Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!
Chapter 520: Konoha’s Celebration

Chapter 520 - 520: Konoha’s Celebration

As the last group to return after a brutal battle, Minato and his team were met with an overwhelmingly warm welcome in the village.

Villagers lined the streets to greet them, firecrackers and fireworks crackled endlessly, and the cheers were deafening.

Among all the names being shouted, Minato's rang the loudest.

At just 21 years old, he had achieved what most could only dream of in a lifetime.

A child soldier at 10, an ANBU operative, and later the commander who led Konoha through grueling battles in the Lands of Earth and Lightning.

And in the end, it was he who personally completed the unification of the Shinobi World.

A genius ninja who rose from the ranks of commoners—his reputation and accomplishments made him an icon in Konoha.

Young shinobi worshiped him.

Countless girls stole glances, their eyes brimming with admiration.

"Minato Namikaze!"

"Minato Namikaze!!"

"Minato Namikaze!!!"

...

Hearing the villagers' heartfelt cheers, Yahiko and the others felt a sense of pride.

But their names were absent from the crowd's chants.

There was some regret, of course.

Yet, they had no real complaints.

They had chosen their own paths, and no matter what, they were still part of the Hatake family. That was enough.

Minato, elated, waved tirelessly, thanking the villagers for their support.

He was honored to receive such recognition.

Halfway through the parade, a flash of red caught his eye.

Amidst the crowd, Kushina wasn't particularly conspicuous.

But to Minato, she stood out more than anyone.

She was glaring at him, her fiery eyes filled with annoyance.

Minato felt helpless.

It wasn't like he could control the enthusiasm of his admirers!

The moment their eyes met, Minato's unspoken words were clear.

"Kushina's jealousy just flared up," Kawakaze remarked, standing beneath the Hokage Rock, observing the scene.

"Haha~ That's what happens when you're not married," Tsunade quipped, thoroughly enjoying the show.

But she wasn't wrong.

If Minato were already married, most of these girls wouldn't be so brazen.

When Nawaki returned, he didn't attract nearly as much attention.

"Looks like we'll have to start planning their wedding soon," Kawakaze said, as Minato's teacher, naturally taking charge of the matter.

"Yeah, once things settle down," Tsunade nodded.

"We'll give them a grand wedding."

Just like that, Minato and Kushina's wedding was unofficially scheduled.

...

Meanwhile, Minato and his team approached the Memorial Stone, where a large gathering of Konoha shinobi had already assembled.

"Let's go too."

Kawakaze took Tsunade's hand, and in the next instant, the two appeared before the crowd.

"Lady Hokage, Lord Kawakaze."

The shinobi were unfazed by their sudden appearance and immediately bowed in greeting.

Kawakaze silently stepped back, letting Tsunade take center stage—it was her moment today.

"First, I want to welcome Minato Namikaze and the Expeditionary Force back home," she announced.

As Kawakaze led the applause, the crowd erupted into thunderous claps.

"After two long years, we have finally achieved our goal—the unification of the Shinobi World."

"This victory was only possible because of the dedication and sacrifices of each and every one of you."

"But most importantly, we must never forget the heroes who now rest here."

"Today, on behalf of all past Hokage, I offer my highest respect to these fallen warriors."

With those words, Tsunade bowed deeply, her tears welling up uncontrollably.

When she looked up again, they had already begun streaming down her face.

A wave of sorrow rippled through the crowd.

Soft sobs could be heard—how could they not, when so many had lost comrades, friends, and family?

Hidden in the distance, Hiruzen Sarutobi, now an old man, wept silently as he recalled his once-young, passionate comrades.

On a day like this, he knew he no longer had the right—or the dignity—to stand behind Tsunade.

This was the glory of a new era. For an old man like him, who had made his share of mistakes, simply being here to witness it was already a blessing.

"I believe that not a single name here will be forgotten."

"In the days ahead, I hope everyone will live not only for themselves but also for those who can no longer be here."

"The unification of the Shinobi World is only the first step. There is still a long road ahead."

"But I believe that as long as we stand together..."

"The future we envision will become a reality."

"A world without war, where everyone can live in peace."

"A world where each person can travel freely and see all the beauty the Shinobi World has to offer."

Tsunade painted a grand vision, though she had no idea how long it would take to achieve.

Only Kawakaze had a clear plan for making it a reality.

He would take on the responsibility of getting the Hokage's technological advancements back on track.

"We are willing to dedicate ourselves to Lady Hokage!"

The response echoed through Konoha like a mountain's roar.

Perhaps no other Hokage would ever command the same devotion as Tsunade.

"Let us offer flowers and raise a toast to our fallen heroes."

With Tsunade's words, the memorial service reached its final stage.

...

After giving everyone enough time to pay their respects, Tsunade officially announced the ceremony's conclusion.

However, as people began to disperse, many lingered, reluctant to leave.

On this day, both joy and sorrow were felt more deeply than ever.

Once the crowd began to thin, Minato wasted no time seeking out Kushina.

"Oh, look who it is—Lord Minato, basking in his overwhelming good fortune!"

The moment she saw him, Kushina turned away with a huff, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Minato sighed.

Here we go again.

"What good fortune? You must be mistaken."

"I only have one flower in my heart."

Minato shamelessly leaned closer, gently turning Kushina to face him.

"You'd give up an entire forest just for one crooked little tree?"

"Are you sure about that?"

Kushina was already laughing on the inside but kept up her act.

She knew she was spoiled, and she wasn't afraid to take full advantage of it.

"Who in their right mind would call you a crooked tree?"

"Let me find them—I'll knock their teeth crooked too."

Minato was quick-witted, smoothly sidestepping the obvious trap.

"Pfft—you're the one who's blind."

Kushina burst into laughter at his serious expression.

Who would dare call her a crooked tree and not expect a beating?

"Not mad anymore?"

"Then let's go."

Seeing her laugh, Minato wasted no time taking her hand and pulling her toward the bustling streets.

"I haven't even said I forgive you yet."

"Haha~"

Before long, the two of them had disappeared into the crowd, looking no different from any other young couple.

...

For three full days, Konoha was alive with celebration.

Aside from keeping the village running, every shinobi was given time off.

Merchants and shopkeepers made more profit in those few days than they had all year, their smiles impossible to contain.

Many secretly wished this festive atmosphere would never end.

But happiness is always fleeting.

Sooner or later, life had to return to normal.

Three days later, at Tsunade's summons, Konoha's high-ranking officials gathered in the Hokage Tower's conference room.

This was the first major meeting following the unification of the Shinobi World.

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