Chapter 88 : Aftermaths!
Kazuhiko and his group left, and Danzo also left, preoccupied with something important.
This left Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu with the daunting task of directing the crowd to manage the aftermath. The impact of this duel was tremendous, and the Hokage Building's foundation had suffered extensive damage.
The previously solid ground surrounding the Hokage Building resembled lumps of tofu, riddled with holes and broken mud.
The Hokage Building, symbolizing Konoha, and housing various high-ranking offices, needed swift restoration. The Hokage Building, although Kazuhiko's duel with Sarutobi Hiruzen had occurred at a distance, still bore the consequences.
Scorch marks and damage marred the building's first and second floors, with the final explosion shattering all its glass windows. Urgent repairs were essential to prevent embarrassment when other ninja from rival countries heard of the situation.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, on the other hand, focused on reassuring the ninja who came to inquire from various clans. In the midst of the deafening noise, the commotion had reached all the neighboring clans, especially with the incident taking place near the Hokage Building.
Many clans, including the Uchiha, Hyuga, Senju, Sarutobi, Nara, Akamichi, and others, sent representatives to seek answers.
While it was impossible to conceal the scale of the event, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu did their best to downplay the severity of the Hokage's defeat.
They explained to the arriving ninja that it was the aftermath of a large-scale ninjutsu released during a competition.
The visiting ninja, upon inspecting the damaged ground, typically replied with a skeptical "I understand..." before departing with curious expressions.
The manner in which they relayed the information to their respective clans was out of their hands.
Afterward, the local residents, having heard the same explanation from various sources, believed they had grasped the situation and promptly reported to their clan leaders and elders.
Konoha, which had been in a state of calm, was once again abuzz with discussion as the clans convened overnight to deliberate on the Uzumaki clan's impact.
Terms like "Uzumaki Clan," "Kazuhiko," "Clan Head," "Hokage-sama Injured," "Competition," "Kage-level Powerhouse," and "Genius" dominated the conversations.
If Konoha had a trending topic list, these terms would have occupied the top spots that night.
Unbeknownst to Kazuhiko and his group, the clans had held a meeting to discuss the Uzumaki clan's role in Konoha.
The Uzumaki clan had already left a deep impression on Konoha, and the clan leaders instructed their members to treat the Uzumaki clan with respect and avoid unnecessary conflicts in the future.
Kazuhiko and his group, oblivious to these developments, returned to the Senju clan. They happily shared their success with the other Uzumaki clan members and the ninja from the Land of Whirlpools who had accompanied them.
After their joyful gathering, they dispersed, with Kazuhiko heading to Tsunade's small courtyard. Upon entering, he realized that Tsunade was not there, as she had gone to tend to the Third Hokage.
Kazuhiko retrieved some remaining sake and rice balls, sitting in the courtyard while watching Sakura petals fall. The sky darkened, the moon shining brightly, and the courtyard basked in its gentle light.
However, Tsunade did not return, likely staying at the medical facility to monitor Third Hokage's condition.
Alone in the courtyard, Kazuhiko began to consume the sake and finished the rice balls. As he watched the Sakura petals drift down, a sense of regret washed over him, wishing he had handled things differently.
He activated his Observation Haki and noticed that there were no observers at that moment. They were all likely by the Third Hokage's side. Kazuhiko felt content in the solitude, tidied up, and returned to his quarters.
Before retiring for the night, he reflected on the day, pleased that he had managed to regain the islands he desired.
As Kazuhiko slumbered in the courtyard, Tsunade also contemplated returning to the courtyard to rest. She gazed at the moon, reminiscing about the moments spent with Kazuhiko in the moonlight, sharing sake and watching Sakura petals fall.
However, her responsibilities lay with Third Hokage, and she had heard that Kazuhiko was the one who treated his injuries. This fact astonished her; not the injury itself, but that such a young individual possessed such a formidable and terrifying power.
Tsunade couldn't help but think of Kazuhiko, a handsome young man who typically carried a sword but never used it.
She wondered how such a powerful figure could maintain a calm and friendly demeanor. Tsunade questioned which was the real Kazuhiko – the powerful warrior or the affable companion.
Moreover, she couldn't help but contemplate the wound, which only a skilled medical ninja like herself could understand fully.
Even after splitting her teacher's indestructible "Adamantine Staff," the remaining power was astounding. The contrast between Kazuhiko's youthful appearance and this tremendous strength left Tsunade in disbelief.
As she pondered, she mused aloud, "Kazuhiko, who are you, truly?" Staring at the moonlight outside, she fell into deep contemplation.
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