Two months had passed since the devastating Konoha Crush, and the village was slowly but surely regaining its footing. The scars of the battle were still visible in the damaged buildings and the somber expressions of some villagers, but a sense of normalcy was returning.
The sounds of construction mingled with the laughter of children playing in the streets, a testament to Konoha's resilience.
At the training grounds, Sasuke, his muscles honed from weeks of rigorous training, sparred with Rock Lee. Might Guy, his youthful enthusiasm undiminished, observed their movements, offering enthusiastic encouragement.
"Excellent form, Lee!" he boomed, his voice echoing through the clearing. "Sasuke, your speed is improving! But your youthful spirit needs more fire!"
Sasuke, his brow furrowed, dodged Lee's rapid kicks, his movements precise and efficient. He had grown accustomed to Lee's relentless training regimen, but the physical exertion still tested his limits.
After their training session, Sasuke noticed Kakashi approaching, his single visible eye scanning the village. "Kakashi-sensei," Sasuke called out, his voice low. "You're back from your mission."
Kakashi nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed," he replied, his voice laced with his usual casual drawl. "Village affairs are… demanding, these days."
Sasuke hesitated, then asked, "When will Naruto return?" He had been pondering this question for weeks, noting the extended duration of their journey compared to his past life memories of Naruto Universe.
Kakashi's eye softened slightly. "Jiraiya-sama sent a message via toad summon," he said. "They should be returning within a few days. And tomorrow, Tsunade-sama's appointment as Godaime Hokage will be officially announced to the public."
Sasuke nodded, his expression unreadable. He had mixed feelings about Tsunade's return, especially her gambling habit which weren't changed in original to the point he remembered, but he understood the necessity of a strong leader for the village.
A few days later, Konoha was abuzz with anticipation. Banners and decorations adorned the streets, and villagers lined the roads, their faces filled with excitement. The arrival of Tsunade, the legendary Sannin and world-renowned medic-nin, was a momentous occasion.
At the main gate, a small group emerged from the dust cloud kicked up by their journey. Naruto, his expression beaming, led the way, his arm gesturing towards the village. Beside him walked Jiraiya, his white hair disheveled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Tsunade, her blonde hair flowing behind her, walked with an air of regal authority, her emerald eyes scanning the crowd. To her left walked Shizune, her expression calm and composed, carrying Tonton, her pink piglet companion, who snorted contentedly.
Naruto waved enthusiastically to the crowd. "We're finally back!" he shouted, his voice filled with joy. "And we brought Tsunade-baachan!"
The villagers erupted in cheers, their voices a wave of welcome. "Tsunade-sama!" they chanted, their eyes filled with admiration. "Welcome home!"
Sasuke, standing among the Konoha 12 (excluding Naruto), observed Tsunade with a critical eye. He noted her youthful appearance, recognizing the telltale signs of the "Creation Rebirth" jutsu. 'She's… beautiful,' he thought, his expression neutral. 'But I know it's not her natural form.'
Sakura, her eyes wide with awe, whispered to Ino, "She's amazing! Just like the legends say!"
Ino nodded, her expression thoughtful. "She's one of the Sannin," she murmured. "Of course she's amazing."
At the Hokage Building, Hiruzen, his expression weary but relieved, stood alongside Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, Shikaku Nara, and Inoichi Yamanaka. They watched Tsunade's approach, their eyes filled with anticipation.
"She's finally here," Hiruzen murmured, his voice laced with a hint of relief.
Koharu nodded, her expression grave. "The village needs her," she said. "Village needs a strong leader."
"If not Jiraiya than Tsunade is a best option."
Homura, his expression thoughtful, added, "Her medical expertise will be invaluable."
Shikaku, his eyes half-closed, drawled, "Finally, Overwork might reduce a little."
Inoichi, his expression calm, observed the crowd with a thoughtful gaze.
Danzo Shimura, standing slightly apart from the others, his single visible eye narrowed, his expression a mask of displeasure. 'Tsunade,' he thought, his mind seething with resentment. 'Why must they always choose weakness?'
As Tsunade approached the Hokage Building, her gaze swept across the crowd, her eyes lingering on Sasuke.'Is that survivor of uchiha massacre and younger brother of that damn Itachi, but his chakra is...'
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"Hiruzen sensei," she said, her voice clear and strong. "I have returned."
Hiruzen offered a weary smile. "Welcome back, Tsunade," he replied. "The village awaits your leadership."
Tsunade nodded, her expression resolute. "I will try not to disappoint you," she declared, her voice filled with determination.
Naruto, beaming with pride, stood beside Tsunade, his eyes shining with admiration. "She's gonna be the best Hokage ever but only until I become one!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
Jiraiya chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Indeed," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "She's… quite capable."
Shizune, her expression calm, adjusted Tonton in her arms, her gaze fixed on Tsunade. "She will lead us well," she murmured.
The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices a wave of renewed hope and optimism. The arrival of Tsunade marked the dawn of a new era for Konoha, a time of rebuilding and renewal.