After the captains of each squad gave their instructions, everyone began preparing for the upcoming survival exercise.
Once the captains dismissed their teams, the genin were finally free to enjoy some personal time.
"Hey there, Gaara."
Coincidentally, just as Naruto and his team were leaving, they ran into Gaara's group, who had also just been dismissed.
"Naruto."
Gaara smiled and walked forward, smoothly slipping between Naruto and Sasuke.
Sasuke frowned slightly.
He was a little annoyed, but since he'd already decided not to talk to Naruto today, he just silently stepped aside.
"Who's your team captain?"
Naruto was curious about Gaara's squad leader.
"A jōnin from the Hyūga clan, named Hyūga Iroha," Gaara replied.
"A ninja from the Hyūga clan? That's amazing."
Naruto exclaimed in admiration, then heard Gaara ask about Team 7's captain.
"It's a special jōnin named Mitarashi Anko. But according to her, she's just our temporary captain. Our real leader is still out on a mission."
"Temporary captain?"
The slightly older Temari looked puzzled.
They could even do that?
As they were chatting, Naruto suddenly felt a chill down his spine. A moment later, a pale hand rested gently on his shoulder.
"Haku?"
Turning around, Naruto saw Haku standing behind him, smiling warmly.
"It's me, Naruto. Oh, and Karin too — Minato-sama just left on a mission, so remember to come to our place for dinner tonight."
Naruto and Karin were already used to hearing about Minato's frequent departures, so they didn't ask any questions. They simply nodded in agreement.
Once Haku received their confirmation, he glanced politely at Temari and the others, gave a small nod, and disappeared in a flicker.
"So strong..."
Kankurō whispered as he leaned toward his elder sister.
"That's it?"
Temari's eyes glimmered with faint disdain.
Haku's strength was impressive for his age, but to call it truly strong was an exaggeration.
After all, she had once been the princess of Sunagakure. Her understanding of the shinobi world far surpassed that of her two younger brothers.
By her estimation, Haku was still weaker than their uncle, Yashamaru.
The thought of Yashamaru made Temari's heart stir with a trace of anticipation.
According to someone from Konoha's Internal Affairs Department, Yashamaru was to be released today — and from then on, their entire family would serve Konoha.
...
Inside the Internal Affairs prison.
Morino Ibiki's face was stern as he approached the cell holding Yashamaru, flanked by two subordinates.
At his command, one of them unlocked the chains securing the door and removed Yashamaru's restraints.
"Yashamaru?"
Hearing Ibiki's voice, Yashamaru visibly trembled before answering quietly, "It's me."
"Good. Come out."
Satisfied, Ibiki turned and left the cell.
His subordinates escorted Yashamaru to wash up before bringing him to Ibiki's office.
Once cleaned up, Yashamaru's delicate features were visible again. Ibiki's expression remained unreadable as he picked up a thick file detailing Yashamaru's entire history.
Even his years in the ANBU were meticulously recorded — though as for how Konoha obtained such information, the Fifth Kazekage, Pakura, had only smiled mysteriously.
"With your skills, returning to that old restaurant to wash dishes would be a waste of talent."
Seeing Yashamaru remain silent, Ibiki continued bluntly,
"I want you to work for the Internal Affairs Department. Given your ANBU background, these missions should be well within your ability."
Yashamaru didn't respond immediately.
"The pay is good."
"...Alright."
Thinking of his three children, Yashamaru accepted the offer.
What else could he do?
He understood perfectly well that he was in no position to refuse.
"Your three children are now Konoha genin. They've just been assigned to their new squads today. You should take this money and celebrate with them."
Ibiki slid a stack of cash across the table.
"This was arranged by the higher-ups. You can take it without worry — it's not part of your salary."
Seeing the thick wad of bills, Yashamaru didn't hesitate. He took it at once.
Only an idiot would refuse free money.
Though he disliked Konoha's underhanded methods, the cash softened his attitude considerably.
After all, Konoha and Sunagakure were allies now. Even his extradition from Sunagakure to Konoha was, in a sense, reasonable.
So Yashamaru bore little hatred toward Konoha.
As for avenging Rasa…
To hell with that. If it weren't for that man, his sister might still be alive.
...
Meanwhile, as Minato and his team followed Takeshi's lead toward the moon, the lunar surface itself was undergoing massive upheaval.
Toneri hid within the palace, trembling as thunderous crashes echoed all around — the sound of collapsing structures.
Takeshi and the others had planned to wait for Minato's arrival before acting, but Hizashi suddenly declared that he'd received divine guidance from Ōtsutsuki Hamura himself — Toneri was walking a path of error.
Then, using his Byakugan, he located the route leading directly to Toneri's palace.
And so, the Third Hokage — still vigorous despite his age — began his offensive.
The indestructible Adamantine Staff in his hands swung with heroic force, each strike demolishing several puppets and parts of the palace.
Uchiha Hikari stood stunned, unable to look away. The sight even dredged up some unpleasant memories from her past.
After all, she had once fought against the Sarutobi clan — and had, without a doubt, been "well taken care of" by them in the process.