Chapter 104 – An Unexpected Surprise
The group followed behind Jiraiya as they marched through all of Konoha, eventually arriving at the memorial stone at the back of the village.
At that moment, the shinobi who had been carrying the ashes of the fallen stepped forward from the middle of the formation, placing the remains of their heroic comrades before the gravestones.
Jiraiya personally carved each of their names into the memorial. These were Konoha's heroes—worthy of remembrance by all.
Perhaps ten years from now, the world would forget them. But here, their names would forever remain, for future generations to honor.
Although the war had taken many lives, it had ultimately ended in victory. And with victory came recognition and reward.
Whether it was rank promotions or filling the positions left vacant by those who had fallen in battle, a grand award ceremony was necessary.
Such a ceremony required the village's Hokage to oversee it. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō had already departed the day before, representing Konoha at the Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron.
Since Sarutobi wasn't in the village, the commendation ceremony would have to wait until his return.
Before leaving, Sarutobi had set the date—seven days from now.
After all, as the victor of the war, Konoha had to be present in the Land of Iron to negotiate reparations and settlements.
In Sarutobi's absence, all village affairs were now being managed by Konoha's two elder advisors, and the village had entered a period of full recovery and rest.
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Nightfall
After parting ways with Tsunade and Jiraiya, Kazane made his way home.
He had heard that the unit stationed at the Iwa front had returned earlier that morning.
Naturally, he wanted to see his adorable little brother again. It had been so long—he wondered what Kakashi's reaction would be when they reunited.
Just as he reached the gate, Kazane heard a ruckus in the courtyard.
Kakashi? Bringing friends home?
Now that was rare.
From the sound of it, Kakashi had gone through a lot during his absence. His once solitary personality might've even changed.
Kazane couldn't help but smile and shake his head. That was a good thing.
He had always worried that Kakashi would turn into a cold, emotionless lone wolf. But now, those fears seemed unnecessary.
As soon as Kazane pushed open the door, he was stunned by the sight before him—a courtyard filled with familiar faces.
He froze for a moment.
Before he could react, a tearful figure threw herself into his arms.
It was Kurenai Yuhi.
Her eyes shimmered with tears as she clung tightly to Kazane under the soft candlelight of the courtyard.
She looked stunning—and heartbreakingly vulnerable.
"Kazane… Welcome home~"
Held tightly in his arms, her voice soft and tender, her cheeks flushed as she felt the warmth of his body.
Throughout the Third Great Ninja War, Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't permitted Kurenai's team to leave the village. So she had remained in Konoha the whole time.
But even if she couldn't be on the front lines, she paid close attention to all news from the battlefield.
It was one thing to hear about Kazane defeating powerful enemies—but every time she heard that some formidable shinobi from another village was about to face him, she would anxiously pray for his safety.
Especially when she heard about Kazane's near-death duel with the Third Raikage. Her fear nearly drove her to disobey the Hokage's orders and rush to the front herself.
But her father, Yuhi Shinku, a veteran of the Second Great Ninja War, wouldn't let her act so impulsively.
Today, upon hearing that a unit was returning from the front, Kurenai had rushed to the village gates at dawn, hoping to see Kazane.
But when it turned out to be Orochimaru's unit, she couldn't help feeling disappointed.
It was then that Kakashi, noticing her, had greeted his future sister-in-law warmly.
He suggested that they gather Kazane's friends and wait for him at home to give him a surprise.
That's how Kurenai ended up at the Hatake residence—waiting.
At this moment, Kurenai didn't want to let go. She clung to Kazane as though afraid he'd vanish the moment she loosened her grip.
"...I'm back."
Kazane finally returned to his senses. One arm gently wrapped around her slender waist, the other softly stroked her back.
His voice was full of affection and comfort.
After a while, Kurenai suddenly became aware of the many eyes watching them.
Her face turned bright red, and she quickly pulled away from his embrace—adorably flustered.
Kazane reached out and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Then, he looked around the courtyard.
Compared to the last gathering, many familiar faces were now missing.
Even the ones who remained had visibly matured.
But to his relief, Obito was still here. Rin Nohara was alive. And Kakashi hadn't awakened the Sharingan.
That meant his presence had already altered many fates.
Though Kazane didn't yet know—this single flutter of a butterfly wing would go on to change far more than he imagined.
And even now, countless eyes in the shadows were watching him.
But even if Kazane knew, he wouldn't care.
Throw at me all the schemes you want—I'll cut through them with a single sword... And I have three.
He thought.
Obito had matured as well. A noticeable scar now marked his face, a testament to the danger he'd faced.
In the past, Obito would've rushed over, bouncing with excitement, boasting about how many enemies he'd defeated or what new jutsu he'd learned.
But now, he simply stood quietly beside Kakashi, giving Kazane and Kurenai their moment.
That, alone, was proof of how much he'd grown.
Kakashi, too, had become noticeably calmer and more composed. He now stood instinctively half a step in front of Rin—subconsciously protecting her.
That was enough to put Kazane at ease. No more worries about the aloof, Icha Icha-reading loner staying single forever.
As Kurenai stepped back, Obito finally walked over.
He lightly tapped Kazane's chest with a fist and smiled.
I"Welcome back. We've been waiting a long time, Kazane."
Behind him stood Might Guy, Genma Shiranui, and the others—all watching Kazane with admiration.
They were Konoha's new generation. The village's future main force.
And also Kazane's strongest support.
That night lasted a long, long time.
There was so much to talk about. So much to share.
By the time Kazane sent everyone home, it was already late.
When he returned Kurenai to the Yuhi household, the hour was even later. But her father, Yuhi Shinku, hadn't gone to sleep.
He simply sat there, silently glaring at the young man trying to "steal his cabbage."
But he said nothing.
Kazane was no longer the same boy he could scold or lecture at will.
Now, Kazane stood at the very peak of the shinobi world. Even as Kurenai's father, Shinku knew he couldn't challenge him easily.
The world of ninja had its own unspoken rules—the strong ruled.
However, if Shinku ever discovered that Kazane made his daughter cry...
Then even if it cost him his life— He would never let Kazane off the hook.