Ignoring the cries of despair in Nara Tōen's heart outside,
Minato, holding the Rinnegan, found Hiruko.
After telling him his suspicions, Hiruko accepted the Rinnegan with a solemn expression and carefully placed it in a container for observation.
"I'll go report this to Hokage-sama."
Seeing Hiruko entering work mode, Namikaze Minato didn't linger. He turned to leave, ready to use the Flying Thunder God Technique to reach the Hokage's office.
"No need to trouble yourself, Minato."
Hiruko's voice stopped him.
Minato turned back, confused. He watched as Hiruko walked unhurriedly to a black device, adjusted the numbers on it, then lifted a receiver.
"Hello, yes, this is Hiruko. I have an urgent matter to report..."
"This is..."
As Hiruko put the receiver back down, Minato finally spoke.
"This is a telephone—an instrument for communication. The nobles love using it. I studied it a bit and decided to apply it as a communication tool between the upper departments of the village."
Hiruko briefly explained the device's function.
There were more high-tech inventions in the Daimyō's mansion than Minato had expected. It was just that those nobles treated them as toys for amusement.
Those indulgent fools would never understand the strategic value of such tools.
...
Outside the Research Bureau, under Nara Tōen's reluctant guidance, Terumi Mei finally tore herself away from the building and headed to their next destination.
Just as she was marveling at how many handsome men Konoha had, a few more striking figures appeared in front of her.
"Fourth Hokage-sama."
Nara Tōen immediately straightened up, dropping his usual lazy posture and saluting the approaching Sakumo.
Behind Sakumo followed Nara Shikaku and Uchiha Itachi. When Shikaku saw Terumi Mei, realization dawned on his face. He stepped closer to Sakumo and whispered something to him.
"Hmm. Good work, Tōen. This must be the envoy from Kirigakure, correct?"
Sakumo nodded toward Terumi Mei, his face carrying a warm, gentle smile.
"Yes, Fourth Hokage-sama."
Terumi Mei bowed in reply, acknowledging his kindness.
Inwardly, though, she screamed. Why were Konoha's male shinobi all so good-looking? Putting Shikaku aside, that Uchiha-looking young man behind Sakumo could easily outshine Mangetsu!
Behind her, Ringo Ameyuri imitated her movements clumsily, bending at the waist—and in doing so, exposed the Lightning Blades strapped to her back.
"I hope you'll enjoy your stay in Konoha."
Sakumo's eyes flickered briefly with surprise at the sight of the sword, but the emotion quickly faded.
Then, under the group's watchful gaze, Hatake Sakumo led Shikaku and Itachi away, striding toward the Research Bureau.
"That young girl—so young, yet already one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. It seems Kirigakure's new generation has truly flourished since their Fourth Mizukage took office."
Sakumo recalled his infiltration mission to Kirigakure years ago.
Back then, though many strong shinobi had emerged under the Blood Mist Policy, most of them carried a kind of manic glint in their eyes.
In those days, the Mist ninja cared nothing for their comrades' lives, treating weaker teammates as expendable materials. Teamwork was practically nonexistent. Every battle was just a showcase of individual power.
"That's Ringo Ameyuri. She once came to Konoha to participate in the Chūnin Exams," said Nara Shikaku, recognizing her and introducing her to Sakumo.
"Just a passing thought."
Sakumo shook his head, dropping the topic.
Soon, the group arrived at Hiruko's laboratory.
"So these are the Rinnegan?"
Seeing the two eyes floating in the culture dish, Sakumo stepped closer, examining them carefully.
The Rinnegan—the Eyes of the Sage. According to legend, they were the powerful dōjutsu once possessed by the Sage of Six Paths. Why were they here?
"What's going on exactly, Minato-san?"
Nara Shikaku turned to Minato. According to Hiruko's call, it was Minato who had brought the eyes back.
Without hesitation, Minato explained everything—from escorting supplies to Sunagakure, to receiving an urgent call for help from the Internal Affairs Department, warning that a mysterious intruder had been spotted near the Wind Country border.
He described how he arrived on the scene to find Black Zetsu fleeing.
"So, you're saying the one who possessed the Rinnegan has been sealed by you and is now in Aburame Tatsuma's custody?"
Shikaku quickly pieced the situation together.
At the mention of Aburame Tatsuma knowing about this, Sakumo's expression shifted slightly.
"Yes, Shikaku-san."
Minato nodded, confirming it.
Shikaku sighed. If Aburame Tatsuma knew, that meant Danzō knew too.
That man would definitely—no, inevitably—develop an interest in the Rinnegan.
"Can we confirm these are indeed the Rinnegan?"
Uchiha Itachi suddenly spoke up.
"We're still verifying, but based on their appearance, it's highly likely that they are genuine."
Hiruko answered calmly, stating his professional judgment.
"In that case, Fourth Hokage-sama, I believe we should immediately inform Third Hokage-sama. This matter must be carefully discussed by the upper council."
Itachi's words made everyone present pause for a moment, then nod in agreement.
Nara Shikaku even glanced at him approvingly.
This kid… using the Third Hokage's authority to keep Danzō in check—brilliant.
And truly, Fugaku's son—exceptionally gifted.