The square beneath Kage Rock in Konoha was packed to bursting that day.
The sun shone brightly and a gentle breeze blew, yet neither could dispel the anticipation, apprehension, and faint, indescribably complicated emotions mingling in the air.
Villagers and shinobi had gathered of their own accord, craning their necks and staring intently at the temporary platform erected atop the Hokage Building.
Several figures stood solemnly on the platform.
Hiruzen Sarutobi wore the ceremonial robes that marked his position as Hokage, a conical hat upon his head. Yet his once-upright figure seemed slightly stooped now, and even the sunlight could not entirely dispel the weariness and desolation on his face.
In his hands, he held the Hokage hat that symbolized Konoha's highest authority.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura stood behind him, one on either side, their expressions stern, though a flicker of complicated emotion occasionally crossed their eyes.
As they looked at the sea of people below, conflicting feelings filled their hearts. Konoha truly had changed, and in a way they had never anticipated.
Today, Tsunade had put on a brand-new, dark blue robe embroidered with flame patterns. Her long golden hair was tied neatly behind her head, revealing her smooth forehead and amber eyes, which now shone with determination.
She stood before Hiruzen Sarutobi, straight as a pine, facing thousands upon thousands of watching eyes. Her expression was calm, with a barely perceptible solemnity.
Uchiha Shinichi, meanwhile, still wore his usual laid-back, "nothing to do with me" look. Dressed in an ordinary dark kimono, his hands tucked into his sleeves, he stood lazily a short distance behind Tsunade, surveying his surroundings like an outsider.
His gaze swept through the crowd, finding the young, vibrant faces of Minato Namikaze, Kushina Uzumaki, and Nawaki. Their eyes shone with hope for the