The true high-end combat forces were currently recuperating in Konoha Village.
The clan heads and others had also started training at home recently, warming up in advance to ensure their bodies wouldn't fail them in battle.
"Alright, then you'll come with me when the time comes. The clan heads should come along too. We'll leave the village to my Master. This time, he won't need to get involved."
The entire family sat in the courtyard, chatting for a long time. Tsunade and Nawaki also shared many heartfelt words.
Several times, Nawaki was on the verge of tears.
In the end, only home could provide a true sense of security.
"Alright, you two siblings have talked enough. I think we should head to the Senju clan compound. Nawaki has been back for a day already and still hasn't seen his grandfather." Seeing that it was almost two o'clock, Torifu felt they couldn't continue chatting, so he spoke directly.
Nawaki was still a bit conflicted, but it was indeed getting late. If he didn't go home soon, it would probably be dark.
Tsunade was ready to go whenever; she wasn't afraid of being scolded anyway. Everything depended on Nawaki.
After learning about the hardships and suffering her brother endured outside, Tsunade's anger completely vanished.
"Alright, then let's go."
With that, Nawaki stood up, preparing to leave.
Torifu and Tsunade would both go back with him, while Dan had work in the afternoon and couldn't accompany them.
"I won't go with you. I'll stay home and play with Akihara." Naori also chose not to join the commotion.
Since that was the case, only the three of them went together.
Soon, with a decision made, the three immediately got up and left the Kumotsuru Clan compound.
Nawaki and Torifu activated their Concealment Jutsu, but Tsunade didn't, instead enthusiastically greeting villagers on the street.
She quite liked this feeling. Torifu felt this might be the innate Hokage disposition.
Perhaps in the future, Tsunade could continue to be the Fifth Hokage? It wasn't impossible.
The three didn't talk much on the way; first, many things had already been said in Torifu's courtyard, and second, Nawaki was a bit nervous now and couldn't say anything.
He kept thinking about how to explain the situation to his grandfather and grandmother.
Torifu placed a hand on his shoulder: "Don't be so nervous. Your grandparents won't actually do anything to you. At most, they'll just scold you a bit, unlike your sister."
Tsunade's eyes went dark when she heard that. What did he mean, "unlike her"? Did that mean she was very violent?
However, Tsunade recalled that Torifu Big Brother seemed right; her Painful Sky Leg attack truly showed no mercy.
If it weren't for the crystal's protection, Nawaki would have been severely injured.
Nawaki nodded at his words: "I hope so. But even if my grandparents hit me, I won't have any complaints."
The three moved quickly. Although Nawaki said he was afraid to go home, his steps were swift.
When they arrived at the entrance of the Senju clan compound, the guards could hardly believe their eyes.
"Nawaki-sama! You've returned!"
Nawaki smiled and nodded: "Yes, I'm back. Are Grandpa and Grandma home?"
The guard nodded vigorously: "Of course, of course! Clan Head-sama and the others are all home! Please go in quickly, Nawaki-sama."
Thus, Nawaki entered the compound with an anxious heart. When he arrived at Hashirama's courtyard gate.
Ashina was strolling in the courtyard and was very surprised to see Nawaki return.
"Oh, so you finally decided to come back, kid?"
Nawaki scratched his head: "Grandpa Ashina, I'm back. I made you all worry."
Ashina waved his hand: "I wasn't worried. It's normal for a man to travel far and wide. Gaining some experience for yourself is a very normal thing."
Nawaki was very happy that Ashina thought that way, but the next sentence immediately wiped away his joy.
"These are just my thoughts, but they hold no reference value, because my ideas and your grandfather's ideas are always opposite. You're on your own, good luck."
Oh boy, Nawaki was truly taken aback! It would have been better if he hadn't said anything! His hanging heart finally dropped dead.
Torifu chuckled after hearing that: "Alright, Ashina-sama, stop scaring him. If you scare this kid away, my Master will come looking for trouble with you."
Ashina also laughed heartily after hearing that: "Hahaha, I was just joking, don't mind it. Your grandfather and the others missed you terribly. They definitely won't lay a hand on you, so don't worry."
"Is that so... Ahaha..." Nawaki forced a smile.
But before he could say another word, the door to Hashirama's house burst open.
With such loud noise in the courtyard, how could they not hear it inside?
And Hashirama could clearly tell through his chakra sensing that his rebellious grandson had returned!
"Nawaki! You rotten brat, you're finally back! You were gone for over a year, and didn't send a single letter back during that time! Do you want to be removed from the family register!"
Hashirama, who had originally been playing a promotion match, didn't even care about his game after sensing his grandson's return, and immediately rushed out.
Mito followed closely behind. Upon seeing Nawaki, her face clearly showed joy, but also a touch of sadness.
"Grandpa, Grandma, I was wrong. Hit me if you want. I promise, after coming back this time, I won't ever leave again."
Hashirama originally had a belly full of anger, but hearing Nawaki's fairly good attitude of admitting his mistakes, his temper immediately dissipated by half.
Yet, he still said with a slight hint of dissatisfaction: "How much credibility do your words have, young man? Before, I told you not to go looking for your deadbeat father, but you wouldn't listen. And now? What did you gain?"
At the mention of this, Nawaki also lowered his head.
Seeing this, Torifu quickly interjected: "Master, Nawaki already knows he made a mistake, so let's not talk about it anymore."
"Sigh, alright. For your Master's sake, I won't scold you."
Then he turned his back, hands clasped behind him, adopting the demeanor of a stern parent.
At that moment, Mito also descended the steps.
She came before Nawaki and stroked his face: "You've suffered a lot, haven't you? Your little face is so rough now."
Nawaki was a child she had raised since he was small, who had never experienced any hardship, truly a noble young master from a great clan.
But now he had become like this; how could Mito not feel heartbroken?
"Grandma, I'm fine. I'm over twenty now, not a child anymore."
Then he scratched his head: "Besides, this isn't really suffering. Although I didn't find my father and mother, I learned a lot on this journey and gained much experience."
"I'll tell you all about it later."
Mito smiled and nodded: "Alright, alright, tell Grandma all about it."