Celebrating life, Returning Home.

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Chapter 81: Celebrating life, Returning Home.

Jutsu of the day:

<Speech no Jutsu>

Courtesy of Yours Truly

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18th March, Year 78

Location: Land of Waves

[General]

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30 minutes after the battle~

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The group was walking towards the town, while Mitsu's clone told the newcomers about the recent events.

"So, let me get this straight. You are telling me you, a brat, saved my country, and even acting as the current Daimyo?" Tazuna asked in disbelief.

"Watch your tone, Tazuna-dono. You are speaking to the 3rd Prince of the Land of Fire, and if what he says is true, your current acting Daimyo. So do show the needed respect." Asuma warned.

He was once a part of the 12 guardian ninjas, and had known Mitsu since he was a child.

Asuma respected the prodigious prince. He had done numerous things to earn Asuma's respect. From changing his country for the better to establishing lifelong alliances with different countries to improving the lives of the civilians.

And at the end, it all followed with the Land of Fire's prosperity.

"It's alright, Weird beard. I already knew about this old fool. Everyone described him as a grumpy alcoholic who complains a lot. But his daughter and grandson are nice though." Mitsu replied with a soft smile.

"Y-you know my daughter and grandson?" Tazuna was perplexed.

"I do. They told me you were the finest bridge builder. Most impressive I must say."

Tazuna was feeling proud of himself, but Mitsu poked a hole in that.

"So, because of the stunt you pulled by giving wrong intel, I am going to make you work on the bridge till you drop. That should be punishment enough." Mitsu replied with a sweet smile.

Tazuna felt cold sweat forming on his back. But he quickly recovered and asked another question.

"We can talk about that later… But, did you really? Did you really defeat Gato?

He had hundreds of thugs!

And what of the captives? What if they still have them as hostages? What if they were killed or worse?" Tazuna was agitated. He was panicking about the fate of his fellow citizens.

Mitsu looked solemn when he heard Gato's name. But he didn't directly answer Tazuna's question. He only said, "When we get to the town, you will understand."

He didn't add anything else to it, and instead focused on his friends.

"So how have you guys been? Hope your first real mission didn't discourage you."

Ino still looked shaken, but Mitsu's presence comforted her. While Choji had his head down. He wasn't much of a speaker to begin with.

Only Shikamaru replied, "Things had been great the past few years… But nothing as exciting and troublesome as your adventures… Seriously… Your letters are such a drag…

And this mission… I have finally realized… How weak we are…" He looked contemplative as he adorned a frown on his face.

'So Shikamaru will finally become serious… Damn, this is 3 years earlier than Canon… But at the end of the day, this is a good thing.

This Shikamaru will outclass the canon one by a lot. Heh… I might have just pushed the birth of a tactical monster.', Mitsu thought happily.

So he decided to give his friends a push in the right direction.

"You guys aren't weak." He said softly. Which made the 3 Genin perk up.

"Tsk. You are one to say. You took down 2 Akatsuki members in seconds, who were giving all of us, including sensei trouble." He retorted.

"Well… I am an exception… You can't take exceptions as examples. Your opponents were simply too strong for the current you.

They weren't as strong as your sensei, trust me, I know the man.

But both of them together, and the Kamizuru Ninja having area wide attacking Jutsus, made it difficult for Weird Beard to fight while keeping you all safe.

He couldn't protect and attack enemies of such caliber at the same time, after all. And honestly, if those 2 idiots weren't toying with you guys at the start, some of you might have died… So I am thankful for their stupidity.

Remember, those two were A rank Missing Nins. While you guys are recently graduated Genin. With barely 2 months of experience.

To begin with, there was no comparison between you guys and them. You guys were never meant to face Ninjas of their caliber this early on.

But even so, I watched you guys pull off a very impressive combination attack. Your teamwork is already incredible.

Ino's timing and range, Choji's quick action and protectiveness of the client, and you making such a sound plan with so little information. *Smiling as he looked behind at his friends*

You guys are already exceptional for newly graduated Genin, so don't feel down. Be proud.

Just remember this, you can only get stronger from here. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Mitsu ended his speech with a smile.

The trio also felt a bit light and happy after hearing Mitsu. Ino had a blush at Mitsu's compliment, while Choji acted shy, and Shikamaru had a slight grin.

"Mitsu-sama is right, you know. You guys have made me proud." Asuma added with a smile, before turning to look at Mitsu's back.

'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, huh?' Asuma thought about the words Mitsu said. 'The prince always had a knack for dishing out compelling speeches.'

They then started catching up. Soon they reached the town entrance.

And what Tazuna saw baffled him. He couldn't recognize his own town.

The people were all moving around looking busy. The town was completely different from what he remembered.

The town had walls... WALLS. And many new houses have been erected.

The previous gloomy aura of the town was absent. The townspeople were helping clean the streets, and many stalls were set where food and other things were being sold.

Children had smiles as they ran through the town. While the adults were hard at work, but they didn't have dead eyes that haunted them before.

