That night, moonlight cascaded like liquid silver while stars twinkled overhead like scattered diamonds. In the pitch-black forest surrounding Konoha, only the gentle chirping of insects could be heard, nature's orchestra performing the most primitive melodies for the tranquil evening.
Outside Konoha's main gate, Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu sat comfortably in their chairs as usual, gazing at the nocturnal landscape with leisurely expressions painted across their faces.
At that moment, a brilliant beam of silver light streaked across the distant sky.
This celestial display happened to catch Kamizuki Izumo's attention as he stretched his weary limbs.
"Hey, look! It's a shooting star!"
"It really is a shooting star!"
"Make a wish quickly!"
Both gate guards hastily pressed their palms together, closed their eyes tightly, and made silent wishes with earnest concentration.
However, when they reopened their eyes, the meteor not only hadn't disappeared, it appeared to be growing larger and larger with each passing second.
"Oh no! That thing is heading straight for us!"
The expressions on both Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu's faces transformed from wonder to alarm.
"Run!"
Unfortunately, their realization came a moment too late.
The meteor descended directly toward Konoha's entrance gates.
Both men instinctively raised their arms to shield their faces from the anticipated impact.
However, the expected explosion and devastating shockwave never materialized.
The brilliant light gradually faded to reveal four figures standing before them.
The leading man possessed sharp, well-defined features and striking eyes that seemed to hold depths of ancient wisdom. His appearance was so extraordinarily handsome that he resembled a fallen angel descended from the heavens above.
Even though they were both heterosexual men, Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu found themselves momentarily stunned by this person's otherworldly beauty.
They quickly shook off their amazement and refocused on their duties.
"Who are you? Why are you infiltrating Konoha Village under cover of darkness?"
Both gate guards drew their kunai and assumed defensive combat stances with practiced precision.
Not long ago, Konoha had suffered a devastating attack that resulted in tremendous casualties. Even their beloved Third Hokage had perished during that assault.
The unexpected appearance of these mysterious individuals demanded their utmost vigilance and caution.
Victor offered no immediate response, instead turning his gaze toward Tsunade standing beside him.
She stepped forward and addressed the two guards with unmistakable authority, "It's me. Open the gates."
"Wait... could you possibly be Lady Tsunade?"
A gentle breeze swept through the area, pushing aside the concealing clouds overhead.
Moonlight spilled across the earth, illuminating the figures behind Victor with ethereal clarity.
Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu finally obtained a clear view of Tsunade's distinctive features and recognized her identity instantaneously.
"Lady Tsunade, is it truly you?"
Unconcealed excitement radiated from both men's expressions.
Lady Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin, had actually returned to the village!
This was truly magnificent news!
Since the Third Hokage's tragic death, the village had been supported by Jiraiya-sama alone, leaving Konoha in an extremely vulnerable position.
Among the five great shinobi nations, apart from Sunagakure, Konoha was arguably the weakest at present.
Now that Lady Tsunade had returned, their current predicament would be completely transformed!
"Of course it's me. Who else would it be?" Tsunade replied curtly, producing her official ninja identification.
This document served the same function as a modern ID card, completely impossible to forge or replicate.
Combined with Tsunade's unmistakable powerful aura, it provided irrefutable proof of her authentic identity.
"Welcome back to the village, Lady Tsunade!"
Both gate guards immediately opened the massive entrance gates and watched respectfully as Tsunade, Victor, and their companions passed through.
After the group departed, they promptly used summoning techniques to dispatch messenger animals carrying news of Tsunade's return to the village leadership.
Within a short time, Konoha's high-ranking officials would undoubtedly learn of Tsunade's homecoming.
After entering Konoha proper, Tsunade had originally intended to escort Victor and the others directly to the village cemetery.
However, recalling Victor's earlier expressed interest in experiencing Ichiraku Ramen, and noting that the famous establishment was conveniently located nearby during what happened to be dinner time, she decided to alter their route.
