As the entire Land of Lightning entered a state of military readiness, Yahiko and the others were already approaching the gates of Konoha Village at a relaxed pace.
This time, it wasn't just Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan accompanied by Nonou. Two high-ranking officials from the Akatsuki organization had also joined them.
Kakuzu, who knew all the secrets behind the scenes, couldn't be bothered to come along.
He clearly understood that things like confirming the details of surrender or holding formal meetings were nothing but a show—merely an act put on for the benefit of those ninjas who had risked their lives serving Akatsuki.
As for Konoha, this land of sorrow, he absolutely had no interest in stepping foot here ever again.
"Welcome, everyone, to Konoha Village."
With Tsunade at the forefront, numerous high-ranking figures from Konoha stood smiling before the village gate, waiting to greet Yahiko and his group.
"Hokage-sama, you flatter us," said Yahiko as Akatsuki Shadow, stepping forward and shaking hands solemnly with Tsunade.
"This visit is certainly an intrusion."
"If we have offended anyone in any way, please bear with us."
Yahiko's gaze swept over the familiar faces behind Tsunade, a pang in his nose, tears forming in his eyes.
After so many years, he could finally walk openly and honorably into Konoha once more.
The last time they had come to Konoha was for Nawaki's Grand Wedding, when the three of them sneaked in secretly.
And now, the girl in Nawaki's arms must be his daughter with Misaki-san, right?
Unbelievable how big she'd grown—Senju Hanami (flower-viewing willow), wasn't that her name?
Barely suppressing the urge to rush forward and embrace them all, Yahiko quickly regained his composure.
Now that they were back in Konoha, wouldn't there be plenty of time to catch up later?
At this moment, Nagato and Konan behind Yahiko struggled to control their emotions as well.
Seeing those familiar faces—Sensei, Uncle, and Minato-senpai stirred up feelings so intense that tears nearly welled up.
On the contrary, Nonou appeared much calmer. She hadn't made many friends in Konoha during her time here, nor did she share deep bonds with these people.
Still, a subtle emotional fluctuation flickered across her face when she looked at Tsunade.
More than anything, she felt a complex mixture of indescribable emotions bubbling inside.
She had been away from Konoha for so many years, yet this was her first return.
Standing before the great Konoha gate, so familiar yet oddly foreign in her memory, she felt a profound sense of estrangement.
So many years of wandering and experiences had seemingly drifted her far away from this home of her past.
Yet deep within, however, remained an unbreakable tether to this place.
"Do you think this welcome is a bit too grand?"
"The Fourth Hokage, the God of the Ninja World!"
"Konoha's established powerhouses and rising elites of the new generation both present."
"Was it really necessary for everyone to show up like this just for us?"
The two Akatsuki higher-ups whispered amongst themselves, surprise evident in their voices.
Such a reception probably hadn't even been experienced by many of Konoha's own people.
Although the two Akatsuki officials couldn't recognize everyone, most faces seemed familiar enough.
After all, intelligence about Kawaki and others had long spread throughout the ninja world; none of them were nobodies.
They couldn't quite tell whether Konoha was simply showing excessive respect toward Akatsuki, or if there were other hidden intentions.
Only Yahiko and the others truly understood—they were being welcomed home.
Welcoming back Konoha's celebrated veterans, welcoming home their kin, returning to Konoha once more.
"Silence."
A faint smirk played on Nagato's lips as he quietly commanded the two behind him to be silent.
"Yes."
The two high-ranking Akatsuki members looked like children caught misbehaving and nodded hastily.
Unable to exchange whispers, they could only return their gaze forward again.
Too far away to hear, they couldn't catch what Yahiko was discussing with Tsunade.
As boredom set in and impatience grew, they finally saw Tsunade invite Yahiko into the village.
Only after Yahiko entered Konoha through its gates alongside Tsunade did they follow behind Nagato and his three companions. They crossed the threshold at last.
Inside the village was a stark contrast to the outside—a crowd of curious villagers had gathered.
Not only had the Akatsuki declared their surrender, but Tsunade had personally ensured the news spread across Konoha.
After all, these were the Akatsuki who had conquered vast territories across the Ninja World; naturally, the villagers wanted to see for themselves how extraordinary these people truly were.
Fortunately, the confrontation between the Akatsuki and Konoha ninjas had only been a brief act—there were no deep-seated grudges between them.
The villagers wore friendly expressions, marveling at the youthfulness of Yahiko and the others.
"Is that the Kage from Akatsuki standing beside Hokage-sama?"
"I believe so."
"Why does he look so familiar to me?"
"And what about that girl with purple hair behind them?"
"They look like they've bought dango at my shop before."
A dango shop owner, watching the commotion, whispered to the barbecue shop owner next to him.
"You're really exaggerating."
"Are you trying to drum up business?"
The barbecue shopkeeper scoffed—how could someone possibly recognize a visiting Kage from another village?
Spouting nonsense without checking facts—did he really expect anyone to believe him?
What he didn't know was that the dango shop owner wasn't lying at all.
In fact, both Yahiko and Konan had visited his shop during their previous stay in Konoha—he just couldn't remember.
"Believe what you want—I know what I saw."
The dango shop owner clearly possessed some wisdom—he had no intention of proving himself further.
Love it or leave it, he believed what he saw anyway.
Still, he couldn't, for the life of him, remember exactly when he had seen Yahiko and Konan before.
Such situations weren't limited to just him either—in those who had lived in Konoha, traces of the past were inevitably left behind.
Unknowingly, the four of them had already become topics of conversation among several villagers, though none of that really mattered anymore.
Even if they were recognized—who cares?
"The villagers seem quite enthusiastic."
"Forgive our behavior."
Tsunade stopped walking, letting Yahiko and the others savor the feeling of returning home.
Some faces in the crowd stirred faint memories in the four, prompting soft smiles to gradually appear on their lips.
There's nothing quite like being home!!
"The largest village in the Ninja World lives up to its reputation."
"Indeed, Konoha's prosperity is truly admirable."
As they resumed walking, Yahiko showered the village with praise.
Compared to his last visit, Konoha had changed once more—but all changes were heading in a positive direction.
"You flatter us."
"With the Akatsuki joining us, I believe the entire Ninja World will soon share in this prosperity."
Tsunade made no effort to hide her ambitions and hopes.
That was the shared future they all yearned for.
"I believe you."
Yahiko spoke with utmost solemnity, locking eyes with Tsunade. In each other's gaze, they both saw a flicker of light.
"First, let me show you to your quarters."
"The conditions are limited, so please forgive any shortcomings."
Tsunade continued leading Yahiko and his group forward. Kawaki and the others began to scatter off gradually.
When they arrived at the inn, only Kawaki remained by her side.
However, with both the God of the Ninja World and the Hokage standing beside them, the two high-ranking Akatsuki members no longer felt as if they had been slighted.
The luxurious interior pleased them greatly—nowhere did it resemble the Hokage's earlier claim of "limited conditions."
"You've traveled far. Rest well today."
"We'll have a detailed discussion tomorrow."
After guiding Yahiko and his companions into the inn, Tsunade and Kawaki prepared to take their leave.
"Okay, see you tomorrow."
Yahiko and the others watched Tsunade and Kawaki leave, only then following the attendant to their respective rooms.
He flung himself flat on the bed in a spread-eagle position. It was nothing short of pure comfort.
Only the two high-ranking Akatsuki members remained vigilant, speculating where the Konoha Anbu might be watching them from.
...
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