At this moment, in Konoha's headquarters, a group of Jonin wearing dark green vests sat around a large table, discussing the safe return of the troops to the village.
After several days of rest, they had finally received orders from Konoha to return. The Land of Rain had surrendered and agreed to sign a series of unequal treaties. With the war effectively over, there was no longer any reason to maintain a military presence at the border.
"Am I, the so-called 'Demigod of the Hidden Rain,' not supposed to have any face?" Hanzo had reportedly protested to the Third Hokage.
Uchiha Tatsumi was also present in the headquarters, listening to various confidential matters. However, no one questioned why a mere Chunin had access to such high-level discussions.
His battlefield accomplishments were well known, and if not for the requirement that the Third Hokage personally approve promotions to Jonin, Uchiha Tatsumi would already hold that title. Moreover, he had been brought in by Orochimaru himself, which deterred anyone from challenging his presence.
Still, Tatsumi felt uncomfortable. While the others sat, he was the only one standing behind Orochimaru.
What was that saying? "At the age of ten, I attended a meeting with high-ranking officials... standing like a lackey."
Unfortunately, no one cared about his inner thoughts. All attention was focused on Sakumo, who had fully recovered and was leading the discussion.
"We've nearly finished packing up the garrison," Sakumo reported. "The next step is inventorying and transporting the remaining supplies."
"I've already assigned a specialized team to handle that," he continued. "They should have everything cataloged and ready for transport by 3:00 PM. Now, our main concern is securing the escort convoy."
Despite the war's conclusion, Sakumo remained cautious. Suna's forces were still active, and an ambush on the returning troops was a real possibility.
"Because we're escorting civilians, including wounded soldiers and non-combat personnel, we must remain vigilant," he added.
Orochimaru nodded. "I've sent word to the Third Hokage. Once we reach the Land of Fire's border, an Anbu unit will meet us to escort the prisoners."
"Good," Sakumo said. "But the real danger is when we cross the Land of Rain. Suna's forces may use the Land of Rivers as a staging ground for an ambush."
On the large map spread across the table, Sakumo marked their planned route, circling three key locations where an attack was most likely.
"We'll be taking this relatively safe route, but we must remain alert at these points," he instructed. "Jonin captains, make sure your teams stay sharp."
As his gaze swept across the room, it finally rested on Uchiha Tatsumi.
A sense of unease crept into Tatsumi's heart.
Sure enough, he had been assigned a crucial task—ensuring the safe transport of supplies.
Orochimaru reassured him, explaining that the supply convoy would be positioned centrally within the formation, making it one of the safer locations.
Even if Suna launched another attack, their primary targets would be the prisoners and the wounded. The supplies were unlikely to be their main concern.
Still, Tatsumi couldn't shake his unease. This was his first official Jonin-level mission, and it involved safeguarding Konoha's vital resources. It was a daunting responsibility.
After the meeting, Tatsumi sought out his teammates—Mikoto, Nawaki, and Minato.
"Chen, what did they say in the meeting?" Nawaki asked.
"We're preparing to return to Konoha. Our job is to guard the supply convoy," Tatsumi replied as they walked toward the garrison gates.
Outside, the transport teams had already begun moving. The long line of civilians and supplies slowly made its way forward.
Due to the sheer volume of people and goods, the convoy's speed was sluggish. The journey back to Konoha would take roughly ten days. Unlike an all-ninja unit, which could travel at high speeds, this mixed formation required careful planning and security measures.
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Meanwhile, in Konoha, news of the victory over the Land of Rain and the Land of Earth had spread rapidly. The high-ranking officials had wasted no time in making the announcement.
Within half a day, the entire village was buzzing with the news of Konoha's triumph.
"Hey, big fox, did you hear? Konoha's troops are coming back soon!" Kushina said excitedly.
After months of coexisting, her relationship with Kurama had stabilized. On the surface, they got along well enough.
Of course, Kurama still sought to manipulate her into weakening the seal, while Kushina simply enjoyed having someone to talk to.
"Hmph, if it were me, I would've ended the war with a single Tailed Beast Bomb," Kurama scoffed. "Open the seal, and I'll show you true power. You'll see your little boyfriend even sooner. Doesn't that sound nice?"
"Hah! We won without your help!" Kushina retorted. "Everyone's calling Tatsumi a Konoha hero. Oh, and there's some weird title... what was it? Right! 'Konoha Lace'!"
Kurama: "..."
"He's made huge contributions. He'll probably be promoted to Jonin soon," Kushina added with a grin. "Then, he can take me on missions with him! Won't that be great?"
She was already lost in her fantasies.
Kurama smirked. "And where does your teacher Tsunade fit into this little dream of yours?"
"None of your business!" Kushina huffed, crossing her arms as she stared defiantly at the fox.
Kurama merely chuckled, his tails swaying lazily behind him.
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