As Konoha force returned home, so did Iwa and Kumo. But instead of celebration there was a clear mood of defeat. This was especially true for Kumo. Less than a 1,000 Shinobi made their way home with the casket and body of their Raikage. A show of goodwill by Katsuro for a man who fought with everything he had for his people. Going home without it would have been a complete and utter disgrace, an embarrassment they could never wash away.
On hearing of his father's death, A lost it wanting to charge and lead his army to get revenge. Luckily his advisors and the more level headed B made him realise it was futile, and that he was throwing lives away needlessly. Reports stated that the man who killed him did so even when his father was supported by the Tsuchikage, 4 and 5 tails Jinchuuriki. A knew first hand how strong all those individuals were and it was something he refused to believe. His father was the strongest man he knew, but for him to die even with such a lineup? Unthinkable. Even as he learned of Katsuro's impressive feats, wide range of high class Jutsu and even Wood Style he thought that he must have used some trick. Caught him offguard or used some underhanded methods. Even as the name 'God of Shinobi' was truly resounding throughout the world, with his bounty being by far the highest. 500 million Ryo, over double the second place of 200 million Ryo for Hanzo the Salamander. A number that would be unbelievably tempting to a certain bounty hunter. Yet, A still didn't believe he was truly that much stronger than his father.
But practicality was stopping him. The Kumo and Iwa forces naturally returned home seeing as the war was over even if the fight didn't conclude between them. Their leaders had teamed up and lost much, so continuing to fight while the real enemy sat back and watched was nonsensical. When A returned home fuming and demanding to get revenge, he carried the emotions of all the Kumo shinobi who loved the Raikage but weren't there to see what had killed him. He was all but confirmed to be the next Raikage, and his elders made him see that now was not the time. Not only had their best fighter died, his force had been dealt a blow of over 7000 casualties. Without the luxury of winning, people and medical ninjas, many of their injured, had also followed suit to arrive at this number. The development of Iryo ninjutsu by Tsunade and Katsuro was a significant factor for why many of Konoha's injured lived where they otherwise might have died.
Attacking now while they could at best deploy 8000 Shinobi under A and B would be frankly stupid. It would be worse than before as Konoha wouldn't have its attention split between 4 other Great Villages where they still managed to repel a similar force under the 3rd Raikage. Not to mention the sheer number of powerful figures the Leaf had who singlehandedly made this venture impossible. And this is all while they underestimate the power of the 'God of Shinobi.'
A may be hotheaded, but he wasn't an idiot and he cared for his people. He saw the futility and was convinced to bide his time. They would wait to recover their strength and for Yugito Nii to grow up. When the opportunity came, they would take it. And thus, he would endure this humiliation for now. He performed the rites for his father, swearing revenge even if it would be served cold.
The Konoha army on the other hand made their way home. By this point the village was well aware of their triumphs and had gathered in large crowds to welcome their heroes home.
Names were shouted and titles held in reverence. Even Duy's name was heard frequently, inspiring his son Guy while causing the man himself to realise how far he'd come. It was surreal to see himself being idolised like this, and it almost made him want to break down on the spot as all the emotions came rushing in together. He climbed his way from being scorned as useless, to receiving respect and praise from even the strongest of Shinobi. Luckily, the wide eyes and joy of his son kept him stable.
Minato's handsome face and sunny aura combined with his strength now being shown meant that his title of 'Yellow Flash of the Leaf' was being chanted the most. But that was only because the man that was to his left who walked in front of everyone had far too many. 'Stormbreaker', 'Wind Emperor', 'Bane of Bijuus' and now 'God of Shinobi.' The last name would take a bit more time for it to spread and become synonymous with him, but it was inevitable. The fire had started, and soon would spread all over the world. 'God of Shinobi'. Unlike the false 'God' Hiruzen, the name fit Senju Katsuro and was the most perfect description for him.
The cheers for his name seemed to grow his ego back to its prior state, but he had learnt his lesson. He would temper his confidence and ensure it never became a detrimental arrogance. The parade and celebrations continued in full force as Shinobi reunited with their loved ones, their reason for fighting. For Katsuro, most of his loved ones had been with him on the front lines, but the sight of older Senju and Uzumaki members waiting for them put a smile on all their faces. All the members who fought with him were hugged and welcomed back. The 2 clans were more like one big family.
Of course Kushina couldn't be forgotten either, she'd been forced to stay behind from the war and dived into Minato's arms with no shame in front of everyone. It set off the grannies and grandpas of the clan into light chuckles, especially as Katsuro was giving Minato a death stare. Minato could only smile helplessly, rubbing his head as he felt one of his teachers thinking about killing him. But it was all too common nowadays, and Katsuro's own wife would grab his arm to placate him as always.
Sakumo and Kakashi would soon join them, being close with the clans who would thank them for their service and welcome them back too. It seemed perfect, but the looks some Uchiha clan members were shooting Kakashi's way showed it wasn't. It was one of the several things that needed to be dealt with, but that was an issue for Katsuro of the future. In fact he could probably just leave it to Minato and slack off a bit.
As the festivities started to wrap up, several Shinobi came up to Katsuro conveying their thanks and goodbyes. Clan heads like Fugaku, Hiashi, Shikaku etc, but also shinobi like the young Shisui and Might Duy. Katsuro made sure to tell Shisui to visit him as he wished if he wanted to continue their training to which the boy nodded enthusiastically. Looking at the young Itachi by his father's side, Katsuro felt a similar talent in the boy. Not just talent, but also a mindset that was almost impossible to come across, especially in a boy that young. He mentioned to Fugaku that he could send his son with Shisui if he wanted as he grew older. Fugaku was well aware of Katsuro's teaching record; he had raised the members of his clan back and beyond their former peak with his changes. He had raised personal disciples like the Heralds, Kakashi and even Minato all of which were showing outstanding prowess. It was a no-brainer for Fugaku, and would also serve to keep the ties between their clans strong.
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