"Lady Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin, has returned to the village!"
For a time, the entire village erupted in excitement.
Countless villagers and ninjas streamed in from all directions, packing the village gates so tightly that not even water could pass through.
"It really is Lady Tsunade! I'm not dreaming, am I?!"
"This is wonderful! With Lady Tsunade here, Konoha's medical standards can rise again!"
"Lady Tsunade! Welcome home!"
"Welcome home!"
The fervent cheers crashed over them wave after wave like a tsunami.
Tsunade was somewhat at a loss in the face of this sudden spectacle.
Uchiha Yao turned around and spoke into her ear in a voice only the two of them could hear.
"Lift your head. Straighten your back."
"You are Konoha's hero now—the Lady Tsunade the villagers admire."
"Don't disappoint them."
Tsunade's body jolted violently.
She understood that Uchiha Yao was right.
She was Tsunade.
The First Hokage's granddaughter, one of the Legendary Sannin.
Before the villagers, she had to maintain her image as a "hero."
It was her responsibility, and it was also her pride.
Tsunade took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed every trace of negative emotion in her heart.
Tsunade slowly raised her head and straightened her posture.
She gently waved at the cheering villagers around her.
"I'm back, everyone."
Boom!
Even louder cheers erupted from the crowd.
"Lady Tsunade!"
"Lady Tsunade!"
A pink-haired little girl squeezed through the crowd and rushed to the front, her face filled with excitement.
It was Sakura Haruno.
"Lady Tsunade! My name is Sakura Haruno! I'm your admirer! My dream is to become a great medical ninja like you!"
Sakura's eyes sparkled with stars as she looked at Tsunade.
Seeing the girl before her, who somewhat resembled her younger self, Tsunade's heart stirred.
The smile on her