While the entire Land of Lightning was preparing for war, Yahiko and his group strolled up to the gates of Konohagakure at a leisurely pace.
This time, it wasn't just the three of them and Nonō—two high-ranking members of Akatsuki Village had also come along.
Only Kakuzu, knowing the full truth, had no interest in tagging along.
He understood all too well that the so-called surrender negotiations and official meetings were nothing more than a performance—something meant to be seen by others, a way to give closure to the ninja who had fought for Akatsuki Village.
As for Konoha, a place filled with bad memories, he had no intention of stepping foot there again.
"Welcome to Konohagakure."
Tsunade stood at the front, smiling warmly, with many of Konoha's high-ranking officials gathered beside her to greet Yahiko and his party.
"You're too kind, Lord Hokage."
"We apologize for any trouble our presence may bring."
"If we unintentionally offend in any way, we ask for your understanding."
As Akatsukikage, Yahiko stepped forward and shook Tsunade's hand firmly.
His gaze swept over the faces behind her. A lump formed in his throat, and his eyes stung with unshed tears.
After so many years, he could finally return to Konoha—openly and without fear.
The last time he had been here was for Nawaki's wedding, when the three of them had snuck in.
Now, the little girl in Nawaki's arms… she had to be his daughter with Sister Misaki.
He hadn't expected her to have grown so much.
If he remembered correctly, her name was Karin Senju.
Suppressing the urge to rush forward and embrace them all, Yahiko took a deep breath and steadied himself.
They were in Konoha now—there would be plenty of time to catch up.
Behind him, Nagato and Konan were equally overwhelmed.
Looking at their teacher, their uncle, and Minato standing among the welcoming faces, they felt an almost uncontrollable urge to cry.
Nonō, on the other hand, remained composed. She had few close ties in Konoha, and her connection to the people here wasn't particularly deep.
Only when her eyes met Tsunade's did a flicker of emotion cross her face.
More than anything, an indescribable feeling swirled inside her.
It had been so many years since she left Konoha, and this was the first time she had returned.
The village gates, familiar yet foreign, stirred a deep sense of dissonance within her.
After years of wandering and hardship, she had felt herself growing distant from the place she once called home.
And yet, in the depths of her heart, there remained a bond that had never truly broken.
"Isn't this a bit much?"
"The Fourth Hokage, the God of the Shinobi World…"
"Konoha's veteran powerhouses and rising stars—everyone's here."
"Did they really need to gather the entire elite just to greet us?"
The two high-ranking members of Akatsuki Village whispered among themselves, their voices tinged with disbelief.
Even among Konoha's own, few would ever receive such a grand welcome.
They didn't recognize everyone, but most of the faces were familiar.
Intelligence on Kawakaze and the others had long been circulating throughout the ninja world—none of them were unknown figures.
They couldn't tell if Konoha was simply placing great importance on Akatsuki Village or if there was another motive behind this extravagant reception.
But Yahiko and the others understood.
This wasn't just a formal welcome.
This was their homecoming.
A welcome for Konoha's long-lost heroes.
A welcome for family returning where they belonged.
"Silence."
Nagato's lips curled slightly as he gave a quiet command, cutting off the two behind him.
"Yes."
The two high-ranking members of Akatsuki immediately shut their mouths, nodding like children caught misbehaving.
With no more whispering allowed, they had no choice but to focus straight ahead.
From their distance, they couldn't hear what Yahiko and Tsunade were discussing. The wait was getting dull, but then they finally saw Tsunade gesture for Yahiko to enter the village.
As Yahiko followed her past the gates of Konoha, Nagato and Konan stepped forward as well, and the two Akatsuki leaders trailed after them.
The contrast between inside and outside the village was stark.
A crowd had gathered—villagers eager to catch a glimpse of the newcomers.
It wasn't just that Akatsuki had announced their surrender; Tsunade had also made sure to spread the news widely throughout Konoha.
After all, these were the ninja who had conquered vast territories across the ninja world. The people of Konoha were naturally curious—what kind of individuals were capable of such feats?
Fortunately, despite the staged battles between Konoha and Akatsuki, there was no deep-seated hatred between them.
The villagers were friendly, their faces filled with interest rather than hostility, some even marveling at how young Yahiko and his companions were.
"Is that guy next to Lady Hokage the leader of Akatsukigakure?"
"Must be."
"He looks really familiar..."
"And that purple-haired girl behind him—"
"Hey, I think they bought dumplings from my shop before!"
A dumpling vendor who had come to watch the commotion nudged the barbecue stall owner next to him.
"You're full of it."
"Trying to drum up business, huh?"
The barbecue shop owner scoffed. A foreign village's leader casually visiting your shop? Yeah, right.
Bragging without proof—how was he supposed to believe that?
But what he didn't realize was that the dumpling vendor was telling the truth.
In fact, both Yahiko and Konan had once been customers at his stall too. He had simply long forgotten.
"Believe me or don't, whatever."
"I just know they look familiar."
The dumpling vendor was a smart man—he wasn't about to waste time proving himself.
Believe it or not, he knew what he knew.
The only problem was that he couldn't quite remember when he had seen them.
And he wasn't the only one feeling this strange sense of familiarity.
Anyone who had lived in Konoha long enough would leave traces behind, however small.
Unintentionally, Yahiko and the others had become a topic of discussion among the villagers.
But did it even matter anymore?
Even if their past was exposed, what difference would it make now?
...
"The villagers are quite enthusiastic."
"I hope you don't mind," Tsunade said as she paused, allowing Yahiko and his group to take in the experience of returning to familiar ground.
Some of the faces in the crowd sparked distant memories, and Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan couldn't help but smile.
It really did feel good to be home.
"Konoha truly lives up to its name as the greatest village in the ninja world."
"Its prosperity is enviable."
As they walked on, Yahiko spoke nothing but praise.
Compared to the last time they had been here, Konoha had changed yet again—always moving forward, always growing stronger.
"You flatter us."
"But with Akatsuki Village joining us, I believe the entire ninja world will one day be just as prosperous."
Tsunade didn't bother to hide her ambitions.
This was the future they were all working toward.
"I believe in you."
Yahiko's words were solemn as he met Tsunade's gaze.
In each other's eyes, they saw the same unwavering determination.
"Let me take you to your accommodations."
"The conditions may not be perfect, so I hope you'll understand."
Tsunade led the way, and the rest of the Konoha group gradually dispersed, until only Kawakaze remained.
However, with the Hokage and the God of the Shinobi World personally escorting them, the two high-ranking Akatsuki members didn't feel slighted in the least.
And when they arrived at the inn, their doubts disappeared entirely.
The place was nothing short of luxurious—hardly the "limited conditions" Tsunade had downplayed.
"You've traveled far, so rest well tonight."
"We'll have our formal discussions tomorrow."
With that, Tsunade and Kawakaze sent Yahiko and his group inside before taking their leave.
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
Watching them go, Yahiko and the others finally followed the attendants to their respective rooms.
As soon as they reached their beds, they practically collapsed onto them, savoring the comfort.
Only the two high-ranking Akatsuki members remained cautious, still wondering where Konoha's ANBU would be watching them from.