Lin Ze and Fox brought Kabuto along as they followed the triumphant troops slowly through Konoha's gates.
A large crowd of villagers had already gathered at the entrance, holding flowers and streamers, their cheers surging like a tide.
"Welcome home, heroes!"
"Look! It's Lord Orochimaru!"
"And the other ninja!"
The crowd erupted, the atmosphere intensely festive.
Walking in the middle of the procession, Lin Ze looked at the excited, admiring, smiling faces lining both sides of the road, yet his heart remained utterly calm.
Heroes?
Just survivors. Who will remember the names of those who stayed on Kikyo Mountain forever?
He had experienced the cruelty of war firsthand. To him, the cheers and glory before his eyes were more like medicine that briefly numbed the pain, unable to conceal the terrible price Konoha had paid in this battle.
He glanced at Orochimaru a short distance ahead, enjoying the attention of the crowd with a faint smile on his face.
He certainly enjoys this sort of thing. Still, he really did make a major contribution this time. His reputation really is quite high.
Lin Ze then looked at Kabuto beside him, who was rather at a loss and clinging tightly to the hem of his clothes. Kabuto clearly had never seen anything like this, and the noisy crowd had frightened him badly, leaving his little face pale.
"Don't be afraid. Just stay with me," Lin Ze reassured him quietly.
Kabuto raised his head and looked at Lin Ze's calm profile. Seemingly finding someone to rely on, he nodded firmly.
Afterward, Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared in person and delivered an impassioned speech, praising the courage and fearlessness of those on the front lines, commemorating the fallen ninja, and looking ahead to peace in Konoha's future.
Standing below the stage, Lin Ze listened to