The Heroes Return

The order was swiftly transmitted through encrypted channels to the eastern coastal defense line. When Shaye and Pakura received the directive personally signed by the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, ordering them to return to the village at once, they both understood that one storm had already subsided, while another—a storm of glory—was about to sweep through the village.

Without lingering, they properly handed over the defenses, and Shaye summoned Gundam. The silver-blue giant stood once more upon the coast. Beneath the reverent gazes of countless stationed ninja, Shaye controlled Gundam as it carried Pakura. Brilliant streams of light erupted from the wings on its back, and it soared into the sky toward Sunagakure.

At that moment, Sunagakure had already been immersed in an unprecedented atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The shadow of defeat at Kikyō Mountain had yet to fully fade, but the great victory at East Sea Bay and the feat of crossing the sea to force the Hidden Mist Village into peace were like a blazing sun piercing through dark clouds, infusing the entire village with long-lost vitality and hope.

The Kazekage's orders were carried out efficiently. The main roads were swept spotless, and Sunagakure flags lined both sides of the streets. The villagers had gathered spontaneously along the roadsides early on, craning their necks in anticipation, their faces filled with excited and proud smiles. Children climbed onto their fathers' shoulders, pointing about eagerly. The ninja stood in formation farther inside, maintaining order while their eyes brimmed with admiration and curiosity for the heroes about to return.

The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, stood quietly beneath the massive stone arch at the village entrance with Chiyo, Ebizo, and all the other high-ranking officials. Rasa wore his formal Kazekage robes, his expression solemn, though a trace of complex emotion and relief lay