About a day later.
In the forest on the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire, a team of three was rushing back towards the Land of Fire.
Compared to the tense atmosphere when going to the Land of Rivers, the atmosphere now was much more relaxed and carefree.
The team heading back to the Land of Fire consisted of Hakushi, Ruri, and Ayane.
Since they eliminated that Root squad, they hadn't encountered any enemies and had passed the day peacefully.
Both Hakushi and Ayane had recovered their Chakra, and half a day ago, Ruri awakened from her slumber. Although not fully healed from the injuries caused by the Immortal Technique and her face still pale, she had recovered some strength and regained some ability to defend herself.
Considering the mission was full of mysteries and possibly involved intrigue among Konoha's high-level officials, along with the uncertainty of further Hidden Sand Ninja pursuit squads, the three decided, half a day after Ruri woke up, to expedite their return to the Land of Fire and find out exactly what this mission was about.
It was around three o'clock in the morning, and the sky was still very dark.
Ayane was carrying the temporarily immobile Ruri, pushing forward with all her strength, with Hakushi closely following.
"By the way, are you sure it's okay to return like this?"
Ayane seemed a bit worried and suddenly spoke up.
"What do you mean?"
Hakushi glanced at her.
"The Root Ninjas are members of the Anbu, right? Although they belong to a different division, they died at our hands."
Ayane didn't think nothing would happen if they returned like this.
Although the Root Ninjas had framed them first, if a high-ranking official of Konoha was the mastermind behind this, what could they do even if they knew?
There might even be a case against them for killing the Root Ninjas.
"It's okay, weren't those bodies dealt with in advance? When we return, we just need to claim it was a Hidden Sand Ninja trap. If they question us, we'll insist we saw no sign of the Root Ninjas."
Lying on Ayane's back, Ruri took a gentle breath and spoke slowly.
"Is it that simple?"
"Of course not. But as long as we firmly deny having seen anything, they can't do anything to us without evidence. Eventually, I'll use the power of the Uchiha to exert pressure on the village's leadership, citing incorrect intelligence as the reason. If they continue to investigate, then let's make it a public affair. See how they handle it."
Ruri said in a calm tone.
To this, Ayane nodded in agreement.
She couldn't leverage the Hyuga's power to exert pressure on the Konoha high-ups, but Ruri was different.
She was one of the candidates for the next Clan Leader of the Uchiha Race, with enough influence within the Uchiha, and even had a group of extremely loyal followers.
This is the power of esteemed families, even Konoha's high-ups have to consider that.
"Sometimes I really envy you, Ruri."
Ayane smiled and said with her head lowered.
"Envy? Speaking of, I have yet to settle accounts for you two going behind my back."
Ruri raised an eyebrow, showing her dissatisfaction.
Hakushi and Ayane gave awkward smiles, turning their faces away, not answering Ruri's question directly.
"Better clarify everything after we return."
"Yes, yes, got it. It's not that big of a deal anyway, right?"
Hakushi rubbed his head, looking troubled.
Wondering where to start, how to confess everything, or perhaps half-truths and concealment, to smoothly get through this situation—the power of words is indeed fascinating.
"However, I didn't expect you to take such a risky approach, using an incomplete Immortal Technique to trigger the Fire Style. It might be best to have a check-up after returning for safety."
"Annoying. I'll do as I please."
Ruri snorted, tossing back her black hair, turning her head away.
"Such a hassle..."
Hearing Hakushi complaining again, Ayane smiled, about to say something when suddenly, two figures appeared in her Byakugan's vision.
"Someone is catching up from behind, it's Jiraiya Jonin, and an old classmate from the class next door."
Ayane quickly relayed the identities of the two pursuing ninja.
Hakushi and Ruri both frowned.
Though puzzled why Jiraiya and Minato were here, the three stopped and waited for them to catch up.
Shortly, Jiraiya and Minato appeared before the trio, looking weary and bearing marks of battle, indicating they had also endured some hardships.
Upon seeing Hakushi, Ruri, and Ayane were unharmed, Jiraiya sighed in relief, smiling, and said, "Thank goodness, it's good that you three are safe."
If these three had died in some conspiracy, he might have lived in guilt for a lifetime.
The trio's clothes were tattered and bore bloodstains, a clear sign of surviving a brutal battle.
"Jiraiya Jonin, and that blond one, why are you two here?"
Ruri asked in a cold tone about Jiraiya's intent.
"That, Uchiha-san, my name is Minato Na…"
"Shut up, blond guy, I wasn't asking you, I was asking your teacher."
Jiraiya patted Minato, who was smiling wryly. Minato had heard in school that Ruri was a difficult person, so he didn't take it to heart.
"This is a long story, but the most important thing is your safety. The village will definitely give you an explanation later."