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The sky was high, the clouds were light, and the wind was clear and bright.
The team returning from the Sunagakure front lines, having been relieved, walked scattered among the lush trees outside. From a distance, the outlines of Konoha Village and Hokage Rock were already visible. The usually disciplined and solemn team was now filled with the chatter of Ninja, faintly mixed with the low cries of the injured.
People shouted, horses neighed, and footsteps moved forward, all sounds blending into a chaotic mix.
For the profession of Ninja, such behavior was normally unacceptable.
However, after being suppressed throughout the journey and finally returning safely to the Village, even the most strict Commander would not suppress their companions' desire to return home. Instead, they were quite relieved that many in this team still held such hope for the future.
At the same time, they also held a subtle feeling about returning to the Village.
War always came with a large number of deaths.
Many did not know how to face the families of their fallen comrades. The shift from anticipation to despair in their eyes made their feelings complicated.
However, Sawara Kiri should be considered one of the most relaxed individuals in the crowd.
There were very few people he cared about, and his abilities were considerable. No one could threaten the few people he cared for.
Therefore, his small team was one of the few groups that looked the most leisurely among the crowd.
If one paid a little attention, they would notice that the Konoha Ninja accompanying them were looking at him with a mix of awe and longing.
Along the way, countless people approached him to talk, or even cried while expressing their gratitude.
Ninja are also human.
Compared to these minor matters, what concerned Sawara Kiri more were the events after returning to the Village.
His performance on the Sunagakure front line was witnessed by hundreds, even thousands, of people. This included people from Konoha and naturally also from Sunagakure. The grand scene of him blowing up Shukaku was not something one could easily witness anytime—and what's more, he created such a massive spectacle.
Now, no matter how much Sawara Kiri was unwilling to admit it, he knew very well.
He had already become an elephant hiding behind a small tree; no matter what, he could no longer conceal his presence.
This phenomenon was not only reflected in the attitude of the surrounding Konoha Ninja towards him but also in various other aspects.
For example, since he returned to Kikyo Castle from Sunagakure, Hidden Mist had continuously sent twelve golden imperial edicts, urging him like a death summons to immediately abandon all missions and return to the Village.
As for what missions, they didn't say; they just kept sending him commands—Return to the Village, Return to the Village, Return to the Village, Return to the Village!!!
However, at this point, Hidden Mist's commands were just toilet paper.
After receiving various messages, Sawara Kiri didn't reply with a single word; he flushed them all down the sewer.
However, judging from Hidden Mist's current attitude, they had finally realized that things were gradually going awry, and Yagura Karatachi was likely under considerable pressure.
Although a long time had passed, Sawara Kiri still remembered—the last time they met, because he used "Kyōka Suigetsu," he should have easily subdued himself in the illusion, and even updated his Sealing Technique.
This phenomenon, coupled with Yagura Karatachi's own strength and various verbal accounts, might have given Hidden Mist considerable confidence, making them believe they could firmly control him, the deep-sea spy, in their hands.
However, reality was quite the opposite.
After all, this was a Ninja who had directly blown up a Tailed Beast.
Yet, he was thrown out as a disposable spy.
And the place he was thrown was Konoha!?
Just by imagining it, Sawara Kiri could picture how frequent the emergency meetings at Hidden Mist's high command were now, and what kind of accusations the Hidden Mist high-ranking official in charge of the Konoha intelligence network was enduring.
"Tch."
"Who cares."
Sawara Kiri no longer cared.
Now, he was a loyal Konoha Ninja!
As for being an undercover agent?
That has nothing to do with me.
Besides this minor matter, the only thing that troubled him was the source of his Heart Node Points.
Although with his current strength, even if he faced monsters like Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara head-on, he could run very fast even if he couldn't win.
But this was reality!
As a transmigrator, who would want to live a tragic life? Who wouldn't want to be an invincible protagonist?
Sawara Kiri felt that he was still a little short of the small goal of "Ninja World Invincible," and the various Ninja World Sealing Technique were truly headaches.
When he was fighting Shukaku, that Tailed Beast prodigy, he was almost sealed inside.
If he hadn't made arrangements with Minato beforehand, he might have really had to take that super-sized Biju Bomb head-on—who could stand that?
Furthermore, even if he could be considered unrivaled in one-on-one combat, Sawara Kiri felt that he still lacked the crowd-clearing skills of Hashirama and Madara when it came to army-level engagements.
At that time, why would he care about an army of tens of thousands of Ninja?
If you dared to gather them, a single Chibaku Tensei and a True Several Thousand Hands Top Transformed Buddha would wipe you all out.
However, all of this required continued development of Heart Node Points.
But, whenever it came to this, the constraints brought by fame became quite annoying.
Sawara Kiri turned his head and inadvertently met those gazes filled with a touch of longing and admiration, and he couldn't help but sigh.
Longing is the emotion furthest from understanding.
Bonds, however, require equal cooperation between both parties to achieve interaction.
Sawara Kiri could now fully imagine what kind of gazes he would encounter on the street once he returned to the Village and all his deeds spread.
