Minato and the others spent several days recuperating at the front lines and handling the aftermath before finally setting out to return to the village.
Minato, Jiraiya, Fugaku, Shin, and the others walked at the front of the procession, receiving a grand welcome from the villagers as people around them shouted their names.
It was also Shin's first time receiving such treatment as a war hero. He spotted members of his own clan in the crowd. Ayari and Ayano were staring intently at him, so he gave them a small wave.
After they passed through streets packed with villagers, the Cloud Ninja prisoners followed behind them. Everyone wore shackles and seals, and aside from the Raikage, all the Cloud Ninja had black hoods over their heads.
A captured Kage—throughout history, the Fourth Raikage was likely the only one.
What greeted them was no longer cheers, but endless curses. Countless people shouted for their deaths, demanding revenge for their fallen comrades.
Fortunately, the ninjas maintained order and kept the scene from descending into chaos.
Shikaku and Minato at the front could not help turning back at the commotion behind them. They had not originally intended to parade the Cloud Ninja through the streets; it had been Shin's suggestion.
He said it would give the villagers an outlet for their emotions and strengthen their sense of belonging to the village.
The Fourth Hokage, Orochimaru, also came out to welcome them. Everyone dropped to one knee as Minato delivered the usual formalities, saying they had fulfilled their mission without disgrace and crushed the invaders. Orochimaru personally stepped forward to help Minato up, smiling as he said everyone had worked hard and thanked them for all they had done for the village.
The entire village was jubilant, everyone immersed in the joy of victory.