News of a Young Shinobi's Remarkable Feat; Returning to the Village, He Begins a New Training Regimen

"Haotian, Guy, and Uchiha Mei," Zhiwei said, enunciating each name, pride filling his voice.

When Tsunade heard the three names, she vaguely remembered that this child had performed only averagely in the practical classes at the Ninja Academy. How had he suddenly become so powerful?

"Three new-generation shinobi killed two Special Jōnin..." Tsunade murmured, perplexed.

Hadn't this new generation grown a little too quickly?

"That boy named Haotian—his Kekkei Genkai lets him produce toxins, right?" Tsunade suddenly asked, recalling some information about Haotian.

Zhiwei nodded calmly. "Yes, Lady Tsunade." "What an incredible ability. To think he can use toxins to such an extent." Tsunade marveled, then seemed to remember something. Her expression shifted slightly. "Orochimaru is very interested in abilities like that..."

Zhiwei fell silent. He knew what Tsunade meant.

Ever since defecting, Orochimaru had kept a wary eye on Konoha. If he learned that Haotian possessed such a unique ability, he would probably stop at nothing to take it for himself.

Tsunade's gaze grew intent. She walked to the window and looked out at the distant scenery, her voice low. "Zhiwei, don't make this public for now. I'll find a way to suppress the news." Zhiwei nodded. He understood how serious the situation was. If Haotian's ability came to light, it would bring countless troubles.

"And as for the information on Haotian..." Tsunade paused, a note of resolve flashing in her eyes. "Erase as much of it as you can. We must not let Orochimaru find out he exists!"

Tsunade acted swiftly, immediately summoning the Anbu and ordering them to suppress the news.

She knew how important information warfare was. Even if they couldn't completely conceal the achievements of Haotian and the others, they had to limit how far the news spread and buy Konoha more time.

The Anbu members took their orders and quickly set to work.

Meanwhile, Zhiwei led Haotian, Guy, and Meihui away from the Western Front camp without fanfare.

They made no grand departure and didn't publicize their achievements. They simply set off quietly for Konoha.

The Konoha shinobi they passed along the way regarded them with curiosity, but didn't recognize the three young faces.

After all, with people constantly coming and going during wartime, no one paid much attention to a few unfamiliar Genin.

However, their peaceful journey didn't last long.

Partway there, the Giant Parasite Bug on Guy's back suddenly grew restless and let out a low growl.

Its massive body shook violently, as if it sensed some kind of threat.

Guy tried to control the Giant Parasite Bug, but it grew harder and harder to handle.

"What's going on?" Zhiwei noticed something was wrong and immediately grew alert.

Guy's expression turned grave as well. "I don't know. It seems to have sensed something..."

The Giant Parasite Bug's growling grew louder, startling the birds nearby.

It thrashed about, trying to break free of Guy's control.

Guy clenched his teeth and gripped the Giant Parasite Bug's reins tightly, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.

"Hang in there, Guy!" Meihui encouraged him.

Haotian could sense the Giant Parasite Bug's unease too. He looked toward the distance, a vague feeling of dread rising within him.

It seemed that something in the distant woods was watching them...

"Quiet!" Zhiwei barked. At the same time, he formed Hand Seals, sending a surge of Chakra toward the Giant Parasite Bug.

The Giant Parasite Bug shuddered. Its agitation eased a little, but it continued to twist uneasily.

Zhiwei furrowed his brows and thought, Looks like we're in trouble...

"Teacher, I feel..." Haotian began, but suddenly stopped, staring fixedly at the distant woods.

"What is it, Haotian?" Zhiwei followed his gaze. Deep in the woods, a blurry figure flashed past...

The Giant Parasite Bug didn't remain restless for long.

Zhiwei was experienced and immediately realized that the scent of some wild animal had startled it.

He quickly formed Hand Seals and released a powerful wave of Chakra, driving away the wild animals nearby.

The Giant Parasite Bug gradually calmed down. It lay quietly on the ground, breathing heavily.

Once they were sure there was no danger, the four continued on their way, finally reaching the gates of Konoha at dusk.

"Stop! Who goes there?" Two guards in Konoha shinobi uniforms blocked their way.

"We're a shinobi squad returning from the Western Front. Here's our mission record." Zhiwei stepped forward and handed over a scroll.

The guards carefully checked the scroll. After confirming everything was in order, they bowed respectfully. "Thanks for your hard work. Welcome back!"

The four entered Konoha without incident.

Houses lined both sides of the street, and crowds of people bustled about. The village was thriving.

Compared with the war-torn Western Front, this place was practically paradise.

"We're finally back..." Haotian took a deep breath, savoring the peace and quiet of Konoha, his heart full of emotion.