Warm spring sunlight poured down from above. Lush green thickets lined both sides of the brown dirt road, while towering dark-brown wooden walls encircled all of Konoha.
The words "Konoha" were painted in dark red across the deep green gates.
The grayish-white stone plaque above bore the inscription "Konoha Village."
Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane's expressions revealed the turmoil in their hearts.
After all, the three people standing at Konoha's gates were at the center of countless rumors among the village's ninja lately. Neither of them dared make any rash moves.
One was Lord Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Three Ninja. Another was Naruto Uzumaki, the Fourth Hokage's son, who had only recently become known to everyone. The last was someone they dared not offend in the slightest—the current vice clan head of the Uchiha.
Although news of the Third Hokage being forced from office had yet to be announced to the public, the matter concerned Konoha's reputation and had to be handled with care.
However, every ninja ranked Special Jonin or above in the village knew the truth. The source of it all could be traced back to the young man before them, who looked harmless and wore a warm, gentle smile—Senya Uchiha.
Jiraiya arrived late with Naruto, jogging quickly over to Senya.
There was a hint of apology on his face, but he could not hide his joy.
"Haha, I took Naruto to Konoha Hospital to pick up some medicine, so we got delayed. Senya, let's hurry up and set out to find Tsunade."
"The village is still waiting for Tsunade to return and become the Fifth Hokage."
Senya looked at Naruto, whose body was still wrapped in bandages. His expression grew grave, and his brows drew together.
"Naruto, what happened...?"
Jiraiya quickly pulled Senya aside. Clearly, he