Land of Fire — Konoha
The village was still drunk on victory.
Citizens organized their own celebrations, joyful to have survived such a harsh war.
But something felt off about their cheers.
The heroes hadn't even returned yet. Who were they cheering for?
Still—their joy was genuine.
Konoha's victory meant their sacrifices weren't in vain.
And just then—a shadow passed over the village sky.
Black wings. Silver hair. The Senju clan's crest glowing in the sunlight.
A young man hovered mid-air, holding in his arms the girl once known as the Princess of the Fire Country.
It was Senju Yukika.
He had returned.
Villagers rushed out of their homes, pointing to the sky.
This was the man who had defeated Hanzō the Salamander—one of the most dangerous men alive.
He had led Konoha to a resounding, glorious triumph.
Bathed in sunlight, his form seemed to glow.
At that moment, he was the brightest star in the sky.
The villagers didn't know why their hero had suddenly returned—but those who truly appreciated Yukika bowed in reverence.
They had read the letters from their loved ones at the front.
If not for this man, they'd be long dead.
This was gratitude, pure and deep.
In the sky above, Yukika held Tsunade close.
He spoke of many things—about people like Sakumo Hatake, who would one day be cursed by the village.
About Naruto, who would grow up ignored by everyone.
Sometimes, people were just used as tools.
They only knew how to chase after a vague, noble ideal…
"Enjoying the hero treatment, Mr. Konoha Hero?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow playfully.
"I never wanted to be a hero," Yukika replied, shaking his head.
"And I don't like the title."
What was the fate of heroes?
To be broken.
He didn't care about admiration. He just did what he believed in.
He gazed at the Hokage Monument, lingering on the faces—especially Hashirama's.
This was about reclaiming the legacy that man had left behind.
Hokage Tower
Through the window, Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at Yukika flying above the village, his face twisted with mixed emotions.
Watching the villagers cheer wildly… it stung.
He was the Hokage.
And for just a second—he regretted letting Yukika return.
If only he had failed—just once.
There would've been no applause like this.
Sarutobi had always known the power of public opinion.
Now he realized—it wasn't time to bring him back.
Still, none of that mattered now.
He scowled as Yukika descended toward the Senju compound.
Then returned to his seat.
"Send word. Tell Senju Yukika I want to see him."
Senju Compound – Mito's Room
"You've grown up so much…"
Mito reached out and gently touched Yukika's face. There was nothing wrong with what she had done—she simply wasn't good at navigating these things anymore.
A few casual outings had been twisted into "illness," and just like that—the Hokage used it to summon Yukika home.
Mito sighed.
Had she really become just a tool for the Third Hokage to manipulate Yukika?
Or was it true… had she finally gotten too old?
"The way you arranged the battlefield—it was mature. Smart."
Yukika smiled and took her hand, leading her gently.
Since he'd left, more and more Senju had returned to their ancestral land. They no longer wandered aimlessly.
The compound was starting to feel alive again.
And now, their clan finally had a real clan head.
"You shouldn't have come back. Grandma's fine."
Mito shook her head. "Take care of our people. Bring them back alive. That's what you should be doing."
"Do you think I was tricked, Grandma?"
Yukika chuckled.
Mito was worried—he knew.
"I didn't come back because of Sarutobi's order. I came back because I wanted to."
"No one can force me to do anything."
Even if Yukika hadn't returned, Sarutobi would've been helpless.
He had his own reasons for coming back.
It was time to truly take control.
He glanced at Mito's lower abdomen and took a deep breath.
She couldn't hold the Nine-Tails much longer.
He needed to talk to Kurama.
And as for Mito's body after losing the beast… Yukika already had a plan.
The Uzumaki never lacked vitality.
He'd use that life force—merge it with artificial vitality—and make Mito stand again.
She couldn't be young forever, but she could be young again.
All it took was tweaking what Sakumo had done.
He wouldn't let Mito die.
It was too important.
Just then, there was a knock.
"Clan leader, Lady Mito. Lord Hokage sent a message—he wishes to speak with the clan head."
The messenger bowed respectfully.
And this time, he addressed Yukika first, not Mito.
That meant something.
The clan had finally acknowledged him as their leader.
Yukika hadn't spoken yet, but Mito's face instantly darkened.
Her voice was cold, furious.
"Tell Sarutobi my grandson has been fighting too long. He needs rest!"
"If it's so urgent—he can come here!"
She was truly angry now.
Using her as bait to drag Yukika back?
Was Sarutobi looking to die?
"Don't waste your anger on irrelevant people."
Yukika gently patted her arm to calm her.
Once the messenger had gone, his face grew solemn.
"Grandma Mito, I need a favor."
"The Nine-Tails."
"Take me to see him."