Naruto, my father's name is Uchiha Madara.

Page 188

Sunlight streamed through the corridor windows, bathing her long, golden hair in a holy glow.

Her face held an unprecedented, heartfelt determination and pride.

His amber eyes shone brightly, clearly reflecting Jiraiya's shocked face.

"Of course!"

Tsunade's voice was resolute and powerful, the resolve that had settled in the valley now transformed into the most powerful declaration.

"No matter what, I am still my grandfather's granddaughter! The blood of the Senju clan flows in my veins!"

"I have inherited my grandfather's Will of Fire! After running away for so many years, it's time to go back!"

"Konoha needs me, and I... it's time for me to go back and take on my responsibilities!"

At this moment, Tsunade's figure seemed to overlap with that of Hashirama Senju, the ninja god who founded Konoha and cared for the world.

That long-lost pride and sense of responsibility belonging to the Senju clan shone brightly in her!

"Well said, Xiao Gang!"

A deep, gentle voice, filled with immense relief, seemed to resound directly in Tsunade's mind!

That voice...was it Grandpa?!

Tsunade shuddered and turned around abruptly!

Amber eyes searched the corridor urgently.

His gaze swept over Sasuke's handsome face, which remained expressionless.

He glanced at Jiraiya's astonished expression.

Sweep across the empty corridor...

Where is Grandpa?

Only Sasuke stared at her blankly.

Sasuke's gaze seemed somewhat...subtle?

Tsunade blinked in confusion, her brows furrowing slightly: "Are you hallucinating?"

She shook her head and gave a self-deprecating laugh: "Looks like I'm too tired. Oh well, let's go! Pack your things and leave right away!"

Watching Tsunade turn around again and walk away from the room without hesitation.

Jiraiya was still immersed in the immense surprise and the shock of Tsunade's declaration, and for a moment he forgot to ask about the "auditory hallucination".

Deep within Sasuke's consciousness, that voice, which only he could "hear," resounded once more, filled with laughter and感慨:

"What a worrying girl... But to hear her say those words herself is... wonderful."

Sasuke, carrying Naruto on his back, silently responded in his mind: "Uncle Hashirama, aren't you going to say something? She seems to have heard your voice."

Hashirama smiled slightly: "Hehe, no need. I, a deceased person, will just watch quietly."

"To see Tsuna, who used to be addicted to gambling and shirking responsibility, now so firmly say that he will inherit the Will of Fire and return to Konoha... I am already very, very gratified. That is enough."

Hashirama's voice was filled with relief and satisfaction, as if a long-standing knot in his heart had finally been untied.

Sasuke could only shake his head helplessly at Hashirama's "silent protection" approach.

This legendary First Hokage seems to be even more... "Buddhist-like" than he imagined.

Tsunade quickly packed her simple luggage.

Jiraiya also recovered from his huge surprise.

Although my body was still a little sore and numb, I was in high spirits and quickly packed my things.

Sasuke steadily carried the unconscious Naruto on his back.

The four of them left Tanzaku Street amidst the relieved gazes of the hotel owner and his staff.

As the sun set, it cast long shadows of them.

Tsunade walked at the front, her golden ponytail swaying gently in the evening breeze, her steps firm as she strode onto the road leading to Konoha.

Her silhouette no longer carried hesitation and heaviness, but instead displayed a resilience and sense of responsibility born from rebirth.

Jiraiya stood beside her, looking at Tsunade's profile with eyes full of relief and renewed hope.

Sasuke carried Naruto on his back, walking at the very back.

The afterglow of the setting sun fell on his face, making him less cold and more gentle.

He turned his head slightly and glanced at the blond boy on his back who was still asleep but breathing steadily.

Then he looked up at Tsunade's resolute back in front of him, and at the sunlight at the end of the road.

"Konoha... is about to get even more lively."

A soft sigh filled with endless emotion echoed in Sasuke's mind.

The road winds its way to the home they both protect.

The hustle and bustle of Tansaku Street and the smoke of battle in the valley were left far behind, and a new chapter quietly began to unfold in the afterglow of the setting sun.

The unconscious Naruto seemed to unconsciously nuzzle against Sasuke's back, a slight, reassuring smile curving his lips.

