On Konoha's main street, the atmosphere was so oppressive it felt as though water could be wrung from it.
The Iwagakure delegation was like a pack of wolves barging into a sheep pen, striding brazenly down the middle of the street.
Wherever they passed, Konoha villagers and ninja alike kept their distance, their expressions complicated.
There was fear, there was anger, but more than anything, there was an indescribable curiosity.
Especially toward the black-clad young man walking at the very front.
"Is that Uchiha Yoru? The rogue ninja who stomped Lord Danzo's arm broken?"
"Shh! Keep it down! Can't you see those Anbu at the gate are still kneeling?"
"My god... he looks so young... How... how could he possess such terrifying strength?"
Whispers spread through the crowd like the buzzing of mosquitoes.
But Yoru did not care in the slightest.
With both hands tucked into his pockets, he looked like a tourist visiting for leisure, inspecting the familiar yet unfamiliar shops on either side of the street with interest.
Ichiraku Ramen's sign looked much more worn than he remembered.
The flowers at Yamanaka Flower Shop were drooping too, looking lifeless.
The entire village gave off an air of poverty and decay.
"Tch, how boring. It's not nearly as lively as the street stalls in our Stone Village, hmm!"
Deidara followed behind, a toothpick hanging from his mouth and disgust written all over his face.
"This dump doesn't even have a decent piece of art."
"Shut up, you country bumpkin."
Kurotsuchi shot him an annoyed glare, though her large eyes curiously scanned their surroundings.
So this was the legendary Konoha. It did not look like much.
Amid that strange, stifling atmosphere,
someone in the crowd suddenly let out a distorted cry.
"Y-You guys, look! That blond kid!"
Everyone's attention was