Hiruzen observed the children for a moment, then his face took on a mournful expression.
"It grieves me to hear of the tragedy that befell the Uzumaki Clan. Rest assured, Konoha and the Uzumaki are steadfast allies. We will find the perpetrators and bring them to justice."
"For now, make yourselves at home in Konoha. You are safe here; no one will harm you."
Hiruzen's words seemed to ease the tension. Hikaru and Kai visibly relaxed.
"Lord Hokage, please, you must find those who did this!" Kai cried.
Akiko also wept, tears flowing freely as she remembered her loved ones.
"We will avenge the Uzumaki Clan. They are our allies, and anyone who harms them is an enemy of Konoha," Hiruzen declared solemnly.
Hiruzen was a skilled leader. His words calmed even Kushina, who had been on edge.
Shin could tell because Kushina's grip on his hand loosened.
When they first arrived in Konoha, Kushina had been clinging to him, her small hand tightly gripping his. Coming to this unfamiliar place, it was impossible for a five-year-old not to be nervous.
"Tsunade, how about we have them stay at the Senju compound?"
Hiruzen turned to Tsunade.
"That's fine, but there's something you need to explain to me first."
BAM!
Tsunade slammed her fist on Hiruzen's desk, the solid wood splitting under the force.
"Sandaime, we were attacked by unknown assailants within Land of Fire borders. What's going on?"
Hiruzen's eyes widened. He stood up.
"You were attacked?"
Seeing the fury in Tsunade's eyes, he knew it was true. Had ninjas from another village infiltrated Land of Fire?
"How many were there?" Hiruzen asked, his voice grave.
"Twenty-five. At least ten Jōnin, and one of them was an Elite."
Hiruzen's expression darkened. That was a significant force.
If they were indeed foreign ninjas, this could be a serious threat.
"Tsunade, this is my oversight. I failed to detect such a large force within our borders. I will have the Anbu investigate this thoroughly."
He knew that Tsunade's anger meant there had been casualties.
"Let me know when you have more information."
Tsunade left the Hokage's office with the children. Just as they stepped out, they saw a man with a grim aura approaching.
Tsunade frowned. It was Danzō.
He held a high position in Konoha, but Tsunade loathed him. He was a man who operated in the shadows, his methods ruthless and underhanded.
"Tsunade, welcome back. Are these the Uzumaki survivors?"
Danzō's eyes flickered as he looked at the children. He still had both his eyes and his arm; he hadn't undergone his future modifications yet.
Tsunade scoffed and walked away without a word, the children following behind.
As they left, Shin glanced at Danzō. He recognized him instantly; the scar on his chin was a dead giveaway.
Danzō scowled. Tsunade had just disrespected him, just like the rest of the Senju Clan.
He entered the Hokage's office, noting the shattered door with a frown. He turned to Hiruzen.
"Danzō, what brings you here?" Hiruzen asked, his brow furrowed.
"I have something to discuss with you."
"As do I." Hiruzen walked to the window, watching Tsunade lead the Uzumaki survivors away. He waved a hand.
The Anbu guards hidden in the shadows vanished. Only Hiruzen and Danzō remained in the office.
"Danzō, Tsunade said she was attacked on her way back. I want to know if you had anything to do with it."
Hiruzen's gaze was sharp and accusatory.
"Hmph, Are you implying that I attacked your student?" Danzō snorted, his eyes narrowing.
"I had nothing to do with it."
Danzō stormed out, abandoning whatever he had wanted to discuss.
"It was you, wasn't it, Danzō?"
Hiruzen sat down heavily. He knew Danzō better than anyone. Even though Danzō hadn't betrayed himself, Hiruzen could see through his lies.
Punish Danzō? He had no concrete evidence. And even if he did, he would protect Danzō. He would have to find a way to appease Tsunade.
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"This is the Senju Clan compound. You'll be staying here. Most of the houses are empty; choose whichever you like."
Tsunade led the children into the compound.
"It's so big! Even bigger than the Uzumaki Clan Grounds," Akiko exclaimed.
Shin looked around. It was eerily empty. It seemed the once-great Senju Clan was a shadow of its former self.
"Kushina, which one do you want?" Shin asked.
"Shin, and you, little girl, come with me," Tsunade said.
Shin looked at her questioningly.
"Kid, you weren't exactly subtle back there. I saw what you did," Tsunade said with a knowing smirk before turning and walking away.
Shin's face stiffened. He hesitated for a moment, then took Kushina's hand and followed Tsunade.
Kai watched them leave, jealousy burning in his eyes.
"Why is Lady Tsunade treating him differently?" he muttered resentfully.
Akiko didn't think too much about it. Having a place to stay was good enough for her. She chose an empty house and started cleaning.
"Why are we following her?" Kushina grumbled.
Shin shrugged. Tsunade had seen a glimpse of his true strength. He just hoped she wouldn't tell anyone.
If she did, life in Konoha would become complicated.
They followed Tsunade to a small courtyard. "There are a few empty rooms over there. You can stay here," Tsunade said.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."
Shin looked around the courtyard. It was much nicer than the other houses they had seen.
"Does anyone live here?" he asked.
"Yes, I do. It gets lonely living alone, so I thought I'd have you, my interesting little friend, stay here."
Tsunade looked at Shin with amusement. She was intrigued by this unusual child.
"And you too, little girl. You're welcome," Tsunade said to Kushina.
"I won't thank you!" Kushina snapped, clearly annoyed at being treated as an afterthought.
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