Konoha 51, Izumi's Return, The Third Hokage's Decision

December, 51st year of Konoha.

The years-long conflict between Konoha and the Land of Lightning was finally placed back on the negotiating table by the high-level officials of both sides. As long as the negotiations reached a successful agreement, it would signify the beginning of a significant honeymoon period for the two nations.

Consequently, the ninja stationed at the borders of both countries simultaneously began the process of withdrawing in batches.

The main gate of Konoha Village.

As the great army of ninja returning to Konoha stepped into the village, the relatives of the ninja and the villagers who had come to welcome them spontaneously erupted into cheers.

Some rushed forward to embrace their returning family members, weeping with joy, while others were presented with flowers by the villagers.

While the scene was filled with celebration and joy, there were also those plunged into sorrow, clutching their heads and sobbing.

They had not welcomed back family members returning safely; all they had were cold, lifeless corpses.

At this moment, the Hizashi Squad also entered Konoha.

Finally back in Konoha...

Looking at the familiar architecture, Hyuga Natsu spread her arms, as if to embrace the village she had been away from for more than half a year.

Having been baptized by the flames of war, the three young girls in the squad had shed their youthful naivety, their brows now etched with a newfound tenacity.

"Mom!"

Noticing her mother, Uzuki Yugao hurried forward and wrapped her arms tightly around a middle-aged woman who bore a seven-part resemblance to her.

"Good, good, good." Her mother said, her voice filled with doting as she gently stroked her hair. "Yugao, it's enough that you've returned safely."

"Mm!" Yugao nodded heavily and said, "Mom, I'm home."

She did not release her mother's embrace, as if she were reminiscing, or perhaps venting the emotions held within her heart.

At this moment, she lacked her previous fortitude and the coldness she showed when facing enemies; all that remained was the attachment of a long-awaited reunion.

Meanwhile, the head of the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Hiashi, stepped forward.

"Lord Hiashi."

Hizashi and Hyuga Natsu greeted him respectfully.

Hiashi nodded slightly and said, "Not bad. The clan is very satisfied with your performance this time."

"Let's go. A welcome banquet has been prepared within the clan; we will talk more when we return."

"Yes, Lord Hiashi!" X2

Responding respectfully, the two nodded to Uchiha Izumi before following Hyuga Hiashi away.

Watching them leave, Uchiha Izumi, who had not seen her own family, could not hide her disappointment and could only comfort herself in her heart:

Perhaps they just didn't know I was coming back... Yeah, right!

How could Sasuke not know!

Thinking this, she looked left and right, feeling indignant: Damn it! Where on earth is he hiding!?

Just then, a figure wove through the crowd, tiptoed up behind her, and reached out to cover her eyes.

"Guess who I am?"

Hoo... Hearing this familiar voice, the disappointment in Uchiha Izumi's heart was swept away. She tilted her head playfully, pretending to ponder: "Let me think, hmm... Itachi?"

"..."

She's doing this on purpose, she must be doing this on purpose!

Sasuke said with dissatisfaction, "I'll give you one more chance."

"It's not him?" Uchiha Izumi feigned surprise, then said in disbelief, "It couldn't possibly be Sasuke, could it?"

What is that supposed to mean? Sasuke gritted his teeth and said, "Why couldn't it be me?"

"It really is you? You can reach my eyes now?" Uchiha Izumi looked stunned, then suddenly realized: "I know, you must have stood on your tiptoes, right?"

!!! Sasuke coughed up blood!

He released his hands and said with extreme dissatisfaction, "Take a good look! Did I stand on my tiptoes!"

As he spoke, he reached out to compare his height to her eyes.

It was December now, and he was almost three and a half years old. His height had already reached one meter, while Uchiha Izumi was only a little over one meter thirty. How could he possibly need to stand on his tiptoes?!

"Oh~ you really didn't!" Uchiha Izumi covered her small mouth, feigning surprise, but the smile in the corners of her eyes could not be hidden.

Afterward, she compared Sasuke's height again and laughed, "You've grown taller, Sasuke."