"Order whatever strikes your fancy, it's my treat!"
This marked the first occasion when Tsunade displayed such remarkable generosity.
Even Shizune, who typically managed their perpetually strained finances with an iron fist, unconditionally supported Tsunade's extravagance for once, even contributing her own carefully hoarded personal funds.
Victor saw no reason to decline such hospitality and immediately ordered a bowl of the establishment's most expensive tonkotsu chashu ramen, complete with every available side dish and premium topping.
Krul requested an identical order to Victor's selection.
Both began eating with obvious relish and appreciation.
The ramen's flavor profile was genuinely impressive and lived up to its legendary reputation.
Of course, when compared to the sophisticated culinary artistry of Totsuki Academy, a noticeable gap in quality remained apparent.
After finishing his initial bowl, Victor proceeded to order several additional servings featuring different flavor combinations.
This wasn't necessarily because he harbored overwhelming affection for Ichiraku Ramen specifically.
Rather, having finally arrived at this sacred pilgrimage site for interdimensional travelers, it would be wasteful not to experience the full range of offerings available.
Thirty minutes later, Victor finally set down his chopsticks with satisfied contentment.
He had successfully sampled every distinct ramen variety the establishment offered.
Before him, more than a dozen empty bowls formed an impressive tower of culinary conquest.
Boss Teuchi stared at this spectacle with undisguised amazement.
He had never witnessed anyone possess such a prodigious appetite!
At least, not within his considerable experience.
Just as they emerged from Ichiraku Ramen, an ANBU operative wearing a distinctive animal mask materialized before them and dropped to one knee in a formal gesture of respect.
"Lady Tsunade, the village elders request your immediate presence at the Hokage Building."
None of them displayed surprise at this ANBU agent's sudden appearance, such occurrences were perfectly routine in a hidden village.
Tsunade waved dismissively and responded with obvious irritation, "Return and inform them that I lack the time for pointless arguments at present. We can discuss any pressing matters at a later date."
If anyone asked whom she least desired to encounter right now, the answer would undoubtedly be Konoha's elder council!
She already possessed comprehensive knowledge of their numerous transgressions over the years.
Only her respect for their positions as village elders had prevented her from taking direct action against them previously.
However, this restraint had also completely eroded any positive feelings she might have harbored toward these authority figures.
Rather than waste precious time engaging in fruitless debates with them, she preferred to focus on exhuming her brother's remains and achieving his resurrection.
"But, "
The ANBU operative attempted to voice further protest, but Tsunade ignored him entirely and departed with her companions.
Witnessing this dismissal, the masked ninja could only sigh in resignation and retreat in obvious embarrassment.
Several minutes later, under Tsunade's knowledgeable guidance, Victor and the others arrived at Konoha's memorial cemetery.
This hallowed ground served as the final resting place for shinobi who had sacrificed their lives in service to the village.
Among the collection of grave markers, quite a few appeared freshly constructed, grim reminders of recent conflicts.
One particularly massive black tombstone commanded immediate attention.
The name "Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen" was clearly engraved upon its polished surface in elegant script.
As she passed this monument, Tsunade paused momentarily to pay her respects, a hint of genuine sorrow flickering through her eyes.
After this brief acknowledgment, she continued past the tombstone and resumed their journey.
Soon afterward, the group stopped before an older, weathered grave marker.
Tsunade knelt down and gently brushed away fallen leaves and accumulated dust from the stone surface with tender care.
"Is this your brother's final resting place?" Victor inquired softly.
Tsunade nodded solemnly. "Yes. The person buried beneath this earth is my beloved brother, Nawaki."
"Then let's begin the exhumation without further delay."
"Understood!"
Tsunade rose to her feet, retrieved the shovel she had prepared earlier, and began digging with determined efficiency.
However, at that precise moment, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from behind them.
Accompanying these approaching sounds came Mitokado's aged and distinctly hoarse voice calling out in alarm.
"Tsunade! What in heaven's name are you doing?"