As it turned out, Uzumaki Mito and Tsunade's departure had caused the surrounding Anbu to relocate as well. This, combined with measures previously set up by the Cloud Village shinobi and their spies, successfully lured away the nearby residents.
It was easy to draw a conclusion from this the kidnapping by Kumogakure was premeditated and meticulously planned. The so-called diplomatic negotiations were nothing more than a smokescreen.
"This matter must be reported to the Hokage as soon as possible for a decision. We will return to the village immediately and hand over both the witnesses and the criminals."
Uchiha Hane spoke with a serious expression, addressing Uchiha Gen and the other two.
The impact of this incident was so great that it would lead to a continuous and severe deterioration of the relationship between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning, determining the future state of war between the two sides. It was no longer something the Police Force could handle alone; it had to be left to the Hokage to decide.
"No need, I'm already here!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice rang out from the edge of the woods. He was clad in his old-fashioned grey-green armor, clutching his Adamantine Staff, his expression filled with anger.
Orochimaru, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo Shimura followed at Hiruzen Sarutobi's side, backed by dozens of Anbu and Root ninjas dressed in black and wearing masks. Upon seeing Gen, Orochimaru gave a slow nod, the meaning in his eyes clear you did well, you've made me proud.
"In this matter, Uchiha Gen, Minato Namikaze, and the Police Force have all done very well. By timely and safely rescuing the kidnapped personnel, you prevented the village from suffering irreparable losses. You have performed a great service. All personnel involved in the rescue are credited with completing a joint S-rank mission."
[Ding!]
Uchiha Gen was slightly stunned.
Good grief, that's another level up. There's such a thing as a free lunch after all?!
It wasn't surprising, though. After all, it counted as an S-rank mission, and the settlement was processed the moment the Third Hokage finished speaking. Even if it was a joint operation and the experience had to be shared, it was still an S-rank mission. Moreover, since he and Minato Namikaze had contributed the most, they would certainly take the lion's share of the experience. It was enough to level up once with plenty to spare.
Tch, if there are more opportunities like this in the future, I definitely have to get involved more often.
The Sandaime's speech continued:
"Now, withdraw immediately. The criminals will be transferred from the Police Force to the Anbu for interrogation. The remaining members of the Cloud diplomatic mission have all been detained and will be guarded by the Police Force. Additionally, the Police Force, Anbu, and Intelligence Department will carry out a joint operation to search for and arrest spies from other villages lurking within our borders."
Orders were issued one after another. It could be said that Kumogakure's actions this time had truly enraged all the Konoha high-ranking officials including, of course, the old lady whose status was even higher than theirs. If Kushina had really been taken by Kumogakure, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Kumogakure's behavior showed they no longer respected the Konoha leadership led by the Third Hokage, nor any of the Konoha shinobi. It was as if they intended to rub their faces in the dirt.
"Hiruzen, leave the interrogation of those people to me. I guarantee I can dig every bit of information out of their brains."
Danzo Shimura's voice was cold and harsh, his single eye staring sinisterly at the Cloud ninja who had been knocked unconscious by Genjutsu. At this time, Danzo, like the Third Hokage, was still in his prime. Aside from that one eye, his arm was still intact and his strength was at its peak, making him nearly the strongest person in Konoha after the Third Hokage.
"Then he is in your hands, Danzo," the Sandaime said in a deep voice.
While Danzo's character was undeniably base, his skill in extracting intelligence and conducting interrogations was as high as his character was low professionally beyond reproach.
That Cloud ninja soon set a new record, becoming the first ninja in history to be escorted by a Konoha Hokage, three top-tier powerhouses at or near Kage-level, nearly twenty Jonin from the Police Force and Anbu, and dozens of other shinobi. This lineup would have been enough to besiege and kill the Third Raikage. For this fellow to enjoy such treatment, it could be said it was quite worth it.
"You did well this time, especially knowing to call for backup in advance," Orochimaru dropped back a few steps to walk beside Uchiha Gen and whispered.
"Teacher Orochimaru, I only acted after using Sensing Ninjutsu to determine that the enemy's strength shouldn't exceed my ability to cope, and knowing that reinforcements could arrive at any moment," Gen replied.
"Mm."
Orochimaru nodded slightly. What he was most satisfied with regarding this disciple wasn't just how smart he was or how strong his talent was, but that he was bold yet sufficiently cautious. Knowing when to be careful and when to be decisive these were the essential qualities for a ninja to survive and grow strong.
Orochimaru chatted with Gen for a few more moments, then, hearing a word from the Third Hokage, returned to the front of the group. Seeing this, Minato Namikaze and Kushina finally found an opportunity to approach.
"Hello, Gen-senpai. My name is Minato Namikaze, and this is Kushina. We've long heard of you, the top genius of the previous class."
Minato Namikaze spoke to Gen with a gentle smile on his handsome face.
"Gen-senpai, thank you so much for today."
Kushina took a small step back and bowed somewhat formally.
"No need to be so polite. When I was studying medical ninjutsu with Lady Tsunade this afternoon, she and Grandma Mito mentioned you. For the sake of their relationship alone, I wouldn't have left you to your fate. And Minato, you're quite impressive. To be able to keep up with my Body Flicker and take down a Cloud ninja so easily... I suspect the top spot for your graduating class has already been reserved by you."
Uchiha Gen offered the two of them a relaxed smile. Mentioning mutual acquaintances and offering praise is a good way for people who have just met to close the distance.
"Gen-senpai, you flatter me, but I will do my best to learn from you."
Minato Namikaze scratched his head, looking a bit sheepish. Among the students of his year, whether in theoretical grades or combat drills, he was in a league of his own, completely different from the three-way rivalry of Gen's year. Taking the top spot was indeed a certainty for him.
"Then I'll congratulate you in advance on becoming the top graduate, Minato. With your talent, I'm sure you'll soon receive the village's full support for your development."
Gen said while looking at the boy. Minato Namikaze's talent was absolutely top-tier in the ninja world, especially in the field of speed. He was the best of the best; even before graduating from the Academy, he was already able to keep up with Gen's Body Flicker without falling behind.