"Konoha, we're back!"
Outside Konoha's gates, a blond-haired boy ran up excitedly and shouted.
"Oh, if it isn't Team Kakashi!"
Konoha's regular gatekeeper duo had, of course, spotted the group long before they arrived and greeted them with smiles.
"Back from your mission? Judging by the looks of you, it went pretty smoothly, right?"
"Pretty well." Kakashi nodded to his colleagues, then explained the situation. "We're going to report to Lord Hokage first. This is Lord Sandayu from the Land of Snow, the client for this mission."
"Oh, then we won't keep you. Go on."
Kotetsu Hagane, one of the two gatekeepers, replied with a smile and patted Kakashi on the shoulder.
Kakashi's gaze sharpened, then his expression returned to normal.
That was a signal. Does Lord Hokage have something else waiting for me?
Once they were back in the village, Naruto, Hinata, and Sasuke all relaxed with relief. It had been their first time traveling far from home, and they had kept Kakashi's instructions in mind, remaining more or less on their guard throughout the trip.
Now, seeing their familiar surroundings eased the tension of their first mission.
Santarō Asama, meanwhile, realized he had not taken a close look during his previous visit to Konoha. Now, seeing all the Konoha Ninja coming and going along the streets, he could not help feeling secretly stunned—
There are so many Konoha genin like Naruto everywhere we go. What incredible strength! Konoha really is terrifying, just as you'd expect from one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages!
The group then brought Santarō Asama to the Hokage Building, where they met the Third Hokage and explained the situation.
"...I understand. Lord Santarō Asama, correct?" The Third Hokage nodded and looked at him kindly.
"Oh, please, there's no need to call me lord. Just