Warm spring sunlight poured down from above. Lush green shrubs lined both sides of the brown dirt road, while tall dark-brown wooden walls encircled all of Konoha.
The words "Konoha" were painted in dark red on the deep-green Konoha gates.
The grayish-white stone plaque above bore the inscription "Konoha Village."
Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane's expressions revealed the turmoil in their hearts.
The three people standing at Konoha's gates were all subjects of numerous recent rumors among Konoha's ninja. Neither of them dared act rashly.
One was Lord Jiraiya, one of the Sannin. One was Naruto Uzumaki, the Fourth's son, whose identity had only recently become known to everyone. And the last was someone they dared not offend in the slightest—the Uchiha clan's current Vice Clan Head.
Although the news that the Third had been forced from office had not yet been announced to the public, the matter concerned Konoha's reputation and had to be handled with care.
However, every special jonin and ninja above that rank in the village knew the truth behind it. The source of it all led back to the young man before them—Uchiha Senya, who looked harmless and wore a gentle, springlike smile.
Jiraiya arrived late with Naruto, hurrying over to Senya's side at a quick jog.
There was a trace of apology on his face, but he could not hide his joy.
"Haha, I took Naruto to Konoha Hospital to get some medicine, so we got delayed. Senya, let's hurry up and set off to find Tsunade."
"The village is still waiting for Tsunade to return and take up the mantle of Fifth Hokage."
Senya looked at Naruto, who was still wrapped head to toe in bandages. His expression grew grave, his brows knitting tightly.
"Naruto is...?"
Jiraiya hastily pulled Senya aside. Clearly, he