Chapter 64: 62: Temptation to Return to the Village
Around a day later.
In the forest at the junction of the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire, a trio was hastening their journey back toward the Land of Fire.
Compared to the tense atmosphere during their departure for the Land of Rivers, the current ambiance had become more relaxed and carefree.
This trio rushing back to the Land of Fire consisted of Shiraishi, Ruri, and Ayane.
Since the Root team had been eliminated, they hadn't encountered any further enemies and had enjoyed a peaceful day.
Both Shiraishi's and Ayane's chakras had also been replenished. About half a day ago, Ruri had woken up from a deep slumber. While her injuries from the Sage Mode hadn't fully healed, her face still remained pale but she had regained some strength and self-defense capabilities.
Considering the possible implications of numerous people being involved in this mission, and the mission's connection to the inner workings of Konoha's high-ranking officials, the three of them had decided, after Ruri's awakening half a day ago, to rush back to the Land of Firewith all their might. Their aim was to uncover the true nature of this mission.
The time was roughly three o'clock in the morning, and the darkness still held sway.
Ayane carried Ruri, who was temporarily unable to move, on her back and hurried onward, with Shiraishi trailing closely behind.
"By the way, is it really safe for us to return like this?" Ayane seemed a bit anxious as she suddenly spoke.
"What do you mean?" Shiraishi shot her a glance.
"The Root are part of the Anbu. Despite the differing affiliations, we still ended up killing them."
Ayane wasn't convinced that they could just return without facing any consequences.
While the Root ninja had initially framed them, what if the mastermind behind this incident was a high-ranking Konoha member? What if they found out?
Perhaps the three of them might end up being accused of killing the Root ninja.
"Doesn't matter. Didn't we dispose of those bodies beforehand? Once we're back, we can simply explain that we fell into a trap set by Suna. If they inquire, we'll assert that we didn't encounter any Root members."
Ruri, lying on Ayane's back, spoke softly, her breath shallow.
"Will that really work?"
"Not for certain, but as long as we deny having seen anything and there's no evidence, there's little they can do. Ultimately, I can leverage the Uchiha influence to manipulate the information flow and apply pressure to the village's upper echelons. If the other party wishes to investigate further, then we can make everything public. Let's see how things unfold."
Ruri's tone remained calm. Ayane nodded, finding herself in agreement.
She couldn't use Hyuga's influence to exert pressure on Konoha's higher-ups, but Ruri was a different story.
As a potential candidate for the next Uchiha clan head, Ruri had a huge influence within the Uchiha clan. She even had a devoted following of loyal fans.
This was the power of a prominent clan, and even the top brass of Konoha had to consider it carefully.
"Sometimes, Ruri, I envy you."
Ayane mumbled, a slight smile on her lips.
"Envy? Speaking of which, the matter of you two secretly getting together behind my back hasn't been resolved yet."
Ruri raised an eyebrow, expressing her dissatisfaction.
Shiraishi and Ayane exchanged awkward smiles and turned their faces away, avoiding directly addressing Ruri's question.
"Once we return, it's best to clarify this matter step by step."
"Got it. In any case, it's not a major issue."
Shiraishi scratched his head, looking thoughtful.
The question was how to present the matter—should they fully explain or only reveal part of it—in a way that would lead to a smooth resolution. The power of words was indeed quite fascinating.
"Though, I didn't expect you to opt for such a daring approach, using Fire release with the incomplete technique. Upon returning, for safety's sake, you should consider undergoing a thorough examination."
"You sure talk a lot. I'll do as I please."
Ruri snorted, flipping her black hair before turning her head away.
"What a hassle..."
Hearing Shiraishi grumble again, Ayane chuckled, about to respond, when two figures suddenly entered her Byakugan-enhanced vision.
"Somebody's catching up from behind. It's Jiraiya and his student."
Ayane quickly identified the two pursuing ninjas.
Both Shiraishi and Ruri frowned.
While they wondered why Jiraiya and Minato were present, the three halted, awaiting the pair's arrival from behind.
After a brief period, Jiraiya and Minato came into view before the trio. Both were covered in dust and had signs of battle, suggesting they'd been through some struggles.
Upon confirming Shiraishi's group was unharmed, Jiraiya visibly relaxed and greeted them with a smile, "Good to see you three safe and sound."
Had these three fallen victim to a conspiracy, he might've borne the weight of that guilt for the rest of his days.
The clothes of Shiraishi's group were tattered and stained with blood. It was evident at a glance that they had survived a fierce and brutal encounter.
"Jiraiya and..... blondie, what brings you two here?"
Ruri asked Jiraiya's intentions in a somewhat chilly tone.
