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The ones guarding Konoha's main gate were now Kamizuki Izumo and Gan Kotetsu.

Because Tōji had gotten much darker from the sun, and hadn't seen the Gatekeeper Duo in a year, he wasn't recognized right away when he reached the registration desk.

But the moment he spoke, Izumo immediately confirmed his identity.

Maybe to Kotetsu and Izumo, Tōji counted as a friend.

Iwao, on the other hand, was easier to handle—since Kotetsu and Izumo weren't familiar with him at all, handling things by the book was actually faster.

Tōji and Izumo had barely exchanged a couple of greetings when Iwao headed off to the Hokage Tower without a word. Tōji didn't mind—just an ordinary colleague, after all.

He briefly told Izumo and Kotetsu that he'd just returned from an overseas mission, but didn't go into details, and casually suggested they meet up at the dango shop sometime to sit down and catch up properly.

Walking slowly toward the Hokage Tower, Tōji felt a strange sensation—as if a lifetime had passed.

In the distance, the Fourth Hokage's face on the Hokage Rock had already been completed.

Early summer was approaching, and the cherry blossoms in Konoha were still blooming brilliantly. It seemed like wherever there were green trees, there was the constant chorus of cicadas.

The gatekeepers Izumo and Kotetsu no longer carried the childish air they'd had a year ago—at twelve, they already seemed like reliable little adults. Tōji even felt a sense of warmth, like the moving reunion of old friends after years apart.

The ordinary citizens bustling along Konoha's main streets all seemed especially kind.

Watching a big yellow dog being chased playfully by two children, Tōji thought of Sweet Potato…

『People from the Land of Water don't eat dog meat, right… If Frog's still alive, she's probably mad at me…』

Passing the dango shop on the main street, Tōji caught sight of Might Guy and his group of "celebrities" hanging out there again—though Hatake Kakashi still wasn't mingling with them. And because Anko was in there too, Tōji hurried past even as he passed by.

It wasn't that Tōji was worried Anko would cause a scene—he just didn't want any more contact with anyone connected to Orochimaru.

Looking left and right, Konoha hadn't actually changed that much. But Tōji felt like he'd been gone for a very long time.

He also missed this feeling—the lively noise filling his ears, the quiet peace settling in his heart.

That was why he hadn't taken the back alleys on his way back into the village.

Walking straight ahead, the area near the Hokage Tower gradually lost some of its everyday bustle.

Tōji looked up at the prominent "Fire" character, feeling the same way he used to feel seeing the Mahavira Hall or the Hall of the Three Pure Ones in his past life.

Setting aside his wandering thoughts, Tōji climbed the Hokage Tower.

He figured that by walking so slowly, Iwao should have finished reporting to Minato by now. That way, he wouldn't have to wait outside the Hokage's office.

But when he reached the office door, an Anbu stationed there signaled for Tōji to wait a little longer.

Fine—probably Akame Iwao's experiences in the Land of Water needed a longer explanation… or maybe Minato, being perceptive enough, had noticed Iwao needed some encouragement and support, and was saying a few extra words.

He didn't have to wait long—less than two minutes—before Iwao came out of the office. He nodded to Tōji and left. Iwao seemed to be in better shape than before. Sure enough, as the rumors said—a Kage was the stabilizing anchor of a village, able to calm people's hearts.

Tōji stepped into the Hokage's office, and the moment he saw Minato at the door, he immediately bowed. "Lord Hokage, I, Kazamatsuri Tōji, have come to report."

This was Tōji's first time giving a mission report to the Fourth Hokage, but he didn't feel nervous.

Because the first moment he'd laid eyes on Minato just now, he could see the warmth in him with just his eyes… That gentle smile had a way of charming both men and women.

『Could it be a Namikaze bloodline special effect?』 He couldn't help but think something ridiculous…