Another half month passed, and news of the Kumogakure delegation's arrival spread throughout Konoha, drawing a warm welcome from the villagers. On top of that, rumors had recently surfaced that Kirigakure and Sunagakure had stopped fighting and were preparing for peace talks.
The Third Shinobi World War, which had lasted nearly ten years, seemed to be nearing its end. If past precedent held, decades of peace in the shinobi world would soon follow.
Having finished his mission, Zou Hyuga walked along streets decked out with lanterns and decorations. Looking at the villagers' smiling faces, he found their joy infectious and reflected on how hard-won peace truly was.
But peace between nations had nothing to do with ninja-at least, not with ANBU ninja.
As a member of the Third's ANBU, he still had to witness the dark side of the shinobi world and fight enemies lurking in the shadows.
Still, when he passed a shop selling his wares, he couldn't help smiling. Brisk sales meant more money in his pocket. At least he no longer had to take on those D-rank missions.
Those D-rank missions were rather beneath him. He was a special jōnin now, ranked above chunin and genin.
Back inside the clan compound, the mood was less festive than outside, but his clansmen still wore heartfelt smiles. The end of the war meant the clan would no longer lose ninja in large numbers.
Compared with other villagers, prominent clans like the Hyuga did not have particularly low death rates. Their prestigious standing was built on their ninja.
After greeting his clansmen, Zou Hyuga headed to Clan Head Hiashi's residence. Hiashi had something to discuss with him.
After entering the residence, he greeted the clan head and received a nod in return. Then the fight inside the dojo caught his