Chapter 3: The Slug Princess Returns.

The following day, as Jiraiya and Minato prepared to leave the village to find Tsunade, Naruto started to cry. Minato rushed to his son and picked him up from the cradle. The little baby stopped crying immediately; the warmth from his father comforted him. Minato stared at his son and smiled. He couldn't bear being apart from his son and wife. He feared the masked man could attack again while he was gone. – "Everything will be all right, dear. We'll be OK. Mikoto will be with me the whole time, and Kakashi-kun will look after us, won't you, Kakashi?" – Kushina told her husband while hugging him, and Kakashi nodded – "Hai, Kushina-san. You don't have to worry, Minato-sensei. I'll protect them with my life."

"Looks like you raised a very good shinobi, Minato. I know what you're thinking, but I don't think anything will happen. That man is injured from your previous fight and no longer has the surprise factor. Sarutobi-sensei and the rest can handle this. We won't be gone for too long anyway. I have an idea of where Tsunade could be." – Jiraiya reassured his former student.

Minato couldn't help to smile. He felt reassured by his sensei and wife's words. He was also proud of Kakashi. He looked different now. The Sandaime was right when he suggested having Kakashi look after Kushina during the pregnancy. – "Well, we better get going." – Minato finally spoke. He placed Naruto in Kushina's arms. – "But I'll take you all to the village myself," – he took Kushina's hand – "Sensei, Kakashi, place your hand on my shoulders" – a reluctant Jiraiya did as was told. He had always hated the sensation that comes after the Hiraishin no Jutsu.

All of a sudden, they were all inside Minato's old apartment. Jiraiya was pulling himself together. Tsunade's search would be hell for him. Minato will not want to waste time, and they'd travel using the hiraishin no jutsu all over the Land of Fire. Not long after they arrived at the apartment, they heard a knock on the door. Minato could sense the chakras outside his apartment and let them in. The former Hokage, accompanied by Hiashi, Fugaku, Mikoto and her children, entered the apartment.

"I see you are ready, Minato, Jiraiya. I figured you'd be worried about Kushina and Naruto's safety. So, I have decided to let Shikaku, Koharu and Homura deal with the village administration. Fugaku, Hiashi and I will look after your family. There is also an ANBU team led by Shibi guarding the apartment. Kakashi can join them. I honestly don't believe that man will try anything, but you can rest assured that your family is in good hands." – The former Hokage said in his calm voice. Minato was surprised by the man. He had anticipated his thoughts and fears. He could see now how the man led Konoha to win all three shinobi wars. – "I appreciate it, Hiruzen-san, Fugaku, Hiashi. Kakashi, report to Shibi-san and join the patrol team. Mikoto-san, I'm deeply thankful to you for keeping Kushina company while I'm gone." – Minato bowed to all the presents. Kakashi disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Fugaku said goodbye to his wife and children. Then he, along with the Hyuga Clan Head and the former Hokage, disappeared to take positions to patrol the apartment undetected. Minato and Jiraiya left shortly after. Minato teleported them to a forest a few kilometers from Konoha, where he had a tree marked with the hiraishin.

Konoha's forest.

"You said you had an idea of where Tsunade-sama could be, sensei. Where should we go?" – Minato asked. – "I first need to ask you something, Minato. You said you marked the masked men when you fought him. And, as far as I remember, your hiraishin mark does not disappear. Does that mean you can take us to his location if he is within your hiraishin's range?" – Jiraiya had been thinking about it since Minato told him about the fight. The masked man was injured, and surely, he and his student could defeat him together. Even If this man were indeed Madara Uchiha himself, he would be in a deteriorated state. He would've killed Minato and destroyed Konoha easily if he had had his full power. He would've asked his sensei to accompany them, but he didn't want to put the old man through that after fighting the Kyubi and his sickness problem.

