Leaving the Capital

During the reconstruction, Uchiha Shinya reappeared outside the temporary Dwelling of the Biwa Hōshi.

His left shoulder was still wrapped in thick bandages and slung across his chest with a triangular scarf. His face was still somewhat pale, but his eyes were Seimei and resolute.

He made a judgment.

Now is the perfect time to reveal our identities and be completely honest with each other.

The mission of infiltration and incitement has ended, and Konoha's image has been reversed. Continuing to conceal the truth may only create future problems.

Facing the Biwa Hōshi with their complex emotions, Shinya bowed deeply and confessed his identity as Uchiha Ninja, as well as his initial purpose in approaching them.

In order to generate buzz and guide public opinion in advance of Lord Izuna's performance.

He said sincerely, "I am truly sorry for deceiving you all and for taking advantage of your expertise and influence. Whatever your thoughts, I am willing to accept them."

To his surprise, the anger, blame, or alienation he had anticipated did not come immediately.

After a brief silence, the eldest Biwa Hōshi sighed, stepped forward, Shinya's uninjured right shoulder. "Get up, child. In the end, aren't we all blinded by our own arrogance and prejudice, prejudicially inclined to question and suppress?"

Another musician chimed in, his tone a mix of self-deprecation and resignation. "Your Biwa playing is truly excellent, quite melodious. Putting everything else aside, in terms of skill alone, you're qualified to sit down and discuss matters with us."

"Yes," someone else nodded, "And... what your Lord Izuna has planned, schemed, and demonstrated has long surpassed the mere rivalry between musicians. We... are utterly convinced of our defeat."

The older musician looked at the Shinya and said earnestly, "We accept your apology. Let's let this matter rest. If you wish to discuss music again in the future, you are welcome to do so at any time. After all, skill itself is not to be blamed; progress comes from exchange."

They also inquired about Shinya's injuries and the condition of the Senju clansman who had attacked and been controlled.

Senju Hideki, who is under control, is currently suffering under strict isolation and observation.

A clean but empty Quiet Room, with Sealing Squad and medical teams taking turns guarding the outside, and Barrier set up inside to monitor and suppress abnormal Chakra.

There was no abuse; food and shelter were provided for all needs; there were even books to keep her entertained.

However, Hideki himself fell into a state of extreme self-loathing and regret.

He sat cross-legged on the tatami mat, head down, fists clenched so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh.

"Too weak... I'm so weak!" He kept muttering to himself, his voice hoarse. "I was actually taken advantage of by that... that disgusting thing, it controlled my body and almost killed someone... I've disgraced the Senju Clan! What right do I have to be Ninja!"

When Hideki learned that his target was Uchiha Shinya, and that Shinya had remained in hiding and had not used his Ninja powers to retaliate despite being seriously injured, Hideki's frustration reached its peak.

Therefore, after the medical team confirmed that there were no more abnormalities in his body and that his mental state was basically stable, Hideki took the initiative to ask to see Shinya one last time.

The two met in an isolation room, and the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.

Hideki's face, which always carried a hint of recklessness and pride, was now filled with awkwardness and frustration.

His eyes darted around, avoiding direct eye contact with Shinya. His lips trembled for a long time before he finally managed to squeeze out a few words:

"Hey... Uchiha... um... I'm sorry. Although I was controlled, it was my hand that did the dirty work... I almost killed you, that's a fact. I... I admit it. Hit me, yell at me, I won't fight back!"

These words were dry and carried the Senju's habitual barbs towards the Uchiha, but the apology within them was genuine.

Xin leaned against the wall, clutching his injured shoulder, and raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

Although I understand that the other person was being controlled, it's impossible not to feel resentful after being hit so hard for no reason.

So he twitched the corners of his mouth, revealing an expression that was three parts mockery, three parts indifference, and four parts "I'm very magnanimous."

"Oh? Senju apology? How rare. But never mind, since you're also a victim, I'll let it slide this time. After all, someone who can't even protect their own body is quite pathetic."