Chapter 212 Returning to My Hometown

The hustle and bustle of Tanabata Street was left far behind, and the road to Konoha was exceptionally clear in the morning light.

After a life-or-death struggle in the valley, the overcoming of inner demons, and the final farewell to their loved ones, Tsunade and her group embarked on their journey home.

Carrying the still unconscious Naruto on his back, Sasuke walked steadily, but his gaze kept sweeping towards the golden figure in front of him.

A few days later, when the towering silhouette of Fire Shadow Rock finally appeared on the horizon.

Even Tsunade, who was used to seeing big scenes, couldn't help but let a complex ripple pass through her amber eyes.

Konoha Village has changed so much since she left, as she remembered.

The familiar street layout has been replaced by a more rational plan.

The main road has been widened considerably.

The streets are lined with brand-new shops and residences, exuding a vibrant atmosphere.

In some areas, previously unseen defensive fortifications and signal towers with a metallic sheen that seemed to transmit chakra have also appeared.

The clothing of pedestrians on the street has become more diverse, and the equipment of ninjas seems to have been modified.

The entire village is like a giant tree that has been carefully pruned and infused with new vitality, growing vigorously on the foundation laid by the First Hokage.

"Konoha... has changed so much."

Tsunade sighed softly, her voice carrying a hint of unfamiliarity and emotion.

Having been away for so long, I didn't realize that my hometown had changed completely.

"Yes, the village has been developing in order to adapt to the new era."

Walking beside Tsunade was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, with a pipe in his mouth and a gentle smile on his face.

However, there was a hint of weariness deep in his eyes.

He personally greeted their return at the village entrance, which in itself demonstrated the high importance he placed on them.

The group walked through the bustling streets.

The ninjas and villagers along the way all bowed respectfully to the Third Hokage.

When their gaze fell upon Tsunade, it was filled with curiosity and awe.

Even some older people showed a flicker of excitement in their eyes—

One of the legendary Sannin, "Princess of Konoha" Tsunade, has returned!

Led by the Third Hokage, the group arrived at the Hokage's office.

After arriving at the office, they settled Naruto in the lounge next door.

Only the Third Hokage, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Sasuke, who stood silently in the corner, remained in the office.

Tsunade cut to the chase, arms crossed, her sharp gaze fixed on the Third Hokage: "Are you really going to pass the Hokage position to me?"

Her tone was scrutinizing, as if she were confirming the truth of a joke.

The third generation took off the pipe and gently tapped it on the edge of the ashtray.

Amidst the swirling smoke, his gaze turned incredibly serious: "Reputation, strength, popular support, Tsunade—you have all three."

He paused, his voice deep and powerful: "Your grandfather, Lord Hashirama, was the First Hokage. You have the blood of the Senju clan flowing through your veins, inheriting his power and a portion of his will."

"You are the strongest medical ninja in the ninja world, possessing the illustrious reputation of the 'Legendary Sannin,' and enjoy extremely high prestige among both ninjas and commoners."

"Your return this time further demonstrates your determination to protect Konoha through your actions."

"Whether it's to deal with potential future threats or for the long-term development of the village, you are the most suitable candidate at present."

Tsunade remained silent and did not answer immediately.

The position of Hokage meant responsibility, constraints, and the burden of carrying the weight of the entire village on her shoulders. This was something she used to avoid at all costs.

The third generation seemed to see through her hesitation, and his tone suddenly changed.

With a hint of mischief and an undeniable air, he said, "Of course, if you really don't want to take on this responsibility..."

He deliberately drew out his words, glancing at Jiraiya beside him, who was secretly relieved that he didn't have to become Hokage.

"Then I'll have no choice but to 'force' Jiraiya to become the Fifth Hokage."

"well?!!"

Jiraiya's relief froze instantly, then turned into terror.

He nearly jumped out of his chair: "Old man! We made a deal! If you brought Tsunade back, you wouldn't try anything with me! How could you go back on your word?!"

He pointed at the Third Hokage, his finger trembling: "Hokage? Are you kidding me! You want me to sit in an office approving documents?"

"Face those old guys arguing every day? I'd rather go to the Land of Rain to gather inspiration... no, to collect material... no, that's not right either! Anyway, I won't do it! Absolutely not!"

Jiraiya shook his head vigorously, as if the position of Hokage were a monstrous threat.