Kushina's attack was well-measured; no Sand Shinobi suffered any casualties. In her eyes, Lin Yu was simply being bullied by the Sand Shinobi, much like how she would punch anyone who harassed Mikoto at school!
But it was only a beating, a simple punch-up. Kushina had never considered killing anyone, nor could she. The Sand Shinobi, corrupted by Nine-Tails chakra, had nearly killed several of her teammates. Now, they were bound together, their gazes filled with frustration. They, a group of Sand Shinobi, had actually been defeated by a little girl.
Kankuro had several punch marks on his face. Judging by their size, they seemed to be the fists of an adult. It was unclear how many of his own people had ganged up on him. As a puppeteer, close-quarters combat was his weakness, especially when it was his own people, and he couldn't fight back with full force, nearly suffering a cerebral hemorrhage.
Fortunately, he had survived. Kankuro's gaze swept over the three figures covered in white cloths nearby, a look of relief crossing his face. It was good that the little girl hadn't been too harsh.
Although the Sand and Cloud Shinobi were not allies, to see one side as captives and the other having just departed for the pure land, when just moments ago they were rivals, was truly a twist of fate!
Three against one and they were反杀 (fǎn shā - killed in return/counter-killed)? Do they even know how to play games… uh, are they even fake Jonin!
Kankuro mused for a moment, then furiously complained to the Third Kazekage: What kind of bullshit mission is this? A ten-year-old boy single-handedly taking down three Jonin? Are you kidding me!
Kankuro watched the Leaf Village approaching, his heart sinking like a stone. He never imagined his first visit to the Leaf would be in such a state. Third Kazekage, I’ll curse your ancestors!
...
"Finally back! What a fulfilling day!"
Kushina stretched lazily at the entrance to the Leaf Village, her young face beaming with pride. She felt incredibly triumphant today!
Not only had she shown off in front of Lin Yu, but she had also luckily found a "scapegoat." From now on, Kushina would rise to prominence; the first female Hokage of the Leaf would be none other than her, Kushina!
Lin Yu and Orochimaru watched Kushina's spirited retreating figure, sighing inwardly. They exchanged a look, and Orochimaru spoke first, "Taking care of a little girl must be exhausting, right?"
Lin Yu nodded. "It was torture at first, but I got used to it. Kushina isn't that much of a handful, really."
"By the way, I heard Kushina say you consider me a 'scapegoat'? Is there such a thing?" Orochimaru's tone turned chilly as he changed the subject.
"Ah? Ah, this..."
Lin Yu's eyes stung slightly under Orochimaru's sharp gaze, and he shifted his gaze slightly, awkwardly saying, "Is there… is there such a thing? Maybe Kushina misheard. I said 'good guy,' a compliment for Master Orochimaru."
Orochimaru chuckled sinisterly. "Heh, do you think you can fool me? Uzumaki Lin Yu, I'll remember you!"
With that, Orochimaru didn't linger and led his team into the Leaf. He still had to report to Sarutobi Hiruzen. As for Uzumaki Lin Yu, there would be plenty of time in the future.
"Ah, why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Lin Yu shivered, goosebumps rising from Orochimaru's laugh.
I remember I didn't say anything bad about Orochimaru to Kushina. Could I have said it in my sleep?
Or did Kushina eavesdrop on me talking to myself?
Ah well, it's not a big deal.
Lin Yu walked forward, took Kushina's small hand, and whispered to her, "Let's go. The steamed buns should still be warm."
"Steamed buns! Grandma's steamed buns? I want some! I'm so hungry now! Let's go, Lin Yu, let's go home quickly!" Kushina patted her stomach, grabbed Lin Yu's hand, and pulled him forward.
Smoke rose from various parts of the Leaf Village, carrying the faint aroma of food. Although many things had happened, not much time had passed. It was now midday.
...
"That's how it happened. Uzumaki Lin Yu and Uzumaki Kushina have safely returned to the Leaf. The three Cloud Shinobi, due to their fierce resistance, were neutralized on the spot." Orochimaru reported the situation to Sarutobi Hiruzen in the presence of the Cloud Village envoy. He deliberately omitted the matter of the Sand Shinobi to prevent the Cloud envoy from shifting the blame to them.
