Konoha Security Division - Meeting Room
Uchiha Sanzō at the head of the long table, overseeing a room filled with dozens of Uchiha clan shinobi. Most were Chūnin and Jōnin, clearly identifiable by their standard Konoha vests and forehead protectors.
Each bore an armband embroidered with a green shuriken. Within the central hole of the design sat the Uchiha clan's iconic fan symbol—marking them as members of the Konoha Military Police Force.
A few young Genin, without Konoha vests, wore traditional Uchiha attire adorned only with the clan's fan crest.
After brief greetings, each squad began reporting their assignments and patrol results.
The team formerly led by Uchiha Naraku, once known for its iron-handed approach, had little to report—mostly routine tasks: releasing detained civilians, identifying suspicious persons, and monitoring unwell shinobi showing signs of mental instability.
In the wake of war, such instability was not uncommon. Many shinobi returning from battlefields or missions bore the psychological scars of warfare: the loss of comrades, family, or trauma-induced paranoia.
Konoha lacked formal psychological treatment. Instead, shinobi were expected to build their own mental resilience and endure silently.
This mental toll was not exclusive to the Uchiha or any single clan—yet later depictions in the anime placed undue blame on the Uchiha for such psychological cracks. That assumption was clearly misguided.
Sanzang suddenly asked, "Why are there so few reports from First Squad involving civilian conflict?"
Captain Uchiha Itsugo, leader of both First Squad and Third Squadron, stood and replied respectfully:
"Captain Sanzō, Lord Naraku reorganized responsibilities. First Squad and Third Squadron now primarily oversee civilian affairs and sanitation. By designating specific zones for market stalls, vendors can earn a living without disrupting traffic. That has significantly reduced complaints and conflict."
He added, "We also patrol to prevent illegal stall setups and penalize violators. Most villagers appreciate the new order."
"Dividing responsibilities... stall planning... Very good."
Sanzō nodded, his commanding presence reinforcing his leadership among the guards.
"The other squads should take lessons from First Squad."
"Yes, sir!" came the collective response.
Uchiha Naraku, seated near the front beside the squad leaders, remained silent. He seemed disinterested in the formality of the meeting, his focus distant.
The meeting dragged on for nearly two hours, as each unit reported key tasks and anomalies. Naraku eventually dozed off, bored by the repetition.
At last, Sanzō raised his hand and announced, "I commend everyone's efforts in maintaining Konoha's peace. Now, I assign a new mission."
"After this meeting, each team will send two squadrons to the village gates—to maintain order and welcome home Konoha's returning heroes."
Despite the gravity of the task, Sanzō's tone revealed he viewed daily operations as more critical than any ceremonial reception.
Naraku's eyes flicked open.
"Looks like the war veterans are finally returning... It should be around Year 38 of the Konoha calendar... The Second Great Ninja War is likely coming to an end."
The gathered shinobi responded, "Understood!"
---
At the Main Gate of Konohagakure
A sea of villagers had gathered, clutching flowers as they waited anxiously for the returning shinobi. Standing at the front was Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, calmly puffing his pipe. Behind him stood his advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
The Military Police Force held formation at the front, ensuring clear passage for the arriving shinobi.
In the distance, a vast procession of battle-worn shinobi came into view. Thousands of them—head high, back straight, all marching toward home.
At the front marched the Legendary Sannin.
Orochimaru, with pale skin and piercing yellow eyes, wore his usual enigmatic smile. His mysterious and powerful aura made him beloved among the villagers—seen as reliable and awe-inspiring.
Next to him walked Tsunade-hime, granddaughter of the First Hokage. As Konoha's most skilled medical-nin, she had saved countless lives. Strong, confident, and fearless, Tsunade's presence was magnetic.
Beside her strode Jiraiya, the self-proclaimed Toad Sage, Summoning Jutsu specialist, and eccentric adventurer—yet undeniably powerful and respected.
Shimura Danzō, the shadowy leader of Root and wartime commander, was conspicuously absent. As always, he preferred the shadows over the public display.
Other renowned shinobi from the war included the fearsome Hatake Sakumo, known across nations as the White Fang of Konoha, and the rising stars Uchiha Naraku and Uchiha Fugaku—though the latter two had retreated from the spotlight after early prominence.
Sakumo's legend was such that other nations had issued standing orders: any ninja encountering White Fang could abandon their mission without punishment.
"HEROES, WELCOME HOME!"
The Third Hokage's voice rang out as he stepped forward, arms wide.
Villagers scattered flower petals with teary eyes, creating a vibrant, heartfelt scene.
"Sensei!"
"Old man!"
"Hokage-sama!"
The returning shinobi saluted, each acknowledging Hiruzen in their own way.
Perched atop a nearby rooftop, Uchiha Naraku watched silently.
"Hmph... Sarutobi Hiruzen sure knows how to market his students."
He muttered to himself, noting how much fanfare accompanied the return of the Sannin.
As Might Guy's unit (a collective reference to the shinobi squads) entered, the villagers anxiously searched for familiar faces. Some called out names, others clutched their flowers tighter, straining their eyes.
"Da Riwa! Where are you?!"
"Sasaki, my child!"
"Murata! Big Brother!"
From the columns of returning shinobi came occasional joyful responses:
"I'm here!"
"Over here!"
Every such exchange brought waves of relief and tears. Some villagers wept openly, clutching their loved ones tightly.
But for others, silence met their cries. The absence of a reply tightened their chests with dread. Hope turned into fear, tears into sobs.
Even Orochimaru, walking silently at the front, gave the faintest sigh as he glanced back at the tearful crowd.
"…Humans are so fragile."
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