"Finally, we're back!"
Standing before Konoha's gates, Feng Xun looked up, overcome with emotion.
They had only been gone for a month, but so much had happened in that month that it had been more eventful than the entire previous year.
Not only had he befriended the three youngsters during that time, but his strength had also steadily improved through a series of encounters.
"Nawaki will definitely be happy to see me back!"
Tsunade, who was standing beside him, suddenly said.
"Nawaki?" Feng Xun's expression shifted when Tsunade mentioned him. According to his previous speculation, if nothing unexpected had happened, Nawaki should have already passed away by now.
He just did not know whether his earlier influence had allowed Nawaki to survive.
Feng Xun glanced at Tsunade again and remained silent.
Just then, Tsunade said to the three of them, "Oh, right. Nawaki's birthday is in two days! Remember to come celebrate at my place!"
"Lady Tsunade, I might have training then!"
As soon as Uchiha Ryu finished speaking, Tsunade shot him a glance and snorted. "What? Are you saying your training is more important than my gathering?"
"..." Intimidated by Tsunade's tyranny, Uchiha Ryu hurriedly changed his tune. "No, Lady Tsunade, that's not what I meant. I mean, even if I have a training assignment then, I'll definitely attend your party."
Seeing how tactful Uchiha Ryu was, Tsunade nodded. "All right, let's go report the mission to the old man first! We'll talk about the rest later."
Hokage Office
After listening to Tsunade's report, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "It seems the Hidden Rain Village's plea for help was not false."
After pondering for a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped the desk three times in succession. Immediately afterward, an ANBU wearing a cat-faced mask suddenly appeared in the room.
"Notify the