Although Tsunade and Jiraiya had also won a major victory in the battle to rescue Orochimaru last time, that had ultimately been a victory snatched from defeat! Not only had Konoha suffered grievous losses, but it had gained little in return. This time was entirely different. Though the Land of Earth had started the war, Konoha had barely lost any troops, while Iwagakure had been severely weakened.
It was only natural for everyone to be hailed as unprecedented heroes. Of course, among those heroes, Minato was perhaps the least happy. After all, two of his three teammates had died on the battlefield, and one of them had even been accidentally injured by Kakashi. No one could be happy in his place.
At this moment, the Uchiha Clan had also taken to the streets, their faces filled with proud smiles. After all, of the four heroes this time, neither Jiraiya nor Minato belonged to any faction of their own. Tsunade was from the Senju Clan, while Li was from the Uchiha Clan! This was a rare chance for the Uchiha Clan to hold their heads high in the village. The Uchiha Clan had gone far too long without producing a hero!
The latter half of the welcoming ceremony was essentially the leaders of Konoha's major factions stepping forward to summarize the victory. In truth, it was also time to begin dividing up the benefits gained from winning the battle.
Afterward, Li returned to his clan, but the very next day, he received a summons from Sarutobi.
Three Anbu arrived at his home at once, making Li feel rather flattered. But Sarutobi was no kind man. Even though Li knew something was amiss, refusing a summons from the Hokage would have been far too disrespectful.
When Li arrived outside the Hokage's office,