Early the next morning.
After breakfast, Chihane ordered the Konoha Army to pack up their tents, gather their supplies, and form up for the return to Konoha.
Meanwhile, Konoha's villagers had all heard that Chihane had led the Ninja Corps to drive off the Mist Ninja.
They were also due to return that day, so the villagers gathered at the Konoha Gate of their own accord, ready to welcome their heroes home.
"Did you hear? Lord Chihane is bringing his troops back to Konoha today."
By coincidence, Uchiha Shio and Uchiha Su were guarding the gate again that day. It was Shio who asked Su the question.
"Did I hear? Just look at all these people by the gate. They're already holding banners, and you're still asking whether I heard? You're pretty late to the news!"
Uchiha Su pointed at the banners in the villagers' hands as he turned to speak to Uchiha Shio.
"Haha, don't sweat the details. But Lord Chihane really is incredible. How many days has he even been gone? He's already driven off the Mist Ninja. Ah, if my boy could accomplish even a tenth of what Lord Chihane has, I'd be happy!"
Uchiha Shio laughed awkwardly, then thought of his own child and could not help sighing.
"Do you think civilians will come out to welcome our clan leader like this when he brings everyone back?"
Something suddenly occurred to Uchiha Shio, and he asked in a quiet voice.
"Of course they will. Our Uchiha Clan are heroes defending the village now, too."
Uchiha Su answered, full of hope.
Just then, however, a civilian passing beside them suddenly shot them a look of disgust.
"Heh, I suppose they will!"
Feeling the civilian's gaze, Uchiha Su suddenly sounded less certain.
Konoha's civilians held far too much