So, to repay Konoha's loan, the Oyashirō clan had a long way to go.
After Torifū's detailed explanation, the Oyashirō clan members understood the Genin, Chunin, and Jonin ranking system. Having been inactive as ninja for a very long time, they decided that once everything settled down, they would intensely study ninja knowledge, determined to achieve the Chunin rank! Regarding this fighting spirit, Torifū could only say, "It's hard to comment; I wish them success."
The Oyashirō clan greatly yearned for Konoha Village's various innovative policies and were eager to experience the real Konoha. After half a day, everyone's minds and bodies were fully rested. When they set off again, smiles were on their faces. Their spirit had noticeably changed. It was a stark contrast to their previous state in Hell Valley. Before, they were lifeless, lacking vitality, but now, everyone seemed full of hope for the future. With this drive, the team's overall travel speed was considerably faster than before, and they were expected to reach Konoha Village in two and a half days.
This entire journey took nearly half a month, but what they gained was a clan full of potential. This was something that could not be exchanged for any amount of time. Konoha had not had fresh blood injected into it for a long time. What kind of different changes would this Oyashirō clan bring to Konoha?
On the morning of the second day, the group returned to Konoha Village, not far off from the estimated time. From far away, En spotted Konoha Village's main gate: "Torifū-nii, is that Konoha Village?"
"That's right, we're home now."
"Home." Every Oyashirō clan member felt a warmth in their hearts upon hearing these three words. Once upon a time, they too had a home, but everything was destroyed by the Daimyō of the Land of Lightning. Now, they possessed a home once again. What would the outcome be this time? They only hoped there would be no outcome this time.
When the group reached a few hundred meters from the gate, Torifū saw that the roadside in front of the gate was lined with people. Could it be a welcoming ceremony organized by Tobirama? Torifū looked at Naori, who shook her head, indicating she had no idea. The three of them had not received this news beforehand, nor had Tobirama informed them. The Oyashirō clan members dared not hold any expectations for this, as they were complete strangers and wouldn't presume to be welcomed. They thought this must be a welcome for the Shodiame Hokage's return to the village.
But when they got closer, they noticed a large banner strung across the village entrance. The words on it were embroidered, and it looked like Madam Beni's handiwork. It read: "Welcome, Oyashirō Clan, to Konoha."
Only then did they dare to believe that this was truly a welcome for them! The villagers of Konoha were surprisingly enthusiastic. En had been active in the capital for about a year, so he could distinguish between expressions of liking and dislike. Judging by the expressions of the surrounding villagers, they were genuinely happy, welcoming them from the bottom of their hearts.
Torifū walked to Tsuki's side, a smile on his face: "From today onwards, we are all one family. You need to help everyone quickly integrate into the village; that's the most important thing you need to do." Tsuki nodded heavily, a tear inadvertently falling. This was the first time he had ever been welcomed; it would be a lie to say he wasn't moved.
Konoha Village's main gate slowly opened. Tobirama, clad in blue armor, stood at the village entrance, his smile undisguised. "Welcome, Oyashirō Clan. From now on, you are all part of Konoha Village."
Oyahirō Tsuki walked in front of Tobirama and bowed deeply: "Thank you very much for allowing our clan to join Konoha Village and ending the torment we have endured!" Tobirama lifted Oyashirō Tsuki, his smile undiminished: "No need for that. It's because of young Torifū that I learned of your clan's existence, and he was the one who persuaded me."
Tsuki had already thanked Torifū countless times. Indeed, without Torifū, the Oyashirō clan would probably not have existed much longer, perhaps only fifty or so more years. And due to Torifū's curiosity, this family struggling in despair was saved, and Konoha gained fresh blood. However, Torifū did not take credit for this, because without the right timing, location, and people, such a harmonious situation would not have been possible. Who would have thought that the initial cause of this whole affair was Naori's stolen wallet? Thus, everything in this world has its own divine arrangement.
The Oyashirō clan members thanked almost every villager before reluctantly following Tobirama into Konoha Village. Tobirama assigned the Oyashirō clan their compound near the Kumotsuru Clan's area, intending for Torifū to look after them and observe them. After all, anyone could put on a show, and ultimately, they had only known each other for less than a month. It wasn't about distrusting them, but as Hokage, he had to consider the entire village, and the safety of the villagers was paramount. With Torifū there, Tobirama could be much more at ease.
Only the general area was planned; the specific layout of the clan compound was left for Oyashirō Tsuki to decide. The architectural style, the overall orientation, all needed meticulous refinement before craftsmen could begin construction. This process would take a considerable amount of time, so for now, they would have to endure staying at Konoha Village's inn. Fortunately, these expenses would be reimbursed by Konoha Village.
Although it was an inn, it was immeasurably better than Hell Valley. All sorts of necessities were available, there were food stalls right outside, and they could bathe indoors. It was practically like reaching the pinnacle of life!
Torifū led the Oyashirō clan into the inn and settled all matters.
"The craftsman uncle should be coming to find you soon. You can discuss the compound's plan with him. He's an old hand, so you can trust him."
"Thank you, Torifū-sama. Without you, I really wouldn't have been able to handle all this."
Torifū waved his hand, saying casually, "It's nothing. You'll be fine once you get familiar with Konoha in a few days." Then he added, "Oh, and the cost of building the compound and the resettlement fees for each of your clan members will be approved tomorrow. The bill will also be handed to you."
"Once everything starts running normally, you'll need to slowly repay the loan. Don't feel too much pressure."
Oyashirō Tsuki nodded: "I understand, Lord. Don't worry."
Torifū felt a bit helpless about Tsuki's inability to change his form of address. They were clearly of the same generation, and he was much younger than Oyashirō Tsuki. Being called "Lord" made him quite uncomfortable. However, after correcting him many times, Tsuki still used the same address, so Torifū could only let him be.