While Kazuki was still returning—
Mikoto Uchiha and Akira Haruno had already brought everyone safely back to Konoha.
However—
Danzo's mission returned slightly earlier.
Konoha Main Gate
Under the night sky, Danzo Shimura walked toward the village gates, flanked by Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.
He paused, gazing at Konoha's lights.
"I'm back."
He turned toward Mito Ryosuke and Utatane Madō.
"Go summon Uzumaki Mito-sama. The Two-Tails' seal is unstable. It could break at any moment."
Biwako Sarutobi hurried forward.
"If that's the case, you must not enter the village. We'll use the training grounds outside."
Danzo glanced at her, then nodded.
"As expected of you, Lady Biwako. Please summon Uzumaki Mito-sama immediately."
Behind him stood a blonde girl, her wrists bound in iron restraints.
Her forehead protector marked her as a ninja of Kumogakure.
She trembled silently.
The Two-Tails' jinchūriki.
At that moment—
Mikoto and Haruno rushed toward the gate.
"Emergency! I need to see Hokage-sama immediately!"
Danzo stopped and turned.
Biwako stepped forward.
"Mikoto? What happened?"
Mikoto's face was pale.
"Kazuki was attacked by the Third Mizukage! There were countless white creatures— please, send reinforcements!"
Biwako's expression changed instantly.
"Which jōnin are still in the village?"
Danzo approached slowly.
"What's going on?"
Haruno Akira quickly explained the situation in detail.
Homura spoke calmly.
"Minato Namikaze has already departed."
Mikoto's eyes brightened.
"Minato-sama? I didn't see him—"
Homura smiled faintly.
"That, I cannot explain."
Mikoto clenched her fists.
"Then please send additional support! There were thousands of those white creatures!"
Koharu's voice turned cold.
"No."
"Our manpower is limited."
"We have more critical matters to handle."
Obito couldn't hold back.
"What could possibly be more important than Kazuki-sensei?!"
Danzo's gaze shifted to him.
A young Uchiha.
With the Sharingan awakened.
Danzo's eyes narrowed.
"The village is more important."
"Anyone can be sacrificed for Konoha."
"There is no one more important than the village itself."
He stared at Obito.
"Your thinking is dangerous."
"Is this what the Uchiha clan teaches?"
"Or did Kazuki teach you this?"
Obito stepped back, shaken.
Mikoto immediately shielded him.
"Danzo-sama, he's just a child."
"Is saving Kazuki-sama against Konoha's interests?"
Danzo's eyes sharpened.
Before he could respond, Koharu spoke.
"Are you questioning the Administration's authority?"
"Hokage-sama is occupied."
"The most urgent matter right now outweighs Kazuki's situation."
"Minato has already been dispatched. What more do you expect?"
"Do you intend to defy administrative orders?"
Mikoto paled.
"I wouldn't dare. But—"
Ryosuke cut her off.
"No 'but.'"
"As shinobi of Konoha, we uphold the Will of Fire."
"Konoha's interests come first."
"Personal emotions are secondary."
"Mikoto Uchiha, your current mindset is dangerous."
Madō added sharply,
"Summon Uzumaki Mito-sama immediately."
"The Two-Tails' seal must be stabilized."
"Anyone who interferes and allows the Two-Tails to rampage would be a sinner to Konoha."
Silence fell.
Uzumaki Compound
Kushina beamed.
"Grandma Mito, I did it!"
Uzumaki Mito smiled warmly.
"Yes. You've mastered most of the Uzumaki sealing arts."
"That's amazing!"
Mito gently stroked Kushina's head.
"Are you thinking about someone?"
Kushina's cheeks flushed.
"W-What are you talking about…"
She missed Kazuki terribly.
It had been three days.
According to the schedule, he should have returned today.
It was his first mission.
And it had been B-rank.
How could she not worry?
Mito's eyes flickered briefly with unease—
But she hid it.
"Kazuki is strong."
"He'll return safely."
Kushina nodded.
But her heart still felt unsettled.
Just then—
Knock knock.
A voice came from outside.
"By order of the Administration Department, Uzumaki Mito-sama, please come with us."
Mito frowned.
"The Administration?"
"Yes. An emergency."
"Danzo-sama has captured the Two-Tails' jinchūriki. The seal is unstable and requires your assistance."
Mito looked at Kushina.
"Kushina, come with me."
"Yes, Grandma Mito."
Neither of them realized—
Tonight, Konoha was about to step into a storm.