They passed through several streets, and the crowds began to thicken. The closer they got to the Hokage Building, the denser the sea of people became, until nearly the entire Central Street district was packed solid. When they finally reached the square in front of the Hokage Building, they were greeted by a crowd that stretched as far as the eye could see.
"Wow!" Hanabi cried excitedly, but the towering wall of people in front of her quickly blocked her view. She stood on tiptoe, yet still couldn't see anything ahead.
Toru Kujyo noticed Hanabi's predicament. He bent down and gave her a gentle smile. "Come here, Hanabi. I'll give you a better view."
He reached out and gently scooped her up, settling her lightly on his shoulders. Delighted, Hanabi grabbed his hair and looked down over the crowd in the square, cheering excitedly. "I can see! I can see!"
Warmth flickered in Sasuke's and Hinata's eyes as they watched Toru Kujyo. Though he was always teasing Sasuke, he treated Hinata and Hanabi with the gentle affection of an older family member.
Just then, the uproar in the square suddenly reached its peak. Every gaze turned toward the rooftop of the Hokage Building.
"She's here!" someone shouted.
Under the eyes of the crowd, a figure slowly appeared at the edge of the rooftop. She wore a long white coat embroidered with intricate patterns, a broad black sash accentuating her shapely figure. Her long blond hair was tied into two ponytails that danced gently in the wind. In her left hand, she held a familiar red conical hat bearing the character for "fire," while her right hand rested behind her back.
Tsunade!
To every villager in Konoha, that name meant hope, strength, and a legacy carried on.
"Lady Tsunade!"
"Fifth Hokage!"