The order was quickly transmitted to the East Sea Bay defense line via an encrypted channel.
When Sayo and Pakura received the directive personally signed by the Fourth Kazekage Rasa requiring them to return to the Village immediately, both understood that one storm had already subsided, while another, a storm of glory, was about to be stirred up within the Village.
Without lingering, and after properly handing over defense duties, Sayo summoned the Gundam.
The silver-blue giant stood tall on the coast once again.
Under the reverent gazes of countless stationed Ninja, Sayo piloted the Gundam carrying Pakura.
Dazzling streams of light erupted from the wings on the Gundam's back as it took off, flying toward the Hidden Sand Village.
At this moment, the Hidden Sand Village was already immersed in unprecedented enthusiasm and anticipation.
The gloom of the defeat at Kikyō Mountain had not yet completely dissipated, but the great victory at East Sea Bay and the feat of forcing the Kirigakure to a truce across the sea were like a scorching sun piercing through dark clouds, injecting long-lost vitality and hope into the entire Village.
The order from the Kazekages Office was executed efficiently.
The main road was swept spotless, and flags of Sunagakure were planted on both sides of the road.
Villagers had spontaneously gathered on both sides of the street early on, craning their necks in anticipation, their faces overflowing with excitement and proud smiles.
Children climbed onto their fathers' shoulders, pointing excitedly.
Ninja stood in formation in the inner areas, maintaining order while their eyes were filled with admiration and curiosity for the heroes about to return.
The Fourth Kazekage Rasa, leading all high-ranking officials including Chiyo and Ebizō, stood quietly under the huge stone arch at the entrance of the Village.
Rasa wore his formal Kazekage robe with a solemn expression, but deep in his eyes, he hid a trace of imperceptible complexity and gratification.
"They're here! They're here!" someone shouted first, though it was unclear who.
The crowd instantly became restless, all eyes turning in unison toward the distant skyline.
At first, it was just a small silver dot, then it rapidly enlarged.
Accompanied by a low, powerful humming sound, that silver-blue giant, which had long spread throughout the Ninja World and was regarded as the new symbol of Sunagakure, tore through the sky and appeared in everyone's field of vision!
"That is... the Gundam!"
"Lord Sayo's Puppet!"
"My god... it's even... bigger than the rumors!"
Exclamations, gasps, and uncontrollable cheers rose like a tide, one wave higher than the next.
The Gundam slowly lowered its altitude over the open space outside the Village entrance.
The sense of oppression brought by its massive body caused even the most boisterous crowd to unconsciously quiet down for a moment, leaving only the low roar of the giant's engine.
It landed steadily, the heavy sound emitted when its huge metal feet touched the ground as if declaring the official return of the heroes.
The figures of Sayo and Pakura appeared before everyone.
Sayo was still wearing his brand-new Jonin vest.
Although his face still carried the delicacy of a youth, the steadiness and sharpness in his eyes after experiencing major battles could not be ignored.
Pakura stood beside him, her red Ninja outfit outlining her graceful figure.
Her face was cold and beautiful, and the palpitating lingering heat of her Scorch Release seemed to still remain around her.
The two looked at each other and nodded.
Sayo did not put away the Gundam, but let it stand tall at the Village entrance like the most loyal guardian deity, becoming the most stunning backdrop for this welcoming ceremony.
They walked step by step through the tall Village gate, heading toward the welcoming party.
"Sayo! Pakura!"
"Heroes! Heroes!"
"Long live Sunagakure!"
Deafening cheers erupted instantly, like a mountain landslide or a tsunami, almost overturning the dome of the Hidden Sand Village!
Flowers were thrown down like raindrops from both sides of the road, falling upon them.
People waved their arms excitedly, their eyes filled with tears.
This cheering was not only for them protecting their home, but even more for the dignity they had won back for Sunagakure!
Sayo and Pakura walked with steady steps toward the Kazekage and Elders standing in front.
Wherever they passed, the lined-up Sunagakure Ninja all straightened their chests, casting the highest salute of attention toward them.
Arriving before Rasa, both knelt on one knee simultaneously.
"Lord Fourth Kazekage, Sayo/Pakura, have returned as ordered!"
Rasa stepped forward and personally helped the two up.
His gaze lingered on Sayo for a moment, containing too many indescribable emotions, which finally turned into an affirmative nod.
Subsequently, he looked at Pakura, his gaze solemn.
He turned around, faced the boiling crowd, and raised his right hand high.
The cheers gradually subsided; everyone knew that the most important moment was about to arrive.
Rasa's voice, containing powerful Chakra, clearly and loudly spread throughout the entire Village entrance square, and even reached further places:
"Fellows of the Hidden Sand Village! Warriors! Today, we gather here, not to indulge in past pain, but to welcome our heroes! To welcome the heroes who washed away our humiliation and won back our glory for Sunagakure!"
His arm pointed to Pakura beside him: "She! Scorch Release User Pakura! At East Sea Bay, with the power of one person, she burned away the strong enemy, crushing the Kirigakure's conspiracy outside the coastline! At Bijiao Island, her Scorch Release was like divine punishment, striking terror into the hearts of the enemy and achieving illustrious war exploits for my Sunagakure!"
The crowd erupted into enthusiastic cheers once again.
Rasa's voice became even more high-pitched, filled with unquestionable power: "She used her own strength and loyalty to defend the dignity of the Village and protect every companion! Her deeds will surely be engraved in the history of Sunagakure! Her spirit will surely inspire every Sunagakure Ninja!"
He took a deep breath and made the final declaration: "Here, I, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, in the name of the Kage, declare—conferring upon Jonin Pakura, the title of 'Hero of Sunagakure'! Sunagakure will be proud of you!"
"Hero of Sunagakure!"
"Lord Pakura!"
The crowd was completely boiling!
The title of Hero, this is one of the highest honors an individual can receive in the Hidden Sand Village!
Pakura stood in the center of the square, listening to the deafening cheers, looking at the countless reverent gazes.
Her usually cold and beautiful face could not help but be slightly moved, and a trace of imperceptible moisture flashed in her eyes.
She nodded slightly, accepting this supreme honor.
Rasa subsequently also cast his gaze toward Sayo.
Although he did not confer another title, the recognition and expectation in his eyes already explained everything.
Sayo bowed slightly in response.
The welcoming ceremony reached its climax.
The return of the heroes not only brought the joy of victory but also completely dispelled the gloom of defeat, recasting the Soul and backbone of the Hidden Sand Village.
The future of Sunagakure, at this moment, became incomparably clear and full of hope.