Where was the busiest street in Konoha?
Not inside the Uchiha Clan Grounds, nor on the street where the Hokage Building stood. It was the main road leading to Konoha Gate.
Horses laden with all kinds of goods were led by shinobi toward their destinations, while crowds milled around the shops lining the road, buying what they needed.
The village couldn't meet the needs of nearly ten thousand people through self-sufficiency alone. From the surrounding towns and villages, carts laden with vegetables and meat arrived before dawn, keeping everyone in Konoha supplied with the necessities of life.
Madara said they should wait for Hashirama. Rikusei and Naori had no objections, and the three sat idly beside the guardhouse, waiting.
A sudden commotion broke out on the lively, bustling street and drew their attention.
"Lord Hokage is here!"
Someone in the crowd shouted excitedly.
The dark mass of people rippled slowly, surging toward Uchiha Madara like a wave, carrying with it a swell of voices.
Surrounded by the crowd, Hashirama adjusted the long scroll at his waist and calmly raised a hand to greet the people calling out to him.
Fortunately, Madara's expression didn't change. He only gazed quietly at Tobirama in the crowd.
His deep eyes seemed to fix on the mastermind behind it all. A small farewell had been turned into something everyone in the village knew about.
Rikusei looked away from Tobirama's unruffled face and speculated to himself. He really might have done something like this.
The news of Madara leaving the village had spread throughout Konoha. It seemed to undermine the Uchiha Clan's standing, but in truth, it was a warning to every clan.
Before Rikusei could think further, the lively crowd had already reached them.
"If you get tired on the road, just come back to