Although he had only been away from the village on a mission for a little over a week, Shuichi still felt a sense of warmth when he saw Konoha's gates. The village's facilities might not have been as impressive as those in prosperous cities, but it had the feeling of home.
"Defecting from the village? Impossible. I'd never defect in this lifetime!" Shuichi understood a little better why so many ninja were willing to give their lives for the village.
In this chaotic age where tomorrow was never guaranteed, gaining the recognition of others and finding like-minded friends was like discovering the meaning of one's own existence. It made people willing to risk their lives to protect the precious things buried deep in their hearts.
Shuichi himself had memories of a previous life, so he would not feel that as intensely. But now, he could understand what the inner worlds of those born and raised here were like.
"Since I've made a huge haul, I shouldn't be too stingy. I'll treat a few friends and catch up with them. Maybe brag a little while I'm at it."
After returning home, Shuichi found that it was still early, and Ninja Academy would soon be letting out. He planned to drag Kakashi along first, then find Ishikawa Tatsuki and Kurenai.
While Shuichi was preparing to invite his friends to a lavish meal, Orochimaru had also finished reporting on their first mission to the Third Hokage.
"Looks like I'm getting old. The next time I see Shuichi, I'll have to apologize to him." After hearing the full account of their mission, the Third Hokage felt the younger generation was truly surpassing the old.
Even among his own generation, no one had displayed such astonishing talent at Shuichi's age.
"Lord Hokage! An urgent report