"Big Brother Naruto, did you find any clues related to Mukade?" Obito asked.
Although he had many questions in his heart, it didn't seem appropriate to ask them all at once. Obito felt it would be better to inquire alone.
Currently known is that Uzumaki Naruto and Yamato know Kakashi and Might Guy, but they don't know Mokgetsu, himself, or Nohara Rin. Asuma might know, but it's uncertain since he didn't answer.
"We searched many places and asked some people, but found nothing. Is it possible that Mukade didn't cross over? That would put Sakura and Sai in danger." As Naruto spoke, a look of concern flashed across his face.
Yamato also looked quite serious; things were somewhat beyond his expectations.
"This place isn't very convenient; let's go to a room to discuss." Mokgetsu suggested.
Although there wasn't anyone around now, it was still worth being cautious.
Kakashi and Yamato both nodded, and soon everyone headed to Mokgetsu's room.
"While we were investigating An Lushan today, we also kept an eye out for Mukade's affairs. Not only did we not find anyone resembling him, but the name Mukade hasn't even appeared in Loulan." Obito said, sitting cross-legged.
To make finding him easier, Yamato had given them a picture of Mukade, so they were diligently keeping an eye out during their missions to help Naruto.
Nohara Rin poured a cup of water for each person and placed it before them.
"Same as our findings." Yamato said, taking the teacup in gratitude.
"I asked many residents around where we crossed over, but apart from Naruto, no one seemed suspicious that day."
Yamato had used Transformation Jutsu for the investigation. He wasn't surprised Naruto was deemed suspicious; given Uzumaki Naruto's personality, he would definitely inquire everywhere right after crossing over.
But when he pretended to be offering a reward for finding relatives while holding Mukade's picture, he also received negative answers, leading Yamato to feel uneasy.
This meant that Mukade possibly hadn't crossed time and remained in the original timeline, and it also meant that neither Sakura nor Sai had crossed over and would have to face Mukade, who had absorbed the Dragon Vein Power. It also implied that returning would be difficult.
Having heard Yamato's information, Kakashi frowned. The absence of suspicious individuals wasn't that concerning. If the enemy was a cautious ninja, he wouldn't easily stand out in a crowd.
If even the picture received negative responses, only two possibilities remained: one, Mukade was lucky and appeared when no one saw him, then quickly used Transformation Jutsu to hide his traces.
The second possibility was more alarming, that Naruto and Yamato alone had time-traveled, and Mukade hadn't come.
"Damn it, it's clearly the anomaly he caused, so why is it only me and Captain Yamato who traveled through time?" Thinking about his teammates possibly being in danger made Naruto anxious.
"Since Mukade will eventually appear, can't we just wait in Loulan until he does and then take him down?" Obito suddenly thought of a good plan.
Naruto looked at Obito with wide eyes and realized it made some sense, although he didn't know how long it would take.
"That won't work. Naruto and Yamato came from the future, which means there'd be another Uzumaki Naruto and Yamato in our world if they keep waiting indefinitely. How would they get along then?" Kakashi shook his head.
Obito's plan was too idealistic, and having two people from the future stay in the present could have unpredictable effects on history, leaving whether they'd reach the original future uncertain, let alone ambushing Mukade.
Obito thought it over and realized Kakashi made a good point; if there were two of him, would he have to compete with himself?
"We can't stay here too long; it's irresponsible to the Ninja World and history." Yamato agreed heavily.
The fact that Kakashi realized this was a surprise to Yamato. Despite being young, that Kakashi was, after all, Kakashi Senpai, always reliable at crucial moments.
"You needn't worry; Mukade definitely crossed over." Mokgetsu assured.
Yamato looked at Mokgetsu. Although he now knew Mokgetsu wasn't the Fourth Hokage, Mokgetsu's demeanor left no doubt he was a reliable ninja, not one to speak without basis.
"According to your descriptions, Mukade swallowed the Fourth Hokage's seal, causing the Dragon Vein Power to rampage, and eventually, you all crossed time. So..." Mokgetsu began to teach with his extensive expertise in Ninjutsu.
To convince everyone, he even used knowledge of the Flying Thunder God. Everyone was bewildered, though they couldn't fully grasp it, they sensed the complexity.
"Therefore, Mukade certainly crossed time like you did. The current situation might mean Mukade got here earlier than you, maybe by weeks, months, or even years." Mokgetsu concluded.
"In that case, won't it be even harder to find him? The Ninja World is vast; who knows where he went." Naruto fretted, scratching his head.
Mokgetsu's lengthy and profound explanation gave an impression of mysterious wisdom, and with Mokgetsu's friendly demeanor, Uzumaki Naruto found himself believing Mokgetsu's reasoning.