"Well, Uchiha-san, I am Jiraiya, and this is Minato..."
"Enough with the introductions, blondie. I wasn't asking you. I directed my question at your teacher."
Jiraiya gave a consoling pat on Minato's shoulder, who was wearing a wry smile. Minato had heard rumors about Ruri being challenging to get along with during their academy days, so he didn't take offense.
"This is quite a long story, but the most important thing is your safety. The village will provide an explanation later."
"Explanation?" Ruri's lips curled into a disdainful sneer.
"Yes, I'll personally vouch for you..."
"No need. Uchiha's matters will be dealt with by Uchiha themselves. Outsiders don't need to interfere!"
Ruri's stance was equally firm.
Hearing this, Jiraiya became even more convinced that Ruri and her companions had insight into some of the mission's complications.
For instance, the Root... no, they must be aware.
Especially Ruri; coming from an influential clan, she possessed keen perception and intellect. Jiraiya couldn't afford to take this matter lightly.
"I'm just doing my duty. If the Uchiha wishes to hold someone accountable, that's your business. My assistance stems from the responsibility and obligation shared by fellow village ninjas."
Jiraiya smiled, his satisfaction evident.
In fact, he was quite delighted to see someone like Danzo squirm.
"I hope so."
Ruri didn't place too much weight on Jiraiya's assurance.
To the entire Uchiha, the so-called Sannin held a limited significance.
Moreover, they still belonged to the Senju lineage. While Ruri appreciated Jiraiya's concern, she only believed half of it.
"More interesting than this is what kind of punishment Hokage-sama will impose on the senior who blundered. That's the real question, isn't it?"
Ruri's sly words made Jiraiya sigh in a helpless manner.
It was truly remarkable that such a young girl could see things so clearly. The Uchiha clan's might was indeed considerable and couldn't be dismissed lightly.
Shiraishi, meanwhile, remained quiet on the sidelines, like a transparent presence in everyone else's eyes.
◎
Several hours later, they were back at the Konoha camp.
With the rising sun, the Konoha ninjas in the camp began emerging one by one.
As the duty shifts changed, medical ninjas who hadn't even managed breakfast hurried to the makeshift infirmary. They were ready to take over from their colleagues who had been toiling all night.
As the leader of Team Sakumo, Hatake Sakumo, had yet to return and was still on the mission, Ruri assumed temporary command. She reported the mission details to the highest-ranking officer, Orochimaru.
Jiraiya had taken Minato elsewhere for their respective duties.
Shiraishi and Ayane loitered not far from the camp, twiddling their thumbs.
"Hey there, Shiraishi, it's been a while. You've grown stronger since we last met."
A familiar and jovial female voice rang out from the side.
Turning his head, Shiraishi spotted a woman with pale blond hair—a face he recognized.
After a moment of puzzlement, Shiraishi's face broke into a sheepish grin, and he said, "Long time no see, Tsunade-sensei."
While he hadn't been Tsunade's direct disciple, she had, nonetheless, instructed Konoha's inaugural batch of medical ninja experimental training. Shiraishi had learned a great deal about medical ninjutsu under her guidance.
"Hello, Tsunade-sama"
Ayane, too, offered a respectful bow, quickly greeting Tsunade.
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively, a smile lighting up her face as she said, "No need for formalities. Just be at ease. Is everything alright with the mission?"
She inquired, her tone casual yet purposeful.
Shiraishi, without overthinking, responded honestly, "Ruri mentioned that it was a trap set by the Suna nin, who fed us incorrect information to lure us Konoha ninjas into an ambush."
His expression showed genuine confusion, as if he hadn't fully grasped the mission's complications.
Ayane cleared her throat softly.
"Young lady of the Hyuga clan, are you feeling unwell?"
Tsunade scrutinized her.
"Ah, yes. After returning, I found my throat feeling a bit itchy—possibly the aftermath of a cold."
Ayane replied.
"Take care of yourselves." Tsunade's gaze shifted back to Shiraishi. With a light pat on his head and a softer tone, she said, "Don't worry, things will work out. I'll ensure everything is properly settled."
"Thank you, Tsunade-sensei. But Suna tactics are truly despicable. Tsunade-sensei, please be vigilant as well."
Seeing the innocent concern in Shiraishi's eyes, Tsunade couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Danzo was a real piece of work. These were the future pillars of Konoha.
Tsunade directed her care toward Shiraishi once more, and before entering the tent, she handed him a few scrolls containing her invaluable experiences with medical ninjutsu.
Tsunade genuinely admired a straightforward and sincere youth like Shiraishi. While his aptitude in medical ninjutsu might not be extraordinary, and his entry into the Sakumo team could be partially attributed to favoritism, his earnestness and diligence were qualities she found worthy of nurturing.