Their eyes had a new fire. They now had hope.

The town wasn't filled with happiness, not really. Not yet at least. But the people were ready to move forward. They were ready to rebuild and restart.

Tazuna couldn't believe it.

After all, he didn't leave too long ago. And when he left, the state of the town was in shambles. People had a dead look in their eyes, and the word hope was dying out.

He noticed many neatly uniformed males and females, serving food to the homeless and orphans or helping the citizens with other things, while many clones of one Ninja were around patrolling the town.

One of Fuse's clones noticed Mitsu's group and approached them.

"Mitsu-sama, you have returned with your friends and the bridge builder? Just as you planned, I see. We are almost done preparing for the celebrations for this evening, as you commanded. *looking at Mitsu's entourage* There will be a feast tonight for everyone to attend." Fuse informed dutifully.

Tazuna was really surprised and rushed to find his family to get a better idea about everything, after saying his goodbyes. He told Team 10 to meet him during the celebrations.

On the other hand, Mitsu looked at Team 10 and said, "Go to the Daimyo's house, that's where my main body is at the moment. But you should look around while you are here, you might as well see the rejuvenation of a nation. I will meet you all soon. Laters."

With a wave and a wink, Mitsu's clone rushed back to report. Fuse's clone popped to give the main the new information.

[A/N: Mitsu was using a Wood Clone. They can communicate with the original, but I don't remember them sharing memories.]

Asuma was dumbfounded, as he too heard about all the atrocities that occurred in this land. But seeing the place now… it seemed surreal.

"It seems unbelieve, doesn't it?" They heard a voice from the side. It was a middle aged man who approached them.

"Yes, we didn't hear many good things before coming here. So it does seem a bit surreal. But who might you be, sir?" Asuma asked.

"No need to call me sir, I am just a citizen here… My name is Guramo.

And indeed, it's surreal… Just yesterday, we were still afraid of a tyrant oppressor. Not daring to think out loud. But look at us today… We are rebuilding and looking forward…

Daimyo-sama was able to rid our lands off Gato and his thugs within a day… Even Gato was hanged in the morning, in front of everyone…

We… had been oppressed for too long… So I am really grateful to our new Daimyo for giving back a bit of our happiness… It still feels like a dream, to be honest with you… But if it is… May I never wake up from it." The man said emotionally.

Asuma patted the man's shoulder and said, "It's not a dream, Guramo-san. I have known Mitsu-sama since he was 2… and have witnessed his miracles first hand. So yes, this too can be considered one of them. So, congratulations to you and your people for attaining your freedom."

The man nodded in appreciation, before returning to his own work.

"Mitsu-kun… sure is amazing…" Ino stated a bit dazed, a blush creeping on her face.

"Troublesome blonde..." Shikamaru said lazily, but there was a smile on his face.

"All right kids! Let's unwind and take a look around and maybe get something to eat. We will meet with Mitsu-sama in the evening." Asuma ordered.

They really needed a break after what they went through…

So, it was time for them to relax.

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In the Evening~

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The sun set and the sky was covered by a blanket of sparkling stars.

And the townsmen started lighting up chochins (paper lanterns) as they each carried one in their hands, heading towards the same direction.

The streets had been cleaned with everyone's help. The previously damaged parts of the town was repaired by Mitsu and his clones.

Mitsu had dedicated a large field for today's celebrations.

After all, today was the day Land of Waves once again became free. And today, the people of the land deserved to celebrate. To forget all the sorrows that plagued them.

A stage was constructed at one end of the field where a large tree stood, while the ground itself had been compressed and leveled with earth Jutsus.

Mitsu made 8 columns of long tables and benches with his <Wood Release> for the people to sit on. It had an open air, Hogwarts dining hall feel.

After realizing the reference himself. Mitsu decided to turn this field into a permanent venue for celebrations and events.

The stage was built under an old Sakura Tree, which Mitsu revitalized with his <Wood Release>.

The only thing missing was Sakura blossoms to make the event even more beautiful. It was almost time for Sakura season, but not quite yet. As it usually started during the end of March and early April, which was still 2 weeks away.

The people who arrived started putting the lanterns in a row at a set position.

Soon the benches were filled with the townsfolk, they talked to each other about the events of the day as they waited for the celebrations to begin.

Many had smiles, while others were melancholic. Some were crying tears of happiness to be reunited with their long lost family and friends.

Soon, the new Daimyo, and his entourage, came as they made their way to the head table built upon the stage.

As the citizens saw Mitsu and the others walk up the stage, they all stood and bowed to show their appreciation and respect.

Mitsu smiled gently. He indicated everyone to sit, including his own party, before walking to the front of the stage.

Everyone turned silent as they knew Mitsu was going to say something.

"My good people. Today we are here to celebrate.

To celebrate our lives, our freedom and our future. But also to remember the lives that were lost during the dark times.

Many of us here have lost a lot. And it makes me feel ashamed… for being unable to return you all what you have lost. For that, I am sorry."

