In front of Konoha's gates, a sea of people had already gathered, filling every street and alley.
The news had spread to every corner of the village as if it had sprouted wings: Acting Hokage Uchiha Ling had personally led the charge, crushing Kirigakure's main forces with overwhelming force, killing the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and even forcing the Third Mizukage to take his own life in atonement before everyone's eyes! The Third Shinobi World War had ended in a complete and glorious victory for Konoha!
This was more than a victory. It was an overwhelming triumph worthy of being recorded in history!
And the one who had brought it all about was their hero, Uchiha Ling, who was about to officially become the Fourth Hokage!
Sunlight spilled across the road into the village, as if laying out a golden carpet for the returning hero.
On both sides of the road, the dense crowd stretched from the village gates to the farthest reaches of sight. Villagers, shinobi, children—everyone waited eagerly, their faces alight with excitement, pride, and fervent adoration. The air brimmed with festive joy and an indescribable exhilaration.
When the hazy outline of the returning force appeared in the distance, the crowd erupted!
"They're here! They're here! Lord Ling is back!"
"Long live Konoha! Long live the Fourth Hokage!"
"Hero! Our hero has returned!"
Cheers, shouts, and tears swelled into a tremendous roar that surged into the sky, as if even Kage Rock trembled beneath the crowd's unbridled enthusiasm.
People waved their arms and scattered flowers and ribbons. All of Konoha had become a sea of celebration.
``` [ Ding! Detected overwhelming joy and adoration (Konoha villagers)! Emotion Point +225,880!]
[ Ding! Detected fervent faith and sense of belonging (Konoha Ninja)! Emotion Point +198,765!]
[ Ding! Detected