You know, even the Prince in the original story, who was detested by everyone on the streets since childhood, couldn't buy what he wanted even with money, to the point where he was moved to tears when he met a kind vendor like Ichiraku Ramen who was willing to sell him ramen. After making a name for himself in the battle against Kaguya and at the Valley of the End, he would encounter crowds of little fans on the street, eventually having to sneak around.
His influence might be slightly smaller, but his treatment probably wouldn't be much different.
Because of this, Sawara Kiri would probably only be able to find solutions with a few people whose status and strength were relatively equal to his own.
Now, it seemed Tsunade might be the most suitable candidate.
Even the most absurd routes like "Matured Honey Hime" and "Island Survivor" weren't actually that bad, right?
Also, he would have to check on Hiruko and Uchiha Hikari again after a while.
Just as Sawara Kiri was caught in a tangle of conflicting thoughts, his mind constantly racing, their group had already arrived at the gates of Konoha.
At this moment, joyful cheers erupted from the crowd already waiting at the Village gate.
After returning to the Village, Sawara Kiri easily extricated himself from the crowd and, after parting ways with the others, headed straight for the Senju Residence.
His Yuki was still being looked after there.
Minato, on the other hand, rushed non-stop to the Hokage Building—most likely to ask where Kushina was now.
Megumi, not knowing what was on her mind, returned to the Uchiha clan compound after bidding him farewell.
However, just as he reached the entrance of the Senju Residence, he heard a rather startling scolding from inside:
"Lady Tsunade—!!!"
"How many times have I told you not to just throw your underwear in the living room!"
"And the liquor bottles, haven't they spilled everywhere!"
"I'm the one who has to clean up the house!"
"You're already thirty years old, you know! A full thirty! If you can't even do housework like putting clothes in the washing machine, how are you going to live in the future, honestly..."
Sawara Kiri was stunned by the sound and stood at the entrance for a long time, not daring to enter.
Only when the voice stopped did he stealthily push open the door and enter the Senju Residence, which he had been away from for some time.
He walked all the way into the main hall, where he saw Sawara Yuki kneeling on the floor, tidying up Tsunade's bras, which were as big as grapefruit peels, and various clothes scattered on the floor. The scattered liquor bottles were also placed upright one by one beside her, as she scolded her with an exasperated tone.
Tsunade, at this time, was completely drunk, her fair face flushed red, probably having drunk alone all night again.
However, because Yuki was being so noisy, Lady Tsunade was currently cowering in a corner, having been scolded into submission. She was wearing a loose nightgown with a cartoon cat print, the cat's face on her chest stretched round and distorted by her ample bosom, yet it looked incredibly adorable.
She herself was clutching a pillow tightly over her ears, looking utterly tormented, like a monkey being lectured by a monk.
Noticing the expression on her face, which was almost distorted into a knot, Sawara Kiri couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
The two women inside immediately noticed the figure walking in from outside.
Sawara Yuki, who was tidying clothes, froze, and a look of pleasant surprise immediately appeared on her face. She threw the clothes in her hand aside and rushed out of the room barefoot:
"Kiri!!"
Her pitiful expression and mournful tone were like a kitten abandoned by its owner on the roadside, as she plunged into his arms with a thud.
"You're finally back!"
The girl's eyes were red-rimmed, full of immense grievance, and her entire small head was buried in his clothes, a slightly damp sensation rubbing against the fabric.
Tsunade, who had been cowering in the corner just moments ago, now seemed to suddenly revive, as if she had seen a savior. She darted out from inside and exclaimed loudly:
"Sawara Kiri! You're finally back!"
"Take her away!"
"Quickly, take this little thing away from me!"
Looking at her, she seemed even more aggrieved than Yuki.
It had been almost half a year, several months already!
Except for the initial period of teaching, when she still had some authority, ever since this little thing mastered the household chores and three meals a day, she, the dignified Tsunade Hime of Konoha, had been living an unusually difficult life.
She had to wake up at nine every day, be in bed by midnight, wasn't allowed to drink too much alcohol, couldn't wear outdoor clothes to bed, and even her pocket money was managed. As for gambling, she had to win against her to go out and play—for half a year, from dice to mahjong, and then to various card games, primarily blackjack, she hadn't won even once.
On the contrary, Sawara Yuki, this fellow, learned gambling and cheating tricks faster than anyone.
She hadn't even been to a casino once!
Otherwise, the next day's meal would immediately downgrade from a national banquet to a hodgepodge of pig slop.
What kind of life was this?!
Until now, her destined great savior had finally returned alive.
Tsunade could guarantee that no one in the entire Village was happier than she was.
"Huh?!"
"If it weren't for Kiri, I wouldn't want to cook for Lady Tsunade!"
Looking at her utterly ungrateful demeanor, Yuki also became exasperated.
Tsunade retorted righteously, "I've been paying you with medical Ninjutsu!"
"Then I've also washed your under—"
"Alright, alright!"
Hearing something he shouldn't, Sawara Kiri immediately interrupted, "Today is my first day back in the Village to rest. Who knows when I'll have to go to the battlefield again."
"As a celebration, why don't we find a place to have a big meal first?"