Minato sighed – "I thought about that too, sensei. I tried as soon as Kushina and Naruto were safe. That night, I created a clone to go through all my marks in the entire Land of Fire and beyond, trying to detect him. He is either inside a barrier I cannot access or has found a way to erase my mark. He hated the Nidaime Hokage, so it wouldn't be a surprise for me if, in all these years, Madara found a way to suppress the Hiraishin mark."

"I see. Of course you had already thought about it! You are the smartest shinobi I know, after all. So, if my suspicions are correct, Tsunade should be in the small town of Karatsu."

"Karatsu? I didn't know Tsunade-sama liked the port cities," – Minato replied.

"Well, she is an Uzumaki as well. Karatsu is a port city that served as a trading connection between the Land of Fire and Uzushiogakure. Mito-sama used to take her there often. Nowadays, there is a memorial dedicated to Uzushiogakure in the city. I'm sure that by now, she had already heard about the Kyubi incident, and she might think Kushina died. If I'm correct, she must be drowning her sorrows in alcohol in the last place outside Konoha she can feel close to the Uzumaki legacy."

Minato felt a shivering through his spine. He tried not to think about Uzushi's fate. Kushina got depressed every time her clan or home country was mentioned. She was one of the last survivors of her clan. It was too late when Konoha arrived to aid Uzushiogakure in the previous war. The entire country had been destroyed. The sandaime believed some members might have been able to escape and find refuge. The former Hokage told Kushina that a few Uzumakis had left their home country generations before to have a civilian life. He suspected it was more likely that the survivors would try to do the same to stay away from Kumo and Kiri's radar. Kushina then decided it was better to let them continue their lives and not bother them, so she resigned to be, along with Tsunade-sama, the last official members of the Uzumaki clan.

"Hmm, I do not have any mark close enough to Karatsu to teleport us there. But I can get us there close enough. After that, it should not take more than half a day to get Karatsu and Tsunade's-sama mark within my range." – Minato commented.

They did as planned. Minato teleported them to the closest mark he had to Karatsu. Unfortunately for Jiraiya, it meant taking several jumps with Minato's jutsu. It made him feel sick and dizzy. After giving his sensei a few minutes to recover from the dizziness, they continued their travel to Karatsu by land. It was already dark by the time Minato could sense Tsunade's mark. He stopped and informed his sensei that they would teleport again, which didn't make Jiraiya happy.

Inside a local bar in Karatsu

"I said more sake, you morons! Don't you dare to stop serving me! I need to forget," – Tsunade yelled at the bartender, who was completely frightened by the blonde woman before him. – "Tsunade-sama, you've had enough! Please, stop drinking. Let's go to the hostel. You need to rest." – Shizune implored while carrying a pig with a red vest and a pearl necklace.

"Nonsenses! Shizune. Don't you see? I'm the last Uzumaki alive. Grandma Mito would be ashamed of me! I wasn't there to protect our family in the war. I refused the call when Sarutobi-sensei told me Uzushiogakure was under attack! I wasn't there in Konoha to stop Orochimaru! I wasn't there to save Kushina! Tsunade, the legendary sannin! Hah! Bullshit! I'm just a failure! You are the only precious thing I have now! I have lost everything and everyone! Sarutobi-sensei and Jiraiya must hate me for leaving the village! Minato, poor kiddo. Losing his wife and child! What good is it in being the best medical shinobi if I fail every time to save the ones I love? I would take my life right now if I didn't have you, Shizune." – said a drunk Tsunade, inconsolable, crying.

"Don't say such things, Tsunade-sama!" – said Shizune, who started to cry as well, along with the pig – "There is no way the Sandaime, the Yondaime or Jiraiya-sama hates you! You know that! And there is nothing you could have done! The Sandaime sent you a letter when Uzushi was destroyed. Konoha didn't arrive on time! It wouldn't have made a difference if you had been there! Stop recriminating yourself for that! We don't know what happened with the Kyubi a few days ago! But not even the Yondaime nor the Sandaime couldn't prevent it! It was not your fault! My uncle wouldn't want you to live like this! Tsunade-sama, we need to go back to Konoha!" – Shizune was talking firmly, even though tears couldn't stop pouring from her eyes.

