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 . 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 rexed.

  "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 avehe Uzumaki . They are our allies, and anyone who harms them is an enemy of Konoha," Hiruzen decred 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 ging to him, her small hand tightly gripping his. ing to this unfamiliar pce, it was impossible for a five-year-old not to be nervous.

  "Tsunade, how about we have them stay at the Senju pound?"

  Hiruzen turo Tsunade.

  "That's fine, but there's something you o expin to me first."

  BAM!

  Tsunade smmed her fist on Hiruzen's desk, the solid wood splitting uhe force.

  "Sandaime, we were attacked by unknown assaints 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 k was true. Had ninjas from another vilge infiltrated Land of Fire?

  "How mahere?" Hiruzen asked, his voice grave.

  "Twenty-five. At least ten Jōnin, and one of them was ae."

  Hiruzen's expression darkehat was a signifit force.

  If they were indeed fn ninjas, this could be a serious threat.

  "Tsuhis is my ht. I failed to detect such a rge force within our borders. I will have the Anbu iigate this thhly."

  He khat 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 approag.

  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, wele back. Are these the Uzumaki survivors?"

  Danzō's eyes flickered as he looked at the childreill had both his eyes and his arm; he hadn't undergone his future modificatio.

  Tsunade scoffed and walked away without a word, the children following behind.

  As they left, Shin g Danzō. He reized him instantly; the scar on his was a dead giveaway.

  Danzō scowled. Tsunade had just disrespected him, just like the rest of the Senju .

  He ehe Hokage's offioting the shattered door with a frowuro 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, watg 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 wao 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 crete evidence. And even if he did, he would protect Danzō. He would have to find a way to appease Tsunade.

  <><><>

  "This is the Senju pound. You'll be staying here. Most of the houses are empty; choose whichever you like."

  Tsunade led the children into the pound.

  "It's so big! Even bigger than the Uzumaki Grounds," Akiko excimed.

  Shin looked around. It was eerily empty. It seemed the once-great Senju was a shadow of its former self.

  "Kushina, whie do you want?" Shin asked.

  "Shin, and you, little girl, e with me," Tsunade said.

  Shin looked at her questioningly.

  "Kid, you werely 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 Tsureating him differently?" he muttered resentfully.

  Akiko didn't think too much about it. Having a pce to stay was good enough for her. She chose ay house and started ing.

  "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 bee plicated.

  They followed Tsuo a small courtyard. "There are a few empty rooms over there. You stay here," Tsunade said.

  "Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

  Shin looked around the courtyard. It was muicer thaher 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 iing little friend, stay here."

  Tsunade looked at Shin with amusement. She was intrigued by this unusual child.

  "And you too, little girl. You're wele," Tsunade said to Kushina.

  "I won't thank you!" Kushina snapped, clearly a being treated as an afterthought.

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