Shiraishi's determination and drive aligned perfectly with the profile of a young ninja she wanted to nurture.
The Uchiha girl seemed to hold an interest in him too. Tsunade mused.
"Shiraishi-kun, you're quite the scoundrel."
Ayane watched Tsunade enter the tent, then turned to Shiraishi, a reproachful tone in her voice.
Had she not known the truth, she might've almost believed Shiraishi's fanciful account.
"It's not like I wanted to, but survival necessitates these tactics. Plus, I don't feel good about deceiving someone who's been genuinely kind to me. Fujimura-sensei and you, alongside her, are the only ninjas who have sincerely hoped for my growth."
Speaking of which, Shiraishi's thoughts turned to Fujimura Taiga, the head teacher who had accompanied him through his six years of study.
'I wonder if he's finally out of the "single dog" phase. All his fellow Chunin have found their partners, leaving him the only one running solo. It's a bit worrying.'
....
Ten minutes later, Ruri emerged from the tent, her face wearing an expression of displeasure. Due to her physical injury, her walking speed was rather slow.
"What's written up there?" Shiraishi and Ayane approached and inquired.
Casting a glance at the two, Ruri struggled to rein in her anger and replied, "What else? Commander Orochimaru has ordered the three of us to return to the village immediately and stand by."
"Immediately?"
"Return to the village and stand by?"
These two questions, full of surprise, were voiced by Shiraishi and Ayane successively.
"Wait, Sakumo-sensei hasn't returned yet..."
"We were told not to wait for his return, but to leave now, and the wounded who can't participate in battle are to be escorted back to the village by other teams."
Ruri repeated the order with clear distaste.
"Is that so? It appears the situation is more complicated than I thought."
Shiraishi offered a thoughtful remark.
Though the Sakumo squad's responsibilities were unique, on the battlefield, Orochimaru held the highest command position as one of the three great ninja. He wielded more immediate decision-making authority than their leader, Sakumo Hatake.
Hence, even if Shiraishi and his companions protested, it would likely be in vain. They had no choice but to comply and return to the village to stand by.
As for Sakumo's situation, it remained an enigma. Many questions surrounding the mission's failure still lingered. Yet, the commander Orochimaru wasn't likely to disclose these details to them.
In the end, their lack of status and power was evident.
If Sakumo were present, even with Orochimaru's elevated rank, he wouldn't be able to dismiss Sakumo's inquiries so easily.
"That settles it then. Let's pack up and prepare to leave."
Ruri, visibly annoyed, showed no interest in returning to the village.
It had only been a few days since they'd arrived on the front lines, and now they were being recalled. It felt like someone was toying with her.
Half an hour later, Konoha Camp was bustling with numerous ninjas. Several carriages had been readied, accommodating a number of wounded individuals.
Aside from the trio, over thirty Konoha ninjas were present, including four Jonin. The team also included a handful of medical personnel who were tending to the wounded.
...
"Why were the three of them sent back?" Inside the tent, Tsunade sat beside Orochimaru, gazing at the pale young ninja with a confused expression.
With his long, dark hair cascading straight down, he bore a strikingly handsome face, although one tinted with a touch of femininity.
This individual was Orochimaru, the supreme commander of Konoha's frontline against the Sunagakure. Alongside Jiraiya and Tsunade, he constituted the legendary trio of ninja.
In response to Tsunade's question, Orochimaru gave a succinct explanation, "The impending war demands my full focus. I can't afford to be entangled in this troublesome political dispute."
"But to send them back like this..."
"Sakumo shouldn't be privy to this. His involvement could potentially cause more problems. Right now, Konoha's primary objective is to defeat the Sunagakure. I don't want to be sidetracked by such matters."
Orochimaru shook his head, demonstrating a lack of interest in whatever underlying truth there might be.
He was determined not to let anything distract him, and the ultimate resolution rested in the hands of the Hokage. Orochimaru was not the ultimate decision-maker.
"I'm not concerned about the Uchiha and the Hyuga girl, but that young man..."
"Do you have a particular interest in him?"
Orochimaru regarded Tsunade with a curious expression.
"He was one of my students. I don't wish for him to become embroiled in the village's darker aspects. I want him to fulfill his role as a medical ninja and live his life."
Tsunade sighed.
"Yeah, in these chaotic times, mere survival is a blessing. However, personal growth often comes hand in hand with pain, a confrontation with the world's harsh realities. This is true for you and true for me, just like the willow tree by the road."
As Orochimaru spoke, he gazed at his hands, a shadow of melancholy passing across his eyes.
"In reality, there's often little we can do and little we can change..."
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