If there had been any doubt remaining about who was whom, the stories confirmed it; the version of events from Kushina was half as long and twice as succinct as anything she'd ever said, and Gaara's voice came out of his body sounding like it was reluctant to be used as much as it had been. But more concerning than the switch -- as concerning as it was, because among other things, Minato was sincerely hoping to not be married to the Kazekage's youngest child -- was the fact that someone had managed to get the jump on two dangerous shinobi.

The last piece of Kushina's story had him lifting a hand to cover one of those fists on instinct, a habitual calming gesture.

"The greater concern right now is whether there is any additional damage," he said. "I expect you've told Obito-kun what's going on, or will soon?"