At the Hokage's office, Konoha's F4 had been waiting for some time. Aside from Sarutobi Hiruzen, the other three showed clear displeasure at Aoba's tardiness.
But Aoba didn't care. In Konoha, worrying about the F4's opinions would shave at least ten years off your life. So, it was better to ignore them.
"Kamikawa Aoba, why are you so late? Your teammates returned and debriefed half a month ago. You're two weeks overdue—care to explain?"
The two elder advisors were the first to attack. Surprisingly, Danzo remained silent.
In truth, Aoba could sense that Danzo had some interest in him—but not much. Thinking about it, this was likely because he lacked "talent."
Danzo favored those with special abilities—secret techniques, Bloodline Limits, and the like. A Jonin like Aoba, who relied on taijutsu and ninjutsu, was seen as low-potential trash in Danzo's eyes.
So, when it came to targeting Aoba, the two advisors were actually more aggressive than Danzo himself."It's simple, I was injured. The intelligence Konoha provided on Orochimaru had major flaws. It didn't mention he possessed summoning creatures of that level. During our assault on the base, we were scattered by his summons. I got injured during my retreat, and my escape route deviated. That's why it took me longer to return to Konoha."
"Hmph. But according to Root's report, Orochimaru primarily pursued Root members. How did you get injured?"
This was precisely what irritated Danzo. This operation was actually prearranged between him and Orochimaru.
I'll stage a symbolic attack, you abandon this base. I'll compensate you for any losses. Thus, Orochimaru wouldn't suffer real losses, and Danzo's Root could gain some visibility.
Unexpectedly, Orochimaru suddenly turned hostile for some unknown reason, slaughtering Konoha forces mercilessly. Three out of four Root members died.
The survivor claimed they were killed by Orochimaru personally.
"Correct, I wasn't directly pursued by Orochimaru. It was one of his subordinates. If I'm not mistaken, that person possessed the Dead Bone Pulse Kekkei Genkai from Kaguya clan of Kirigakure."
"That youth was extremely powerful. Moreover, his Bloodline Limit countered my combat style. I was no match for him. It took tremendous effort to barely escape."
The moment Aoba spoke, Danzo knew he was referring to Kimimaro. Having collaborated with Orochimaru for years, he was well aware of this capable enforcer. Thus Aoba's account was perfectly logical.
At this point, Sarutobi Hiruzen interjected.
"Alright Aoba, this is just routine debriefing. We're not holding you accountable. In fact, the mission failure was due to insufficient intelligence. The responsibility doesn't lie with you."
"But I heard you brought back a mother and daughter from outside, even vouched for them. They're now residing in Konoha?"
"Yes, I encountered them being chased by bandits near Fire Country's border and rescued them. Unexpectedly, they have significant connections to Konoha. They're descendants of Uzumaki clan. The girl is Uzumaki Karin, her mother Uzumaki Yumi."
"I see, their striking red hair is indeed the Uzumaki's trademark. The Uzumaki were once our allies, so Konoha sheltering them is only natural."
"However, even with your guarantee, standard vetting procedures are necessary. After all, Uzumaki possess shinobi potential. We must exercise caution."
"Of course, I have no objections."
"Good that you understand. As Uzumaki, the village can provide them monthly stipends. As for their living arrangements..."
"Actually, they can live with me. They've already agreed to this."
"chuckles Very well. With you looking after them, I'm reassured. Uzumaki descendants are Konoha's friends. Take good care of them. That's all, you've just returned home - go rest now."
Sarutobi Hiruzen once again played the mediator, concluding this interrogation.
This left the other two advisors visibly displeased."Hiruzen, he's clearly hiding many things. Kamikawa Aoba's loyalty is questionable."
"Hoho, I understand what you mean. But don't forget, no matter who it is, being exiled to a border outpost for three years, having their Jonin promotion report suppressed for over a year—anyone would harbor resentment.
Aoba must hold grievances against Konoha. But this isn't a major issue. I believe he still cares for the village in his heart. Besides, he's not that young anymore. I saw that Uzumaki Yume.
Though travel-worn, her appearance isn't bad. This young man likely has other things on his mind. I believe he'll soon form strong bonds in Konoha. By then, the rift between him and the village will naturally disappear.
You've seen Hayate's report. Aoba's current combat ability is undoubtedly at elite Jonin level. We need talents like him."
Stepping out of the Hokage's office, Aoba let out a sigh of relief. This hurdle had been cleared more easily than he'd expected.
Since Sarutobi Hiruzen had spoken, Karin and the others' issues were no longer problems. Danzo looking down on his mediocrity was actually a good thing. He should be able to live peacefully in Konoha for a few years now.
Walking through the commercial district, Aoba thought for a moment before buying some meat and vegetables at the market.
Though Karin had the Uzumaki clan's constitution, she was skin and bones—clearly malnourished. She probably never had enough to eat in Kusagakure.
If he wanted her to be useful in the future, he'd need to properly nourish her starting now.
Returning home, he felt something unfamiliar the moment he opened the door. Looking carefully, the entire yard had been cleaned spotless—not a single fallen leaf remained.
Entering the house, Yume was wiping down the tables and chairs. The kitchen had already been tidied up in advance.
"Ah, you're back, sir. Let me take those."
As she spoke, Yume reached out and took the groceries from his hands.
"Karin, sir bought lots of food. You're in for a treat this time."
Aoba wasn't exactly short on money—mainly because there'd been nowhere to spend it at the border outpost. All his salary had been saved, and the spoils from his bloody battles with Cloud Ninjas had earned him a fair amount. With these savings, supporting two extra mouths was no problem at all.
But when it came to funding his power-up plans, it was just a drop in the bucket. For that issue, he'd probably have to turn to Orochimaru.
In the following days, aside from missions, Aoba spent his time at home helping Karin recover and teaching her basic ninja skills.
Another month passed like this. Then one day, Karin suddenly screamed in the yard.
"A snake!!"