"Noo! I can't go back to Konoha! It only reminds me of everything I've lost. Don't you see, Shizune! I'm ashamed of myself! I can't go back. Don't bring that up again! Bartender! More sake! More sake! – Tsunade turned her back on Shizune and continued drinking. Shizune hadn't seen Tsunade like this since the day she had heard about Uzushi. – "Tsunade-sama, please. We need to…." – Shizune was interrupted. Out of nowhere, two men were standing in front of her, between her and Tsunade-sama. She recognized them immediately. Tsunade was so drunk that she didn't sense them coming. She just kept drinking, pleased that Shizune had finally stopped talking.

"You really look awful, Tsunade-hime." – the toad sannin said in a mocking tone. Although he genuinely felt sorry for her teammate and beloved. He knew her too well to see that she was torturing herself. Minato looked at the slug sannin. He had never seen her like this.

Tsunade froze. She couldn't believe her ears. She was afraid to turn around. She couldn't face them. How could she? She needed to get away from there. – "Won't you give me even a "Hi," Tsunade? After all this time? There is so much we need to talk about, you know." – Jiraiya placed his hand on Tsunade's shoulder. The slug sannin remained silent. Immerse herself in her thoughts and regrets. The warmth she felt from Jiraiya's hand was recomforting. But she didn't deserve it. So, she just shook his hand away and took a sorb of sake. Still not facing the men behind her.

"Tsunade-sama, I know this is a big shock for you. But we need you back in Konoha. Kushina …" – Minato couldn't finish. "Quit it, Minato. I won't do it. There is no way I will return to Konoha. I'm truly sorry for what happened. But I'm not going back." – Tsunade said with a mix of anger and sorrow. Shizune just stayed silent, perplexed.

"I'm sorry, Tsunade-sama. But You'll come with us to Konoha, one way or another, even if I have to take you there by force. My …" – once more, Minato was interrupted by Tsunade.

"By force? You´ve got some nerves, kiddo. Sarutobi-sensei may have named you Hokage, but do you really think you can defeat me? I want to see you try it!" – Tsunade finally turned around and stood up, facing Minato. Minato remained calm. – "I don't want to get to that, Tsunade-sama. But if that's what I need to do to take you back home to help my wife and son, then that's what I'll do!" – Minato said, raising his chakra.

Tsunade was shocked. Did he just say, "My wife and son"? How can that be possible? There is no way! He must be lying—just a trick to make her go to Konoha. – "What do you mean, Minato?" – asked Tsunade, intrigued. – "What you just heard! It would've been easier if you hadn't interrupted me every time I tried to talk. Kushina is alive, and We have a son named Naruto." – Naruto. Tsunade knew where Minato had taken that name from. – "But I need you to look after them. I don't know what complications may have come after the incident. Kushina needs you; my son needs you; Hiruzen-san needs you. I'm sorry, Tsunade-sama. But there is just so much at risk right now. You ARE coming back to Konoha with us." – Minato said firmly.

Tsunade couldn't help to burst into tears of joy. Kushina was alive! And she had a new baby! She sat down again. The news was too much for her. Could she be able to go back to Konoha? She felt the urge to go back home at that precise moment. She wanted to see Kushina and Naruto. However, at the same time, her guilt and shame clashed inside her mind. She looked at Shizune, his late fiancé's niece. She had accompanied her ever since Dan died. Initially, she only took her in because she wanted to feel close to Dan's memory. However, after living together for so long, she thought of her as her own daughter. Shizune became her moral compass since she was completely broke after all her trauma. Shizune just stared back at Tsunade and nodded with a smile. Tsunade knew it was time to go home. It would be an opportunity for atonement for all her sins. She stood up.

