Satori was not weak. Relying on its special ability to read malice, powerful physique, flight capability, plus the ability to release chakra bullets, without exposed abilities, as long as it did not rush to challenge Hidden Rain Village and directly face Pain, it could basically rampage throughout the current shinobi world.
Even if its intelligence leaked, existences capable of completely suppressing Satori in one-on-one combat remained countable on one hand.
However, when it faced a major shinobi village with advance plans, plus cooperation from Kage-level powerhouses, the situation proved entirely different.
Satori pressed beneath the wooden cage could not move. Though its chakra gradually weakened due to Wood Release absorption, that massive body still emanated unsettling energy fluctuations, not completely dormant.
Just then, the Box of Ultimate Bliss's surface relief giant mouth opened once more, generating bizarre suction targeting the trapped Satori. It wanted to recover it.
A figure suddenly appeared beside the Box of Ultimate Bliss. It was Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen. His expression grave, hands flying through seals, the sequence completed.
Snake-Sheep-Horse-Rabbit-Rooster-Tiger
Sealing Technique: Tool Destruction Curse Seal!
His palms heavily struck this Sage of Six Paths ninja tool. Countless curse marks instantly spread from his palms, rapidly crawling across every corner of the Box of Ultimate Bliss.
Sarutobi Hiruzen concentrated intently. Whether this sealing technique specifically designed to handle powerful ninja tools could affect this legendary Sage of Six Paths tool, he held no complete confidence.
If not, he would need to continue attempting Contract Seal, seeing whether he could sever Sora's connection with the Box of Ultimate Bliss.
Fortunately, the Tool Destruction Curse Seal still proved effective.
The curse marks' glow stabilized, firmly restraining the box. The opened giant mouth on the Box of Ultimate Bliss extremely reluctantly, slowly closed.
Simultaneously, within that massive wooden cage behind, Satori's final struggling signs completely disappeared. Its massive chakra reaction rapidly weakened.
Shuji's thought stirred. Layer upon layer of wooden cage withdrew in orderly fashion into the earth, leaving devastation everywhere.
The boy named Sora lay there quietly.
Yamato stepped forward to check, shaking his head toward Shuji.
"This child is a sacrifice to Kusagakure and Kazuma's ambitions." Sighing once, the Third Hokage had someone collect Sora's body.
He was, after all, a Nine-Tails chakra vessel. Even having now lost vital signs, his body could not be casually disposed of.
"Watari, take people back to the village and report this situation in detail. Simultaneously, have the Sealing Corps immediately dispatch specialists to come receive and transport the Box of Ultimate Bliss."
"Other squads, establish a perimeter centered on the Box of Ultimate Bliss. Conduct patrols on the spot. Ensure absolute security."
After handling the most urgent matters, the Third Hokage looked toward Yamato. "Tenzo, I must trouble you."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Yamato acknowledged the order, slapping his hands to the ground.
"Wood Release: Four-Pillar House Technique!"
Accompanied by low rumbling, a simple house constructed from solid wood rose from the ground. Its structure proved ingenious, sufficient for sheltering from wind and rain.
This scene made Shuji beside him raise an eyebrow slightly. Speaking of which, having learned so many jutsu, he had actually forgotten this technique.
Shuji moved to Tenzo's side, asking about this technique's seals and key points.
"Eh? Senpai, you don't know this technique?" Though somewhat surprised, Yamato directly told Shuji the essentials.
"I didn't pay much attention to this aspect before," Shuji said, rubbing his chin.
At this time, the Third Hokage's voice came from the side. "Mori, come here a moment."
Shuji walked over.
Sarutobi Hiruzen lightly pounded his lower back, his face carrying a trace of barely concealable fatigue. "This time, we truly owe you much. Otherwise, relying solely on these old bones of mine, subduing that monster would prove difficult, much less avoiding greater casualties."
"There is one matter I want to hear your personal thoughts on."
"Have you considered officially remaining in ANBU for a period?"
"This is not an order. I am merely soliciting your thoughts regarding your own future. If the Uchiha clan's matter can be resolved peacefully, I will retire early."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's continued tenure partly served to provide Tsunade, even the village, possible buffer for worst-case scenarios.
If the Uchiha clan's problem ultimately still required violent resolution or some undignified methods, the Third hoped to handle it during his own term.
This would prevent the new Hokage's reputation from suffering before even assuming office.
After all, though Tsunade and Shuji's promoted approach currently seemed viable, until other ninja clan members truly entered the Police Force, everything remained unknown.
"No need to reply immediately." The Third Hokage smiled. "After returning, consider it carefully. Even if you choose refusal, that is fine. Your contributions as a jōnin to the village, no one can deny."
Afterward, the Third Hokage mentioned ANBU matters no further. Instead, Shuji sought his guidance on various sealing technique and curse seal questions.