"Hmph, hmph! Of course!" Sasuke raised an eyebrow. He had grown nearly 10 centimeters in the past half year.

Seeing his smug expression, Uchiha Izumi finally couldn't help but burst into a giggle.

Seeing this, Sasuke beamed, stepped forward to pull Uchiha Izumi into his arms, and buried his face in her neck, rubbing against it: "Izumi-chan, welcome home."

Home, huh? This feeling is really not bad... Uchiha Izumi felt moved within her heart. The fatigue from guarding the border for so long seemed to be wiped away. She hugged Sasuke back tightly: "Mm, I'm home, Sasuke..."

Not far away, Mikoto and Hazuki exchanged smiles.

Returning to Sasuke's home.

Uchiha Izumi first enjoyed a lovely, relaxing bath.

Meanwhile, with both their families gathered together, a welcome banquet was naturally inevitable.

During the meal, Uchiha Izumi took the lead in recounting interesting anecdotes from the border, ranging from stories about her comrades and other ninjas to tales of their enemies.

When she reached the thrilling parts, even Itachi Uchiha couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. Deep within his eyes, a flicker of envy arose; he, too, wished to contribute his strength to Konoha, and even more so, he longed to reconcile the conflict between the Uchiha and the village.

Sasuke, sitting to Uchiha Izumi's right, watched her recount her stories with a smile, his head resting on his right hand as he listened quietly.

With his Spore Clone, he had naturally seen her every move at the border, even helping her scout intelligence on the Cloud Ninja several times, which allowed her and her ninja squad to earn quite a few merits.

But a clone, after all, was just a clone, not the real thing.

Now that they were reunited after a long time, he naturally wanted to observe her changes closely and etch her face into his mind once more.

Yet, being stared at so intently, her earlobes couldn't help but turn red.

Noticing this, Sasuke couldn't help but reveal a playful smile.

Catching his expression out of the corner of her eye, Uchiha Izumi secretly pinched his thigh.

Helpless, Sasuke had no choice but to withdraw his gaze. Immediately after, he noticed his dear older brother lost in thought, wearing that philosophical expression of his once again...

Sigh... Sasuke sighed inwardly.

On the other side.

In the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was carefully reviewing multiple reports regarding Uchiha Izumi.

There were evaluation reports from her team leader Hyuga Hizashi, the Anbu, and ninjas from his own Sarutobi Clan, among others.

Regarding her strength, they all naturally gave her extremely high marks.

Whether it was raw power, combat awareness, the mastery and application of ninjutsu, or her instincts on the battlefield—such as stealth and tracking—her abilities were comprehensive and outstanding. Among her peers, there was likely no one who could surpass her.

Furthermore, they all gave her high praise for her character.

Not to mention her gentle and generous personality, or her willingness to help others.

She always considered problems from the perspective of the village and had risked her life multiple times to rescue comrades, earning the recognition of a large number of Konoha ninjas and reshaping their stereotypical impressions of the Uchiha Clan.

These reports all concluded that, given time, she would inevitably become an elite of Konoha and a pillar of the village.

After finishing all the reports, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with satisfaction.

The image of Shisui and her requesting to become a bridge between the village and the clan surfaced in his mind.

Not bad. She truly is the same type of person as Shisui...

And then there is Itachi. Shisui has been strongly recommending him to me, saying he possesses the mindset of a Hokage...

With the influence of Uchiha Izumi and Itachi Uchiha, I believe that in the future, Fugaku's second son, Sasuke, will also be able to inherit the Will of Fire well...

The future resolution of the conflict between the village and the Uchiha will depend on these young people...

At the same time, he couldn't help but feel fortunate that Danzo hadn't taken an interest in such an Uchiha clansman who possessed immense potential, a unique status, and a heart inclined toward the village.

But as for the arrangements for this Uchiha Izumi...

Thinking of this, he stared intently at the files of Hyuga Hizashi's ninja squad, then picked up his pipe and took a deep drag.

"Hoo~~" As the white smoke drifted out, he had already made his decision.