"Hmm, I have a general understanding of the situation. Now, envoy, could you tell us if your Cloud Village came to our Leaf for negotiations or for abduction?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze was sharp, making the Cloud envoy's hair stand on end and his expression tense. However, he would never admit to abduction. Clenching his teeth, he said, "Do you in the Leaf have any evidence? I now suspect your Leaf Village designed the murder of our elite Cloud Shinobi. When I return, I will definitely report this to Lord Raikage and demand an explanation from your Leaf Village!"
"Evidence? An explanation? Heh, do we need our Yamanaka clan to extract the memories of the deceased? We are very skilled at that!" The head of the Yamanaka clan stood up and sneered at the Cloud envoy.
"You, you..." The Cloud envoy's face turned ugly. He had forgotten that the Leaf had the Yamanaka clan, who were experts in mental techniques. Extracting memories was child's play for them, and since Toruda and the others were still fresh, it would be even easier.
"This, this matter is unknown to our Cloud Village. Toruda and those three acted entirely on their own accord, and it has nothing to do with our Cloud Village!"
"Weren't you just demanding an explanation? Why is it suddenly unrelated to your Cloud Village now?" The Akimichi clan head's burly physique loomed over the Cloud envoy. He enjoyed kicking someone when they were down!
The Cloud envoy trembled and said, "I am an envoy from the Cloud Village. You cannot kill me."
"Don't scare our esteemed guest. Our Leaf Village is a friendly nation and does not engage in bullying or petty theft. I trust the character of all you Cloud Shinobi, but it's inevitable that a village will have a few rotten apples. Fortunately, our Leaf Village helped clean them up this time, but we hope there won't be a next time."
Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed to signal the Akimichi clan head not to be too rough, then said to the Cloud envoy with a gentle expression.
"Yes, yes, Toruda and their actions were despicable and unworthy of being associated with us. I will recommend to Lord Raikage upon my return that they be listed as rogue ninjas." The Cloud envoy wiped the sweat from his face, smiling broadly.
"Indeed. Well then, what about our previous negotiations..." Sarutobi Hiruzen hesitated.
"We will comply with your Leaf Village's demands, double... oh no, no compensation needed, no compensation needed. Our Cloud Village is also a peace-loving village, no compensation is needed." The Cloud envoy suddenly felt a chill in the air and quickly changed his tune.
"That's wonderful. Envoy, why not stay a few more days? I'll have someone escort you to admire the beautiful scenery of the Leaf!"
"No, no, I'm in a hurry to report back to Lord Raikage. This... there will be plenty of time in the future, plenty of time." The Cloud envoy waved his hands repeatedly. He just wanted to safely return to the Land of Lightning. His mission had already failed, and he didn't want to lose his life.
Sarutobi Hiruzen expressed his regret. "That's truly a pity. Guards, escort the envoy out."
"Please, please, we can leave on our own. No need to trouble anyone from the Leaf."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Cloud envoy and over a dozen guards fled the Hokage's office as if pursued, heading straight for the Leaf Village gates.
"Hahaha, these burly fellows actually look so pathetic. This is satisfying!" The Akimichi clan head laughed heartily, watching the Cloud envoy delegation flee in disarray.
Representatives from various clans in the Leaf also chuckled in amusement. It was the first time they had seen Cloud Shinobi so flustered, and they felt quite pleased.
Only the Nara clan head frowned and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen, saying softly, "Lord Hokage, if you let them go like this, Lord Raikage might not acknowledge this verbal agreement."
"They had no sincerity for negotiations. Why should our Leaf Village brown-nose them?" Sarutobi Hiruzen stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the smoke rising outside the window, and murmured.
"Lord Hokage, you..." The Nara clan head was somewhat surprised.
"Shikaku, I'm not so old that I can't distinguish right from wrong, nor would I do anything that would chill the hearts of Leaf ninjas!" Sarutobi Hiruzen stated decisively.
"Alright, I know you're all busy. You may all dismiss."
After the clan heads of the Leaf departed, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke to a shadow in the corner, "Summon Danzo to see me!"