Konoha.
On the training field at the Ninja Academy.
"Have you heard? Shinji took part in the war in Grass Country this time and apparently made a major contribution. Even the Third praised him publicly!"
"What?!"
"What did he do? I heard from the adults in my family that this war in Grass Country involved two terrifying organizations, the Akatsuki Organization and the Upper Ranks. No matter how strong Shinji is, what could he do against S-rank fugitives like them?"
"I don't know the details either. I only heard from someone at the Mission Desk that Shinji and Yakumo both had an S-rank mission recorded on their records!"
"Seriously?"
"Of course! I heard the village gave them more than a million in rewards alone!"
The students gathered in small groups, trading rumors they'd heard.
Clearly,
as time passed, news of the war in Grass Country had begun to spread. Many students from shinobi clans had heard something about it, at least.
And among the students at the Ninja Academy, the ones who drew the most attention were undoubtedly Shinji and Yakumo, who had taken part in the war.
"What else? What else?"
In the crowd, Shion listened in here and there, eager for more.
Tenten said beside her, "I'm so jealous of them. I wish I could've taken part too!"
"Me too!" Shion nodded repeatedly.
Shikamaru was at a loss. "Do you think a war like that is some kind of Ninja Academy exam? On a battlefield like that, one wrong move and you could die!"
Ino chimed in. "Exactly. Even Sasuke, Kimimaro, and Neji weren't qualified to take part. With our current strength, going there would've been suicide."
Shion sighed softly. "If only I were as strong as Shinji and Yakumo..."
Sasuke walked past them with his hands in