"Sensei, which team number are we?" Ran asked as they walked.
"We're Team Shinku," Yuhi Shinku replied. Seeing the three students hurrying to keep up, he slowed his pace. "No need to rush so much, Ran. A ninja also needs to know how to balance work and rest."
The distance from the training grounds to the Hokage Tower wasn't far. Once they left the training field, they quickly stepped onto the road leading into the residential district—and the lively atmosphere rushed toward them head-on.
As they followed the path forward, waves of floral fragrance drifted over from the Yamanaka flower shop. Sunlight filtered through the treetops between houses, bathing the street in warmth and brightness. Pedestrians flowed endlessly—some hurrying along, others strolling at ease.
Some wore loose, light-colored kimono. Others were dressed in neat, modern uniforms. Together, they formed a vibrant and uniquely Konoha scene.
Vendors along the road enthusiastically displayed their goods. One stall owner eagerly introduced fresh fruit to Team Shinku—crimson apples and golden, juice-filled oranges that made mouths water at a glance.
At another stall, colorful toys were laid out in rows, immediately drawing children's attention. They jumped excitedly, tugging at their parents' sleeves and begging.
The noise never ceased.
Merchants shouted the virtues of their wares, haggling animatedly with passersby. Children's laughter and cries wove through the din, adding a layer of innocent vitality.
The residential streets were wide and clean. The buildings lining them reflected Konoha's distinctive style—mostly wooden structures, with wind chimes of all colors hanging from the eaves. Here and there, residents placed flowers at their doorsteps, adding life and beauty.
"Look at this," Shinku said softly, gazing at the scene. "Peaceful Konoha really is beautiful."
"Yes," Shinno said thoughtfully. "Sensei… will Konoha always remain peaceful, living days like this?"
"Shinno," Ran spoke up calmly, "Konoha's peace is paid for by ninja. In places you can't see, countless ninja are silently protecting this beautiful village. That's the Will of Fire."
Shinku couldn't help but glance at Ran.
As expected… he really is different from the other Uchiha.
Ran already possessed a Hokage's mindset. He had stepped beyond the narrow boundaries of clan identity and was thinking from the perspective of the entire village.
At the end of the residential district rose an imposing structure—the Hokage Tower.
It stood solemn and dignified, like a guardian watching over Konoha. When the morning sun struck its orange-red tiles, it only heightened the authority and gravity of the Hokage.
The plaza before the tower bustled with people. Some residents hurried past, while others gathered in small groups to chat, sharing joys and worries of daily life—expressing their pride and affection for Konoha.
This was Konoha.
Life here was like a cheerful melody, playing warmth and harmony. Every corner carried an atmosphere of comfort and belonging—so much so that it stirred longing in the heart.
This was the Konoha other nations envied.
The land so coveted that wars had been waged just to seize it.
"Hokage-sama," Shinku said, leading Team Shinku as he gently knocked on the office door.
"Come in," a voice answered from within.
Creak…
As the door opened, Hiruzen Sarutobi came into view.
"Oh? Shinku, is it?" Hiruzen said with a smile. "Is this the new Team Shinku? You all look full of energy."
His voice was deep and steady, like an echo from an ancient forest—calm, powerful, and reassuring, carrying the weight of time and wisdom.
Ran lifted his head slightly and, together with Shinku, Tsubaki, and Shinno, greeted him respectfully.
"Third Hokage-sama."
"Haha," Hiruzen laughed warmly. "Tsubaki, you used to be such a little girl—now you've grown into a fine young kunoichi. I hear Shinno's medical ninjutsu has improved again. And Ran, the famous one from the academy—you've finally graduated too."
He chuckled.
"Seeing all of you grown up makes me feel like I'm getting old."
"You flatter yourself, Hokage-sama," Shinku replied. "You're still in your prime."
Indeed, for a Kage-level shinobi, fifty-four wasn't truly old.
But as Ran observed quietly, he could sense something else—Hiruzen's vitality was slowly, steadily fading.
So this is what happens when age catches up, Ran thought.
The body declines, and strength follows… even if the process is far slower than most imagine.
"Alright," Hiruzen said, returning to business. "What kind of mission are you planning to take this time?"
"Hokage-sama," Shinku replied, "Ran has just joined Team Shinku. I was wondering if there's a bandit-clearing mission, something to let him get some hands-on experience."
Hiruzen glanced at Ran and Shinku, then flipped through the mission scrolls on his desk.
"Unfortunate timing, Shinku. There's only one bandit suppression mission available—and it's already been taken."
Everyone remained silent.
When the Hokage was working, interrupting was unthinkable.
"Haha—found it," Hiruzen said after a moment. "I knew there was a C-rank escort mission. Protect a merchant caravan traveling to the Fire Country capital. Since valuables are involved, there's a high chance of running into bandits. It should be good practice for you."
He handed the mission scroll to Shinku.
"Hokage-sama," Shinku said with a smile after reading it, "hoping for bandits isn't exactly a good mindset."
"Haha, I know," Hiruzen replied. "Don't worry—no merchants are here to hear me say that. I just want all Konoha ninja to feel the village's care."
His gaze shifted to Ran.
"The Uchiha are the same. The Uchiha are also part of Konoha."
"Yes, Third Hokage-sama," Ran said seriously. "The Uchiha are members of the village. We also hope to contribute to Konoha."
"Is that so?" Hiruzen smiled warmly. "That's very good to hear. And Shinku—come see me again after the mission. For now, prepare yourselves and go meet the people you'll be escorting."
As Hiruzen lowered his head and returned to his paperwork, Team Shinku bowed respectfully and left the Hokage Tower.
Inside the inner chamber of the Hokage's office…
A door slowly opened.
A man with his right eye wrapped in bandages, leaning on a cane, stepped out.
"Hiruzen…"
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