Not only Uchiha Yato heard the Anbu's testimony.
The same words were also heard by other members of the Hidden Leaf exchange group, making them aware that something must have happened within the Senju Clan Grounds—though it had nothing to do with them.
After a brief moment of thought, Hyūga Hizashi said, "You go ahead first. I'll handle the mission handover and the rest. Don't rush."
Uchiha Yato, upon hearing the words, was also pondering what could possibly be happening at the Senju Clan Grounds. The only person he could think of was Uzumaki Mito.
Of course, Uchiha Yato hadn't lost his rationality so quickly as to act impulsively.
First, he needed to arrange everyone's affairs before rushing to the Senju Clan Grounds.
As he hurried there, his mind raced through possible scenarios.
After turning it over in his head, he couldn't think of anyone in this era who would dare to target the Leaf Village's Mother of the Nation.
Of course, in the original timeline, Uzumaki Mito should have already passed away by now.
Uchiha Yato decided to stop overthinking—whatever the situation was, he would deal with it when he arrived.
...
Inside the Senju Clan Grounds.
At this moment, the grounds were surrounded by layers of people waiting.
Just as Uchiha Yato had guessed.
In this place, there was only one person who could be the cause of trouble.
Tsunade was a figure with both strength and healing abilities.
Free from the Three Calamities and Six Sufferings, the likelihood of her being in trouble was extremely low.
The only one who might be in danger was the First Hokage's Wife, Uzumaki Mito, whose advanced age and the presence of the Nine-Tails within her would naturally make the Hidden Leaf Village's people anxious.
When Uchiha Yato arrived, the first to approach him was Jiraiya.
Seeing Jiraiya's approach, Uchiha Yato didn't avoid him—this was likely arranged by the Third Hokage.
After all, while the Hokage's direct lineage needed to oversee matters, they also needed someone with a good relationship with Uchiha Yato to bridge the conversation.
Tsunade was occupied with stabilizing Mito's condition, so she couldn't come—only Jiraiya had the status and ability for this role.
Jiraiya said, "Don't get agitated. You probably already have an idea of what's happened, right?"
Uchiha Yato replied tensely, "I can guess—it's about Lady Mito, isn't it?"
Hearing this, Jiraiya's expression turned sorrowful. "There's no helping it. The First Hokage's Wife is simply too old, and… well, there are some things that shouldn't be discussed here."
In such a public setting, Jiraiya had to be mindful of his words—some matters weren't suitable for civilian shinobi or non-core Hokage-affiliated ninja to know.
After listening, Uchiha Yato strode straight toward Uzumaki Mito's residence.
Among the notable Senju clansmen of the present, Uchiha Yato was undoubtedly one.
Whether by familial ties, personal strength, or status, he had every right to see Uzumaki Mito—even the Third Hokage couldn't stop him now.
Upon hearing of Uchiha Yato's arrival, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, received word.
Emerging from Uzumaki Mito's residence, he approached Uchiha Yato.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled gently and said, "Stay calm. Lady Mito is indeed very old."
"She's been waiting for your return, but she forbade us from sending you any messages."
"She said you hadn't had your fill of fun yet, and forcing you back earlier might have made you irritable."
As he spoke, Hiruzen deliberately softened his tone and words.There were two reasons for this. First, he hoped Uchiha Yato would fully take these words to heart, as Yato's temperament and habits weren't quite what outsiders believed them to be.
Second, Sarutobi Hiruzen still felt some envy toward Uchiha Yato. Both had been children blessed by Uzumaki Mito's kindness, yet Yato seemed to have received more favor.
However, Hiruzen didn't dwell on these feelings with much concern or jealousy. As a father himself now, he could understand such emotions.
Uchiha Yato nodded in acknowledgment.
Just as Yato was about to step into the residence, he suddenly turned and asked, "This matter shouldn't have anything to do with certain people in the village, should it?"
His words were blunt, barely stopping short of directly asking whether this was connected to their actions.
Hearing this, Hiruzen didn't take offense but answered seriously and cautiously, "We can basically rule that out."
"If someone did this, it would have to be from outside our village."
"If you're suspecting me, I would never commit such an act of betraying my teacher and ancestors."
Hiruzen had a clear understanding of Uchiha Yato's character.
Since Yato brought it up, Hiruzen felt it necessary to clarify things face-to-face.
Otherwise, it could easily arouse Yato's suspicions, which wouldn't be good for the entire Hidden Leaf Village.
Hearing Hiruzen's assurance, Yato showed a friendly smile.
Yato said, "This exchange trip did have some benefits. After this incident is resolved, I hope to give the Third Hokage a brief summary."
Hiruzen felt somewhat pleased upon hearing Yato's words.
Not just because of how Yato addressed him, but more because of the goodwill Yato expressed.
With that, Yato entered the residence directly.
In the past, Yato wouldn't have cared even if he made a mess upon entering.
But now, he moved quietly, careful not to disturb the patient.
Inside Uzumaki Mito's bedroom, three figures could be seen.
The one lying down was undoubtedly Uzumaki Mito.
The other two keeping watch were her granddaughter Tsunade and Uzumaki Kushina, who had been fostered here.
In the past, Yato's arrival would often make Kushina exclaim loudly, as he was known as the troublemaker most likely to cause a stir.
But now, everyone restrained themselves, knowing Mito needed peace and quiet.
Tsunade was the first to break the silence.
"We'll discuss the general matters later. Let me first explain about grandmother."
"About a month after you left, grandmother suddenly fell into this critical condition."
"Initial examinations suggest it wasn't caused by external interference."
Tsunade chose her words carefully here.
As the top medical ninja, she couldn't be certain whether there were unknown methods in this world that could weaken her grandmother.
Then, composing herself, Tsunade continued, "Grandmother said that when you returned, we must bring you to her bedside. She has something to tell you."Tsunade could completely understand these feelings.
Though it might not sound appropriate to say, Uchiha Yato held immense respect for Uzumaki Mito most of the time, even if he occasionally caused her some frustration.
Hearing sounds from the room, Uzumaki Mito opened her eyes.
Seeing the figure standing at the doorway, she felt a momentary daze.
With a smile, she said, "You're back!"
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