Of the three prisoners rescued from Kusagakure, one was a Konoha shinobi named Shirakumo Hayama. He had been captured not long ago while conducting an investigation in the Land of Grass.
His identity and shinobi registration number matched Konoha's records. However, until the Intelligence Division completed a thorough examination, no one could rule out the possibility that Kusagakure had tampered with his memories, planted a seal on his body, or turned him into an unwilling spy.
The other two prisoners came from Amegakure and Iwagakure. Their experiences were similar to Shirakumo's, though the Iwagakure shinobi's situation was considerably more complicated. Based on the fragmented records recovered from the abandoned warehouse, he was suspected of possessing the Lava Release Kekkei Genkai.
Lava Release was created by combining Fire and Earth chakra natures. However, the exact form it took varied according to the proportion and balance of those two elements.
The first form was best represented by Rōshi, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki. With Fire Release as the dominant nature, the resulting Kekkei Genkai manifested as scorching magma and possessed overwhelming offensive power.
The second form placed greater emphasis on Earth Release. Rather than producing flowing magma, it created substances closer to volcanic ash, quicklime, or cement, making it particularly effective at restricting an enemy's movement. Kurotsuchi of Iwagakure would become one of the most prominent users of that branch.
Kusagakure had most likely captured the Iwagakure shinobi in an attempt to study—and possibly reproduce—his Lava Release bloodline. Unfortunately for them, their research facility had been destroyed before they could achieve meaningful results.
After considering the matter, Minato decided to take all three prisoners back to Konoha. The Intelligence Division would examine them first, and their ultimate fate would be decided afterward.
Whether they were imprisoned, persuaded to defect, or returned to their respective villages after their memories were sealed was not a decision Minato could make on his own. Such a matter required the Third Hokage's approval.
Kana Uzumaki and Naoto Uzumaki raised no objections.
They understood that objecting would accomplish nothing. In the strictest sense, they were still prisoners. The only real difference was that their captors had changed from Kusagakure shinobi to Konoha shinobi.
At least, that was how Kana viewed the situation.
After everything Kusagakure had done to her, she could no longer bring herself to trust promises so easily. A few kind words could not erase years of captivity, exploitation, and pain.
For the moment, Kana did not believe that her future had truly changed.
The group rested briefly near the ruined facility, treating their injuries and eating enough food to recover some strength. Once everyone was capable of moving, Minato ordered them to set out.
Their return journey was considerably more complicated than their infiltration.
With several rescued prisoners accompanying them, Minato could not simply use the Flying Thunder God Technique to bring everyone directly back to Konoha. More importantly, Kusagakure still believed that the attackers had come from Kumogakure. If Minato vanished too cleanly, it might expose the deception.
Therefore, he carefully retrieved every Flying Thunder God kunai he had planted along their previous route. He then led the group northeast, deliberately heading toward the Land of Lightning.
Their footprints, discarded supplies, and occasional traces of chakra all pointed in the same direction. To anyone following them, it would appear that the "Kumogakure strike team" had successfully completed its mission and was now retreating to report its victory.
As expected, Kusagakure soon dispatched several pursuit squads.
The Grass shinobi searched desperately, driven forward by strict orders from their village's leadership. Unfortunately for them, their target was a team containing four Jōnin-level combatants.
Against Minato, Aburame Shikuro, Inuzuka Tsume, and Ren, those pursuit squads never stood a chance.
Whenever the Grass shinobi drew too close, Minato struck with ruthless precision. Most of the pursuers were eliminated, while a carefully selected few were allowed to escape.
Those survivors were not spared out of kindness.
They were witnesses.
Their panicked reports would confirm that the attackers were powerful, merciless, and fleeing toward the Land of Lightning. Every terrified account strengthened the illusion Minato had created.
After several encounters, Kusagakure's pursuit noticeably weakened. The village had already lost dozens of shinobi during the attack, and each new squad sent after the enemy only added to the casualty count. Anger could push people forward, but enough death would eventually turn anger into fear.
Only after Kusagakure's search began to lose momentum did Minato change direction.
