"Welcome home, our big hero."
Outside the main gates of Konoha Village, Tsunade stood at the forefront with a smile, starting the applause.
"Welcome! Welcome!"
Kawaki and Orochimaru joined in, although their claps rang hollow.
"Hero? I wouldn't go that far. Everything was done for the village."
Fugaku's words were polished—like a clan leader who'd rehearsed them all his life.
Dai, however, wasn't big on formalities, especially since only Fugaku and four others had returned this time.
Most of the Konoha ninjas were still on official missions in the Land of Earth, leaving few to make it back.
The three Konoha ninjas behind him and Dai stood straight and proud, their faces lit up with excitement.
What an honor—to be personally welcomed by the Hokage and the higher-ups!
But none of that mattered to Dai one bit.
"Cut the crap! You *did* promise to buy me a drink, right?"
Dai's eyes swept from Kawaki to the rest in turn.
He was already picturing how many rounds he'd get through tonight.
"Look at you, so easy to please."
"Come over tonight. I've got enough sake to last us both."
Sakumo stepped forward and embraced Dai tightly. Real brothers through and through.
"You got it, Big Bro Sakumo."
Dai grinned broadly, clearly thrilled.
"I appreciate your hard work this time."
Tsunade couldn't even be bothered to look at the two of them anymore. Although few had returned, she still needed to say those expected polite words.
She couldn't afford to be as undignified as they were—not while still acting as Hokage.
"Well—"
Only one syllable came out of Fugaku's mouth before Orochimaru cut in eagerly.
"Did you bring what I asked for?"
In an instant, Kawaki's attention was drawn by Orochimaru's question.
Pushed to the side, Tsunade could only force a smile. What could she even do with these people?
It wasn't until now that she realized why Orochimaru had made time to come despite being so busy—he obviously had an ulterior motive.
She'd actually felt a little happy earlier, thinking Orochimaru had come just to give her some face.
Now, though, she saw the truth: her dignity meant nothing!
At this point, the once-grand welcome ceremony couldn't go on any longer.
"Don't worry, we brought it back."
Fugaku offered Tsunade an apologetic smile. It wasn't that he didn't want to cooperate—it was simply impossible with constant interruptions.
As he spoke, he motioned behind him. One of the Uchiha ninjas stepped forward and pulled out a sealing scroll.
"One arm. It should be plenty for your research."
Fugaku personally handed the scroll over to Orochimaru.
"Enough, enough."
"I'll head back first. I'll find you later for that drink."
Orochimaru's serpent-like eyes gleamed as he tucked the scroll away and immediately turned around, heading toward the village.
Fugaku didn't even need to think to know those were just polite words.
If Orochimaru remembered to go home tonight, that would already be lucky. Chasing after drinks with Fugaku? Complete nonsense.
Orochimaru's Tailed Beast cell fusion experiment had stalled due to a lack of materials, which left him furious.
If he weren't so overwhelmed with responsibilities and duties, he would have gone out himself to collect materials.
Therefore, every unacquired piece of tailed beast flesh was, in his eyes, a rare treasure.
Looking at Orochimaru's retreating back, Kawaki really wanted to follow him and join in the excitement.
Even though he knew he'd likely be seen as a burden, he couldn't help but want to go.
But out of respect for Lord Tsunade, he could only stay rooted in place.
Such a self-serving man."
Ah well, let's go into the village first."
Because of the commotion Orochimaru had caused, Tsunade had completely lost the will to keep up the act.
You may proceed first."
Fugaku held back a smile, clearly having no intention of explaining or making excuses for Orochimaru.
He fully understood their long-standing bond. He knew no explanation was needed.
You don't need to be so formal."
Let's walk together."
Tsunade always felt Fugaku could sometimes be too formal.
Still, considering the weight of the entire Uchiha clan behind him, she found this understandable.
Putting titles aside, Lord Tsunade, you are still my senior."
Where's the sense in walking together?"
Fugaku smoothly offered excuse after excuse—never offending her while staying reasonable.
I guess there's nothing I can do about you."
Tsunade knew that unless she walked ahead, Fugaku wouldn't move either, so she took the lead.
Following behind Kawaki and the others, as Fugaku and Dai entered the village, they were met with an unexpected sight.
Both sides of the road were beautifully decorated with lanterns and streamers. Many spontaneously gathered villagers erupted into thunderous cheers.
All of this celebrated this great victory.
Konoha and Iwagakure had long-standing hostilities; this victory wasn't just a proud moment—it marked the direct annexation of the Land of Earth into Konoha's territory, making it the greatest achievement in Konoha's history.
As the current Hokage, Tsunade would undoubtedly become the most outstanding among all previous Hokage.
Uchiha! Uchiha!"
Matt Dai! Matt Dai!"
Hearing their names shouted by the villagers, both Fugaku and Dai felt emotions beyond words.
Since the founding of the village, the Uchiha clan had never received such treatment.
After the battle against the Land of Earth, the Uchiha's popularity within Konoha had reached its peak.
Fugaku had not only avenged his uncle but also elevated the Uchiha Clan to heights unimaginable to past generations.
His uncle would surely feel content witnessing this scene.
Oh!!!
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At this moment, Fugaku could no longer hold back—tears streamed down his face.
If Dai hadn't met Kawaki, he probably would've remained a lowly Genin forever. His emotions ran even deeper.
Of course, his crying was much more intense than Fugaku's.
It was full-on sobbing, causing Might Guy and Kinoto nearby to step back in disgust.
However, the tears welling up in their eyes couldn't hide the pride deep within their hearts.
This is my father!!!
So, are you satisfied?"
Tsunade looked proudly at the scene before her, speaking proudly.
Although she hadn't arranged this personally, none of this could have happened without her approval.
Just helping the Uchiha clan gain popularity had already left many people stunned.
Hyuga Nobunaga was so envious he turned purple, yet he knew he didn't have the strength to defeat Ōnoki.
Even if such an opportunity were given to the Hyuga clan, he still couldn't reach Fugaku's level.
Konoha's top clan—the Uchiha truly live up to their reputation.
"I'm satisfied! I'm satisfied!"
Fugaku nodded repeatedly, quickly wiping the tears from his eyes.
Right now, if Tsunade told him to die, he probably wouldn't hesitate at all.
That's the power of a true leader!!!
Kawaki smirked from the side with a fox-like cunning smile—this success was partly due to him too.
It'd be impossible to say he had no personal stake in it, but that hardly mattered anymore.
The Uchiha will become Konoha's most solid supporters and the sharpest sword in Tsunade's faction.
As for whether future generations can use them well—that wasn't Kawaki's problem to worry about.
"I'm just too excited!"
"I'm gonna run five thousand laps around Konoha."
Dai's thought process was totally different from normal people's—he wiped his face randomly before immediately taking action.
Not only did Tsunade and the others instantly get baffled, even the villagers thought he'd gone mad.
Normally, five thousand laps wouldn't be much for Dai, but this time he ran on his hands.
Watching Dai dash forward faster than most could run normally, hands firmly planted on the ground, Sakumo instantly covered his forehead with his palm.
How did he even end up knowing someone so bizarre?
As Dai got further away, two young kids soon joined him, also running upside down on their hands.
...
Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade
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