door swung open as Manji leapt into his arms.
"Nan, Sarutobi Hiruzen and his group are back. They've gone to the Senju clan's territory and haven't emerged since."
"And now the entire Senju clan is mobilized. Their ninjas are spreading throughout Konoha. Some are near the Uchiha clan's territory."
"The ANBU ninjas have also been deployed, scattered across Konoha."
"Some of them are strong, and the ninja cats dare not approach, fearing to alert them. Some have withdrawn, while others observe from a distance."
"It won't be long before ANBU or Senju clan ninjas are near the Security Department."
Uchiha Nan calmly stroked Manji, unfazed by Uzumaki Mito's actions.
"Everyone, let's have a meeting!"
With Uzumaki Mito on the move, Uchiha Nan couldn't afford to remain idle.