The battle of Kikyo Mountain had been the bloodiest battle of the Third Shinobi World War. For years after the war ended, the stench of the dead had lingered over the mountain, refusing to dissipate. Even the fresh grass that sprouted in spring had smelled of blood.
And the site of that old battle, Kikyo Mountain... was where Konoha would be rebuilt.
After Konoha sought refuge in Sunagakure, the Fire Daimyo had been unable to eat or sleep in peace.
The very day he recalled the Konoha forces, he dispatched craftsmen to meet them and coordinate the work.
Now, tents covered the foot of Kikyo Mountain!
With help from the craftsmen of the Land of Fire, Konoha's Ninja and civilians worked late into the night.
On a lookout tower outside the construction perimeter, Neji stood watch, using his Byakugan to scan every movement in the surrounding area.
Suddenly, he detected a large number of chakra signatures in the distance. He focused his gaze... the people who had stayed behind in Sunagakure were back!
"They're finally back..."
As excitement surged through Neji, he spotted someone among the crowd... Tsunade!!
"It's Lord Hokage!!!"
"What...!? Lord Hokage!!!!"
Izumo and Kotetsu leaped onto the lookout tower and peered through binoculars!!!
"Lord Hokage! It really is Lord Hokage! Lord Hokage has come back safely!!!!!!"
The Ninja rushed to spread the news... The people busy working put down their timber and stone and came outside the village!
"Lady Tsunade, you're finally back!!! We all thought something terrible had happened to you!"
Shizune, Ino, and the others had tears brimming in their eyes!!
Tsunade stepped forward from the crowd. "Everyone, I'm sorry I worried you..."
The heads of the various clans also looked delighted.
The Hokage was Konoha's soul!
Without a Hokage, Konoha... was nothing but withered