The group turned south, entered the Land of Fire through a concealed route, and finally returned to Konoha several days later, exhausted and covered in dust.
The moment they passed through the village gates, Kana and the other rescued prisoners were separated and taken to the Intelligence and Medical Divisions.
Identity verification, physical examinations, and intelligence debriefings were unavoidable procedures for outsiders entering Konoha under such circumstances. However, because they had cooperated willingly and showed no immediate hostility, the process was conducted as gently as possible.
There would be no forceful invasion of their minds unless the investigators discovered something truly suspicious.
Shirakumo's examination was relatively simple. Once the Intelligence Division confirmed that his memories had not been altered and that Kusagakure had not planted any hidden commands or seals within him, he was officially cleared and released.
Kana and Naoto underwent far more extensive examinations.
The Intelligence Division questioned them about everything they had witnessed during their captivity, while the Medical Division carefully assessed the damage done to their bodies. The final report concluded that both Uzumaki were suffering from severe physical depletion and would require prolonged rest and treatment.
However, neither of them displayed signs of hostile conditioning, concealed seals, or espionage.
Two days later, the report reached Hiruzen Sarutobi's desk.
That morning, Minato brought Ren, Kana, and Naoto to the Hokage's office.
Kana and Naoto had bathed and changed into clean clothes, but the effects of their captivity could not be washed away so easily. Their faces were pale, their bodies painfully thin, and their movements carried a subtle caution—as though they expected someone to strike them whenever they lowered their guard.
Several people were already waiting inside.
Hiruzen sat behind his desk with a serious expression. Tsunade stood beside the window, her arms crossed beneath her chest as sunlight illuminated her golden hair. Beside her stood Kushina, who had been staring at Kana from the moment the door opened.
Kushina's eyes were red, and her clenched hands trembled faintly.
"Hokage-sama. Lady Tsunade. Kushina," Minato greeted respectfully.
Ren bowed beside him, while Kana and Naoto hurriedly followed their example.
As Kana raised her head, she cautiously studied Kushina's face. Beneath the mature features and vivid red hair, she could still see a shadow of the girl she had known more than a decade ago.
"Thank you for your hard work, Minato and Ren," Hiruzen said. "You handled this mission exceptionally well."
His attention then shifted to the two Uzumaki, and his expression softened.
"Kana, Naoto—welcome to Konoha. I am Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. Minato has already explained your circumstances to me."
Kana stiffened slightly, but Hiruzen continued before she could speak.
"Konoha will not ignore the suffering Kusagakure inflicted upon you. From this day forward, your personal safety will be guaranteed. You are not prisoners here. You are guests of Konoha—and, if you wish it, members of our family."
"Th-thank you, Hokage-sama," Kana whispered.
Her voice was polite, but Ren noticed that she still looked uncertain.
Then Kushina finally lost control of herself.
She crossed the room in several hurried steps and grabbed Kana's hands.
"Kana… it really is you!"
Her voice broke, and the tears she had struggled to contain immediately spilled down her cheeks.
"I thought I would never see you again. I thought everyone from our home was gone!"
Kana's lips trembled.
Kushina's expression twisted as sorrow turned into fury.
"Those damned Kusagakure bastards! How could they do that to you? How dare they treat you like some kind of tool?" Kushina's grip tightened. "I should go there myself. I'll tear their whole village apart and make every last one of them feel what you suffered!"
A surge of crimson chakra erupted from Kushina's body.
Her long red hair rose into the air like countless twisting tentacles, and the atmosphere in the office instantly became thick and oppressive. Even the floor seemed to vibrate beneath the pressure of the Nine-Tails' chakra.
"Kushina!"
Minato immediately stepped forward and placed both hands on her shoulders. His chakra entered her body in a steady stream, helping suppress the violent energy threatening to spill out.
"Calm down," he urged gently. "Ren and the others already punished those responsible. Kusagakure suffered heavy losses."
His voice softened further.
"What Kana and Naoto need now isn't more bloodshed. They need somewhere safe to rest. They need time to recover."
Kushina stared into Kana's exhausted face. Slowly, the fury in her eyes receded, and the crimson chakra withdrew into her body.
