Harbingers

The students' time at the front lines was limited, after all, and the Rain Ninja would not stay quiet forever. As Konoha's efforts to eliminate spies progressed, the Rain Ninja began growing active again. They could not possibly let Konoha completely clean up its rear lines before putting all its strength into attacking Amegakure!

With the Rain Ninja unable to claim victory and Konoha deliberately using the conflict to train its forces, this war was destined not to end anytime soon.

"We're finally going back. I feel like I've been growing mold hiding out in the Land of Rain all this time." Otoha complained to Katsuki and Tenzan, though he made no effort to conceal his excitement at returning to the village. His face was practically glowing.

"Tch, what's so great about going back? Going back to classes at the Ninja Academy? Do you really think you can sit still now?" Katsuki narrowed his eyes at Otoha.

Otoha fell silent. Over the past month or so, they had gone on mission after mission, and the three of them had killed so many people their hands had nearly gone numb. How could they possibly sit still at the Ninja Academy? Just thinking about it felt unbearable, and his briefly lifted spirits instantly sank again.

Having grown used to such a thrilling life, how could they return to that dull routine? At least until they grew sick of it, it would be difficult to calm hearts that had tasted the flavor of killing.

"Once we're back, let's see if we can apply for early graduation. I definitely can't stay at the academy any longer."

Tenzan let out a long sigh, utterly dejected.

At the largest training ground in the main camp, where the ninjas being rotated out had gathered, groups of two and three stood scattered about in quiet conversation. Katsuki, Otoha, and Tenzan hung their heads, clearly reluctant to return to the village.

Just then, three more figures appeared at the edge of the training ground.

"Katsuki."

Kushina waved from afar and ran over excitedly. She threw her arms around Katsuki and vigorously rubbed his head, turning his crimson hair into a complete mess, like he had a bird's nest on his head.

"Sis, have mercy."

Katsuki promptly begged for mercy, and only then did Kushina reluctantly stop.

"Sis, how have you been lately?"

Katsuki combed through his hair with his fingers and grinned as he sidled up beside Kushina.

"Oh? Now you know to care about how your sister's been doing? You haven't come to see me once in over a month." Her murderous gaze fell upon him again.

Damn it, I buttered her up the wrong way.

Katsuki's eyelid twitched. He forced an aggrieved expression onto his face and immediately began protesting his innocence. "The higher-ups kept assigning us missions. Whenever I finally had some free time, my teacher would call me over for another lecture. I couldn't squeeze out any time at all."

"Is that so?"

Kushina eyed Katsuki sidelong. For some reason, that look of hers... did not seem as easy to fool as before.

Katsuki's heart skipped a beat, but he gritted his teeth and nodded.

"It's true. If you don't believe me, ask Otoha and Tenzan. We've practically run our legs off lately."

"All right, Kushina. Katsuki's telling the truth. Haven't we been taking missions nonstop too?" Minato interjected with a smile at just the right moment. Then... Kushina stopped looking at Katsuki with that terrifying stare, becoming so docile that his mouth fell open in an O.

Was this really the sister who always did whatever she wanted and worshipped violence?

When had she become so easy to talk to?

Katsuki's heart sank. He felt that something had happened without his knowledge, so he looked toward Minato with a probing gaze. In return, he received a gentle, jade-like smile.

"Is something wrong, Katsuki?"

"Nothing major. I was just curious when you and my sister became so close." Katsuki tested the waters.

"Who's close with him? Which eye of yours saw me getting along with that effeminate guy, huh?" Kushina narrowed her eyes. Her hand shot out like lightning, pinched Katsuki's cheek, and tugged hard... It felt like she was kneading dough.

"No, no, I was wrong, all right? I saw it wrong." Katsuki had always been quick to admit fault before his sister. It was practically an instinct carved into his bones.

Kushina kneaded his face twice more before finally letting go with reluctance.

Leaving aside the group's antics, once the leading jonin finished checking the roster, nearly a thousand rotated-out ninjas set off for home with several wounded among them.

"Katsuki, I think your sister's acting strange. Didn't she used to dislike Minato the most?" Otoha stood beside Katsuki, glancing at the two figures ahead who were standing a little too close together.

Katsuki clenched his teeth, his eyes gloomy. His emotions were too complicated to put into words, leaving him feeling unbearably irritated.

"We'll talk after we get back to the village."

Hundreds upon hundreds of battle-hardened killers pulled from the front lines traveled without obstruction. Anything foolish enough to approach them was chopped into a pile of minced flesh within three to five seconds. Several times, Katsuki drew his blade and had only leaped forward two steps before sheepishly slipping back. He cursed those seniors inwardly for being so inconsiderate. Were they really going to eat all the meat without even leaving anyone a sip of soup?

Konoha.

Compared to the early days of the war, security in the village had visibly relaxed. Yet in corners unnoticed by ordinary people, ANBU still patrolled, like hunting dogs sniffing out every suspicious scent.

The streets had regained their former prosperity, packed with people and brimming with noise and activity.

"Mito-sama, these are the records compiled by my three disciples."

Within a quiet room at the Senju Clan estate, Hiruzen respectfully presented a thick file bag, looking reverently at the elderly woman seated by the bed.

"I'll read them at my leisure, Hiruzen. You're the Hokage now, so there's no need to waste time here with me. Once I'm done reading, I'll send someone to fetch you." Mito held the rather weighty file bag and gently dismissed him. "Nawaki, see your Uncle Hiruzen out for me."

"Yes, Grandma."

The boy with the innocent smile answered respectfully, then withdrew alongside Hiruzen.

"Nawaki, how are your classes at the Ninja Academy going?" Hiruzen asked with concern as they walked along the corridor.

"They're all right. I'm not as smart as my sister, but I'll make up for it through hard work." Nawaki's smile was so pure, without the slightest trace of impurity.

Hiruzen smiled kindly and patted Nawaki's head. "If you have any problems, come find me anytime."

"I will."

Nawaki answered with complete seriousness, making Hiruzen laugh softly. What an obedient child. He was truly nothing like those siblings from the Uzumaki Clan.

Hiruzen had naturally been the first to review the records separately compiled by Tsunade and the other two. He was thoroughly aware of Kushina and Katsuki's actions in the Land of Rain. Tsunade and Jiraiya both favored Kushina, while Orochimaru offered more praise for Katsuki, believing the boy possessed greater ninja qualities.

The three disciples held differing opinions. Having carefully read every detail in their records, Hiruzen found himself faintly more inclined to agree with Tsunade and Jiraiya. Orochimaru was somewhat too extreme. It seemed necessary to guide this most cherished disciple of his.