Senju Mori withdrew his hand and looked at the undisguised awe on the faces of his three disciples. He spoke slowly:
"A shinobi's life is inseparable from danger. Injuries—and even death—are everyday occurrences. Great power can eliminate enemies, but only by mastering healing and regeneration can one survive better."
His gaze swept across the three children, lingering briefly on Tsunade and Orochimaru.
"Medical ninjutsu is not merely a technique for treating wounds."
"It involves the most delicate understanding of the human body, the utmost precision in chakra control. It is a means of deeply comprehending and intervening in life itself. Its profound mastery can even bring someone back from the brink of death."
"The First Hokage could heal wounds without forming any hand seals. That was one of the crucial reasons he could defeat Uchiha Madara."
"Bring back the dead…"
Tsunade murmured the words.
In this world filled with slaughter and death, few could resist the temptation such words carried.
A burning hunger ignited in Orochimaru's eyes as well.
As a war orphan, he had often visited the village's memorial stone alone, silently mourning his deceased parents…
This mysterious green glow completely ignited his desire to explore the human body, life itself, and the essence of chakra.
Even Hatake Sakumo, who normally cared only for swordsmanship, curiously touched the freshly healed wound on his arm while moving it around.
Senju Mori took in all their reactions, knowing that the seed planted today might grow into a towering tree in the years to come.
He didn't say anything more—only smiled and instructed:
"Since the mission has been completed smoothly, tidy up the scene quickly. We'll prepare to return to the village."
"Yes, Mori-sensei!"
The three answered in unison. Their voices now carried less of the eager excitement from the start of the mission, and more calmness and contemplation.
The sun fully sank beneath the horizon. The final trace of warmth was swallowed by the indigo night.
Their return journey was quiet, with only the soft crunch of footsteps along the forest path.
...
When the group returned to the village, they found Konohagakure unusually lively.
It was the end of Konoha Year 20, and the cold winter air was filled with festive warmth and bustling energy.
Along the streets, many homes and shops had hung shimenawa ropes under their eaves in preparation for the New Year.
Clusters of bright orange daidai fruits decorated the ropes, glowing warmly under lantern light—symbolizing hopes for the family's prosperity through the generations.
But unlike the usual New Year decorations, the village felt… different this year.
Among many of the shimenawa, colorful paper cranes had been carefully added—white, red, and gold—strung together in clusters that swayed gently in the night wind.
They looked like little spirits poised for flight, adding a sacred and celebratory aura to the village.
Tsunade also keenly noticed that among the shinobi walking through the village, several figures with familiar, vivid red hair—the hallmark of the Uzumaki clan—had appeared.
Their presence added a sense of solemnity layered beneath the festivities.
Senju Mori stopped once they passed the village gate and turned to his disciples.
"This mission has been successfully completed. You are dismissed for now—go home, rest well, and review the experience you gained. ANBU will inform you of the next assembly time."
Tsunade, though burning with curiosity as she looked at the unusual decorations around her—especially the conspicuous Uzumaki clan members and the countless paper cranes—still held back the urge to ask questions.
After bowing alongside Orochimaru and Sakumo, the three turned and left, their small figures quickly disappearing into the lantern-lit streets.
Watching his students vanish, Senju Mori also turned away. He was just about to head toward the Hokage Building when a familiar voice, warm with laughter, reached him from the side.
"Brother Mori!"
Following the voice, he saw a figure stride out from beneath a large, lush tree. The newcomer had a head of vivid red hair, bright like living flame—the most iconic trait of the Uzumaki clan.
His features were handsome, his eyes open and cheerful, and the smile on his face was warm enough to outshine the lanterns lining the street.
At the moment, he wasn't wearing his usual combat gear or casual clothing. Instead, he was dressed in a formal clan outfit: a dark-patterned jacket with the Uzumaki's spiral crest embroidered in gold and silver thread along the collar and sleeves.
Clearly, he had been waiting here for some time.
Senju Mori walked up to him, and the two greeted each other with a natural, familiar tap on the arm.
"You've worked hard on the trip, Chisawa."
Uzumaki Chisawa beamed, his voice filled with ease and clear anticipation.
"It wasn't hard at all. Everything went smoothly."
"The engagement gift ceremony is complete, the acceptance papers and return gifts have been delivered to the Senju compound, and I even visited Lady Mito this morning. All that's left is the final ceremony."
Senju Mori nodded. With Mito and the clan elders handling the arrangements, he had no worries. He asked directly:
"In that case, when is the date set?"
Uzumaki Chisawa's smile grew even brighter. He took out a small, ornate scroll from his robe, unrolled it, and handed it to Mori.
"After careful divination by the clan elders, we've selected three excellent auspicious days—all soon. The final choice depends on you, Lord Hokage."
Senju Mori glanced over the dates on the scroll. After a brief moment of thought, he made his decision.
"Seven days from now."
"Perfect!" Uzumaki Chisawa nodded vigorously.
"I'll send word to the clan immediately and have everyone begin the final preparations. When the time comes, my father will also arrive with the family's delegation."