Outside Konoha's gates, sunlight fell over the triumphant returning forces. Kakashi led Konoha's ninja into the village with orderly, resolute steps. The scent of war still clung to them, but their faces shone with the pride of victory. Villagers poured into the streets, cheers and applause weaving together as they welcomed the heroes who had defended their home.
Not long afterward, another force appeared at the village entrance. Jiraiya led his ninja troops back in triumph from the battlefield against Sunagakure. They were equally exhausted yet proud, and once they joined Kakashi's unit, all of Konoha was immersed in the joy of victory.
However, the problems brought by the war still needed to be resolved. On the day after the war ended, a three-party conference was held in Konoha's Hokage building.
The Hokage Office had been arranged as the venue for the talks. On Konoha's side, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat solemnly in the seat of honor, his weathered face calm and dignified. Kakashi and Jiraiya sat on either side of him.
Sunagakure's Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, had arrived together with Chiyo. Though Rasa had been forced by Shisui's Kotoamatsukami to change his will and cease hostilities, Shisui had only required him to maintain eternal friendship with Konoha, not to obey Konoha completely. Beside him, Chiyo wore a stern expression, her eyes gleaming with shrewdness.
Due to special circumstances in Kirigakure, Fourth Mizukage Karatachi Yagura had shut himself away. Mei Terumi, the acting Mizukage, had come in his place alongside Ao.
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke first, his voice steady and calm. "Everyone, we have gathered here today to discuss the many matters that follow this war. This war has brought pain to all three of our sides. Konoha suffered an unprovoked attack, and I imagine Sunagakure and Kirigakure have suffered losses of their own