Konoha Village.
Tall wooden walls now enclosed the village, standing as silent witnesses to the changes of the past ten years.
Ten years had transformed Konoha beyond recognition. Only a few iconic buildings and familiar scenery hinted at the village's humble past.
"This…"
"Is this really Konoha?"
Young Danzo's eyes widened. Born and raised in Konoha, he had imagined the village as a modest settlement. Now, it had become a bustling and prosperous town.
Even the main gate had been magnificently rebuilt.
Two uniformed Chuunin sat near the gate, registration forms on their table, observing as Emiya Shihara and his companions approached.
"Welcome to Konoha," one greeted warmly. "Please register before entering the village."
Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward immediately, introducing himself and Shimura Danzo with a bright smile. "I'm Sarutobi Hiruzen, a Genin of this village."
"Eh? Sarutobi-senpai?"
The Chuunin in charge blinked in surprise. He remembered Hiruzen as a praised senior during his time at the ninja school. Hastily, he introduced himself: "Sarutobi-senpai, I'm Kanzuki Yun!"
Hiruzen scratched his head, eyes wide. "You… just entered the school when we graduated, and now you're already a Chuunin?"
"Hehe…" Yun patted his Chuunin uniform proudly. "Two years ago, I passed the village assessment—one step ahead of you, Sarutobi-senpai!"
Hiruzen laughed heartily. "Excellent! Truly excellent."
Danzo frowned, muttering to himself. "Ten years wasted traveling the ninja world… we could have been Jonin by now."
Hiruzen nudged him. "Time spent traveling isn't wasted. It broadened your perspective. We've learned to see through the eyes of Hashirama and Tobirama, understanding what Konoha needs and how to maintain relations with other villages."
Indeed, their strength had grown tremendously over these years. Danzo now possessed Jonin-level combat power. Hiruzen, mastering all five chakra natures and empowered by Emiya Shihara's curse seal, had grown even more formidable—confident enough to face his father, Sarutobi Sasuke.
The Chuunin guarding the gate agreed with Danzo, sharing updates about their peers. "Utatane Akatsuki and Mitomon En-senpai are now Jonin. Even Maruboshi Kosuke was promoted, though he made a mistake and returned to Genin."
Hiruzen frowned, choosing not to pry further. After registration, he intended to accompany Shihara to the Hokage Building.
Another Chuunin stopped them, curious about Emiya Shihara. "And this gentleman? Is he a ninja?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "He's an honored guest—distinguished above all."
The Chuunin nodded, gesturing for them to explore the village. "Your information and photos need updating. Without it, others might not recognize you."
Konoha's transformation was evident everywhere. Streets were neat and lined with shops. Houses, once simple, were now vibrant, painted in bright colors. Dense green trees dotted the surroundings, and the crimson Hokage Building towered in the distance, with a rock sculpture of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, behind it.
"I can't believe it…" Hiruzen leapt atop a well tower, surveying the village. "Konoha has changed so much in just ten years."
Danzo nodded silently. "Time flies…"
Shihara observed quietly, noting the prosperity and growth. The population had increased, children filled the streets, and newcomers had settled throughout the village.
A white-haired child dashed forward, nearly colliding with Shihara. A gentle breeze emanated from him, softly guiding the child back to safety.
"Eh? Is this ninjutsu?" the child asked, amazed. "Are you one of our senior ninjas?"
Shihara shook his head.
The child called out to his friends. "An enemy's sneaking in! Go call the village seniors!"
Hiruzen laughed, tapping the child's head. "You have poor judgment, picking the least threatening person as a villain."
"But he looks like a villain!" the child protested.
Hiruzen smiled, introducing Shihara. "The man before you is the greatest in the ninja world. There's no way he's a villain."
The child, white-haired with red markings under his eyes, puffed out his chest. "I am the most handsome, generous, talented, and gifted ninja in the world—the future number one of Konoha Ninja School, and the future strongest ninja in Konoha!"
"I am… Jiraiya!"
Hiruzen blinked, stunned by the shamelessness of the young boy. Even in his impetuous youth, Hiruzen had never been so narcissistic.
Shihara remained silent, noting the boy's arrogance. A word or two could provoke him further—but for now, the white-haired boy's confidence and audacity seemed limitless.
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