Mei Terumi and her team pulled out of the battlefield since her main goal had always been to retrieve Zabuza and Raiga Kurosuki.
When she learned they were in the Land of Waves, Mei immediately headed there to retrieve them.
With Kirigakure in desperate need of rebuilding, someone like Zabuza and Raiga were exactly the kind of strong ninjas they needed badly.
At first, when Mei only knew about Zabuza's presence, she considered sending Ao with a group to find him. But when she heard Raiga was there too, she immediately changed her plan and decided to go herself to show sincerity.
Thankfully, she had come in person. If Ao had gone instead and faced Shindai and Kakashi, he might have lost his Byakugan—or even worse, been completely wiped out.
Shindai grumbled, "Tch, those Kirigakure guys really aren't reliable—bailing out even in a team battle."
Kakashi and the others just twitched their lips slightly. Who exactly was double-teaming who here? From their perspective, it was clearly Shindai's puppet cluster overwhelming Mei's team.
Kakashi took off his glasses and sighed deeply, "The battle is finally over. Alright, let's leave too. Sasuke needs proper medical treatment for his injuries."
Naruto carried Sasuke on his back as the group made their way back to Tazuna's house.
The mission wouldn't be completed until the bridge in the Land of Waves was finished.
As for Shindai and Hinata, their mission involved reinforcement and retrieving Haku and Ranmaru. After resting overnight, they departed with Haku and Ranmaru toward Konoha.
On their way back, Shindai said to Hinata, "Next, Konoha will be hosting the Joint Chunin Exams. I intend to recommend you for participation. Would you like to join?"
During this time, Hinata's confidence had gradually grown. Previously, she would certainly question whether she was qualified enough to take the Chunin Exams. Now, however, she wanted to give it a try.
Hinata nodded firmly, "I want to participate!"
"Good. Then I'll recommend you."
Then Shindai started explaining the previous day's battle to Hinata: "You saw my puppet cluster in action yesterday. Every puppet worked together perfectly, leaving no opening for the enemy. Your use of Chakra Armor was still too basic—you should learn how to integrate different abilities within your Chakra Armor system, creating an effect greater than the sum of its parts.
Your Chakra Armor recorded all the combat data. What you need to do next is review your own battles repeatedly, paying attention to areas needing improvement. Consider carefully what choices would have been more suitable under specific circumstances.
But overall, yesterday's performance was quite good. After all, this was your first real combat experience. Keep pushing forward and continue improving."
Hinata instantly became full of motivation, "Yes! Teacher Shindai!"
Then Shindai looked toward Haku and Ranmaru behind them.
Haku was carrying Ranmaru on his back, both wearing gloomy expressions.
Shindai tried to comfort them, "Useless to look so downcast, isn't it?"
It's not like I'm taking you back to be punished severely. Konoha isn't as backward as Mist Village. Konoha doesn't discriminate against Kekkei Genkai bearers. Minato-dono—no, the Hokage—won't mistreat you either. We only hope that you can live in Konoha. Whether or not you want to become ninjas is entirely your choice—we won't force you.
If it weren't because the two of you aren't truly qualified ninjas, you wouldn't have survived encountering Zabuza, Raiga Kurosuki, and others. This outcome is already the best possible result.
You might feel unwilling right now and doubt my words, but after spending some time living in Konoha, you'll understand."
Haku and Ranmaru didn't respond. They felt extremely disheartened.
After returning to Konoha and allowing Hinata to move freely again, Shindai led Haku and Ranmaru toward the Hokage Building.
After meeting Minato Namikaze, Shindai informed him about Mei Terumi and the situation regarding Haku and Ranmaru.
Minato fell silent for a moment before speaking, "Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage from Kirigakure? I've heard about this matter. It seems something happened with the Fourth Mizukage of Mist Village. Since then, the village has been under the control of an elder called 'Mu,' who holds power equal to the Mizukage himself. Important village decisions must consult his opinion.
Under Mu's recommendation, a Fifth Mizukage was elected, ending the blood mist policy. They gradually introduced policies aimed at peace and openness to erase the village's bloody legacy."
Shindai hesitated before asking, "Then having me and Kakashi mess with this Fifth Mizukage shouldn't cause any problems, right?"
Minato shook his head, "No problem at all. After all, relations between Konoha and Mist Village remain tense. If they want to form an alliance with us, it's them who need us—not the other way around."
After saying this, Minato smiled warmly at Haku and Ranmaru as he greeted them, "Haku, Ranmaru, welcome to Konoha. Konoha is a very inclusive village—you don't need to worry about unfair treatment here."
Haku and Ranmaru kept their heads lowered, silent. At this point, anything they said would hold no meaning—they were prisoners after all.
Helplessly, Minato proposed, "How about this—we'll make a deal. For three months, if during your stay in Konoha you decide you'd rather leave, Konoha will not stop you."
Haku and Ranmaru immediately lifted their heads to stare at Minato, as though asking, 'Is that really true?'
Smiling, Minato reassured them, "I'm the Hokage—I have no reason to lie to you. Until then, for the time being, you two will live together with Nonou Yakushi."
Nonou Yakushi entered the office and greeted both Minato and Shindai.
Minato turned to address her, "Nonou, please take good care of Haku and Ranmaru temporarily. Let me know anytime if you need anything."
"Alright, I understand," Nonou nodded. Then she looked at Haku and Ranmaru, saying, "Alright then, Haku, Ranmaru, let's go."
Nonou Yakushi left with Haku and Ranmaru.
Shindai watched the three walk away, feeling reasonably reassured.
Nonou really knew how to handle children.
Shindai then turned to Minato Namikaze and said, "Minato-dono, Naruto's seal has a crack."
Minato's expression immediately turned serious. "Is that so? Tell me the details."
Shindai explained everything that had happened to Minato.
After listening, Minato stroked his chin and said, "It was his anger resonating with the Nine-Tails within him that caused the seal to crack... It seems like I'll have to reinforce the seal once Naruto returns."
Shindai suggested, "Minato-dono, I actually think this is a good thing. There's no need to reinforce the seal."
Minato immediately understood why Shindai considered this a positive development. "Perfect jinchuriki?"
Shindai nodded. "Exactly, perfect jinchuriki."
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