"All right, kiddo. I'll go back to Konoha. But that doesn't mean I'll stay forever. I'll just go to make sure Kushina and Naruto are OK. Is that understood?" – said Tsunade while cleaning the tears from her face. Minato and Jiraiya smiled.

"However, I'm too drunk now. We'll leave tomorrow. I think for now you can tell me everything. It's not that I'm not happy Kushina and the baby are alive. But how on earth did she survive after the Kyubi was released?" – Tsunade asked, curious.

"This is something we can't discuss here in a bar, Tsunade. We need to go somewhere else," – Jiraiya commented. They left for the hostel, and in a private room, Minato raised a barrier to prevent being spied on. Jiraiya and Minato told Tsunade and Shizune the whole story. Tsunade said that whatever they planned to tell her, Shizune would hear, too, so they had no choice but to let Shizune know the truth. They omitted Hiruzen's sickness for now. They thought it would be better for the former Hokage to tell her himself. Minato also told them their plan to go to the capital to escort the Daimyo to Konoha for the funeral—something Tsunade didn't like at all.

NOTE: THEY LEFT THE NEXT DAY FOR THE CAPITAL. HOWEVER, THE DAIMYO SAID HE COULDN'T TRAVEL THE WHOLE TRIP WITH THE HIRAISHIN NO JUTSU SINCE THE WHOLE COURT OF THE LAND OF FIRE WAS GOING, SO THEY TRAVELED BY LAND ON THEIR WAY BACK TO KONOHA. TO SUM UP, MINATO, JIRAIYA, TSUNADE, SHIZUNE AND THE COURT FROM THE CAPITAL ARRIVED IN KONOHA 4 DAYS AFTER MINATO AND JIRAIYA'S DEPARTURE.

Konoha's main gate.

The Daimyo and his court, along with Minato, Jiraiya, Tsunade and Shizune, were received at the main gate by the former Hokage, the elders and crowds of shinobis and civilians waiting to see the leader of the Land of Fire and the Yondaime. The Daimyo wanted a big entrance, so he asked Minato to teleport him with the sannins. So, as the caravan from the capital got closer, the Yondaime, the Daimyo, Tsunade and Jiraiya appeared in front of the Sandaime and the elders. The citizens of Konoha were surprised and burst into shouts of joy when they saw Tsunade-hime was back in Konoha. Although the Daimyo thought it was because of him and his epic arrival.

After a small reception between the members of the court and the shinobi council, the Daimyo, escorted by his twelve guardian ninja, left to rest. The funeral would be held the following day at the cemetery before the memorial monument. Once all the members of the council and the court were gone, Tsunade finally had time to talk with her sensei.

"It's been so long, Tsunade," – said the old man – "I know, sensei. I'm sorry for Biwako-san. Jiraiya and Minato told me. How are Asuma-kun and Kazan-kun holding up?" – Kazuna had been the first baby Tsunade brought into the world as a midwife. – "They are heartbroken, as I am. But they know what a shinobi's life is like. They're handling it quite well." – "I'm glad, sensei. Jiraiya and Minato told me you needed to talk to me about something important. What is it?" – Tsunade asked her former sensei.

Hiruzen was pondering if this was the right time to let her know about his medical situation. After a few minutes of meditation, he replied – "You've traveled a long way, and it's been a hectic day today. We'll talk about it after the funeral. For now, you should go and see Kushina. She's looking forward to seeing you." – Tsunade could tell there was something odd about her sensei. Jiraiya seemed concerned when he told her it was an urgent matter. However, she was indeed exhausted from listening to the members of the court and the Daimyo all the way from the capital to Konoha. Besides, she was also eager to see Kushina and meet Naruto. She agreed with her sensei and left to see Kushina. Minato had told her she was in his old apartment.

Minato's old apartment.

