The flames of war at Kikyō Pass had been extinguished ahead of schedule…
By a single man.
Konoha was swept up in a celebration that almost felt unreal.
When Shinzuki Yu returned to the village alongside Minato Namikaze and the victorious shinobi, a thunderous roar of cheers erupted from the village gates.
“Lord Yu!”
“Lord Yu is back!”
Villagers flooded the streets.
Flowers and streamers filled the air.
For the first time in a long while, even the brilliance of the Yellow Flash was momentarily overshadowed.
Every gaze directed at Yu was filled with awe and reverence.
This young man had defeated the Third Tsuchikage with his own hands and forced Iwagakure into a full retreat.
Even in Konoha’s history…
That was a feat worthy of legend.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, personally led the village elders and senior shinobi in welcoming the returning heroes outside the Hokage Building.
Looking at the young man approaching, a sincere smile spread across the elderly Hokage’s face.
“Shinzuki Yu.”
“You have rendered an unparalleled service to the village.”
His voice, amplified by ninjutsu, echoed throughout the square.
“By unanimous decision of the village leadership, you are hereby awarded the title of Guardian Star of Konoha.”
“You will also receive a Special First-Class Merit, a reward of ten million ryō, and your choice of three S-rank ninjutsu scrolls.”
The crowd erupted into even louder applause.
Yu, however, remained as calm as ever.
Titles.
Money.
Rewards.
None of it held much appeal.
To him…
He had simply done what was convenient.
“Thank you, Lord Hokage.”
His composed response only deepened the mystery surrounding him in the eyes of the crowd.
The celebration continued for quite some time.
Eventually, as the crowds gradually dispersed, Yu slipped away from the enthusiastic villagers and shinobi still hoping to approach him.
Alone, he made his way beneath the Hokage Monument.
The enormous stone faces represented Konoha’s history…
And its will.
Standing beneath the face of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, he silently spoke within his mind.
“System.
Check in.”
[Ding!
Check-in successful at: Hokage Monument (Beneath the First Hokage’s Statue)!]
[Congratulations!
You have obtained: Partial Asura Chakra!]
An indescribably pure power surged into his body.
Its chakra was vast beyond measure.
Overflowing with vitality…
Warmth…
And an immense sense of compassion.
It merged perfectly with his Sage Body.
The quality of his physique improved yet again.
His affinity for Wood Release also rose noticeably.
Not bad.
Feeling the subtle transformation within himself, Yu found the steady increase in strength surprisingly satisfying.
“Yu.”
Minato’s voice came from behind him.
Walking over, he stopped beside him.
Together, they looked up at the towering Hokage Monument.
“This time…”
“I really owe you.”
Minato’s tone was sincere.
“If it weren’t for you…”
“I don’t know how many more of our comrades would have died at Kikyō Pass.”
Gratitude shone plainly in his blue eyes.
Yu glanced at him.
“It wasn’t a big deal.”
Minato couldn’t help laughing.
Defeating the Tsuchikage…
Changing the course of an entire war…
To Yu, it was merely “not a big deal.”
That effortless confidence made Minato both admire him…
And feel a little pressure himself.
“Yu…”
Minato hesitated briefly before speaking again.
“I want to become Hokage.”
His gaze lingered on the stone faces above.
There was hope in his voice.
And unwavering determination.
“If that day comes…”
“I hope you’ll stand beside me.”
“I want us to protect Konoha together…”
“And build a better future.”
He turned toward Yu with complete sincerity.
It wasn’t merely an invitation.
It was a request to become the future Hokage’s closest ally.
Yu remained inwardly calm.
He had little interest in political power.
Still…
If Minato became Hokage…
That wasn’t a bad outcome.
At the very least…
Minato was someone worthy of trust.
Besides…
He did need a stable home base for future check-ins.
“Alright.”
Just one word.
Yet Minato’s shoulders visibly relaxed.
A bright smile spread across his face.
“That’s great.”
At that moment…
An ANBU operative flashed into existence beside them, dropping to one knee.
“Lord Hokage!
Lord Minato!”
His tone was urgent.
“Emergency intelligence.”
“Our reconnaissance squad stationed along the border with Kumogakure has reported large-scale ninja mobilization.”
“Their intentions remain unknown.”
The relaxed atmosphere instantly vanished.
The shadow of war had not yet disappeared.
Minato’s smile faded.
“Kumogakure…?”
Moments later, Hiruzen approached from nearby.
He had clearly received the same report.
“It seems…”
“Someone has no intention of allowing us to enjoy peace.”
His expression grew solemn.
Yu wasn’t surprised in the slightest.
Peace in the shinobi world had always been as fragile as paper.
The end of one war…
Usually marked the beginning of another.
He looked toward the frowning Minato and gave a small nod.
“Don’t worry.”
“I’m here.”
The words were spoken in the same calm tone as always.
Yet they carried absolute confidence.
Minato found his anxiety easing almost immediately.
That’s right.
Yu was here.
The man who had already accomplished one miracle…
Might truly become Konoha’s strongest pillar.
Meanwhile, Yu’s thoughts had already moved elsewhere.
Kumogakure…
That probably meant…
A new check-in location would appear soon.
The Land of Lightning wasn’t a bad destination.
I wonder what kind of reward I’ll get there.
Perhaps I should visit the Valley of Clouds and Lightning…
Or maybe…
Go see the future Fourth Raikage and test his strength.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
Hiruzen looked from Yu to Minato.
“Minato.”
“Come with me to the Hokage’s office.”
“We need to discuss this in detail.”
“Yes, Sensei.”
Minato nodded before turning back toward Yu.
“Yu, about the village…”
“I know.”
Yu interrupted gently.
Some things didn’t need to be said aloud.
Minato smiled and nodded.
Then he departed with Hiruzen.
The ANBU operative disappeared as silently as he had arrived.
Once again…
Only Yu remained beneath the Hokage Monument.
He looked up at the massive stone faces.
The lingering warmth of Asura’s chakra still flowed through his body.
I wonder…
What will the next check-in bring?
Turning around, he slowly walked away.