"What did you say?!" Hideki was instantly stunned, his face turning bright red. "You Uchiha, say that again! Who's pitiful?! If you're so capable, let's fight one-on-one once you're healed! I'll see..."

"A one-on-one fight? With your possessed body?" Shinya interrupted coolly, glancing at Hideki. "Who knows if there's anything strange left? I wouldn't dare."

"You! You bastard Uchiha! Don't look down on me! I've been checked eight hundred times already!"

"Oh, you checked it. Then how come you didn't detect it back then? Or is it that the Senju's senses are just that weak?"

"You--!"

The two exchanged barbs, their words clashing like oil and water, quickly escalating from an exchange of apologies and acceptance of apologies into a pointless exchange of sarcasm.

The onlooking Ninja guards initially tried to mediate, but later realized that the two were just arguing and had no real intention of fighting, so they stopped interfering. Some even secretly took out sunflower seeds.

"Same recipe, same taste."

"It seems Hideki is alright; he's full of energy."

"Shinya's got a sharp tongue, I never knew that about him."

"Alright, alright, let them argue. It's better than keeping it to themselves."

The three days flew by amidst the busy reconstruction efforts and a few minor internal "friction".

The damaged neighborhood has been completely transformed. New wooden houses stand in neat rows, and the streets are now paved.

The Ninjas not only repaired the damaged parts, but also reinforced the foundation, cleared the drainage, and planted several rows of easy-to-grow saplings that could provide shade.

Izuna woke up just before they were about to leave. Although Madara and Hashirama had many questions they wanted to ask, they decided to wait until they got home.

The time to leave has come.

The Konoha team packed their belongings and gathered at the plaza near the city gate at dawn, preparing to set off back to their village deep in the forest.

However, they never expected that a battle even more difficult than the performance and the rebuilding of the streets was waiting for them ahead.

Whether it was someone who leaked the news or it was simply a spontaneous organization by the people, when the Konoha troops appeared near the city gate, there was already a large, dark crowd waiting there!

Upon seeing the Ninja team appear, the crowd erupted in a tremendous roar!

"Have a safe journey, everyone in Konoha!"

"Thank you! Thank you for helping us rebuild our homes!"

"Thank you for your hard work Ninjas!"

You must come again when you have time!

Shouting out thanks is within the normal range.

Many people carried baskets filled with freshly steamed buns, Rice Balls, pickled vegetables, fruit, and even whole roasted chickens, eagerly trying to give them to the passing Ninjas.

"This is just a small token of my appreciation! Please accept it!"

"Eat on the road! There'll be more if you're still hungry!"

"This is a local specialty from my hometown, please try it!"

The attempt to offer gifts left the Ninjas, who were not used to receiving them, somewhat bewildered, but at least they could understand.

But!

When someone tries to hand over their shop sign, an heirloom vase, or even an old lady trying to shove her own laying hen over, things start to go wrong!

"Sir! Please take this! Hang it at the Konoha so everyone knows about our Kyoto shop!"

"This vase was passed down from my great-great-grandfather! It's a gift for the bravest Ninja!"

"This chicken is so fat! It even lays eggs! I'll give it to you to help you recover!"

Even more outrageous, some bold young girls and a few young boys, taking advantage of the chaos, blushed and rushed into the arms of handsome young men and gentle girls, or stuffed handkerchiefs and sachets into their hands!

"Please, please accept this!"

"My lord! I will always remember you!"

"Please take me with you! I'm an expert at all housework!"

In an instant, the situation completely spiraled out of control!

Where had the Ninjas ever seen anything like this?

The elites who remain calm and decisive on the battlefield are now being besieged and humiliated by the passionate civilians.

They dared not push too hard, for fear of hurting someone.

They could only awkwardly dodge various thrown objects and unwanted advances, frantically accept or politely decline gifts, and try their best to maintain order and prevent a stampede.

"Wait, wait a minute! We can't accept this!"

