The two were so busy that they ended up facing each other directly.
Nara Hikari noticed the same fanatical admiration in their eyes as he had seen before in Xihu Xilabi's.
They were now calling him Hikari-sama instead of just Hikari.
"Hikari-sama, the entire village is waiting for you— even the Hokage is here."
"Oh, oh... alright."
Nara Hikari was momentarily stunned, but still led the hundreds of ninjas toward the village gate.
"Hikari, I can't believe you actually defeated the Second Raikage— that's incredible!"
"It was nothing, really."
"Hikari, don't you know? Everyone in the village is talking about your exploits!"
"Oh..."
Before long, Nara Hikari and his group arrived at the gates of Konoha. The barrier was open.
Tobirama stood there with the Konoha ninjas who had returned ahead of them, along with a large crowd of civilians, all waiting in anticipation.
When Tobirama spotted Hikari, his eyes lit up.
"Haha! Well done, boy. You really defeated Ai— impressive!"
It was the umpteenth time Tobirama had praised Nara Hikari lately.
"I was just lucky."
"Come, let's welcome our hero back to the village!"
As Nara Hikari passed through the gates, the entire village erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
"Hikari, you're incredible!"
"You're my idol from now on!"
"Hikari, I want to marry you!"
"Uh…"
Nara Hikari froze, a little speechless.
"Hikari!"
His parents pushed their way through the crowd.
When his mother, Nara Masami, saw him, tears welled up instantly. She pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Mother."
"My dear…"
Nara Masami began sobbing harder, while the crowd respectfully allowed the family to share this touching moment.
After a long while, Masami finally let go of him.
"You've lost weight."
"Mother, it's not that bad— I was only away for a few days."
"Oh, I almost forgot. It just felt like you'd been gone forever."
Just as Masami was about to say more, Nara Usagi, Hikari's father, came over.
"Alright, Hokage-sama is watching, and there are matters to attend to. Let's head home first and talk there."
"Good idea— let's go home."
Usagi looked at his son.
"Father."
"You've really grown strong."
"It's all thanks to your teachings, Father."
"You brat…"
Usagi chuckled and gave him a playful scolding.
"Hokage-sama."
The family turned to Tobirama.
"Go home and rest. Attend tomorrow's memorial service."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Under the villagers' warm gazes, Nara Hikari and his parents returned home.
Some villagers were joyful—their sons and husbands had returned alive.
Others were sorrowful—many had lost loved ones on the battlefield.
The Uzumaki Clan, who had sacrificed greatly to stop the Hidden Mist forces, suffered the heaviest losses.
Next were the Senju, Shimura, Sarutobi, Kurama, Hyuga, and Uchiha clans— many of whom also fell at the Fire Country border.
The Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Aburame, Inuzuka, and Yuhi clans had relatively fewer casualties.
Many civilian ninjas had also perished in the war.
The following day, everyone gathered for the memorial service.
After a minute of silence, a series of rituals were held to honor the fallen.
Nara Hikari recognized many familiar faces in the crowd.
When the service ended, Tobirama summoned Nara Hikari to his office.
"Hikari, I'm going to promote you to Hokage Advisor."
"Huh? Hokage-sama, isn't this too soon?"
"No rush. Besides me, Mito, your uncles Nara Ki and Nara Maru, and your grandfather Nara Shima— you are now one of Konoha's few Kage-level shinobi."
Nara Hikari was surprised to hear the names of Nara Ki, Nara Maru, and Nara Shima— Tobirama had known all along.
Seeing Hikari's expression, Tobirama continued:
"Your uncle was injured in his youth and can no longer fight on the front lines. He and your fourth grandfather are still technically Kage-level, but their strength has waned. If they were forced onto the battlefield now, they might not return. My elder brother told me: do not send your clan's elders into battle unless absolutely necessary."
"I see..."
Now it made sense why the three elders hadn't become clan head, leaving that role to an elite Jonin instead.
"Mito's seal on the Nine-Tails is becoming unstable. We need more people to assist her. You're the only one who can help me bear this burden."
"But Hokage-sama..."
"It's settled."
"Understood."
"Starting tomorrow, you'll begin attending Konoha's high-level meetings."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Oh, and since you're back, why not visit the ninja academy and share your experiences with the students?"
"Me?"
"Yes— tell them about your growth."
"Hokage-sama, I don't think that's necessary. My techniques aren't ones that can be copied, and I never learned the basics in school."
His head started to ache.
Teach? What a joke. He didn't even know how to use shadow clones, substitution techniques, or chakra nature transformation in this body. He wasn't proficient in tree climbing or water walking, either.
"It's alright— just visit occasionally."
"Hokage-sama, I really don't think I'm cut out for that. I have... social anxiety."
"Social anxiety? What does that mean?"
"I'm not good with people."
"No worries, the teachers will assist you."
"Alright…"
With no way to refuse, Hikari reluctantly agreed.
"Hokage-sama, I'll take my leave now."
"Go ahead."
Nara Hikari left the office but didn't return home right away.
He wandered the streets of Konoha instead.
"Oh? Ichiraku Ramen already exists in this era."
He spotted the familiar sign— Ichiraku Ramen— and stepped inside.
A young man was working in the open kitchen, where customers could see the entire ramen-making process.
"Hikari! Over here. Sit down— from now on, your ramen's on the house!"
"It's okay. I can pay."
"Haha, true, your family is wealthy, but still— as thanks, your ramen is free."
"Alright, one bowl, then."
The ramen here was a little different from Chinese-style ramen— different toppings, different flavor— but still very tasty.
Before long, the bowl was empty.
"Delicious."
"Huh? Hikari, didn't you used to eat here often?"
"Ah... oh, I guess it's just been so long, I nearly forgot the taste."
"Got it."
The young owner smiled and returned to serving the growing crowd.
Just as Nara Hikari was about to leave, a boy approached him.
"Are you Nara Hikari?"
"Yes, that's me. And you are?"
"My name is Hatake Sakumo."
"Oh? What can I do for you?"
"I want to challenge you."
"Huh?"