C18 The Sandaime's Attack

Thankfully, no one had pressed for details, allowing Russell to breathe a huge sigh of relief. If Minato and Kushina had dug deeper for the truth, he honestly wouldn't have known how to respond. The actions he had taken simply couldn't withstand scrutiny; anyone with half a brain could see there was a problem.

Kakashi and Nohara Rin were curious too, but since they weren't privy to the full story, they didn't dwell on it. Their mentors, Minato and Kushina, hadn't asked any questions, so Kakashi conveniently played along with the charade.

Yet Russell couldn't entirely dodge Kushina's watchful eye; she hadn't forgotten his earlier attempt to run away from home. After some playful scuffling and sufficient rest, the group rose to continue their journey. It was best for Minato and Kushina to return to Konoha sooner rather than later, given the inappropriateness of their departure.

On their way back, Russell encountered an issue with his system. A white card had fallen from Kakashi, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't pick it up. After exhausting all possible solutions, he reluctantly abandoned the card, which cast a shadow over his mood, leaving him completely out of sorts.

With a swift "Whoosh!" Minato used the Body Flicker Technique to appear by Russell's side, steadying him as he nearly stumbled. "Russ, what's the matter? You seem off your game," Minato inquired, having never seen a ninja nearly fall while on the move.

Russell had been fine before, clearly not injured, yet his current state was causing both Minato and Kushina considerable concern. They scanned him with worried glances, searching for any clue to his distress, but to no avail.

Touched by their concern, Russell reassured them, "I'm okay, don't worry. I just got a bit distracted. Let's head back." Without waiting to see if they were convinced, he set off for Konoha.

He simply couldn't explain what had happened; his only option was to brush it off with humor. As Russell and his companions drew nearer to Konoha, Uchiha Madara, on the other hand, faced far less leisurely circumstances.

His aged body was at its limit. Even with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path at his disposal, he couldn't hold out much longer.

"Zetsu, my time is running short. It's unlikely the little girl will arrive in time. Konoha will surely conceal her whereabouts to prevent the Three-Tails' information from leaking."

"Have Bai Jue impersonate the girl and Hatake Kakashi, and prompt Obito to activate the Mangekyō. I'll use my remaining time to visit Kirigakure and ensure they keep the little girl and the Three-Tails' existence under wraps!"

Upon hearing this, Zetsu was briefly taken aback before casting a wary glance at Uchiha Madara, his guard now significantly raised.

Yet, he maintained a composed exterior and respectfully complied, "I will see to it immediately, Lord Madara."

Zetsu then gradually merged with the ground, vanishing into the depths of the cave.

"My time is dwindling. I'm left with no choice but this desperate measure. Curse it! Upon my resurrection, I will seek you out..."

A deep voice, filled with rage, echoed throughout the cave.

After a full day's journey, Minato and his companions had returned to Konoha. They were immediately intercepted by the Anbu at the gate.

"Lord Hokage, Lord Kushina, Lord Sandaime requests your presence in the Hokage's office immediately!"

With that, the fox-masked Anbu member stood still, his gaze fixed on Russell and the others.

"You...!"

Kushina began to flare up but was quickly calmed by Minato, who assured the Anbu, "Understood, we're on our way."

Satisfied with their response, the fox-masked Anbu led them toward the Hokage's building.

"Minato, you're the Hokage. Since when does an Anbu get to talk to us like that? Sandaime has long since stepped down!"

Kushina grumbled as they walked, making no effort to lower her voice, clearly intending for the Anbu to hear.

Regrettably, the Anbu member seemed to pay no heed, showing no reaction whatsoever.

Minato gently tugged at Kushina's hand and whispered, "I was wrong to leave Konoha without permission this time."

Russell set aside his frustration about not being able to collect cards for the moment, pondering, "So the Telescope Technique has been developed already? But to what end?"

In the midst of their conversation, they arrived at the Hokage's office. Opening the door, they found Sarutobi Hiruzen seated in the Hokage's chair.

"You've returned," said Sarutobi Hiruzen, taking a drag on his cigarette, the smoke veiling his expression.

"Yes, Lord Third," Minato replied respectfully, then began, "The reason I left Konoha without permission is..."

"There's no need to explain," Sarutobi Hiruzen cut him off, continuing, "It seems you've yet to fully grasp the duties of the Hokage. I suppose I'll have to support you for a few more years."

"Haha," Russell chuckled inwardly, "So your true intentions are finally out in the open? Too bad you lack the capability."

As Russell prepared to speak, letting out the pent-up frustration from the system's card collection issue, Kakashi interjected, "Minato-sensei left Konoha to rescue me. Any punishment should be mine to bear."

Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled and shook his head gently, "Kakashi, this isn't about punishment."

"This..."

"Still too young," Russell thought, watching Kakashi get silenced by a single remark from Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Would Sarutobi Hiruzen, so enamored with power, really pass up such a perfect chance to put Minato in his place?

One only had to look at Danzou to understand; Sarutobi Hiruzen was cut from the same cloth.

But while Danzou was truly malevolent, Sarutobi Hiruzen was merely a master of pretense.

"Boom!"

"Old man, what are you getting at?"

Kushina, unable to contain her temper, shattered the desk with a punch and bellowed at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

She was naive, but not foolish—not the kind of sweet, clueless girl who knew nothing of the world.

Moreover, she had always harbored a dislike for Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Before, she was in the dark, unable to grasp the full picture, but once Minato became the Hokage, the mystery of why the Land of Whirlpools was annihilated was no longer hidden from her.

Had it not been for the bonds she'd formed in Konoha, she would have turned against them long ago.

And now, Sarutobi Hiruzen was pushing his luck? How much more was Kushina supposed to tolerate?