Meeting
In the early morning, Shirō and his team, riding atop a giant bird, landed at Konoha's main gate. To prevent any unforeseen incidents, they had traveled through the night without rest.
There was no other choice. The Hidden Waterfall Village's actions were far too strange—dispatching a Jinchūriki for what should have been a minor mission. Nakamura couldn't believe there wasn't some larger scheme behind it.
Even without knowledge of Black Zetsu's existence, Nakamura's judgment remained sharp.
Because if this wasn't part of a conspiracy, then the Waterfall shinobi were either utterly foolish… or courting destruction.
And as one of the minor nations beneath the Five Great Shinobi Countries, Takigakure was neither reckless nor suicidal.
Fearing that the mastermind still had follow-up plans in motion, Nakamura decided to rush Shirō and the others back overnight.
After registering at the gate, Nakamura led the team toward the Hokage Building, with Katsuki following alongside.
As they walked through the bustling streets, Katsuki's eyes lingered on the carefree villagers. Her gaze softened—almost dreamy. For her, such sights belonged only to distant childhood memories.
During the years she and her mother had spent fleeing from one hiding place to another, every face they encountered carried grief, weariness, or numbness.
So the peace of Konoha's streets struck her deeply.
Shirō noticed her expression, smiled faintly, and adjusted his steps to walk beside her.
"How does it feel? Not disappointed yet, right?"
Katsuki glanced at him. "Not yet. But who knows what you all are really planning."
"Hey, come on now. Weren't you thanking me just yesterday? How can you switch sides this quickly?" Shirō replied with a wry smile.
"I was impulsive yesterday. Today, I'm calm."
Shirō exhaled, helpless. "Fine, fine. Actions speak louder than words. You'll see soon enough. But aren't you worried you'll offend us by talking like that?"
"If you really have hidden motives for me, it won't matter how polite I am. I know what shinobi are."
"Tch, sharp tongue. But you're mistaken this time. We're not after you. You'll see."
"I'll wait and see," Katsuki muttered with a shrug.
Shaking his head, Shirō quickened his pace and joined Nakamura at the front.
Without turning, Nakamura asked, "How is she?"
"Not great. Still on guard against the village. She's been wandering too long—she can't adapt overnight."
"I thought yesterday softened her a little," Nakamura sighed.
"Ha. Maybe she just acted nice so she could learn Shadow Clone. Wouldn't put it past her." Shirō chuckled, shaking his head.
"Troublesome… Well, forget it. We'll just report honestly. Let Hokage-sama decide how to win her over."
"Agreed."
They hadn't bothered concealing their words. After all, nothing they said was secret. Katsuki, trailing behind, caught everything. Her eyes flickered faintly, her suspicion wavering. Combined with the peaceful sights around her, Shirō's earlier words began to seem more believable.
Soon, the Hokage Building came into view.
"That's the Hokage Building," Taiyi pointed out proudly.
But Katsuki wasn't looking at the building just yet. Her wide eyes were fixed on the looming cliff face of the Hokage Rock. From afar, its grandeur hadn't struck her. But now, so close, the carved faces of the Hokage gave her a visceral sense of security.
For the first time, she understood why Konoha's villagers could live so freely.
Turning back to Taiyi's gesture, she studied the Hokage Building. It was plain in design, not especially impressive—certainly less eye-catching than the fiery red figure dashing toward them.
Shirō groaned the moment he saw her. With a resigned smile, he spread his arms wide.
"Yo, Big Sis, even if it's been a while, there's no need to—"
"Whoosh!"
Before he could finish, Kushina Uzumaki sped straight past him and wrapped Katsuki in a crushing embrace.
"…Rude," Shirō muttered, lowering his arms awkwardly.
Nakamura and the others chuckled at the familiar sight of Shirō's embarrassment. They were used to it by now.
Fortunately, Minato had come with Kushina. He stepped forward and pulled Shirō into a brief hug, sparing him further awkwardness.
"You've worked hard. This mission should've been mine."
"It's fine, Minato-nii. Doesn't matter who goes, right? We're family."
"Mm."
Their attention quickly shifted back to Kushina and Katsuki.
"You've suffered for so long… I'm sorry it took me this long to find you," Kushina whispered, tears falling as she clung tightly to her.
Katsuki stared at the familiar red hair, at the warm chakra signature that resonated with her own. Slowly, her trembling hands rose to return the embrace.
"…It's enough. This is enough," she murmured, tears spilling freely.
Ever since her mother's death, she had never again felt this kind of chakra—so familiar, so close to her own.
Shirō and the others stood quietly aside. They'd waited this long; what were a few more moments? The Sandaime could afford to wait, unless he was willing to risk Kushina's temper—and maybe his beard along with it.
At last, Kushina calmed down. She pulled back slightly, holding Katsuki by the shoulders.
"No one will bully you again. You're safe now. Come on—let's go see the old man."
"Mm."
Still holding Katsuki's hand, Kushina strode toward the Hokage Building, waving for the others to follow.
Minato gave Nakamura a small bow. "Forgive us for interrupting your mission, Captain Nakamura."
"It's fine. I understand. Let's go—Hokage-sama is probably getting impatient," Nakamura replied evenly.
Shirō fell back in step with Kushina, teasing, "Big Sis, should I be watching this time?"
"Hmph! Fine, but if you tell anyone—" She cracked her knuckles menacingly.
Shirō raised his hand to his lips in a zipping motion.
Satisfied, Kushina nodded and continued on.
Minato only sighed, shaking his head with a small smile as he followed.
Meanwhile, in his office, the Sandaime Hokage exhaled a plume of smoke, watching through his crystal ball. Katsuki's expression had softened—her guard finally lowering.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled faintly. The plan was working. With time and care, she would come to stand firmly with Konoha.
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