The news reached Konoha, causing quite a stir among the higher-ups.
But how should one put it?
Everyone reacted differently.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was pleased.
Tsunade was his own disciple, so naturally, he was happy to see this happen.
And of the other seven involved, aside from Shisui Uchiha, all of them were his granddisciples.
In other words, they were all ninjas from the Hokage's lineage.
But there were differences in closeness.
No matter how well Shisui Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha performed, they could not compare to Tsunade.
She was the true direct successor.
Natsume's performance also greatly gratified him.
At last, the younger generation had produced a genius who was not an Uchiha.
Where there were pleased people, there were also displeased ones.
For example, Orochimaru and Shimura Danzō.
The former was only one step away from his goal and was furious enough to cough up blood.
The latter believed Tsunade's reputation was rising too quickly, making her extremely dangerous. Who knew, she might become the next Hokage someday.
On the way back, Fugaku Uchiha received a message from the Anbu.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was going to hold a welcoming ceremony and have them make a round through Konoha.
It had to be said, he truly understood public opinion.
After all, there had once been an invincible ninja called the Konoha White Fang who had died because of public opinion.
Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to use the ceremony to raise Tsunade's prestige while also taking the opportunity to dispel suspicions toward the Uchiha Clan.
Two mornings later.
At Konoha's gates.
The place was bustling beyond measure.
But that bustle belonged to them. Natsume had no interest in taking part.
"You should head back first."
After Tsunade's parade, she still had to report the mission.
"You did well this time. The old man