Free Web NovelChapter 275: Champion Of The Entire Army!
Two days later.
The long march finally reached its end. When the Konoha expeditionary force crossed the final mountain pass, the familiar atmosphere and flourishing scenery of the Land of Fire rushed toward them.
Narumi Town.
This place, located on the border of the Land of Fire, the location of Shinichi’s very first mission after becoming a Genin two years ago, was already visible in the distance before the group.
"The third Hokage mentioned the other day that the Daimyo specially sent an envoy here to wait for us, saying he wanted to grant me some rewards?"
Looking at distant Narumi Town, Shinichi thought to himself.
"I heard there’s even some kind of imperial wine? I’m underage, you know. I can’t drink alcohol!"
As he walked, Shinichi’s gaze slowly swept over the terrain and the surrounding environment around Narumi Town.
A decision gradually took shape in his heart, and his eyes grew profound.
Perhaps it was finally time for this Narumi Town to... change its name.
Five kilometers away from Narumi Town, there was a gently sloping highland with relatively elevated terrain.
The view from the slope was broad and open.
Looking south, one could see the ancient silhouette of Narumi Town’s walls and the curling smoke rising from the town.
Looking north, one could overlook the only route the returning Konoha army had to pass through.
On one side of the slope, a natural spring flowed continuously from cracks in the rocks. The water was crystal clear, joining a shallow stream that gently flowed toward Narumi Town. freewёbnoνel.com
At this moment, led by the old butler of the Daimyo, Sosho, a group of people stood solemnly there, quietly waiting.
Sosho wore the formal attire of a high-ranking official of the Land of Fire. Though he was the Daimyo estate’s butler, he himself possessed an official government rank. He was the Karo, a senior statesman second only to the grand minister, responsible for overseeing all affairs inside and outside the Daimyo residence and assisting the Daimyo in handling political matters.
Behind him, the Lord of Narumi Town and a group of local officials all wore formal robes, standing silently, their breaths restrained, the atmosphere solemn.
A moment later, dust began to rise on the distant horizon.
A disciplined and imposing army slowly appeared within everyone’s line of sight like a returning azure dragon.
At the very front of the formation was naturally the third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing the Hokage robes. Half a step behind him stood Danzo Shimura, left arm now his only remaining arm and expressionless as always, along with Orochimaru, who maintained a slight curve at the corners of his lips.
And slightly behind them at their side was Shinichi Higashino.
When the group reached the foot of the slope, Elder Sosho was the first to straighten his attire. Bringing the officials of the Land of Fire behind him, he proactively stepped forward to greet them.
"Welcome back in triumph, Hokage-sama!" Sosho deeply bowed first toward the third Hokage, while the officials behind him bent over in unison.
After straightening himself, Sosho spoke with admiration: "Since the start of this war, Konoha has first defeated the Village Hidden in the Sand in the southwest, then frustrated the Village Hidden in the Cloud in the northeast. Victory after victory has elevated our nation’s prestige throughout the Shinobi World. Truly, Konoha stands as the pillar of the nation, its merits brilliant beyond compare! By his Highness’s command, this old man has come to represent the countless citizens of the Land of Fire in conveying the highest respect and gratitude toward your excellency and the Konoha ninjas who fought in bloodshed upon the battlefield!"
He paused slightly and glanced over the Konoha ninjas behind Hiruzen Sarutobi. Though visibly exhausted, their eyes remained steadfast.
"Before I departed, his Highness the Daimyo specifically instructed me to convey his intentions. The Land of Fire and Konoha are bound by blood and share the same fate. No matter how the future situation changes, the nation’s support for Konoha shall remain as unwavering and steadfast as ever! The ninjas at the front need only fight bravely. All supplies, compensation, and support in the rear shall naturally be borne with the nation’s full strength!"
The third Hokage smiled faintly and nodded in return.
"Elder Sosho gives us too much praise. Protecting the nation and defending the homeland are duties Konoha ninjas ought to fulfill. The results achieved in this campaign would not have been possible without the full support and trust of His Highness the Daimyo and the nation. Everyone in Konoha and I are deeply grateful."
The two exchanged several more formal words regarding national affairs and the war situation. Afterward, Elder Sosho also courteously greeted Orochimaru and Danzo Shimura.
Orochimaru at least maintained superficial politeness and casually exchanged a few words.
But Danzo Shimura kept a cold face the entire time and showed no intention of responding.
However, Elder Sosho seemed completely unaffected by this. The smile on his face remained gentle and warm. Naturally, his gaze finally landed on the quietly standing young man nearby, and the smile on his face deepened slightly.
"Captain Shinichi, it has been a long time since we last met. The previous meeting was at the culinary competition in the capital one year ago. Over this past year, His Highness the Daimyo has remained deeply impressed by your cooking, Captain Shinichi. He has mentioned it to me many times, saying that the taste of Whale Wave Jade still lingers vividly upon his lips and teeth. Every time he recalls it, he praises it endlessly."
"You honor me with His Highness’s remembrance. If an opportunity arises in the future, I shall certainly present new dishes to his Highness once again." Shinichi nodded and replied modestly.
"Excellent! However..." Elder Sosho shifted the conversation slightly, his smile growing even gentler. "His highness also frequently says that Captain Shinichi is truly a once-in-a-generation genius ninja, someone destined to shine brilliantly upon the battlefield, protecting the homeland through valor and living up to such extraordinary talent."
He paused, his expression becoming solemn. freēwēbηovel.c૦m
"Speaking of which, since the beginning of this war, his Highness has constantly paid close attention to the frontlines. Especially after hearing how Captain Shinichi rampaged through the heartland of the Land of Lightning, repeatedly inflicting severe damage upon powerful enemies, his Highness could not help but clap in admiration and sigh emotionally. His Highness believes that achievements and courage of such caliber deserve to be remembered with national honors and displayed for all the world to witness!
As he spoke, he gently waved his hand.
Three officials of the Land of Fire who had already been standing solemnly nearby each stepped forward while carrying a brocade box and opened them one after another.
The moment the first box opened, a faint scent of ink seemed to drift out. Inside was a carefully mounted piece of gold-patterned imperial paper.
Inside the second box lay an elegant porcelain wine bottle crafted from the finest ceramics and painted with magnificent golden cloud patterns. One glance made it obvious that it was imperial wine supplied exclusively to the royal court.
Inside the third box was a beautifully crafted ancient-style tachi with a blade like autumn water, clearly no ordinary weapon.
Elder Sosho first took out the scroll.
Holding it with both hands, he slowly unfurled it. Upon the pristine white paper decorated with golden hidden patterns, four vigorous and majestic characters appeared before everyone’s eyes.
Champion of the entire army!
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