The news reached Konoha and caused quite a stir among the upper ranks.
But reactions varied.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was pleased.
Tsunade was his student, so he was glad to see her shine.
The other seven involved, except for Shisui, were all his students' students.
In other words, all from the Hokage's line.
But some were closer than others.
No matter how well Shisui and Itachi did, Tsunade was his true successor.
Natsume's performance also pleased him.
Finally, a genius not named Uchiha.
Some were happy. Others, not so much.
Like Orochimaru and Shimura Danzo.
Orochimaru was just one step from his goal—enraged.
Danzo thought Tsunade's reputation was rising too fast; she might become the next Hokage soon.
On the way back, Fugaku received a message from the ANBU.
The Third Hokage would hold a welcome parade for them in Konoha.
Sarutobi understood public opinion.
After all, the White Fang died because of it.
The parade would boost Tsunade's prestige and dispel the Uchiha clan's doubts.
…
Two days later, morning at Konoha's gate.
It was a huge event.
But Natsume didn't want to join the fun.
"You all go ahead," Tsunade said after the parade. She still had to report their mission.
"You did great. The old man will reward you—just ask for anything you want."
"Okay."
The three left the group.
"I'm off to Tanzaku Quarters," Natsume said.
Kabuto and Shizune already knew about the Gunma Company, so they weren't surprised.
Natsume waved goodbye and left.
Soon, he arrived at the Gunma Casino.
"I'm back!"
He opened the door.
Inside, Karin and Uzumaki Hinaee froze, then broke into smiles and ran to him.
"Big brother!"
Karin was first, or maybe Hinae hung back to let her daughter go first.
"Have you been studying hard?" Natsume picked her up.
He smiled reassuringly at Hinae.
"What's with that?" Karin pouted, hands on hips. "You ask about studying as soon as you get back—do you not like me?"
She was so cute, Natsume couldn't help but laugh.
Hinae chuckled too.
She patted Karin's head. "Nonsense—your brother loves you most."
"Yes, and I got you a present," Natsume said, handing her a small shuriken.
Most girls her age preferred toys or dolls.
But Karin was different—hot-tempered and loved martial arts.
She examined the shuriken, noticed the intricate carvings, and smiled in satisfaction.
"Alright, you're forgiven," she said, tilting her head. "Now put me down and hug Mom."
Hinae looked at her in surprise.
"Mom, you wanted to hug brother, but I beat you to it—now it's your turn," Karin said, acting proud.
Natsume couldn't help but laugh.
Kids are so smart.
He didn't refuse.
He put Karin down and opened his arms.
Hinae hesitated, looked at Karin, then shyly stepped forward to hug him.
She'd been worried sick lately, afraid of bad news.
Now, surrounded by his familiar scent, she felt all her emptiness fill, pure joy and contentment.
Because of their height difference, it was more like Natsume hugging her.
Not that she minded.
Natsume nuzzled her smooth cheek, making her dizzy.
But she didn't push him away.
Until Karin huffed, "That's longer than me!"
Hinae snapped out of it, embarrassed, and let go.
She felt like she'd stolen something precious from her daughter.
"Have you eaten?" Hinae asked, checking the time.
"Nope," Natsume grinned. "I've been eating pig food out there—please cook something nice for me."
"Just a moment," Hinae smiled warmly and headed to the kitchen.
Natsume sat with Karin in his lap, picked up a book.
"Time for a quiz. What does 'Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?' mean?"
"It means it's great when kindred spirits come from far away!" Karin recited.
"Not bad."
"Next: 'A gentleman loves wealth but gets it by proper means.' How do you translate that?"
"I like money, so I'll just take yours. That's perfectly reasonable!" Karin said, totally serious.
Kakuzu would approve.
Natsume couldn't refute her logic.
"Dinner's ready!" Hinae called, carrying the dishes.
Karin jumped up and ran to the table.
If you don't eat well, your thinking is problematic.
But really, she was just happy to avoid more studying.
…
After dinner, Natsume headed home.
He'd have liked to stay, but there was business in the afternoon—the team had to see the Hokage.
He didn't know what kind of reward to ask for.
Thanks to Tsunade, he lacked for nothing.
Even the Scroll of Seals was accessible.
What he truly wanted, Sarutobi couldn't give.
Hokage's Office.
Tsunade barged in and sprawled on the couch, showing no respect.
The rest bowed politely to Hiruzen.
He nodded, then beamed at Tsunade.
"Well done. If not for you, the war wouldn't have ended so soon. Compared to Orochimaru and Jiraiya, you give me much less to worry about."
"It wasn't just me," Tsunade waved it off. "Enough with the flattery—let's talk real rewards."
She didn't care for herself, but wanted to get something for her students.
The old man had plenty of goodies—it was time to hand them out.
"Alright," Hiruzen tapped his pipe. "You infiltrated enemy lines and flooded the Cloud ninja—an S-rank achievement. You'll be rewarded as for four S-rank missions."
"And?" Tsunade asked.
Four S-rank missions meant at least a million ryo per person.
But money was the least important thing.
"What do you want? Jutsu or ninja tools—name it," Hiruzen said generously.
Not just for Tsunade—anyone with great merit got lavish rewards.
Usually, it was jutsu.
"Hokage-sama," Kabuto had prepared his request. "I hope you'll increase support for the Konoha Orphanage."
Hiruzen was taken aback.
But it left a good impression—Kabuto was sentimental and soft-hearted.
Rare among ninja.
Hiruzen liked ninja like that.
Because the soft-hearted cared about others.
That was the Will of Fire.
"No problem," Hiruzen said with regret. "The orphanage should have been repaired long ago, but due to the recent chaos and war, it's been delayed. Thank you for reminding me."
Now that's the art of conversation!
Natsume couldn't help but admire it.
Come to think of it, Naruto had probably been talked into coming back by now.
"Hokage-sama, I'd like a set of custom medical ninja tools," Shizune requested.
She could have used Natsume's money, but wasn't that type.
"Of course," Hiruzen nodded, then turned to Natsume. "And you, Natsume? Your performance was outstanding—feel free to make a special request."
He was hinting that Natsume could ask for more.
And honestly, Natsume deserved it.
He was the one who blew up the riverbank; Shizune and Kabuto just played messenger.
Natsume hesitated, unsure what to ask for.
"The Sword of the Thunder God," Tsunade suddenly said. "Natsume, you need a good weapon. The Sword of the Thunder God is Konoha's best sword."