It was obvious to everyone that his two sons had died because of the man standing in front of him. And yet, the Third Hokage could not show even a trace of anger. Instead, he greeted him with a calm smile.
"That does make sense," Shiki said with a nod, as if agreeing with a wise conclusion.
"When someone grows old, stepping down early isn't a bad thing. Konoha still has plenty of young people ready to lead its future."
"…Hah."
The implication in his words was obvious.
Even the seasoned Third Hokage could only let out a dry chuckle, unsure how to respond.
The civilians, unaware of the tension, assumed the relationship between the Third Hokage and Shiki was excellent.
But the shinobi who understood the situation saw things very differently. One after another, they chose silence and simply observed.
The smarter ones already realized that this moment forced a decision upon them — whether to continue supporting the Third Hokage or place their faith in Shiki. The direction of the future could not have been clearer.
"Ahem… you're Might Duy, correct?"
Unable to continue the previous topic, the Third Hokage quickly shifted his attention.
When he noticed Might Duy standing nearby, his eyes brightened.
He had already read the battlefield reports. He never expected that the seemingly ordinary eternal genin of Konoha possessed the strength to overwhelm the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Hidden Mist.
Although it was unfortunate that Shiki had discovered that talent first, the Hokage still intended to win him over.
"Uh—!"
Being suddenly called out, Might Duy froze. He instinctively glanced at Shiki. Only after seeing no objection did he turn back and bow respectfully.
"Hello, Hokage-sama!"
That small gesture did not escape Sarutobi Hiruzen's notice. Still, he spoke kindly.
"Duy, you are a shinobi of Konoha. I failed to recognize your abilities before. As Hokage, I hereby grant you the title of Konoha elite shinobi."
"Eh?"
Under normal circumstances, such recognition would have filled Might Duy with joy.
But now…
Instead of celebrating, he scratched his head in confusion.
"But Lord Shiki said earlier that you won't be Hokage for many more days. Can you still give orders like that?"
"…"
The Third Hokage stiffened.
What did he mean by not being Hokage for many more days?
He stared at Might Duy's completely serious expression before slowly turning toward Shiki.
"Hahaha!"
Shiki laughed carelessly and clapped Might Duy on the shoulder.
"Don't mind him. Duy just speaks very honestly."
His playful gaze toward the Third Hokage was impossible to miss.
"Lord Shiki… did I say something wrong?" Might Duy asked earnestly.
With the straightforward nature of the Might family, he simply spoke whatever came to mind, completely unaware of the implications.
"No, no. You're absolutely right," Shiki replied with a grin. "And even if you were wrong, I'm sure Lord Hokage wouldn't hold it against you."
"…."
The Third Hokage fell silent.
Does he think I can't hear the mockery?
But if he objected, wouldn't that make him seem petty in front of everyone?
He looked between Shiki and the utterly sincere Might Duy, unable to tell whether Duy's bluntness was natural or some hidden sharpness. Either way, it was astonishingly infuriating.
And so, in that odd and tense atmosphere, the welcome ceremony came to an end.
With the conclusion of the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha gradually returned to its former liveliness.
Many civilians mourned relatives lost on the battlefield, while countless families celebrated tearful reunions.
…
"Finally back."
Shiki pushed open the door and looked around the familiar courtyard and the two-story house. A soft sigh escaped him.
After so many years in the shinobi world, he had spent most of his time here. He had missed it more than he expected.
"No one's cleaned in ages. There's dust everywhere."
Tsunade, who had returned with him, smiled faintly. Though relieved to be home, she still frowned at the mess.
As her assistant, Shizune immediately stepped forward.
"Lord Shiki, Tsunade-sama — please leave the cleaning to me!"
Without hesitation, she began tidying the house. While Shizune's ninja talent might not have been extraordinary, her household skills were impeccable. Cooking, cleaning — she handled everything with practiced ease.
"Then I'll help too," Tsunade said with a smile, hanging up her coat before joining in.
"You have a domestic side too?" Shiki asked in surprise. As he spoke, he carefully placed his swords onto the weapon rack in the hall. After returning home, even his blades deserved a rest.
"Hah! Do you think I'm incapable of that?" Tsunade shot back irritably. "I just don't do it often."
Seeing her expression, Shizune worked even faster, silently focusing on her task. She didn't dare interrupt, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.
"I never said you weren't capable," Shiki replied calmly.
"Oh? So you prefer women like that?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at him. If that were true, she didn't mind adjusting a few habits.
Shiki smiled.
"It doesn't matter what kind of person you are. I like you because you're Tsunade."
"Hmph."
Tsunade snorted, but the satisfaction in her expression was obvious.
By the time the cleaning was finished, night had begun to fall. Compared to Tsunade and Shizune, Shiki had spent most of the time lounging like an idle observer.
"That reminds me," Tsunade said suddenly. "Where's that Kurenai girl? She didn't cling to you today."
"The war's over. Of course she went home to see her family," Shiki replied with a shrug. Yuhi Shinku had returned from the battlefield as well. It was only natural they would reunite first.
Watching Shiki's relaxed posture, Tsunade's smile turned knowing.
"I have a feeling Yuhi Shinku will come looking for you soon."
"Why?" Shiki asked, puzzled. The Yuhi family should be busy celebrating the war's end.
"Because you're thinking about sleeping with his daughter," Tsunade said bluntly. "If he realizes that, you think he won't come see you?"
"…."
Shiki found himself unable to refute her logic.
Just as silence settled between them, a sudden exclamation echoed nearby.
"Really? That's incredible!"
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