Chapter 84: The Hero Returns to Konoha in the 57th Year

After nearly a year, Yuto finally embarked on the road back to Konoha.

The Land of Fire, being one of the most powerful countries, managed to push the enemy's offensives back to the border. The flames of war never reached the interior, and the official roads and post stations were mostly intact.

When they were 25 kilometers away from Konoha, the welcoming team arrived. They brought luxurious carriages and invited the returning shinobi onto them. Including the wounded, there were a total of 386 people, all arranged meticulously.

Yuto was placed at the front of the convoy.

The most dazzling position, naturally reserved for the war hero who had risen to fame.

The convoy quickly headed towards Konoha. Before the sun had reached its highest point, Yuto could already see the welcoming crowd at the village gates.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in his red and white Hokage robes, stood in the center of the crowd, smoking a pipe and smiling like a kind old neighbor.

Flowers flew through the air, mixed with perfumed scarves, as villagers cheered to welcome the heroes returning from the battlefield.

As the highest leader, Hiruzen naturally had to say a few words on such an occasion. Unlike his later years, he didn't drag on with long speeches but instead said a few pleasant words before disbanding the crowd and leading the shinobi to the Hokage building.

Nearly 400 shinobi had withdrawn from the front lines. Those with important tasks had to report directly to Hiruzen, while the others, except for the wounded, would swap places with the shinobi stationed in Konoha. Those who had been resting in the village for some time would head to the battlefield, often taking with them newly graduated genin.

Constant training, constant loss, and constant rotation—this was how the major shinobi villages maintained strong combat forces on the front lines.

As the shining war star, Yuto was the first to meet Hiruzen.

"Yuto-kun, you've become a shinobi capable of standing on your own," said the Third Hokage as soon as he saw him.

The branch family boy respectfully replied, "It's all thanks to the village and the clan's excellent teachings."

"Both Minato and Orochimaru have praised you multiple times," Hiruzen said, chuckling with his pipe. "Minato always speaks well of others, but Orochimaru is stingy with his praise. The frontline commanders and their deputies highly approve of you, Yuto-kun. Whether it's 'Hyuga's Gem' or 'Lone Lion,' you deserve such accolades."

Yuto bowed his head, listening intently.

"I've reviewed your military achievements, far surpassing the average Jonin. During the Second Shinobi World War, even Jiraiya and his peers didn't accumulate such merits. You've certainly given a lot for Konoha."

"For the time being, stay in the village." Hiruzen handed Yuto a scroll. "You've been too conspicuous; the enemy sees you as a thorn in their side. ANBU intercepted information from Kumogakure suggesting they plan to lure you out in the Land of Hot Water, and the AB duo might be involved."

"Minato can escape even from a heavy siege with his Flying Thunder God, but Yuto-kun, it's better for you to avoid them in advance."

After reading the scroll, Yuto returned it to Hiruzen. "Yes, Hokage-sama. While I'm in the village, is there any task for me?"

"Originally, I intended to have you gain experience in ANBU," Hiruzen said, exhaling a smoke ring with a wry smile. "But your sensei mentioned that since you've successfully formed the The Strength of a Hundred Seal, a series of jutsu training must commence... I'll assign you a lighter position, giving you ample time to train."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama."

"Oh, by the way, Yuto-kun, Orochimaru reported that you adopted a young girl..."

"She's outside." Yuto went out and brought in a white-haired girl, holding her hand. "Hokage-sama, this is Ruri Mochizuki. She has the Shikotsumyaku kekkei genkai."

Hiruzen gently patted Ruri's head, smiling. "Good child, live in Konoha from now on. This will be your home."

"Home...?" Ruri looked up, her eyes shimmering like those of a fawn, as fragile as porcelain. "But Ruri doesn't have a home anymore. I'll never see my parents again."

Such a young, pretty girl, looking so pitiful, was heart-wrenching. Hiruzen knelt down and spoke softly, "Little Ruri, don't worry about being alone. This village is called Konoha, where everyone can live equally. We're all leaves bathed in the sunlight, no distinctions between us, always one family. This world is ultimately nurtured by love, and people can understand each other..."

Ruri subtly squeezed Yuto's hand. Their hands were joined, and her action was so hidden that neither the nearby Hokage nor the guarding ANBU noticed.

Even though she said nothing, the inherent bond between Yuto's main body and his clone allowed him to guess her thoughts.

- "Does this old man really believe this? Is he having a stroke?"

Yuto struggled to maintain his seriousness, forcing himself not to laugh.

Hiruzen's talk dragged on, mostly about "the Will of Fire" and "bonds between comrades." By the time he sipped his tea with satisfaction, half an hour had passed.

"Sigh, apologies. Old age makes one verbose, I'm tired of my own talk."

"It's alright, Hokage-jiisan." Ruri was even more tired, constantly maintaining an expression of "admiration, respect, being enlightened by the great Hokage." Even now, she fought not to roll her eyes, diligently flattering, "No one ever told me these things before... You know so much. The Hokage is such an amazing person? Then I want to be Hokage too!"

"Ha ha ha..." Hiruzen laughed heartily. "Indeed, chatting with young people rejuvenates one... Yuto-kun, let's leave it at this for today. Many others are waiting outside."

"Yes, Hokage-sama, but about Ruri's residence..."

"Let her stay at the Senju compound. Although Tsunade can be unreliable, she raised Shizune healthily. Plus, you staying there long-term can take care of her."

Yuto obeyed and left, holding the girl's hand as they exited the Hokage building.

They walked in silence. Both Yuto and his clone were cautious people who wouldn't casually talk in places where they could be eavesdropped on.

They crossed many streets, arriving at the spacious Senju compound.

Yuto, familiar with the place, walked into a particular courtyard.

In a small yard with orange trees and bamboo, a blonde woman lay on a tatami mat.

"Hey, kid, you've grown taller... and thinner."

This was Tsunade's first words upon seeing him.

(End of Chapter)

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