Outside the office, several concealed presences relaxed.
Ren had sensed them the moment Kushina's chakra flared. They were undoubtedly Anbu assigned to monitor the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and protect the Hokage. Now that the danger had passed, their chakra signatures disappeared once again.
Tsunade cleared her throat and stepped forward.
"It's good to finally meet both of you. I'm Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage. My grandmother was Mito Uzumaki, so Uzumaki blood flows through me as well."
Kana and Naoto immediately looked at her differently.
Hashirama Senju's name carried extraordinary weight throughout the shinobi world. He was one of the two legendary warriors who ended the Warring States Period and established the hidden village system. Even in nations hostile to Konoha, his power and achievements inspired awe.
His brother, Tobirama, possessed a similarly widespread reputation—though the emotions connected to his name were often very different.
"The Senju and Uzumaki clans were allies for generations," Tsunade continued. "If you're willing, you may settle within the Senju clan grounds. It is quiet, secure, and has everything you'll need."
Her stern expression softened slightly.
"I will personally oversee your treatment. I cannot erase what happened to you, but I promise I will help you recover as much as possible."
Kana looked at Tsunade. Then she turned toward Kushina, whose hands were still wrapped tightly around hers. Finally, she looked at Minato, Ren, and Hiruzen.
There was no disgust in their eyes.
No greed.
No one was staring at her as if her body were merely a source of healing chakra.
For the first time in years, the invisible strings holding her heart taut began to loosen.
Tears rolled down Kana's cheeks.
"Thank you… Lady Tsunade, Hokage-sama—and Kushina."
She drew in a trembling breath.
"I want to stay in Konoha."
Beside her, Naoto silently nodded.
A relieved smile appeared on Hiruzen's face.
"Good. Very good. Tsunade, I'll entrust their settlement to you and Kushina. Make certain they experience the warmth that Konoha owes them."
"Leave it to us," Tsunade replied.
With the Uzumaki's future settled, Hiruzen turned toward Minato and Ren.
"Minato, Ren—your contribution during this mission was considerable. Ren, in particular, performed far beyond our original expectations."
Ren remained calm, but his attention sharpened.
"The Jōnin Council has reviewed your nomination," Hiruzen continued. "Your promotion to Special Jōnin was approved unanimously."
Ren had officially crossed another threshold.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen studied him for a moment before asking, "There is also the matter of the advanced ninjutsu reward I offered you. Have you decided what you wish to learn?"
Ren had already considered the question carefully.
The Flying Thunder God Technique would provide the greatest immediate increase to his strength, but Minato had already promised to teach it to him. More importantly, the system had classified it as a limited skin belonging to the Summoning Technique. There was no reason to waste his reward by requesting it from Hiruzen.
The same reasoning applied to the Yin Seal.
Instead, Ren needed to choose techniques that matched both his existing abilities and Hiruzen's expertise.
The Third Hokage possessed several jutsu worth considering, including Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet and the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique. There were also the forbidden techniques recorded in the Scroll of Seals.
However, Ren was not particularly interested in the Impure World Reincarnation Technique. Its current version contained serious flaws, required living sacrifices, and could not restore the deceased to their full strength.
The Multiple Shadow Clone Technique was equally unsuitable. It was powerful, but only shinobi with enormous chakra reserves could use it freely.
If Ren wanted a forbidden technique, the Spirit Transformation Technique would be more attractive. Unfortunately, learning it would be equivalent to opening a sealed mystery box. Until it entered the system's target list and reached twenty-five favorability, he had no way of knowing what kind of trait or ability it would unlock.
After a moment of thought, Ren gave his answer.
"I would like to learn your Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet—and the Second Hokage's Water Release: Water Severing Wave."
Hiruzen's eyebrows rose.
"Two techniques? Both of them are B-rank or higher. Are you certain you can master them?"
"To be honest, Hokage-sama, I have considerable confidence in my talent for ninjutsu," Ren replied with a smile. "If you have doubts, you can test me personally."
The Water Severing Wave was most likely an advanced or legendary limited skin belonging to the Wild Water Wave Technique. Ren was less certain about the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet. Based on its nature and development, it might belong to the same evolutionary path as Flame Bullet or Great Flame Bullet.