The more one studied, the more one discovered how vast sealing techniques' and curse seals' development potential truly was.
Previously, though often able to see the Third, it was either mission reports or high-level meetings. Rarely existed such opportunities for in-depth consultation.
Now, because they were guarding the Box of Ultimate Bliss, Sarutobi Hiruzen had available time.
Regarding this, Sarutobi Hiruzen also proved unreserved, teaching everything. From fundamental theory to advanced applications, even some of his own sealing technique research insights, he carefully explained once through.
Not until village-dispatched reinforcements arrived did this temporary instruction conclude.
"If you still have questions afterward, feel free to find me anytime," the Third Hokage said warmly.
Through this battle, even without explicit statement, the Third had discovered that Shuji's current strength ranked among the village's finest.
Those stronger than him probably numbered only a handful.
Satori's threat was eliminated. The Box of Ultimate Bliss matter remained incomplete.
Returning this ninja tool to Kusagakure proved impossible. Kusagakure had already proven through actions they lacked qualifications to continue retaining this legendary ninja tool.
The item could only temporarily remain in Konoha Village for safekeeping.
Another matter concerned how to handle Kusagakure.
Their existence's significance was serving as a buffer between Konoha and Iwagakure. The Box of Ultimate Bliss affair displayed their restless side.
Fortunately, Kusagakure leader Tsurukawa and his core faction leading this incident had almost entirely perished in the Box of Ultimate Bliss's rampage.
Except for Hozuki Castle's warden, Muen.
"Kill him." This was Danzo's opinion. "Muen is the Box of Ultimate Bliss's gatekeeper. With that ninja tool remaining in the village currently, allowing him to depart proves dangerous."
"The Box of Ultimate Bliss's new seal was personally placed by me. Subsequently, the Sealing Corps will conduct further processing. Muen has already lost control over the Box of Ultimate Bliss," Sarutobi Hiruzen calmly negated Danzo's argument.
Tsunade picked up the thread. Her opinion proved equally clear. "I conversed with him. Based on current understanding, Muen may be the most trustworthy person among Kusagakure upper echelon we know."
"Konoha holds goodwill toward Muen. We also saved his son. If we can secure his cooperation and have him return to Kusagakure to clean up the aftermath, this benefits Konoha's border stability maintenance more than it harms."
After eliminating the possibility that Muen still possessed ability to manipulate the Box of Ultimate Bliss, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado also supported Tsunade's view more.
They always preferred conservative, neutral, more reliable approaches.
"I will personally speak with him afterward," the Third Hokage finally decided, then asked, "How are the two children who came with him?"
"Muku and that kunoichi named Ryuzetsu's injuries are no longer serious. Recovery has been swift."
"In that case, let them participate in the Chūnin Exam as Kusagakure's representatives."
Having returned ANBU equipment, Shuji changed back into his ordinary shinobi attire.
He was preparing to leave the Hokage Tower when his gaze inadvertently glimpsed at the corridor's end a red-haired woman wearing a plain long-sleeved robe, struggling to hold a stack of documents while carefully moving forward.
"Is life in Konoha still agreeable?"
The sudden inquiry startled Uzumaki Hagi. The documents in her arms nearly slipped. She turned her head somewhat flustered. Seeing it was Shuji, a trace of surprise crossed her eyes before she instinctively lowered her head slightly. That habitual shrinking seemed slightly diminished. Her face also showed more color nourished recently.
"Shu... Shuji-san," Hagi said, holding the items. She answered quietly, "Life in Konoha is very good. Lady Tsunade takes excellent care of me."
During this period, no injured shinobi had suddenly knocked on her door again.
Initially, for several days, she always awakened in the deep night. Then, before sleeping each day, she doubted whether she was dreaming, fearing upon waking she would again be in that dark wooden house, waiting for the next use.
"That is good. Any troubles?"
"No..."
Actually, there were. She needed to shop for things herself. Hagi had not shopped for a very long time. Previously, food had been delivered daily by Kusagakure people. Clothing too.
Now shopping herself, Konoha shopkeepers' enthusiastic greetings left her at a loss. How to introduce her origins proved an even greater challenge. She always carefully hid the bite marks on her arms, fearing others would cast probing gazes.
"How is Karin? How has she been?"
Hagi's face showed a smile. "She is very well. Lady Tsunade gave me some books. Every day when I return, I teach her the characters..."
She quietly raised her eyes, looking at Shuji. Viewing him now, this young man's face actually proved not cold.
"Karin... sometimes asks about you..."
Saying this, Uzumaki Hagi gently placed the documents in her arms on a nearby windowsill, straightening her body to face Shuji. She bowed deeply, extremely solemnly.
"Thank you very much, Shuji-san."
Her forehead nearly touched her knees. Her voice carried a trace of barely perceptible choking.
"You said at the time... it was robbery... but..."
"Actually, you were saving us, correct?"