Rustle—
Sunlight spilled over the forest path, and layers upon layers of green leaves rustled in the breeze.
Dappled light and shadow spread across the earth, forming a magnificent painting.
Tobirama stood with his arms crossed against Konoha's gates. As he watched the beautiful scene before him, ripples flickered through his red eyes, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
At some point, Tobirama slowly came back to himself and turned his gaze toward the road ahead. At the end of the path, a group of people dragged their weary bodies toward him. A trace of desolation hung on every face, like a band of homeless refugees.
"Tobirama?" Hashirama, walking at the front, spotted his younger brother at once. A flicker of confusion passed through his eyes as he asked, "What are you doing at the village gate?"
Seeing that the Uzumaki Clan carried no other supplies behind them, Tobirama already knew that most of their assets had likely fallen into the hands of the Land of Flame. He could not help but feel a twinge of regret.
But at least they had brought the people back. With the Uzumaki Clan joining them, Konoha's strength would undoubtedly increase tremendously. If the Land of Flame had not invaded Whirlpool Country, the Uzumaki Clan might never have joined Konoha in the end. Seen that way, perhaps the destruction of Whirlpool Country was not entirely a bad thing?
Suppressing his jumbled thoughts, Tobirama took the initiative to walk over. "I sensed that you were about to arrive, so I came to the gate to take a look. Lord Ashina, it has been a long time. Welcome to Konoha. A clan compound has already been arranged for you in the village, and my sister-in-law is waiting there for you to settle in.