The entrance to Konoha Village.
The Fourth Hokage, Akimichi Torifu, stood with his usual broad belly and a commanding air as he warmly welcomed Rōshi, the Four-Tails' jinchūriki and representative from Iwagakure.
Although Rōshi had long held tensions with the stubborn Ōnoki, he still retained loyalty to his village.
He had arrived with a team of Iwa shinobi to take part in Konoha's Joint Chūnin Exams.
"Lava Release Rōshi! I've heard your name for years!"
Tofaze clasped Rōshi's hands in his thick palms with hearty enthusiasm.
Rōshi looked mildly uncomfortable from the overly friendly reception. After exchanging brief pleasantries, he was led by Konoha's ANBU to his accommodations.
Once Rōshi had left, Torifu turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen, scratching his head.
"Hiruzen… the method you told me doesn't seem to be working. I was so enthusiastic, but Rōshi barely reacted."
Hiruzen chuckled. "Rōshi is just as stubborn as Ōnoki. That kind of indifference isn't unusual."
"Still, we must show sincerity. We didn't offer any explanation regarding Tsunade's departure, so we need to ensure the atmosphere doesn't sour."
"Your personal welcome as Hokage already sends a good message."
Torifu nodded. "Fair enough. Nothing to lose by being polite."
Soon after, Ebizō of Sunagakure and Buruki of Kumogakure also arrived with their respective teams. They too were greeted warmly by Tofaze.
"With the three great shinobi villages present," Hiruzen said with a smile, "the next step is coordination and cooperation for the exams—"
But he stopped mid-sentence.
From down the road, a familiar figure appeared—one Hiruzen could not forget.
Zenkichi led six figures behind him—his pseudo-jinchūriki—approaching the gates of Konoha without urgency.
Hiruzen and Torifu exchanged a solemn glance.
"I heard Konoha is hosting the Joint Chūnin Exams," Zenkichi said casually. "Naturally, Kirigakure would like to participate."
"As one of the Five Great Nations, I assume you won't reject us?"
"After all, the others are already here. It wouldn't look good to single us out."
He smiled lazily as he looked at them both.
Hiruzen took a breath, keeping his composure. "Of course we welcome Kirigakure's participation."
"Please, we've arranged a residence for your group."
---
Inside Konoha
Zenkichi stayed at a guesthouse assigned by Konoha. ANBU surrounded the building discreetly, monitoring every move.
Zenkichi didn't mind. He'd expected the surveillance and ignored it entirely.
After settling in, he went shopping with Terumi Mei.
As they strolled through Konoha's familiar yet changed streets, a wave of nostalgia washed over him.
"So much has changed," he murmured. "It hasn't even been that long…"
A cold voice cut in from behind.
"Yeah, thanks to some bastard. The old Konoha was leveled."
Zenkichi turned around and saw Tsunade, arms folded, eyes sharp.
"Princess Tsunade! Long time no see."
He offered a lazy wave and an even lazier smile.
Tsunade frowned. "What's your purpose in coming here, Zenkichi?"
He tilted his head. "Isn't that a bit much? Feels like I'm being interrogated."
"I told you—I'm here for the Chūnin Exams."
Tsunade scoffed. "You expect me to believe that?"
"Why wouldn't you? Everyone else is here for the exams. Seems like a perfectly valid reason."
She said nothing more, just snorted and walked off.
Zenkichi followed, chuckling. "You said Konoha changed because of me. Any other landmarks that owe me thanks? Take me on a tour."
Tsunade glanced over her shoulder. "The damage you did to this village wasn't just to its streets. You changed the people, too."
Just then, a flash of red hair caught his eye—Uzumaki Kushina.
She looked distant, her once-bright demeanor dimmed. Villagers nearby cast judgmental stares as she walked by.
Zenkichi's smile faded slightly.
"Looks like the higher-ups have already started tightening the leash," he muttered as he approached her.
Kushina noticed and looked up. Her eyes wavered as they locked with his.
"…It's been a while."
Zenkichi nodded. "Konoha doesn't seem to be treating you well lately."
"Need help?"
Kushina took a slow breath. "Everything I've become… is thanks to you. Or should I say, because of you."
Zenkichi shrugged. "Come on. I just helped you see the truth a little sooner."
"If not for me, you'd still be living in a pretty lie. You should thank me."
Kushina gave him a complicated glance, then turned and walked away without a word.
"…Boring."
Zenkichi turned back and noticed several kids peeking at him from a distance.
In a golden flash, he appeared behind them.
Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, and Kurenai Yuhi—all future elites—stared up at him with wide eyes.
"You've all been watching me. Need something?"
He crouched slightly, casting a long shadow over the group.
Dressed in a striped yellow suit and a justice cloak, his brown sunglasses gave off a nonchalant glint.
The kids froze.
"Don't scare the children!" Tsunade marched over, glaring at him.
Zenkichi laughed. "Come on. This is the most fun I've had all day."
"The guesthouse is boring. Let me stay at your place instead."
"You lived at my place for a long time in Kirigakure, remember? Now it's your turn to host me."
Tsunade blinked. "What?"
Before she could react, Terumi Mei jumped in, furious.
"If you're moving in with this cow, then I'm coming too!"
Zenkichi rubbed his chin. "Isn't that a bit fast? I was going to give you more time to get used to it."
---
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