20 The Aftermath (2/2)

The fight quickly ended in an hour or so with the victory on the side of Konoha but there wasn't really anything to celebrate about. Gennins, Chunnis, and Jonins ran around helping out clearing the mess as they started to clean up the dead bodies and the blood.

Many houses were destroyed so they started to prepare temporary housing for those who were affected. While the village was slowly recovering from the attack, a wild discussion was ongoing between the Elder of the village.

Currently bandaged but alive Jiraiya stayed at the Hokage seat and listened to the rants of the elders.

”This is absolutely unacceptable, we must show them their place. We have been going on about peace for too long now, it is time we change our policies. We must show our aggressive side before other villages think we have become so soft that anyone can come to our front yard and shit on us. ” One of the Elder cried out as it led to other Elders shouting in as well.

”Yes, we must attack Sand Village now when they are vulnerable. We must put them in their place since they dared to broke the peace treaty.”

”Enough, do you all know what you're saying? This might spark another shinobi war if we act in haste. You're all old folks who have lived through the previous war. Do you want to relive it again?” Jiraiya slammed the desk in front of him in anger.

”I don't care what you guys think, right now I'm the Hokage and I'll be making decisions whether you like it or not. And regarding Sand Village, we'll wait for Kazekage respond to the manner and we will act accordingly. We have the three heirs of Sand Village so they won't make rash choices. For now, we will prepare for Third Hokage's Funeral. I don't want to hear a word about waging war for the time being” Jiraiya said and walked off from the room leaving the Elders discussing to themselves.

”Are sure you want to leave it like this? Danzo has been meeting various officials from Fire Country and holds a lot of authority in Daimyo Palace. The root's influence has been growing as well. It will be hard to erase his influence if we let him grow like this.” From the side Shikaku said. Shikaku was appointed as Jiraiya's advisor after Hiruzen left the seat.

”We don't have any choice for now. Sensei should have stopped him long ago but it has grown too big now. We can't go against the Root at such time. We should let the dust settle down for now.” Jiraiya said in low voice.

Jiraiya already knew about the dark secrets of the root but it was too hard to fight against the root for now. Fighting against Danzo could cost them more than they could afford. But Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief remembering Naruto. Naruto had finally returned and he had returned as a Sage. Maybe Naruto could stop Danzo's ever-growing influence over the village.

Meanwhile, at the Naruto's apartment, Naruto stood outside the door with a complex expression. He was too eager to see Yugao's face but at the same time, he was scared. Naruto finally opened the door and entered the house and went towards the kitchen.

From Jiraiya, Naruto had found out that Yugao had quit her job as Shinobi after his disappearance and started to teach the kids in the academy. But Naruto knew, she was most likely suspended because of his stupidity and greed.

”Sister Yugao!” Naruto called out softly to the person in pink apron cooking her dinner. Yugao turned around in shock as she didn't even notice someone had entered the room but her body shook hearing the familiar voice.

”Naruto!” Yugao face held complex emotion as she slowly walked towards Naruto. Sometimes anger and sometimes care and relief Yugao face showed different emotions and she slowly made her way to Naruto.

Naruto backed off step by step seeing Yugao expression but Yugao caught up to him and grabbed his collar with both her hands. ”4 years, how dare you to come back after 4 years? You.. You Do know how worried I was? Do I even mean anything to you? How could you leave me for so long? I hate you. I hate you...” Yugao fair hands formed a little fist as she started to his Naruto's chest.

Tears soon started to pour out of Yugao's eyes as she complained with her crying voice and embraced Naruto into a bear hug before bursting out crying. She hadn't cried even when Naruto disappeared and she didn't cry when she got injured during her missions. She didn't even care was fired from her Jounin post.

She didn't cry when she lived her life alone for 4 years and now her tough act shield broke when Naruto appeared before her.”I..I... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry” Naruto kept repeating these words as he didn't know what to say. It was him who neglected Yugao and her affection for 4 years straight. And seeing Yugao like this what more could?

Naruto tightened his hands around Yugao as he let Yugao cry on his shoulders for hours.