Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 268 The Journey Home, Towards Home!

Watching these two contrasting seniors bicker like energetic children, Tsunade finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Her laughter was crisp and clear, like a bell breaking the silence.

Tsunade turned to look at her teacher, only to find that Hiruzen Sarutobi was simply watching with interest, his hands behind his back, his eyes showing no intention of stopping her, but rather an appreciation.

"Teacher, are you just going to let them keep arguing like this?"

Why not?

Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze from the two arguing individuals to Tsunade's clear amber eyes, his voice calm and deep.

"One is thinking about how to make the village's foundation as solid as a rock, and the other is thinking about how to make the villagers smile."

"Although their methods are completely different, their hearts are in the same place."

He turned slightly to the side, using his body to block the breeze blowing towards Tsunade, and his tone carried a hint of the earnest teachings of a teacher.

"Tsunade, you must remember, a healthy village is never afraid of arguments."

"Progress comes from debate."

Tsunade nodded thoughtfully.

When she looked at the two red-faced seniors again, the confusion in her heart quietly turned into a knowing smile.

The procession was like a magnificent scroll being slowly unfurled.

The green vests of the Konoha ninjas formed two flowing emerald rivers, silently guarding the sides of the formation. Their eyes were alert yet calm, forming the most solid dam for this peace.

Those guarded in the center are members of the Uzumaki clan.

They gazed curiously at this brand-new land, their eyes gleaming with a farewell to the past and an endless anticipation for a new future.

This journey home was defined by Hiruzen Sarutobi as the first lesson of returning home.

He wanted to let these people who had just set foot on the land of the Fire Kingdom see with their own eyes the country they were about to live in.

Let those ninjas who have just returned from blood and fire feel the warmth of peace on their way home, and touch the fruits of their labor.

"Naruto Uncle! Naruto Uncle!"

A clear, lively voice, as if bathed in sunlight, came from behind, full of vitality.

Everyone turned around and saw Kushina Uzumaki, like an unrestrained little red whirlwind, rushing to the front of the group in a few quick movements.

Her little face was filled with the joy of discovering a new continent as she pointed to a forest burning like fire by the roadside.

"What kind of tree is that? Why are its leaves red? It's so beautiful!"

"I've never seen such a red color before, back on the island where I lived!"

Behind her, the tiny Nagato Uzumaki still followed like a little tail, clutching his slightly faded toad doll, step by step.

He didn't speak, but quietly looked at the magnificent maple forest. In his usually calm black eyes, a whole expanse of vibrant red was clearly reflected.

"That's a maple tree."

Tsunade walked over with a smile and naturally ruffled Kushina's red hair, which was even more dazzling than maple leaves. The hair felt incredibly soft.

"It's autumn now, and the maple leaves will turn red. After a while, they will fall."

"It will fall down? What a waste!"

The girl pouted, seemingly regretting this inevitable ending. She felt that such a beautiful scene should be preserved forever.

"There's nothing to regret."

Hiruzen Sarutobi also slowed his pace and spoke gently. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"Fallen leaves return to their roots and become nutrients, nourishing the earth."

"Then, may the leaves of next year grow even more lush and bloom even more brilliantly."

"Just like our Konoha."

Kushina nodded as if she understood, but her strong curiosity was quickly drawn to something else, and she pulled Nagato along like a little rabbit to the other side of the group.

"Look, look! What's growing in that field over there? It's so green!"

Looking at the two energetic little figures, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a wave of tenderness wash over him.

If the wounds of war need time to heal...

Then the hope for the future must be nurtured by hand with such a vibrant scene.

The procession moved slowly, crossing an endless plain and traversing rugged roads, finally arriving at a maple forest.

The autumn atmosphere is at its peak at this moment.

The afternoon sun was no longer scorching; it filtered through layers of maple leaves, turning into warm, soft golden dapples that fell on everyone's shoulders.

The wind rustled through the treetops, swirling up countless red leaves that twirled and fluttered down, like a grand yet silent farewell.

The wide road was paved like a burning red carpet leading inland.

The marching speed of the group slowed down without them even realizing it.

Even the loudest laughter and chatter gradually subsided, leaving only the rustling of footsteps on fallen leaves and the whispering of the wind through the woods, all weaving together into a tranquil autumn song.

"What a nice view……"

"Speaking of which, autumn... is almost over."

Everyone was captivated by this magnificent yet gentle scene. Even the ninjas who had fought fiercely and exuded murderous aura not long ago had their facial features softened without them realizing it.

They instinctively reached out to catch the falling red leaves, as if touching a fragile dream.

The members of the Whirlpool Clan were completely mesmerized.

Most of these people who have lived on the island for generations have never seen such vibrant and brilliant colors. The overwhelming red seems to burn with all the beauty and passion of life at this moment, without reservation.

"call--"

A perfect maple leaf, swirling and drifting gently down.

Hiruzen Sarutobi reached out and caught it steadily in his palm.

The veins of the leaves are clearly visible, and the edges are finely serrated. The whole leaf is crimson, unlike a flame, but rather like a flame frozen by time.

He stopped and gently poked a small hole in the center of the maple leaf with the tip of his index finger.

Then he turned around and held the leaf up to his eyes.

Through that small round hole, Hiruzen Sarutobi saw behind him the world that he had personally turned around.

Vivid, framed images flowed through his field of vision.