"Sensei, which team are we assigned to?" Uchiha Ran asked.
"We're Team Eight," Shinku Yuhi replied, slowing his pace as the three students jogging behind them caught up. "Ran, there's no need to rush so much. A ninja must learn to balance work and rest."
The walk from the Konoha training grounds to the Hokage's office wasn't far. Leaving the training field, they soon stepped onto the path leading into the residential district. Immediately, the air was filled with liveliness and warmth.
Flowers from the Yamano family's shop along the path released gentle, sweet fragrances that mingled with the sunlight streaming through the treetops of the village houses, illuminating the streets in golden warmth. Villagers moved along the pathways, some hurrying to their destinations, others strolling leisurely. Some wore flowing light-colored kimonos; others dressed in modern, standardized attire, creating a vibrant, picturesque scene along Konoha's commercial streets.
Street vendors eagerly displayed their goods. One vendor called out to Team Eight, showing off bright, tempting apples and golden, juicy oranges. The display made mouths water. Another stall displayed colorful toys, capturing the attention of children, who waved their arms excitedly, pleading with their parents for a chance to play.
The sounds of the market filled the air—vendors shouting to advertise their goods, haggling with passersby, and the laughter of children interwoven with the lively commotion, bringing the streets to life.
The residential streets were wide and orderly, with architecture reflecting Konoha's unique style. Wooden structures dominated, with brightly painted wind chimes hanging from the eaves. Occasionally, a household would display flowers outside, adding vibrancy and beauty to the streetscape.
"How beautiful Konoha is when it's at peace," Shinku Yuhi murmured, taking in the scene.
"Yes… Sensei Shinku, will Konoha always remain peaceful, living days like this?" Niino asked with curiosity.
"Niino, Konoha's peace is maintained by the efforts of us ninjas," Ran said thoughtfully. "Even in places unseen, ninjas quietly protect this beautiful village. That is the true manifestation of the Will of Fire."
Shinku thought to himself: Ran truly was different from most Uchiha. He carried the heart of a Hokage, thinking beyond clan boundaries and considering the village as a whole.
At the far end of the residential district stood a massive building—the Hokage Tower. Its grandeur was imposing, like a sentinel guarding all of Konoha. When the first rays of morning sunlight struck its orange-red tiles, the building radiated authority and solemnity.
In the plaza before the tower, villagers bustled about—some rushing to their duties, others gathering in small groups to chat and share life's joys and sorrows, exchanging pride and love for their village. This was Konoha, a place where life flowed like a cheerful melody, warm and harmonious. Every corner exuded the village's unique charm—a paradise envied by other nations, coveted enough to spark wars over.
"Lord Hokage," Shinku Yuhi said, leading Team Eight to the office doors, gently knocking.
"Come in," came the deep, steady voice of Sarutobi Hiruzen from inside.
Creak… the door opened, revealing Shinku Yuhi and the three students.
"Ah, so it's Shinku Yuhi! And this must be the new Team Eight—what a lively bunch!" Sarutobi's voice carried the weight of years, resonant and authoritative, imbued with wisdom and experience.
Ran respectfully bowed alongside Shinku, Tsubaki, and Niino. "Third Hokage-sama."
"Haha, that little girl Tsubaki has grown into quite the young lady. I hear Niino's medical ninjutsu has improved as well. And Ran, the prodigy from the Ninja Academy, has finally graduated. Haha… seeing you all grown makes me feel old!"
"Not at all, Hokage-sama. You are in the prime of your years," Shinku Yuhi replied politely.
Indeed, at fifty-four, a Kage-level ninja like Sarutobi Hiruzen was in his prime, though Ran could sense his life force gradually waning.
"So, Shinku, what mission are you here to take on?" Hiruzen asked.
"Third Hokage-sama, Ran has just joined Team Eight. I thought perhaps we could undertake a mission to eliminate mountain bandits—good practice for Ran," Shinku suggested.
Hiruzen glanced at Ran and Shinku, then sifted through the mission scrolls. "Unfortunate timing, Shinku—the mountain bandit mission has already been taken."
Everyone respectfully remained silent, knowing not to interrupt the Hokage while he worked.
"Ah, here it is. I remember now—a C-rank mission: escorting a trade caravan to the Land of Fire's capital. Given the valuables involved, encountering bandits is very likely. This will be a good exercise for you," Hiruzen said, handing the scroll to Shinku.
"Third Hokage-sama, I don't think hoping for bandits to appear is ideal," Shinku said with a light chuckle, reviewing the mission scroll.
"Haha, I know, Shinku. No caravan member will hear this," Hiruzen replied with a grin. "I just want every ninja in Konoha to feel the village's care. And Ran, the same goes for you—remember, you are part of Konoha too."
"Yes, Third Hokage-sama. I will contribute to the village as one of its members," Ran replied earnestly.
"That's excellent. Shinku, once the mission is complete, come see me. For now, prepare and meet with the caravan for handover."
With Hiruzen bowing back to his paperwork, Team Eight bid him farewell and left the Hokage Tower.
At that moment, a door inside the office opened, revealing a man with a bandage over his right eye, leaning on a cane.
"Hiruzen…"