Naruto: Dimensional Fraud

Three days later in the afternoon, at the entrance of Konoha, Hatake Sakumo issued the command to disperse, and the other four ninjas who had accompanied Ming and his friends to Konoha departed at once, leaving only him to escort Ming and his companions to the Hokage Building for their debriefing.

"Everyone, stay close behind me. We'll be meeting the Hokage shortly. Don't be too anxious; he is very approachable," Hatake Sakumo encouraged, then guided the five toward Hokage Rock.

"Ah, look at those people with red hair!"

"What an unusual hair color…"

"Master White Fang, have you returned from your mission?"

"Yes, but I will be occupied again after I report to the Hokage."

Hatake Sakumo smiled amiably, but Ming had other thoughts. Given the ongoing war, it was surprising that they had a high-ranking ninja-like Hatake Sakumo escorting them back. It seemed that Uzumaki Mito's health was truly deteriorating.

"Mr. White Fang, it's a pleasure to see you again."

Ming remarked as he walked alongside Hatake Sakumo. Among the five, he was the only one who appeared composed.

"Oh, thank you. Alright, we've arrived," Hatake Sakumo stated as he looked up. Ming followed his gaze and saw a tall building adorned with a massive 'fire' symbol. It was the tallest structure in Konoha, signifying the Hokage's supreme authority in the village.

Ming held no interest in the Hokage's position whatsoever. What he desired more was the kind of absolute power wielded by Senju Hashirama or Uchiha Madara, far surpassing the precarious role of Hokage, which was subordinate to a daimyo above and an advisor below.

"Who goes there… Lord Sakumo!?"

Initially, the two guard ninjas exuded arrogance, but upon spotting Hatake Sakumo, they instantly bowed their heads in respect.

"Indeed!"

Hatake Sakumo acknowledged them with a nod, and as he entered the Hokage building, he took the opportunity to give Ming and the others a brief introduction to Konoha.

To Kushina and the others, this seemed like a casual comment from Hatake Sakumo, but Ming understood that it was meant to help the future Nine-Tails Jinchuriki feel a greater sense of belonging to Konoha.

Upon entering the office, a middle-aged man in his forties came into view. His desk was cluttered with documents, which he was reviewing meticulously. Upon noticing Hatake Sakumo and Ming's group behind him, his expression shifted to surprise, and he set down his pen with a smile: "Sakumo, you've returned."

"Sander."

Hatake Sakumo bowed slightly, stepped aside, and introduced the group to Sarutobi Hiruzen, saying, "These are the five exchange students personally chosen by Lord Mito and Elder Uzumaki."

Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction. Although his gaze was gentle, it retained a sharp edge. Anyone capable of becoming Hokage was not to be underestimated.

"I am Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime Hokage, and I will be looking after you from now on. Children, please introduce yourselves," he said kindly, standing up from his seat and moving closer to them.

"Uzumaki Akira."

Akira stated his name succinctly. Kushina, hiding behind Akira, spoke up timidly to provide her name.

Following suit, Uzumaki Ryuko and the other two introduced themselves in sequence, a hint of admiration evident in their expressions. They regarded the title of "shadow" as belonging to one of the five most prominent figures in the ninja world.

"You've been enrolled in the ninja school. Classes will commence the day after tomorrow, and teachers will guide you then."

Upon hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's announcement, Uzumaki Ryuko and the others frowned and couldn't help but query, "Hokage-sama, I've already graduated from school. Why must I still attend ninja school?"

In truth, aside from Uzumaki Ryuka, who was a year younger, Akira, Kushina, and the other three had all graduated from the ninja school in Uzushio Village. So, Sarutobi Hiruzen's instruction for them to go back to school certainly surprised them.

"We are currently in a state of war, and there won't be any additional missions. Enrolling you in school is intended to help you integrate better into Konoha," Sarutobi Hiruzen explained with a smile.

"Alright, your accommodations have been arranged, and you will receive a monthly stipend. Other ninjas will escort you there."

As he spoke, several ordinary-looking ninjas entered through the door, and Sarutobi Hiruzen instructed: "Please take them to their accommodations."

"Understood!"