Tsunade, accompanied by Shizune and her pig pet, Tonton, knocked on the door. A few seconds later, the door opened, and they saw Mikoto Uchiha behind it. – "Tsunade-sama, it's so good to have you back in the village. Please, come in." – Both kunoichis entered the apartment and saw Kushina looking after two babies playing on the floor. One of them was blonde and blue-eyed, and the other was black-haired and dark eyes. They noticed a third child, not older than six years old, they estimated. He was surely Mikoto's son. Kushina screamed happily when she saw Tsunade walking into her apartment. – "Tsunade-sama! I'm so happy to see you. I've missed you so much! Shizune! You've grown so much! And look at that! You even brought a pig to prepare dinner! You remember I love pork chops! How nice of you two!" – to these words, Tonton rapidly jumped into Shizune's arms. Shizune looked terrified at the idea of eating her beloved pet while Tsunade laughed loudly. – "You haven't changed a bit. But you're crazy if you think I'll let you cook Tonton. He is my pet." – Kushina's face went from extreme happiness to complete disappointment. Tsunade's eyes started to water. However, she made sure not to drop a single tear. She didn't feel that comfortable with Mikoto. Both Uzumaki's kunoichis hugged for a long time.

"You look pretty well to me, child. I think your husband exaggerated things about your health to make me come." Tsunade looked at Kushina. She didn't seem to have any symptoms to worry about. But then, she had just had the Kyubi sealed inside her for a second time. It was better to be safe than sorry. - "I want to examine you, Kushina. But first, let me see your little boy." Tsunade approached the two babies and kneeled to look at them better.

"My goodness! He's Minato's replica! I was expecting a redhead boy. He's beautiful. Oh! And see that! He also got the marks from the Kyubi on his cheeks," – Tsunade commented while softly touching Naruto's face with her hand.

"What do you mean by "also"?" – Kushina was not expecting this. Tsunade kept rubbing both babies' heads while she responded – "You know, my father had the same marks on his cheeks. He, like Naruto, was nourished by the Kyubi's chakra while my grandma was pregnant with him." – Kushina, Shizune and Mikoto were surprised. None of them met Tsunade's father. But it wasn't this that surprised Mikoto. – "You mean that Mito-sama was the former jinchuriki? I had no idea. But It makes sense," – Mikoto commented. Tsunade realized that she had just screwed up. The jinchuriki's identity had always been kept secret in Konoha. Because of her, Mikoto knew Kushina was the jinchuriki, and her grandma was the former. – "Shit!" – exclaimed Tsunade and stood up – "You understand that you can't tell anyone about Kushina's status? And, of course, my grandma's legacy, right, Mikoto?" – Tsunade's voice was threatening. Mikoto felt disturbed, and Itachi ran to stand in front of her mother to protect her from the stranger woman he had never seen before. Kushina rushed to calm down the situation.

"It's all OK, Itachi-kun. There is nothing to worry about," – said Kushina while rubbing Itachi's head. Then she turned to face Tsunade and said – "Tsunade-sama, there is no need for this. Mikoto's been my best friend for years. She knows about me, and you can be sure she won't say a word about Mito-sama" – Mikoto nodded and relaxed. Itachi seemed to relax as well. – "Oh, well then. I apologize, Mikoto. I think I'm just a little overprotective. I'm sorry if I scared you, Itachi, right? You are a very talented child. It's not common for someone your age to be able to sense such a subtle intent in my chakra. Are you already in the academy?" – Tsunade asked the young Uchiha. Itachi didn't truly understand what Tsunade meant by that, but before he could reply, his mother spoke up.

"He is joining the academy this year, Tsunade-sama." – said Mikoto, proud of her son. He had just been praised by one of the Sannin. Tsunade went back to the babies and kneeled again. – "And what's this little one's name Mikoto?" – asked Tsunade while petting Sasuke.

