The prospect of returning to the village was highly tempting to frontline ninja, but it meant little to Orochimaru and Uchiha Gen.
One could peacefully conduct experiments and research, while the other could peacefully study and improve himself. Neither wanted their fairly pleasant lives disrupted.
However, returning to the village was not up to them. After receiving the news, Orochimaru began packing up and preparing the handover arrangements.
Once the first batch of returning ninja reached the border and the person in charge completed the handover in person, the group officially set off back to the village.
Their hearts were already racing homeward. The Konoha Ninja, who had waited so long, burst forth with unprecedented speed and reached Konoha's gates in only two-thirds of the usual time.
Because they had returned too quickly, an awkward mishap occurred—the welcoming party had not even assembled yet.
The ninja who had returned to the village before had all been welcomed. The final batch, who had suffered the greatest losses, could not possibly be left without one, could they?
Thus, the returning ninja waited outside Konoha's gates while a Chunin guarding the entrance hurried toward the Hokage Building.
After about half an hour, Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived with a large group of people. There were senior officials from Konoha's various departments, the heads of the major clans, some Jonin, and many Konoha villagers.
The higher-ups, clan heads, and Jonin were relatively reserved, offering normal welcomes, receptions, and pleasantries. The Konoha villagers, however, were much more excited.
Villagers with family members in the ranks loudly called out their names, while those without relatives among them either loudly praised them or cheered with delight.
Though there were no gongs and drums, firecrackers, or lion dances, it was still quite lively.
This hero's welcome made many ninja flush