Hatake Sakumo ordered some people to stay behind and investigate. After the scene was cleared, he took the rest of the group to accompany Kana and the others on their journey.
Once they reached the area under Hatake Sakumo's jurisdiction, Kana could be considered safe. The enemy had failed to attack successfully before, and it would be even more impossible here.
Hatake Sakumo could not leave his post. He bid farewell to Kana and the others, wishing them a trouble-free journey ahead, and watched them depart.
Indeed, Kana and the others did not encounter any more attacks. The previous incident was likely the extent of what the enemy could do at the moment, unless they truly chose to break ties and openly display their chakra samurai to everyone, which would then be truly dangerous.
Fortunately, Obito did not seem to intend to break ties at this time, perhaps because his injuries had not yet healed. If Obito was indeed the one who attacked Asuna, then even if it was unknown how he survived, he must have been severely wounded.
Everyone's guess was correct. The current Obito appeared normally in the Daimyo's mansion in the capital, but his injuries had not yet healed. Although he escaped death by relying on the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan, he was still severely wounded by Sage Art. The soul substitute could only be used to create a teleportation similar to the Flying Thunder God Technique, not to transfer damage.
During this time, Obito had been recuperating in the capital. If it weren't for his special physique, he might have needed even more time to recover.
Before Obito's injuries fully healed, he could not afford to break ties with the Hidden Leaf Village. Such an action by someone in poor physical condition would undoubtedly be very dangerous.
When the Hidden Leaf Village appeared in sight, Hyuga Kei, who was driving the carriage, let out a slight sigh of relief and turned to Kana inside the carriage, saying, "It wasn't as dangerous as we thought."
"Ah, we didn't even need to use the backup plan we prepared," Kana said, looking at an item beside her. A piece of luggage that had been there had disappeared. That wasn't real luggage, but rather an altered shadow clone of Asuna, intended to help out if the other guards couldn't manage.
However, because the enemy's attack didn't require Kana to go that far, Asuna's shadow clone appeared and bid farewell when they were almost at the Hidden Leaf Village.
"This shows that the enemy isn't that strong. If it weren't for the Daimyo backing them, such guys would have been dealt with long ago." Hyuga Kei didn't know some of the inside information, but what he said was indeed true. Obito himself was not much in Fumori masaki's eyes; the real trouble was just finding Black Zetsu and the Daimyo's side.
"Will the village have a direct confrontation with the Daimyo in the future?" Kana asked.
"Perhaps. That's not something we can decide. Besides, isn't it the Daimyo's side that's causing trouble first? The village has been benevolent and righteous towards their family, yet they indulge a guy like Obito and let innocent lords lose their lives. Such a Daimyo really shouldn't be in that position," Hyuga Kei replied unceremoniously.
Kana smiled helplessly. The current Daimyo was indeed not a wise ruler. Even Princess Chiyo, his own sister, believed her brother was narrow-minded and had apologized to Kana more than once. But even as the country's eldest princess, she couldn't dictate the monarch's decisions.
Although some countries in the ninja world did have female rulers, they were mostly small nations. Powerful countries like the Five Great Nations had never had strong female political figures. Although Princess Chiyo enjoyed a high reputation alongside Kana due to the revival of the Shinobi Sect, she still couldn't intervene in court affairs.
As the daughter of Hashirama Senju, Kana also held a high position in the Hidden Leaf Village. She was immediately welcomed in and then arranged to meet with Fumori masaki.
Fumori masaki already knew about Kana being attacked. He looked Kana up and down, then let out a sigh of relief, saying, "It's a good thing nothing happened. That's truly wonderful, Miss Kana."
"Thanks to the protection of the people Mr. Furomori arranged, and Asuna also helped, though it didn't come to the point where she needed to step in," Kana replied with a smile.
Many years had passed, and both of them were no longer young, but their way of speaking remained as courteous as ever. This was a special unspoken understanding unique to the two of them.
"Miss Kana wasn't startled, was she?" Hearing about his daughter's prepared backup, Fumori masaki nodded slightly, then asked.
"No, my heart isn't that fragile," Kana chuckled. "When I was little, I also saw some chaotic situations. Things have gotten better and better these past years, thanks to Mr. Furomori."
"I'm just one of them. The current situation also owes credit to others," Fumori masaki dared not take all the credit. If it were just him alone, it would be impossible to bring about the current situation. Those who sacrificed themselves silently, and those who are still contributing to the village now, they are the cornerstones.
Heroes only serve as guides, while the vast majority of others create historical situations.
"Mr. Furomori, will there be a major upheaval in the country next?" Kana asked.
"Possibly." Although he said "possibly," Kana could discern the true meaning from Fumori masaki's expression and couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.
"To think it would come to this," she murmured to herself.
"This was bound to happen sooner or later. The era is progressing, and the village is taking on the responsibility of moving forward in this trend. But the Daimyo's side refuses to acknowledge this and tries every means to obstruct it. Conflict is inevitable," Fumori masaki said. "Even without Obito provoking it, such a situation would still arise; it would just happen later."
"Is there no way to salvage it?"
"There's no way, unless one side chooses to surrender. You know the village can't surrender; that would make all the efforts so far meaningless and would revert the domestic situation to how it was in the past."
"If I had to choose, I would, of course, choose the order established by the village. The old Land of Fire, or rather, the Daimyo and his people, their order is not to my liking." Kana took a deep breath and bowed to Fumori masaki, "I just hope Mr. Furomori can keep the losses to a minimum, not cause great destruction to the country, and not give others an opportunity to exploit."
"Don't worry, Miss Kana, I've already considered that," Fumori masaki said gently. "Miss Kana, you must be tired from your journey. It's time for a good rest."
"Mm, it's been a while since I've seen Sister Satomi. You don't mind if I drop by and bother her, do you?" Kana asked.
"Not at all, not at all."