Chapter 138

Chapter 138

**At the end of Year 47 in the Hidden Leaf Village**, the Hidden Sand Village announced a ceasefire and began negotiations with the Leaf. Soon after, both sides formally met in the Land of Iron, with the Third Hokage and Chiyo representing their respective villages, and signed a peace agreement, ending the Leaf-Sand War.

As a result, a brief period of peace settled across the ninja world, with large numbers of Leaf ninja returning from the Lands of Rivers and Rain.

"Finally, we're home," Asuma said, unable to hide his excitement as he looked at the village gates.

Haneda, following behind Sakumo, smiled at the sight of the gate. No matter how he looked at it, this place had become his second home.

Many Leaf ninja who had come back from the Land of Rivers were just as excited, the joy of returning home momentarily overshadowing the harshness of war.

The Third Hokage personally stood at the village gates to welcome the ninja returning from the Land of Rivers. Not only ninja summoned by the Hokage were present—many villagers came to see the returning forces, making the gate a lively scene.

The Third scanned the crowd, but his gaze lingered on Haneda. When he reviewed the Leaf-Sand War the previous night, he realized that Haneda Uchiha had been instrumental in securing victory. Haneda had decisively shifted the tide of battle twice, which allowed for such an easy negotiation. By capturing Rasa, a major figure from the Sand, with the help of Kakashi, Haneda had directly brought the war to an early end. Otherwise, it might have dragged on into the year's end. Moreover, Haneda had brought back Tsunade, which had saved countless lives.

"Sarutobi-sama," Sakumo greeted, pulling the Third from his thoughts. The Hokage looked at him and smiled.

"This victory is thanks to your excellent command, Sakumo."

Sakumo humbly returned the smile, then glanced back at Haneda and the ninja behind him. "This win belongs to everyone's efforts," he replied. "Especially Haneda. Without him bringing back Tsunade, the Sand's poisons would have caused even more casualties. And in the final attack by the Sand, he made a huge difference."

The Third's gaze turned thoughtful as he looked at Haneda. No matter what anyone said about the Uchiha, Haneda was his son's savior and a hero to the village.

The Hokage noticed Tsunade was missing among the returning group and asked, "Where is Tsunade?"

Haneda, hesitant but recalling Tsunade's instructions, stepped forward to answer. "Lady Tsunade has gone on a journey to share her healing skills."

The Hokage's lip twitched as he remembered her penchant for gambling. He could imagine that Haneda was merely covering for her. In reality, she was already back and enjoying a drink with Jiraiya.

**At a tavern in the Hidden Leaf,** Jiraiya and Tsunade sat across from each other, a few plates of food and sake between them. Jiraiya usually would've called for an extra companion for "inspiration," but Tsunade's presence had kept him content.

Taking a sip, Jiraiya grinned and said, "Last time we talked, you swore off ever returning. Said your hemophobia made you useless on the battlefield."

Tsunade rolled her eyes and sipped her sake, recalling how Haneda had convinced her otherwise.

"That kid Haneda—Leaf's rising genius—you've heard of him, right? The Sand calls him the 'Kirin Ninja.'"

Jiraiya's mind pictured Haneda, and he chuckled. "He's the one who talked you into returning, right? Minato keeps praising his skill and spirit."

"Haneda isn't simple," Tsunade said, with a fond smile, "He understands things—the village, the world—in ways that surpass most leaders. If he ever becomes Hokage, I wouldn't be surprised."

Jiraiya sipped his sake in silence, mulling over her words. Tsunade's genuine faith in Haneda was hard to ignore.

"Don't you think he's a little short of the Kage level still?" he asked finally.

"You don't get it, Jiraiya. Haneda's biggest strength isn't his jutsu but his insight into the world and the human heart."

"What did he say that convinced you?"

"He called out the Hokage and the elders for their incompetence," Tsunade replied, a smirk on her face. "Then he spoke about things that even you would understand."

She paused, remembering his words. "If you're dissatisfied with the world, change it. Don't just complain or run away."

Jiraiya stopped, digesting Haneda's words. It struck him as strange and humbling, making him re-evaluate his mission to find a 'Child of Prophecy.'

"That's a bold statement," he admitted. Haneda's face flashed in his mind, feeling strangely unfamiliar now.

"I think he's your so-called 'Child of Prophecy,' Jiraiya," Tsunade added. "Bet on it?"

Jiraiya laughed. "You'll lose, Tsunade. My bet's on the 'blue-eyed boy' from the prophecy."

Tsunade chuckled, unconcerned with prophecies. For her, Haneda Uchiha was a reality she could believe in..