Konoha Year 56.
Five years had passed since the Fourth Hokage's death and the Third Hokage's return to office.
Time had flown by in the blink of an eye, too quickly for many to register. The sorrow and pain of the past had faded from everyone's eyes.
The streets were still bustling and lively, filled with pedestrians and the sounds of children running and playing.
Compared with other villages, Konoha was still a remarkably safe place.
Dressed in a black robe, River walked through the streets with a faint smile, looking around at everything so unfamiliar yet familiar.
Konoha's streets seemed to have changed since he left, yet somehow remained the same.
During the Night of the Nine-Tails, countless buildings had been damaged and many people injured or killed. After that night, much of the village had been rebuilt or repaired.
"I'm back!"
River sighed softly, a complicated expression on his face.
After coming to this world from the pirate world, Konoha had been his starting point. That humble courtyard, in particular, held his memories of this world.
Time had slipped away. Five years had passed in a flash, and everything had changed.
He walked slowly, quietly observing and getting to know the village that now looked so new to him.
At the same time, he glanced at the concealed spots on either side, and a smile tugged at his lips.
Peaceful and harmonious as Konoha was, the village had not relaxed its vigilance or defenses. Right now, for example, several people lurking in the shadows were watching him.
Of course, that was also because he had made no attempt to conceal himself.
"Blond hair, a smiling face."
"Is that him?"
Hidden in the shadows, Konoha's ninja narrowed their eyes, exchanged glances, and spoke nervously.
"It should be. He's been