After several quiet minutes, noting Senju Tobirama's utterly lifeless face, the complete halt of heartbeat and breath, and the disappearance of chakra in his senses, Senju Mori finally confirmed that Tobirama had truly passed.
He quickly signaled Uzumaki Chizawa to open the sealing scroll. With a soft "puff," Tobirama's body was sealed away.
Mori did not forget to seal the long-dead Ginkaku and the bisected Kinkaku as well. They were valuable research specimens.
Strictly speaking, Mori hadn't been lying before; Tobirama's "nonsense" was biased. In Mori's view, others studying their side's vicious white-haired ghost—unacceptable. He studying the enemy's golden and silver-haired ghosts—perfectly acceptable.
The names "Kinkaku" and "Ginkaku" came from the horn-like protrusions on their heads. In the shinobi world, any unusual physiology meant one thing—exceptional bloodline.
They had eaten tailed-beast flesh and lived, easily wielded relics of the Sage of Six Paths, and were rumored to carry his blood. Every abnormal feat screamed research value.
"A real haul…"
Mori couldn't help remarking.
What was the Third Raikage doing? Still no pursuit. Even if he had been sent away first, once the upheaval in the village was known, shouldn't he race back?
Or perhaps Kinkaku and Ginkaku had laid other plans in the village, and the Third Raikage was suppressing the rebellion himself…
Mori shook his head hard, driving out the noise. Either way, Kumo not catching up was good news.
The priority was not Kumo. He needed to reach the village fast and contend with Sarutobi Hiruzen for the Third Hokage's seat.
…
Two days later—
"The Hokage has returned! The Hokage has returned!"
The peaceful village of Konoha broke into noise as countless shinobi and civilians stepped from their homes, watching a few genin sprinting down the street shouting.
"Hey, brats!"
A middle-aged man in a green flak vest stopped one of them. "The Hokage was due back in three days. Where'd you get this? Did you see him on your mission?"
"Uh… no."
The genin blinked, then suddenly brightened. "But our team's jōnin saw members of the Shadow Guard and told us to run ahead with the news."
"Weren't Senior Hiruzen and the others traveling with the Hokage?"
"To report?"
A bad feeling hit the man. The Shadow Guard were all elite jōnin. How could they be slower than kids—unless someone was hurt.
"Curse those Kumo dogs! So the 'alliance' was a trap. When the Hokage returns, we go back to war!"
He clenched a fist and shouted. Around him, other shinobi scowled in anger.
At that moment, several figures appeared at Konoha's gate. Leading them was Sarutobi Hiruzen, face tight with urgency.
Young Hiruzen was far more vigorous than the old man he would become. He lacked the later aura of rank and age, but his eyes were sharp, his spirit surging.
Black under-armor, dark gray cuirass stained with blood and grime, marks also smearing his stern face. Above, a Leaf forehead protector with the spiral emblem, dark brown hair spiked back by the band.
On his back he carried his blood-smeared comrade—Shimura Danzō.
"Help! Someone, now! Danzō's about to die!"
Hiruzen couldn't help but shout.
It wasn't just appearances. A gash across Danzō's right eye had bled down his face. His entire right arm was severed at the root, blood soaking the bandages, half his body drenched red.
The sight stunned those near the village gate. Noise exploded.
"People! With me to the hospital!"
"Medical-nin! Any medical-nin here?"
"Stop the bleeding first!"
Several shinobi burst from the crowd, lifting Danzō off Hiruzen.
With Danzō handed to proper care, Hiruzen exhaled slightly—only for a barrage of questions to darken his expression again.
"Jōnin Sarutobi! Jōnin Mitokado! What happened? How did Danzō get like this?"
"Was it a Kumo ambush?"
"Why don't we see the Hokage? Is he injured too?"
"Where is he now? How many enemies? Do you need reinforcements—"
Jōnin ringed Hiruzen and the others, peppering them with questions.
Hiruzen opened his mouth, eyes dimming further. After a moment, he spoke in a low voice:
"The Hokage… may have fallen in battle."
"What!"
…
Set aside the turmoil their return stirred. One day after Hiruzen reached Konoha, Senju Mori and Uzumaki Chizawa finally entered the heart of the Land of Fire; not far ahead lay Konoha.
"We part here for now, Chizawa," Mori said, stopping first.
"Take care, Brother Mori."
Chizawa's face was solemn, with a thread of nerves. He was carrying many things that could not see the light.
Uchiha Kagami's body; a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan held back separately; several of the six treasured tools; Ginkaku's body; Kinkaku's body in two halves…
Though the Uzumaki sealing arts were famed, Mori could not just stroll into Konoha with that cargo. Better to have Chizawa bring them to the Land of Whirlpools and let his reliable clan head father hide them.
Of course, Mori would not waste the Uzumaki's support in the coming struggle with Hiruzen. When the time was right, Chizawa would bring a small Uzumaki team to Konoha under the banner of visiting an ally—and make their views politely known…
But that was for later.
After parting from Chizawa, Mori kept only the Banana Fan and the scroll holding Senju Tobirama's body, then turned toward Konoha at speed.