"Hmm?!"
Upon hearing this, Tsunade immediately perked up.
Yuki, hearing this, couldn't help but worry again. She felt around her older brother, nervously saying, "Kiri! You weren't hurt in the Land of Wind, were you? Lady Tsunade said your team seemed to have gone on a very dangerous mission. Did you get any scars?"
"Also, Lady Tsunade!"
"Didn't you say Kiri and his team were coming back the day after tomorrow?!"
Mid-sentence, Yuki turned her head angrily to look at her medical teacher.
Tsunade immediately turned her head to the side, feeling a bit guilty.
She couldn't very well say she had misremembered.
She then took the opportunity to casually reassure and immediately change the subject, "What kind of injuries could your older brother have? He's made quite a name for himself in the Land of Wind! He's almost as famous as I am!"
Tsunade crossed her arms, instantly making the already round cat print on her nightgown even rounder. On her still somewhat flushed face, she wore a calm, teasing expression:
"Right?"
"Crimson Blade Kiri, Konoha's Takamagahara?"
"I heard that he is the strongest new generation, someone who, no matter what sacrifice or cost, is right before your eyes, yet like the illusory Takamagahara, he is desirable but unattainable."
"Even the Tailed Beast, a weapon for guarding the Village, is no match for him."
"Eh?!"
Sawara Yuki heard this news for the first time and turned her head in astonishment to look at her older brother.
During wartime, Konoha Villagers usually received news mostly from newspapers and various propaganda, and details of the war were mostly not described in detail.
Furthermore, Sawara Kiri was a staunch supporter of the Tsunade faction. Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu, who were currently in charge of various administrative affairs in the Village, naturally would not easily let his reputation spread.
However, Tsunade, as one of the higher-ups, knew very well.
The mature woman looked at the handsome young man before her, who still carried a hint of childishness on his face, and her heart was actually somewhat complex.
As the Sannin, they too were considered the next generation's pillars of Konoha since childhood, crucial elements for victory in war, and renowned powerhouses in the Ninja World.
It was just that in this war, whether their reputation or the glory of Hatake Sakumo, the Konoha White Fang, had been completely overshadowed by this younger generation.
"It's alright."
Sawara Kiri smiled, rubbing Yuki's long hair, and said gently, "Those reputations are just excuses Sunagakure found for their defeat. In reality, most of the credit comes from everyone's efforts."
"Jinchuriki are extremely dangerous existences. Yuki, don't underestimate those guys."
"How could I underestimate them?"
Yuki grumbled grumpily.
She wasn't stupid. Although the textbooks didn't say much, as an honor student, she had learned about the history of the Tailed Beasts—they were monsters that had once plagued the Ninja World.
"Also."
Sawara Kiri said, turning his head slightly towards Tsunade, putting on an expression suitable for his age, and his tone seemed somewhat helpless:
"Lady Tsunade, I'm a boy, after all. Can you please put on your clothes before coming out?"
Upon hearing this, Tsunade looked down at her loose nightgown and the small protrusion bulging from the eyes of the cat print on her pajamas. Her expression first stiffened.
But then, noticing Sawara Kiri's expression, her face immediately became arrogant, like a thirty-year-old strange aunt eyeing a young boy in a dark alley. She chuckled lowly, cupping one side of the cat's face on her chest, and said in a strange voice:
"Heheheh~"
"You little pervert, so you've been paying attention to that place since just now?!"
"Are you interested in this?! Look, look—"
She seemed about to bare her fangs and claws, tugging at a corner of her nightgown in a suggestive manner.
To see this usually serious little guy show such an expression, it would be a waste not to tease him a bit!
Ah, these kids at this age, as a legendary medical master with an extraordinary understanding of the human body, she understood them perfectly.
Just a little bit of temptation and teasing, and at night, they'd almost tear through their blankets.
Eh?
Why hadn't she thought of this before?!
Tsunade couldn't help but feel a subtle regret.
At the beautiful age of thirty, when hormone secretion was at its peak, she was no longer as easily shy or timid as those naive young girls—especially when facing a much younger boy.
However, Sawara Yuki immediately jumped up like a startled cat, fiercely blocking Tsunade, grabbing her clothes to prevent her from moving, while shouting:
"Kiri! Run!"
"Don't let this thirsty old aunt catch you!"
"Hey, hey, hey!"
"Who are you calling an old aunt?!"
"You, on the other hand, don't deny at all that you're very thirsty, Lady Tsunade!"
Tsunade immediately displayed a very traditional side of the Senju, sacrificing her disciple for the greater good: "Sawara Yuki, you ungrateful, wicked little brat who disobeys your master! Watch me—"
"Ah!"
In the courtyard of the Senju Residence, the two, one running and one chasing, immediately fell into a chaotic mess.
Sawara Kiri watched this scene with some helplessness, yet inexplicably felt a subtle sense of ease unique to being away from the battlefield.
This was the feeling of everyday life.
join p atreon.com/KeyofStars and become a Sequence 9: Reader for dozens of advance chapters for over a dozen fics | Every 100 powerstones = 1 extra chapter