"His name is Sasuke, Tsunade-sama" – "Oh! Like Sarutobi's-sensei father! I'm sure he'll grow up to be as strong and noble as he was. I still remember him. He was a very gentile man, just like sensei. He was handsome as well. I'm sure Sasuke-kun will be very popular among the girls when he grows." – Tsunade couldn't stop looking at the babies. She had longed to form a family with Dan. But that dream died with Dan. However, from time to time, she remembered what her grandma had told her after Dan's death and before she left Konoha. She still couldn't understand his grandma's words to her when Dan died.

"You were Dan's love, my dear. You were his everything. But you are too blind to see that he never was your true love. What you're looking for has always been right in front of your eyes, and yet, you don't see it. I hope you see it before it's too late, my dear."

She cast these memories away as she stood up. "Well, let's start. Kushina, I'll check you up first. Then I can look at the children, if you don't mind me doing a medical exam on your boys, Mikoto." - "Of course not, Tsunade-sama. I'd be honored." – Tsunade smiled and instructed Kushina to lie on the bed. Minato's apartment had no private room, so she just had to do It right there. Tsunade gathered chakra in her hands. Tsunade's hands were covered in a bluish-green aura of chakra. She examined Kushina inch by inch to make sure everything was OK. After around half an hour, she stopped and told Kushina she could stand up again.

"Overall, you're OK. But you'll need some vitamins. Your body is weak, and for some reason, the seal seems to be sucking more of your chakra than it did before. I suspect it is because your body hasn't entirely recovered from all the stress from the birth, the extraction and resealing process. That's a lot to take in for a human body. It's a blessing that you have the Uzumaki Clan's endurance. Shizune and I will prepare some pills to bust your metabolism, and I'll check on you daily. You need much rest." – Tsunade gave her a few more indications before she continued with Naruto. Kushina took it pretty well. The only thing she hated was the resting part. She needed to stay active. Kushina took Naruto and took him to Tsunade. Mikoto also had to take Sasuke since he started crying as they took Naruto away.

After examining Naruto - "Naruto is in excellent condition. He'll be all right. There are a few traces of Kyubi's chakra in him. I guess this is normal since he was nourished with its chakra in your womb. It should disappear eventually. I'll keep an eye on this; you don't have to worry. We can confirm with Sarutobi-sensei if my father had a similar condition when he was born. I'm sure my grandpa and granduncle told him everything related to the Kyubi when they trained him." – Kushina seemed unsure about Tsunade's statement regarding the Kyubi's chakra in Naruto. She would need to confirm with Minato and the Sandaime.

"Now, let's see Sasuke-kun," – Tsunade ordered. Sasuke's check-up went fast and well. He was a healthy boy. – "It's your turn, Itachi-kun," – commented Tsunade to the toddler. Itachi seemed reluctant, but his mother told him to do as he was told. Itachi then lay on the bed so Tsunade could examine him.

Tsunade noticed something odd in Itachi's lungs and heart. She was worried. Mikoto and Kushina noticed Tsunade's expression change, and it was not a happy look. – "Tell me, Itachi-kun. Do you have difficulty breathing when you run for too long? Or does your chest sometimes hurt without any reason?" – Tsunade asked while she increased the chakra flow through her hands to reach further in her examination. – "Not, mam. Never" – Itachi answered calmly. Tsunade bit her lip as she continued examining him. The boy was sick, but it seemed it was a dormant condition. However, she was sure the sickness would propagate as he started using more and more chakra. She needed a Hyuga's assistance to examine his chakra net properly. – "It's OK, Itachi-kun. You can stand up. You know, Shizune hasn't been in Konoha for many years, and we need to find a decent hotel for tonight. Would you be a gentleman and accompany Shizune to find us a hotel?" – Tsunade asked nicely to the Uchiha boy. He nodded, went to Shizune, bowed and took her arm – "Come with me, Shizune-san. I'll show you where the hotels are. Mom, I'll be back in a while." – They both left the apartment.

