Meeting

At dawn, Shiro and his companions landed at the gates of Konoha on a giant bird. To prevent any accidents, they had rushed back overnight.

There's no way around it; Takigakure's actions this time are just too bizarre. Sending out a Jinchuriki for a small mission— Nakamura simply doesn't believe there's no conspiracy behind it.

Although Nakamura was unaware of Black Zetsu's existence, that did not prevent him from making this judgment.

Because if there's no conspiracy behind this, then either Takigakure is an idiot, or they don't want to live anymore.

Clearly, Takigakure, being below the top five, is neither stupid nor has that kind of idea.

Therefore, fearing that the person behind the scenes might have another trick up their sleeve, Nakamura led Shiro and the others back overnight.

After registering at the gate, Nakamura and the others took Kazuki to the Hokage Office Building.

Along the way, Kazuki gazed at the leisurely villagers with a dreamy look in her eyes. In her memory, these scenes only existed in her childhood memories.

During the days she and her mother fled for their lives, everyone they met had an indelible sorrow on their faces, and some of them were simply living numbly.

Therefore, the peaceful life of the Konoha had a significant impact on her.

Shiro caught a glimpse of this, smiled slightly, and took a small step.

"How are you feeling? I haven't disappointed you yet, have I?"

Kazuki glanced at him and said, "Not yet, but who knows what you're up to?"

"Hey, really? Weren't you thanking me yesterday? How come you've changed your mind so quickly?" Upon hearing this, Shiro said with a wry smile.

Kazuki pouted, "I acted impulsively yesterday, I've calmed down now."

Shiro glanced at her and sighed, "Oh well, whatever you want. Facts speak louder than words, you'll see soon enough. But aren't you afraid of offending us by saying that?"

"If you have designs on me, no matter how much I try to please you, the outcome won't change, will it? You're ninjas, after all."

"Tsk, you see things very clearly. But I must say, you've misjudged us this time. We have no ulterior motives towards you. You'll see as you watch on."

"We'll see," Kazuki said casually, shrugging.

After Shiro finished speaking, he glanced at Kazuki, quickened his pace slightly, and walked to Nakamura's side.

Without turning his head, Nakamura asked, "How is it?"

"Tsk, not good. They're still very wary of the village. They've been wandering outside for a while, and they're not quite ready to react yet."

"Ha, I thought after yesterday's conversation, we'd have developed a good impression of each other."

"How could that be? I now suspect she was just trying to lull us into a false sense of security yesterday so she could learn the Shadow Clone Technique." Saying this, Shiro shook his head with a smile.

"Troublesome. Oh well, whatever. Just report the truth. Let the Lord Hokage worry about how to win her over."

"Too."

Nakamura and Shiro didn't try to hide their conversation, since it wasn't a secret or anything shameful. So, when Kazuki, who was behind them, heard these words, her eyes flickered.

Considering everything she was seeing now, she began to believe what Shiro had said.

A little while later, Shiro and the others could see the Hokage Office Building.

Taichi walked over to her and introduced it to her, saying, "Look, that's the Hokage Office Building."

At this moment, Kazuki looked up at Hokage Rock in shock. Before, because of the distance, she hadn't felt it so deeply, but now that she was so close, Kazuki immediately understood why the people here were so relaxed.

This place is really reassuring. However, Taichi's words also drew Kazuki's attention back. She looked in the direction Taichi indicated and saw a building with the word "fire" written on it.

But apart from that, there's nothing particularly special about it.

It was all very ordinary, not even as eye-catching as the red figure walking towards them.

At the same time, watching the figure rushing towards him, Shiro shook his head with a wry smile, opened his arms, and said:

"Hey, boss, even if we haven't seen each other for so long, you don't need to..."

"Phew~"

Kushina completely ignored Shiro's outstretched arms and rushed straight towards Kazuki, grabbing her in a tight hug!

"..." Shiro awkwardly prepared to withdraw his hand, muttering, "N-no way."

Seeing this, Nakamura and the others chuckled. However, they had seen Shiro's goofy side before, so they just smiled and were used to it.

Fortunately, Kushina Minato. He came forward and hugged Shiro, which prevented him from feeling too awkward.

"Thank you for your hard work. This task was originally supposed to be mine."

"It's okay, Brother Minato, it's the same if I go, I'm not an outsider."

"Um."

After saying that, Shiro and the others turned around and looked at the two who were still hugging each other.

"You've suffered all these years. I'm sorry I couldn't find you sooner."

Kazuki looked at Kushina, who was crying and holding her, and at her fiery red hair and familiar scent. She slowly raised her hands and hugged Kushina as well.

"It's alright, this is enough." As she spoke, tears welled up in Kazuki's eyes.

It had been a long time since she had sensed this familiar aura. As she felt Kushina's rich Chakra aura, Kazuki's tears flowed more and more.

Since her mother's death, she had never felt that Chakra aura that was so similar to her own.

Shiro and the others tactfully stood aside and watched, not disturbing the two of them. They had already waited for so many days, and they believed that the Third Hokage wouldn't mind waiting a little longer, unless he didn't want his beard anymore.

After a while, Kushina calmed herself down, released Kazuki, hugged her shoulders, and sobbed as she said:

"Don't worry, no one will dare to bully you anymore. Don't be afraid, come on, let's go find the old man."

"Um."

After saying that, Kushina took Kazuki's hand and walked towards the Hokage Office Building. At the same time, she waved to Shiro and the others, signaling them to follow.

Seeing this, Minato shook his head and bowed slightly to Nakamura: "I'm sorry, Captain Nakamura, I've disturbed your mission."

"It's alright, I understand. Let's go, the Lord Hokage must be getting impatient." Nakamura waved his hand and then walked towards the Hokage Office Building.

Shiro looked at Kushina as she approached and said with a smile, "Big Sister, should I see this this time?"

"Hmph! You'll see it this time, but dare you tell anyone! Hehe!"

Shiro looked at Kushina's cracking right fist, then helplessly raised his right hand and slid it to his mouth, making a zipping motion.

Kushina nodded in satisfaction and continued walking towards the Hokage Office Building.

Minato, who was standing to the side, shook his head and followed them.

In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage smoked a cigarette while looking at Kazuki's expression in the Crystal Ball, and nodded with a satisfied smile.

It seems that Kazuki has initially won over Konoha's heart, and all the sacrifices have been worthwhile. As long as we treat her well, we won't have to worry about her not completely returning to Konoha's side.

There are very few votes left, and updates will resume tomorrow. I'll finish updating by noon, so please keep an eye on the votes.