Chapter Fifty-Six: The Hokage Tower

"Have you prepared everything? If so, let's leave now. I've already informed Grass Shadow," Higashino Yu said to Karynn and her mother, who were carrying their bundles.

"So soon?" Karynn's mother replied, a little surprised.

"Is there anyone here you still need to say goodbye to?"

"...No."

"Then there's no reason to linger."

Karynn's mother nodded, saying nothing more. Her expression was tinged with melancholy, as if recalling unpleasant memories. But seeing Karynn's eager face beside her, she rallied her spirits. The future would surely be brighter.

Without bothering to say farewell to anyone else, Higashino Yu, accompanied by Kakuzu and the Karynn family, left Grass Ninja Village and set off toward the Land of Fire.

With a child in tow, their return was slower than Higashino Yu's journey there; it took about seven days before they finally reached the outskirts of Konoha.

During these seven days, the exploits of the wandering ninja and bounty hunter, King Luffy, spread throughout the ninja world thanks to its excellent intelligence network, reaching the ears of every major ninja village and faction.

Some believed the tales and became vigilant. Others scoffed: if someone truly possessed such formidable power, why would he choose to be a wandering ninja and bounty hunter? Surely he could do something far greater.

As for the mysterious canyon that appeared suddenly, named Bliss Gorge, and the rumors circulating from the Land of Grass and the Land of Waterfall, they suspected it might be a conspiracy concocted by the two countries, or simply exaggerated gossip.

Ultimately, people believe only what they wish to believe. Regardless of their skepticism, King Luffy's name began to echo throughout the ninja world.

Returning to the present, it had been eighteen days since Higashino Yu left Konoha to gather materials; he departed alone and returned with a mother and daughter. Such efficiency!

Arriving at Konoha's main gate, Higashino Yu and the Karynn family underwent the necessary inspection. As for Kakuzu, being a rogue ninja, he couldn't enter Konoha. After agreeing on a meeting place with Higashino Yu, he went off to deposit his earnings.

At the gate, the inspection was handled by Steel and Izumo, the usual duo, who simply asked for names and the purpose of their visit.

However, the names King Luffy and Uzumaki were anything but ordinary. Upon hearing them, Steel and Izumo allowed entry but immediately reported the matter up the chain.

Soon, Higashino Yu sensed they were being watched.

But it mattered little; they had nothing to hide.

Walking through the bustling streets of Konoha, Karynn looked around with wide-eyed curiosity. Everything seemed fascinating to her, and she realized the village was indeed as prosperous as Higashino Yu had described. Would this really be her new home?

Karynn's mother, while curious herself, possessed keen sensory abilities and was already aware they were being observed, which made her anxious.

"Sir, where shall we go next?"

"Straight to the Hokage Tower."

"Is that all right?"

"It is, and we must. The fewer who know their identities, the greater the risk of foul play. If everyone knows, they’ll be much safer. Even if Danzo wanted to act, he’d have to consider the impact on Konoha’s reputation."

Of course, this was only Higashino Yu’s speculation. Whether things would unfold as he anticipated, he couldn't say—Danzo might disregard such concerns entirely.

No matter; Higashino Yu was prepared to handle anything. Having accepted this commission, he would see it through.

As for making their arrival widely known? He found it quite simple.

Walking along the bustling avenue, Higashino Yu suddenly stopped.

"Is something wrong, sir?" Karynn's mother noticed his pause.

"I don't know where the Hokage Tower is. Let's ask someone." Though the tower was clearly visible in the distance, Higashino Yu said this.

Then, without warning, he drew his blade and slashed at the empty air above.

His sudden action startled nearby pedestrians, who then wondered what he was doing.

Before long, a masked man tumbled off a nearby rooftop.

"An ANBU?!" Among the crowd were ninjas who immediately recognized the masked figure.

More masked men quickly appeared, surrounding Higashino Yu and his companions.

At this point, Higashino Yu resheathed his sword, and the man who had fallen from the rooftop, after groaning in pain, managed to get up.

Higashino Yu began to introduce himself.

"I am a wandering ninja commissioned for this task. These are my clients, survivors of the Uzumaki clan of the Land of Whirlpools. The Land of Whirlpools was once an ally of the Land of Fire—your First Hokage’s wife and your Fourth Hokage’s wife were both from the Uzumaki clan. They have asked me to bring them to seek refuge here in Konoha. We’re not sure where the Hokage Tower is, so we sought your help. No offense intended."

Higashino Yu’s voice wasn’t loud, and he spoke directly to the ANBU before him, but his words carried clearly to everyone nearby.

Immediately, the crowd erupted in murmurs.

"So they’re from the Uzumaki clan of the Land of Whirlpools? I never thought any of them survived in the ninja world today," an elder remarked.

"Land of Whirlpools? Are his words true? Was it really our ally? Both the First and Fourth Hokage’s wives were Uzumaki clan members?" a younger ninja asked.

"It’s true. Lady Mito and Lady Kushina were both remarkable kunoichi, and as Uzumaki clan members, they shared a common trait: fiery red hair. These two have it as well."

"Have you noticed the emblem on our Konoha forehead protectors? The concentric circles represent the Uzumaki clan, commemorating our friendly ties."

"So that's it—they’re comrades, not enemies."

"I wonder if the Hokage will treat them kindly. When the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed, we offered no aid. I’ve always felt we failed them. They’ve come all this way to seek refuge; let's hope we don't disappoint them."

"I'm sure they'll be treated well. We're not like other villages; we're Konoha."

"..."

Hearing such voices, Higashino Yu felt everything was proceeding smoothly.

He saw no need to linger.

"Is that distant building with the 'Fire' character the Hokage Tower? If so, no need to trouble you further—we’ll go ourselves. Sorry for the disturbance."