The people protested at those words. Many shouted that it wasn't Mitsu's fault, while others reassured him, saying he did his best, while some thanked him and the rest simply cried silently. There were some who lost too much, who blamed him as well, but they were only a few of them.

Mitsu continued,

"Thank you everyone. But for those that we have lost. We shall not cry, they wouldn't want that. Instead, we shall celebrate their lives. They may not be here, but we will live on, keeping their memories close to our heart. And they shall live on with our memories.

For our family, friends and children, we shall strive to make a better future."

By this time, the maids and servants have served drinks in front of everyone, while children got juice.

Mitsu picked up his own mug and slowly started,

"Let us drink to our future, for the days come and gone, as the time of oppression is now completely done. For the future!" Saying so, he drowned his mug.

"For the future!" A chorus of noise was heard as everyone took a swig of their mugs and tankards.

And with that, the servants started serving food.

Tonight wasn't a night to mope around crying. It was the night to celebrate and start a new chapter for the land of waves.

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30th March, Year 78

Location: Docks of Land of Waves

[General]

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10 days passed since the celebration.

Now the town was much more lively and happy.

Due to Mitsu's request, a few nations had already started sending ships to the Land. As trade will once again restart here.

With Mitsu's help, the land of Waves will once again turn into a trading hub between the main land and the island nations.

Also, the Bridge between the Land of Fire and Waves was completed in a week.

With Mitsu's clone helping, the job was made hundred times easier to complete. The bridge was named Kinniro no Jiyuu Bridge.

Now, everyone, including Team 10, Princess Suzu and her servants, were getting ready to sail to the Land of Fire.

Mitsu was standing near the bow of his ship as he looked at the horizon. He was currently feeling homesick. It has been a long, long time since he went home after all.

Two figures slowly approached his position.

But there was a bit of tension between them.

The first figure, a platinum blonde haired girl softly said with gritted teeth, "Why are you following me, Haku-san?"

The other figure, a beautiful girl with deep brown hair with a gentle smile that didn't reach her eyes, replied, "I do not understand what you mean, Ino-san. I am merely looking for my master."

"And do tell, why you are looking for Mitsu-kun?"

"I am afraid I can't divulge that information to just anyone." Haku's smile turned frigid.

"Hmmph. I am not just anyone. Mitsu-kun is mine." Ino didn't feel even a bit embarrassed to say that.

Which simply annoyed Haku even more.

"Ino-san, you do know that my master is smitten with Lady Hinata from the Hyuga clan, right? Are you trying to get in between my master's happiness?" Haku was still smiling, but there was a tick mark on her head.

"Hmmph! They aren't engaged yet or anything. So I still have a chance! And why are you acting like this, when you, yourself, like Mitsu-kun." Ino said with a frown.

Haku was taken aback. She was indeed surprised.

"What do you mean by that, Ino-san? I have no such feelings for my master. Yes, I hold great affection for my master, but that's because of what he has done for me. And it's normal for a servant to adore her wonderful master. It doesn't mean anything romantic." Haku answered easily.

"Oh, you poor delusional girl… You have never seen yourself when you look at him, have you?" Ino looked at Haku with pity.

Haku was confused now.

"Sigh… Forget it, if you aren't a competition that just makes it easier for me. Lord knows, how many flies buzz around for Mitsu-kun's affection… I don't need another ice beauty to add to that." Ino muttered the last words to herself.

Haku again looked confused as she said, "No such flies buzz around Mitsu-sama."

Ino asked with annoyance, "And you want me to believe that?"

"But of course, I freeze any fly that tries to get near my master." Haku answered with the most beautiful smile.

But Ino started shivering at that.

'She isn't just delusional… she is crazy protective… But she also approves of Hinata? What kind of a woman is this?' Ino thought in horror. She put some distance between her and Haku.

Unknowingly, they arrived near Mitsu, who was still in a daze as he watched the horizon.

Feeling two chakras near him, he turned around to find Haku and Ino bickering about something.

'What's the matter this time… These girls… Sigh…' Mitsu sighed in his mind.

He already knew what was going on, but he had no intention of addressing this yet. There were many things that needed to be taken care of before he could even address his own growing love for Hinata. There was not time for addressing his friends' crushes.

'That Ancient Wind Bastard has gone and done it… At least, my clones working as dad's advisor prevented a calamity for me. Sigh.'

[A/N: He is talking about the wind daimyo.]

He decided to ignore the issue for the time being and addressed the girls in front of him.

"Ahem, ladies, what can I do for you two?" he asked casually.

"Master, I came to tell you that we are ready to sail, we only need your command." Haku replied with a bow.

Mitsu nodded before turning to Ino.

"Ummm. I wanted to join you to watch the waters." Ino said sweetly.

Mitsu chuckled, and shook his head in amusement, before turning towards the direction of the Land of Fire.

"Let's set the sails, shall we?"

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[A/N: Hey there, beautiful people! Ah... I need an editor who actually reads this fic and is interested in helping me. You can DM me in Discord at Asura#6727.

If you want to join the discord! The link is on the synopsis!]