As soon as they had left, Mikoto burst – "Is there something wrong with Itachi?" – Mikoto was on the verge of tears. Tsunade sighed – "It seems like he has a dormant condition. I can sense his lungs and heart are good in theory, but there is something odd. The flow of chakra in his lungs and heart is erratic and dispersed. I would need to run more tests to confirm any diagnosis, but I think it's remained dormant since he hasn't used his chakra for too long. The more chakra he molds, the more it will propagate. I can't say for sure how serious it is. I can't see the chakra net. Shizune and I can examine him further after the funeral, but I need a Hyuga and a Yamanaka to assist me. Are there any members of these clans with medical training? That would be more helpful." – Mikoto was sobbing. Tsunade's words were like a bucket of cold water thrown at her. Kushina hugged her friend and comforted her.

"There is no need to alarm, Mikoto. I promise you that Shizune and I will do everything we can to heal your son. As I told you, it is a dormant condition. It is the perfect time to prevent it from awakening and spreading. It'll be all right. He is a strong boy. I can tell that, and he's talented. You should tell your husband, but no need to burden Itachi with this for now. Kakashi! Come here! I know you're out there." – Kakashi appeared before Tsunade.

"Who's the head of the hospital?" – asked Tsunade – "That would be Nono Yakushi, Tsunade-sama." – the young ANBU replied. – "Excellent, she's one of the best. Go and tell her I need a list of all the medical shinobis in the village. And tell her to make sure to highlight any Hyuga or Yamanaka in the list. I'll be in the Senju compound. You can bring me the list there" – The young ANBU nodded and disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

"I'll better go now, Kushina, Mikoto. I need to research some stuff in my old library. I'll go find Shizune and tell Itachi to come here." – Tsunade walked towards the door, stopped next to Mikoto and placed her hand on her hands. – "He'll be all right. You have my word." – and she left. Kushina spent the next moments comforting her friend until Itachi came back.

Later that night, Minato and Fugaku arrived simultaneously at Minato's apartment. Fugaku went there to pick his wife and children up and take them home. Kushina told Minato everything as soon as the Uchihas had left. Minato said they would talk with the Sandaime the following day regarding Naruto. Mikoto waited until the children were asleep to tell Fugaku what Tsunade-sama had told her. He was aghast. He was worried sick, but at the same time, he was glad Tsunade-sama had detected it. If she hadn't returned to the village and his wife and son hadn't been there when she visited Kushina, they would've never found out about Itachi's condition. He didn't sleep that night. He prayed for his son's well-being.

The following day at Konoha's cemetery

The entire village was there, dressed in black robes, even though this cemetery was exclusive for shinobis. The portraits of those who died in the incident laid before the monument with a flame shape. Two photographs stood up among the others, Biwako Sarutobi's and Torifu Akimichi's. They were distinguished figures in Konoha, so their portraits occupied the honor stands.

The funeral was presided by the Daimyo, Minato and Hiruzen. The Daimyo was flanked by the two Hokages. The elders stood behind the three of them. The members of the council and the court were next in line. Hidden where they couldn't be seen, the twelve guardians stood, ensuring the Daimyo was safe. There was a moment of silence to honor the deaths. After that, the Daimyo and Minato gave a speech that brought some people to tears. And as if the sky itself lamented all the losses, it started to rain. The leader of the twelve guardians approached to offer cover to the Daimyo, but he rejected it. He remained there, honoring the fallen heroes of the Land of Fire. The Sandaime kept his gaze upon his late wife's portrait during the whole ceremony.

The ceremony lasted about two hours. At the end of it, the villagers returned to their lives. However, several events were set in motion that day. All of them linked to Tsunade, who would play a decisive role in the fate of those who trusted their lives in her.

Note: The council members, Mikoto, Fugaku, Hiashi, and others, do not know about Hiruzen's sickness. They just knew Minato and Jiraiya went for Tsunade to help with the hospital's injuries.