Chapter 16: Back to Konoha

After dealing with the second wave of pursuers, Aoba quickly entered the Land of Fire with the mother and daughter.

However, another team of Grass ninjas had followed them.

The Grass ninjas had openly crossed the border and pursued him into the Land of Fire. Meaning that Konoha, the leading village in the ninja world, seemed to have little deterrent effect on the Grass ninjas.

Fortunately, the Grass ninjas did not dare to chase further into the country because the border of the Land of Fire had Konoha's watchtowers.

While unauthorized entry into the country and wandering in uninhabited areas might be overlooked but if a watchtower detected them it would be considered illegal invasion, and that would trigger a genuine crisis of war.

It wasn't that ninjas from other countries couldn't enter the Land of Fire. However, as military units, they had to enter through official channels. The Grass ninjas, unable to catch up with Aoba, eventually did not dare to pursue further and had to retreat.

"Alright, now we're safe."

Aoba set the mother and daughter down. After a long journey and killing six Grass ninjas along the way, he was quite exhausted. His chakra was limited, and both traveling and fighting required careful management.

In the wilderness, he found a cave and, after eating a soldier pill, restored most of his chakra.

He then hunted a few grouse and rabbits, cooked them for dinner.

After a satisfying meal, exhausted Karin fell into a deep sleep in her mother's arms.

Seeing this, Aoba took a blanket from his sealing scroll and handed it to Karin's mother.

"Thank you." She gently laid Karin down and covered her with the blanket. Then, Karin's mother stood and gave Aoba a deep bow.

"My name is Yumi Uzumaki. Thank you for your help."

Aoba helped her up.

"There's no need for such formality. I saved you with my own purposes in mind. In the future, you might have to work for me."

Aoba did not hide his intention of making them work for him. Yumi was not surprised.

In this world, there's no such thing as unconditional love. Given the great risk Aoba took to save them from the Grass Village, it was clear he had his own agenda.

However, it was apparent that Aoba genuinely cared for Karin. No matter what, he was far better than the Grass ninjas.

"As long as you take good care of Karin and ensure she lives safely, we are willing to work for you. Unfortunately, my health may not hold out much longer."

Aoba lifted her sleeve, looking at the numerous scars, and sighed.

"Your condition is indeed severe. The Grass ninjas' indiscriminate attacks have greatly damaged your vitality.

But don't be too pessimistic. I won't treat you like the Grass ninjas did. As long as you don't recklessly deplete your life force, you can last longer than you think.

The Uzumaki clan's physique is much stronger than you realize. Moreover, I know a method to save you, but it will take time to perform.

So, if you don't want your daughter to become an orphan and want to stay with her as she grows up, hold on. Trust me, I will save you."

If given a choice, who would want to die? Especially when Yumi had her daughter Karin to live for.

"Thank you, sir. I will strive to stay alive, for Karin and for you."

"And for yourself," Aoba added.

After resting for the night, he set off with the mother and daughter towards Konoha.

Given the rare free time, Aoba wasn't in a rush. Without the threat of pursuers, he started traveling slowly.

The main issue he faced was whether to bring Karin and her mother back to Konoha or settle them outside the village.

If he brought them back to Konoha, should he conceal their identity as Uzumaki clan members?

These were the issues he needed to address, and Aoba was uncertain.

After much consideration, leaving them outside Konoha was definitely not an option. With Konoha facing internal and external troubles, other major countries were restlessly moving. Although a real war had not started in the original plot, friction was inevitable.

There were even rumors that the Cloud Village had stationed troops at the border.

In such a situation, Konoha's surrounding areas were likely filled with spies and bounty hunters. The mother and daughter had no means of self-defense, and if they were noticed, Aoba wouldn't be able to save them in time.

Thus, bringing them back to Konoha was inevitable. However, it was not absolutely safe there either. Not to mention, if Danzo knew about their abilities, it would definitely lead to trouble.

In Konoha, hewas currently unable to confront Danzo, who controlled the entire Root.

But hiding their identity was nearly impossible. Hair color could be dyed, but once Karin started attending school, suspicions would arise.

Especially with the Third Hokage, who used his telescope technique everywhere. Danzo's Root was also full of spies.

Hiding temporarily was possible, but it couldn't be a long-term solution. He originally wanted Yumi to decide.

But she said she knew nothing about Konoha's internal situation and couldn't make an informed judgment.

In the end, Aoba decided to bring them back and not conceal their identity.

Given Danzo's personality, concealing their identity would be more dangerous if discovered. So, it was safer to present them as fallen Uzumaki descendants.

However, it was not entirely foolproof. Aoba still needed to take additional measures to ensure their safety.

When they finally saw the gates of Konoha, it had been over a month since Aoba had left on his mission.

At the gate, using his jonin status, Aoba guaranteed their entry and passed the scrutiny of the two Konoha gate guards.

Before reaching home, he encountered an Anbu messenger.

"Aoba Kamikawa, report to the Hokage's office immediately."

"Understood."

Though he said he understood, Aoba did not head directly to the Hokage's office. Instead, he first took Karin and her mother to his home.

"Uh, I live alone, so it's a bit messy. Please make do with it for now, and I'll clean up when I return.

Yumi, this is Konoha. In most cases, it is safe. But I can't guarantee absolute safety. So, don't wander around. Stay here and wait for me to come back. Also, don't forget our agreed-upon plan."

"I understand, sir." Yumi nodded, her face slightly flushed.

Yumi said this as she carried Karin inside. The little girl was still sleeping. Perhaps due to the constant fear in the Grass Village, she hadn't slept well.

On the journey with Aoba, sleeping on his back during the rough travel, she slept very soundly.

After quickly settling the two of them, Aoba turned and headed towards the Hokage Tower.