Tsunade's return to the village was a major event!
When Shihōin Naraku arrived at the Konoha Gate, the others had yet to hear the news.
Shihōin Naraku, Tenzo, and Shikaku Nara stood at the Konoha Gate, waiting for Tsunade to arrive.
Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane, who were guarding the Konoha Gate, watched the three senior Konoha officials standing nearby in bewilderment, completely unaware of what had happened.
Just who was coming?
Who commanded so much respect that three senior Konoha officials would stand here waiting?
Of course, Tenzo was wearing a mask.
Still, anyone who could stand alongside Shihōin Naraku and Shikaku Nara at a time like this had to hold a respectable position, even if he was not a senior official.
Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane exchanged a glance and immediately perked up. Though they did not know who was coming, it never hurt to put on a good performance.
Time passed little by little, until four figures suddenly appeared on the road leading to Konohagakure, gradually drawing closer.
As the four approached, their identities became clear.
Tsunade, Jiraiya, Naruto Uzumaki, and Shizune were walking slowly toward Konohagakure.
"Yo! Finally back!"
The four smiled, looking up at Shihōin Naraku and the other three who had come to greet them, and at the bustling Konohagakure.
Looking at the village, unfamiliar yet familiar, Tsunade murmured inwardly that, starting today, she would become the Fifth Hokage.
Could she really protect Konoha, just as her two grandfathers had...?
"Hey, Naraku, I brought Tsunade back, so stop giving me trouble, got it?"
While Tsunade was lost in reflection, Jiraiya quietly sidled over and muttered beside Shihōin Naraku.
Shihōin Naraku gave him a thumbs-up to show he understood.
"Naraku, you've grown into quite a handsome young man. Not bad, not bad at all."
Tsunade