Konoha's swift, sweeping end to its war also caught the attention of Iwagakure and Kumogakure, the Ninja Villages still at war with each other.
The two Ninja Villages also reached a temporary ceasefire.
If they kept fighting while Konoha rested and rebuilt, Konoha might swoop in and reap the rewards.
Besides, after such a long war, every Ninja Village had suffered heavy losses. They all needed time to recover.
The Second Shinobi World War had changed in many ways because of Uchiha Yin's appearance, and it was drawing to a close early.
Tsunade led Uchiha Yin and the others back to Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi soon gave them the highest honors on their return.
Residents lined both sides of the street. Konoha's leaders stood in the middle of the road, with Hiruzen Sarutobi at the very front.
"The heroes are back!"
"Konoha Princess Tsunade! Thunder God Uchiha Yin! Flame Princess Uchiha Mikoto! Dragon Princess Kushina Uzumaki!"
"Long live Konoha! Long live the ninja!"
The turnout was huge. Ordinary residents and ninja from every clan had come, and the Ninja Academy had even dismissed its classes so the children could see Konoha's heroes for themselves.
"Wow, are those Konoha's heroes?"
"They're incredible! So cool!"
"One day, I'm going to become a ninja too—a warrior who fights for Konoha!"
The Ninja Academy students chattered excitedly, their eyes full of admiration.
They had yet to encounter the darker side of being a ninja. For now, they looked forward to it all.
Cheers and praise rang out without end. Even Uchiha Yin, walking with the group, felt a little lightheaded. So this is what it feels like to be treated as a hero. No wonder everyone wants to be one.
"Tsunade, thank you for all your hard work," Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly.
"Teacher, we won!"