At Konoha's main gate.
The Third Hokage wore the Hokage hat symbolizing his authority and stood solemnly in a white robe. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura stood at his sides.
For once, Yūske had put on a jonin flak jacket and followed closely behind the Third Hokage. Faced with some people pointing and whispering, Yūske no longer cared.
The surrounding areas were packed with ninja responsible for maintaining order. Many villagers had still come of their own accord. Most of them were brimming with pride, chatting and laughing with those around them while gazing into the distance.
Others, however, were filled with worry, afraid that the people dear to them would not be among those returning.
Then, amid anxious anticipation and prayerful waiting, a vast black mass of people suddenly appeared ahead. They marched forward in neat, confident steps, slowly approaching the village.
"They're here!"
The Third Hokage finally revealed a gratified smile and hurried forward. Yūske and the others quickly followed, rushing up to welcome them.
"Lord Hokage!"
A unified, thunderous shout rang out. The ninja in the ranks could no longer suppress their excitement, and their steps began to lose their rhythm.
They had returned to the hometown they had left so long ago, to the beautiful sight that often appeared in their dreams.
Hiruzen Sarutobi offered everyone a few simple words of comfort, then turned and led the troops into the village.
"We're home!"
Led by the Third Hokage, thousands of ninja entered the village they had been separated from for so long with immense fanfare.
As they looked upon the village's prosperity and its simple, honest residents, the exhaustion that had built up along the way instantly vanished. The negative emotions brought by years of war were also successfully suppressed in that moment.
Before long, they