The Hokage Building, third-floor office.
"That is the entire course of events. I will submit a more detailed mission report shortly."
Minato stood tall and straight, his voice low as he reported to the Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi gently tapped his pipe, his gaze resting on Shinji and the others. His tone carried a note of relief. "You have all worked hard."
After a pause, he added softly, "Regarding Obito... please accept my condolences."
As the Hokage, he had long grown accustomed to life and death, deeply understanding the sacrifice of comrades.
Back when he followed the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, into the Second Shinobi World War, he had watched his comrades fall one by one, even his close friend Kagami Uchiha ultimately meeting his end.
That pain, he understood better than anyone.
His eyes unconsciously drifted to Shinji, a thought stirring within him: The most surprising one is still this child. His strength has improved so rapidly. I wonder how he compares to Shisui now.
Shisui had also shone brilliantly in the clashes with Kirigakure, single-handedly earning the formidable reputation of "Shunshin Shisui."
The Uchiha Clan truly produced geniuses one after another.
He exhaled a light puff of smoke, his thoughts quietly turning to his own son.
Only when his gaze shifted to Asuma standing beside Shinji did a gentle smile slowly appear on the Third Hokage's face.
On this mission, Asuma had also contributed meritoriously, adding another weighty S-rank achievement to his record.
He had always worried endlessly about Asuma.
Hiruzen Sarutobi collected his thoughts, his expression turning solemn once more as he slowly announced:
"Thanks to all of you, Konohagakure achieved victory in this battle. Your two squads are to stand by for now."
"The village will make the results of this battle public." A slight smile touched his lips. "Konoha needs news like this to boost morale."
"Minato Namikaze, Kakashi Hatake... Shinji, Kurenai."
"You are all heroes of Konoha."
"Yes, sir!" everyone responded in unison.
Shinji stood quietly behind Minato, his heart calm at the moment, only hoping to return home soon, take a good bath, and get a solid night's sleep.
After over half a month of roughing it outdoors, he could finally settle down peacefully.
...
A relaxed smile played on Shinji's lips, but his hand unconsciously pressed against his pocket.
Inside lay twelve large-denomination banknotes.
"Truly worthy of an S-rank mission! A full 1.2 million ryo."
The minimum reward for an S-rank mission was one million ryo. Missions that directly involved clashes between hidden villages like this were exceedingly rare.
Since graduating from the Ninja Academy, the highest-ranked mission Shinji had taken was B-rank, which, when split among the squad, amounted to only 30,000 ryo.
The difference was like night and day.
This time, aside from Minato, each of them had received this 1.2 million ryo share.
It was also enough to show just how much financial resources Konoha had invested in this battle.
The Land of Fire, situated in the center of the continent, was rich in resources and had frequent missions. No wonder the other major hidden villages eyed it covetously.
The benefits here were simply too tempting.
"With this 1.2 million, I should be able to forge a decent short sword."
Shinji pondered to himself.
His previous short sword had been completely destroyed in the battle with Shou, and in close combat, he was more skilled in Sword Technique. A good blade was crucial to him.
In front of the Hokage Building, everyone was about to go their separate ways.
Minato Namikaze left first, while Asuma was kept behind by the Third Hokage for a private conversation.
Finally, only Shinji, Kakashi, Nohara Rin, and Kurenai Yuhi remained.
"I need to go to the hospital first," Kurenai said softly.
Although her injuries had improved significantly under Shinji and Rin's treatment, she still needed a thorough examination at the hospital.
"There's a place I want to visit," Kakashi said calmly.
He wanted to go to his father's grave. This war had taught him so much, and there were things he wanted to tell his father in person.
Nohara Rin nodded gently. "Then I'll go home first to let my family know I'm safe."
Shinji responded, "I'll head back too. See you in three days?"
As his words fell, the atmosphere suddenly grew heavy.
In three days, Konohagakure would hold a grand collective funeral.
Too many people would never return.
At this thought, they all couldn't help but remember Obito, who had left them forever.
"Alright, see you in three days."
"Goodbye."
"See you in three days."
They bid each other farewell softly before turning and heading in their separate directions.
Shinji, however, quietly took a detour and quickly caught up to Rin.
"Rin, wait for me!"
"Shinji?" Nohara Rin turned around in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Shinji spoke softly, "Let's walk together. I'll see you home."
Nohara Rin looked into his eyes and nodded.
"Rin, what are your plans from now on?" Shinji suddenly asked.
Nohara Rin shook her head slightly. "Probably just continue taking on some missions and focus on improving my Medical Ninjutsu."
"Actually, if you have time, I'd like you to teach me Medical Ninjutsu."
Nohara Rin smiled. "I remember you mentioning it before. I won't refuse your request."
"Then I'll come find you later," Shinji said with a smile.
The two walked side by side, and before long, they arrived at Rin's doorstep.
Nohara Rin clasped her hands behind her back, her gaze gently resting on Shinji.
Shinji took a step forward and gently pulled her into his arms, his movements tender and careful.
Rin's body stiffened at first but gradually relaxed, leaning softly against his chest.
She still wasn't entirely used to such closeness when Shinji's gentle yet firm voice reached her ears:
"Rin, I'm here for you. We made it back from the war together."
Standing at her own doorstep, held steadily by Shinji, the lingering unease in Nohara Rin's heart suddenly settled.
[Side Quest: Comfort Completed]
[Quest Reward: 80,000 Points, B-Rank Gift Box ×1 Automatically Received]
[Note: The host completed the task in an extremely short time—truly a remarkable achievement]
Shinji slowly released Rin, giving her a gentle smile and a light wave.
"Goodbye, Rin."
Nohara Rin smiled back.
It was the most relaxed and relieved smile she had worn in days.
What she had always wanted was never much—just simple support and a sincere promise.
...
Within three days, Konohagakure gradually regained its former vitality.
The village, long shrouded in the shadow of war, finally welcomed the long-awaited light.
The war was about to end.
Through deliberate promotion by Konohagakure's higher-ups, the achievements of Minato and the others spread throughout the streets and alleys.
"Lord Minato Namikaze!"
"Disciples of Lord Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Three!"
"And Kakashi, Asuma, Uchiha Shinji..."
"The hero of the Sharingan."
These were the titles bestowed upon Kakashi and Obito by the villagers.
And Shinji, through his achievements in this battle, earned the reputation of a genius of the Uchiha Clan.
For a time, the Uchiha Clan, which had not been well-regarded in the hearts of the villagers, saw its reputation suddenly improve.
People witnessed firsthand how the members of the Uchiha Clan fought desperately for the village, and they saw how Obito sacrificed himself heroically to protect his comrades.
People began to develop a favorable impression of the Uchiha.
This was something even the Uchiha themselves had not anticipated.
Deep within Root.
Danzo listened quietly to his subordinate's report. When he heard that the Uchiha Clan had gained positive reputation one after another, his face darkened, as if it could drip with gloom.
"Are the inherently evil Uchiha worthy of such prestige?"
A cold snort escaped him.
A flicker of icy light passed through his eyes, his tone devoid of any warmth:
"Investigate. Bring me all the information on Uchiha Shinji."
"Yes!"
The Root ninja below vanished in a flash, disappearing into the darkness.
"Uchiha!"
In the dim, silent depths of the Root chamber, Danzo's cold sneer echoed.
The air seemed to freeze, oppressive and suffocating.