Yukura and her three students had been completely sealed by Konoha ninja, their chakra entirely suppressed. With only their bodies to rely on, they wouldn't even be able to defend themselves against a single Genin. In this state, they were to be escorted back to Konoha as civilians—or worse, hostages.
But today, they received an even grimmer blow: the village had already declared them traitors, and worse, they were being implicated in the disappearance of the Third Kazekage.
Hearing this, Yukura felt her stomach twist.
Of course… this confirms it. It had to be Rōsa behind the Third Kazekage's disappearance. So eager to pin the blame on me, Yukura thought bitterly. This was all a cover-up—an attempt to hide the truth that Rōsa himself was the real culprit.
"Damn it… how can we build a strong Sunagakure with scum like him as a teammate?"
The thought brought a pang of despair. With the warrant issued, no villager would continue to trust or respect her. She would fall from the revered "heroine of Sunagakure" to the village's despised traitor. There would be no going back to the home she loved.
"Sensei… are you… are you alright?"
Her three students spoke hesitantly. They knew Yukura's love for the village, but now, with the village branding her a traitor, they weren't sure if she could endure it.
Yukura let out a heavy sigh. "Whether I'm alright or not… there's no going back while Rōsa holds power. Not unless I have concrete evidence to prove my innocence—and that the Third Kazekage's disappearance was entirely his doing."
She shook her head, speaking the truth of her heart.
"But…"
Her students felt a flicker of hope. Despite the blow she had suffered, Yukura had not given up. Yet, a wave of helplessness followed—she was too naïve. Even with proof, Rōsa, holding all authority, could twist the story as he wished. How could she possibly drag the missing—or deceased—Third Kazekage from the afterlife to explain the truth?
"Ugh…"
Seeing her students hang their heads in silent worry, Yukura sighed again. "Since we've been branded traitors, perhaps the only path left is to join Konoha. Judging by their actions, they only intend to seal our chakra and bring us back—they don't seem to want to harm us. Is this what they call the generosity of Konoha?"
"No," a voice interjected. "If that's what you think, your students are right. Yukura… you are far too naive."
Uchiha Some and Tsunade appeared before her and her students.
In truth, these past two days, Tsunade had been seen coming and going with Some, sparking speculation about the depth of their relationship. At the very least, people suspected she liked him—but no one dared speak out. After all, Tsunade was infamous for her temper. She had once snapped a few of Jiraiya's ribs in a fit of anger! Anyone who crossed her would surely regret it.
Yukura was no fool; in the ninja world, Tsunade was formidable, and though she had often been a rival, Yukura had previously met her with scorn. But now, stripped of her chakra, she dared not provoke the legendary Sannin.
When Tsunade approached, Yukura immediately assumed a respectful posture. "Tsunade-sama! Forgive my earlier disrespect."
Her three students quickly followed suit with proper bows.
Uchiha Some observed quietly, taking in the adaptability of these kunoichi. Just moments ago, Yukura had been proud and disdainful toward Tsunade; now, chakra-sealed and powerless, she was deferential.
Some smirked subtly. As expected… no female ninja was simple.
Seeing Yukura's cooperative attitude, Tsunade relaxed. "It seems you've accepted your situation. You've made a wise choice—joining Konoha is the best option right now."
"Wise, yes… but don't call me naive, Uchiha," Yukura muttered, her gaze flicking toward him.
As expected, women had two faces: one for Tsunade, one for him.
"Sunagakure, also known as Little Konoha, will have the same dangers as here. That's why I said you're naive," Some replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Yukura's irritation flared slightly at his condescending tone.
"Enough. Don't worry," Tsunade interjected. "With the Third in Konoha, and your chakra sealed, you're unlikely to face any real harm. Now, prepare to depart."
Yukura nodded.
Her team of four followed the Konoha Genin and Chunin assigned to escort them, boarding a carriage bound for Konoha.
"Sensei… do you think we'll really be able to stay quietly in Konoha, like they claim?" one of her students asked, anxiety lacing her voice.
"We will," Yukura said simply, though a bitter smile touched her lips. With their chakra sealed, their lives were now entirely at the discretion of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
After Yukura and her students departed, Tsunade and Some were invited to Orochimaru's camp.
Orochimaru was calmly brewing a batch of umeshu—plum wine. Tsunade raised an eyebrow. As a commander, he rarely drank in such a casual manner. Today, he was alone, enjoying the process.
"Orochimaru… what's going on today?" she asked, curiosity piqued.
Orochimaru's answer was a teasing grin. "Some people have been pestering my disciple lately. It seems they want to take advantage of… the young ones."
Tsunade's cheeks flared pink. She glared at Uchiha Some, who sat innocently nearby.
The mischievous Uchiha boy could act so shamelessly in front of others, making it seem as if Tsunade was the one pursuing him.
Orochimaru watched her shy expression and thought wryly, Jiraiya… you really are hopeless.
"Based on timing, Sunagakure's news will arrive tomorrow. I've arranged to meet Rōsa with two guards at the border for negotiations," Orochimaru revealed, dropping a major bomb.
"So, Orochimaru-sensei believes the chance for peace between Konoha and Sunagakure is within reach. That's why we're here, brewing wine and discussing heroes?"
"Discussing heroes?" Orochimaru tilted his head, then smiled, inviting Some and Tsunade to sit.
"Exactly. Tonight, we start our discussion with Sunagakure," he said, pouring the freshly brewed umeshu into their cups.