Several days later.
Guy appeared outside Konoha, disguised as a merchant from the Land of Rice Fields.
He wore a gray-brown jacket.
A conical hat sat on his head, a bulging bundle hung from his back, and a fake beard was stuck to his face.
He looked like a traveling peddler who had been all over the country.
The Konoha Gate was just ahead.
The guards were the same two familiar faces.
Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane.
Compared with the last time Guy had seen them a few years ago, though, they were noticeably steadier.
They were still young, but the way they stood at their posts carried something of a seasoned shinobi's bearing.
Izumo Kamizuki swept a sharp gaze over the people coming and going, while Kotetsu Hagane carefully checked every travel document.
Guy stepped forward and smoothly handed over the merchant papers from the Land of Rice Fields that he had prepared in advance.
Izumo Kamizuki took them, examined them closely, then looked up at Guy's face. "You're good. Go on in."
Kotetsu Hagane added from beside him, "Konoha's been checking people closely lately. Don't cause trouble in the village."
Guy tipped his hat lower, murmured his thanks, and walked through the Konoha Gate.
Familiar streets, familiar buildings, familiar air.
On Kage Rock, the faces of the four Hokage still looked solemnly over the entire village.
There were quite a few more shops along the streets than there had been a few years ago.
The people's faces, too, held less of the shadow of war and more peace.
Konoha. I'm back again.
Guy felt a rush of emotion.
It had been over two years since he had left Konoha.
Now, at last, he had returned.
Should he find Minato Namikaze first?
Or visit the orphanage?
Or... go see