"Auntie! You can keep the chicken for yourself! Really!"

"Girl, please have some self-respect! Hey, don't grab my leg!"

"Watch out! Don't push! Children! Keep an eye on the children!"

"My cloak! Who tore my cloak?!"

Hashirama was surrounded by several older women, their hands stuffed with various snacks, his face a mixture of helplessness and gratitude.

Ban exuded a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay, attempting to scare away anyone who approached with his gaze, but to little avail.

After all, even though his bangs were too heavy, he was still too conspicuous. The half-covering only attracted more attention, which frightened the Uchiha clan members beside him into desperately shielding him from attacks.

Nara Shikahiko had already cleverly hidden himself in the middle of the group towards the back. Looking at the chaos before him, he rubbed his temples in exasperation.

The Akimichi Clan welcomed all the food without hesitation, happily accepting the various offerings, but soon their arms were overflowing.

Hinata Rei was relatively peaceful, since she had lost a leg and no one wanted to cause her any trouble.

But Daimyo's Wife alone is difficult enough to deal with.

This farewell is even more exhausting than being attacked by the enemy or surrounded! At least in war, you know how to deal with it, but now, you can't fight back, you can't curse, and you can't even hide!

Just as the chaos reached its peak, the Daimyo's Procession arrived.

The crowd parted slightly to create a passage.

The young Daimyo strode down from the oxcart, his eyes slightly red.

Completely disregarding his manners, he rushed over to Izuna, who was surrounded by a group of people.

The Daimyo grabbed Izuna's hand tightly, his eyes filled with sorrow and longing, his voice trembling with a sob.

"Izuna! Are you leaving already? Kyoto... the Land of Fire will always welcome you! Especially you, Izuna! Please take care of yourself! When... when will you come again? I still have so many things I want to ask you, so many things I want to say to you..."

Her tone and expression were just like those of a widow longing for her husband's departure.

Hashirama: "."

Spot. "..."

Madara's temple veins throbbed, Sharingan was practically about to pop out. This guy... what nonsense is he spouting while grabbing my brother's hand?!

Seeing Hashirama, Hashirama quickly squeezed through the crowd, grabbed Madara's shoulder, and whispered urgently, "Madara! Madara! Calm down! This is the Daimyo! The Daimyo! He's probably too excited! Calm down!"

Izuna was so taken Daimyo by the daimyo's sudden display of affection that he got goosebumps all over, but he still had to maintain an awkward yet polite smile as he tried to pull his hand away.

"Daimyo, you are too kind. Now that Konoha and the Land of Fire have made an agreement, there will inevitably be frequent exchanges in the future. I... uh, I will definitely visit again when I have the chance."

After finally calming the grieving Daimyo and enduring nearly half an hour of "arduous fighting," the Konoha troops finally broke through the encirclement, squeezed out of the city gate in a disheveled state, and embarked on the official road back.

Only after they had completely left the Capital and could no longer see the throngs of people and the towering city walls behind them did everyone breathe a long sigh of relief.

Many people collapsed onto the roadside, completely losing their composure.

"My God... it's finally out..."

"It's even more tiring than fighting those barbarians from the Land of Lightning..."

My clothes... are torn...

"I received seventeen sachets, eight handkerchiefs, and two large radishes that someone somehow slipped into my bag..."

"Be content, I almost had my Forehead Protector ripped off by an old lady as a souvenir..."

Hashirama wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead, still shaken. "Is everyone... alright? The gifts... oh well, I guess I'll just accept them."

Izuna, standing nearby, asked with concern, "Izuna, are you alright?"

"It's alright, Madara-nii." Izuna smiled.

Just now, he sensed something was wrong when he saw a group of people standing on both sides of the road from afar. He cleverly slipped into the only sedan chair and hid there the whole time until the Daimyo arrived.

He knew all too well how "terrifying" the goodwill of the masses could be.

However, what he feared most was not the crowd, but how to face Madara and Hashirama next.