Even if the system treated it as a completely independent technique, Ren was confident he could master it quickly.
The Fire Release affinity he had obtained through the Great Fireball Technique was not merely decorative. When it came to Fire Release, he deserved to be called a genius.
"Very well," Hiruzen said after a moment's consideration. "Come to the training ground this afternoon. Let us see whether your confidence is justified."
Later that day, Ren arrived early at Training Ground Three on the western side of Konoha.
He spent some time practising swordsmanship and Fire Release before sitting beneath a large tree at the edge of the field. The breeze was cool, but the earth around the centre of the training ground still carried scorch marks left behind by generations of Konoha shinobi.
Before long, two figures entered the field.
Hiruzen had finished his administrative duties and still wore his distinctive Hokage robes. A pipe rested between his fingers. Minato walked beside him, clearly interested in witnessing Ren's attempt.
Ren rose to his feet.
"Hokage-sama. Minato-sensei."
"No need for excessive formality," Hiruzen said. "You appear to have been waiting for some time. If you're ready, we'll begin with the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet."
Hiruzen walked to the centre of the training ground and faced a row of enormous stone pillars.
"Watch carefully. The hand seals are Rat, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, and Tiger."
His fingers moved in a smooth blur.
"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"
A deep roar shook the entire training ground.
Three enormous dragons of flame erupted from Hiruzen's mouth. Their blazing bodies twisted through the air from the left, centre, and right, surrounding the stone pillars from three separate directions.
The temperature rose violently.
Then all three dragons struck at once.
BOOM!
The explosion sent a scorching shock wave sweeping across the field. Dust, flames, and shattered stone surged toward the sky. Even from a considerable distance, Ren felt the heat lash against his face like the breath of a furnace.
The flames continued burning for nearly ten seconds before gradually fading.
When the smoke finally cleared, the entire row of stone pillars was gone.
Only a blackened crater remained, surrounded by molten fragments and the pungent scent of scorched earth.
Ren's eyes narrowed with genuine admiration.
The Fire Dragon Flame Bullet and Great Dragon Fire Technique were both classified as B-rank ninjutsu, but their purposes were very different. Great Dragon Fire focused its destructive power into a direct attack, while Fire Dragon Flame Bullet created continuous, wide-ranging suppression through three independently controlled streams of fire.
And in the hands of Hiruzen Sarutobi—a true master of all five chakra natures—its power was terrifying.
"Did you understand it?" Hiruzen asked, slowly exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"The technique depends on two things: the instantaneous eruption of chakra and precise shape transformation. If the balance fails, the three dragons will collapse into ordinary flames. Maintain it correctly, and each dragon will continue striking and burning even after the initial impact."
He gestured toward the ruined field.
"Now, try it."
Ren nodded and stepped forward.
At that moment, a familiar translucent message appeared before his eyes.
[Ding! Giftable item detected.]
[Limited Skin Fragment—Flame Bullet/Dragon Fire Technique: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!]
Ren's gaze flickered.
So merely observing a technique without obtaining its scroll caused the system to classify it as a fragment?
Then what would happen if he received the complete technique directly? Would it conflict with the system's skin-gifting function, or would it behave like the Nerve Activation Technique and allow him to assemble the ability through multiple fragments?
Questions flashed through his mind, but he did not act immediately.
This was the perfect opportunity to determine how far his natural talent had developed without relying on the system.
Ren closed his eyes and replayed Hiruzen's demonstration in his mind—the chakra eruption, the division into three streams, and the intricate shape transformation that gave each mass of fire the form and momentum of a dragon.
Then his eyes opened.
His fingers moved through the hand seals.
Rat.
Ram.
Monkey.
Boar.
Horse.
Tiger.
Hiruzen watched calmly, while Minato's eyes sharpened with interest.
Ren drew in a deep breath. Chakra surged through his pathways and gathered within his chest, hotter and denser with every passing instant.
The air around him began to distort.
"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"
A thunderous roar erupted from Ren's throat—and three blazing shapes began to tear their way into the world.
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