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Then, Tsunade's gaze fell on the light again, but the sharpness of her scrutiny lessened, replaced by the consideration and decisiveness befitting a Hokage.
"As for you, Uchiha... Hikari, right!"
Tsunade's voice softened: "Although your background is equally extraordinary, since Naruto trusts you so much and is willing to vouch for you, and you haven't shown any hostility after knowing so many secrets..."
She paused for a moment, then made a decision: "Then, based on Naruto's trust and your current performance, I can represent Konoha Village and allow you to reside and live in the village temporarily."
"I will immediately notify the current head of the Uchiha clan to arrange suitable accommodation for you and complete the relevant temporary residence procedures."
She looked into Hikaru's calm eyes, her tone formal yet carrying a hint of the Hokage's authority and inclusiveness: "Welcome to Konoha Village."
"I hope you can find your peace here."
Hikaru had been listening quietly, and now he saw that Tsunade had finally accepted him.
She stepped forward, gracefully curtsied, her voice clear and gentle:
"Thank you for your trust and acceptance, Hokage-sama."
"I will abide by the village rules and will not cause you or Naruto any trouble."
Seeing Hikaru's appropriate response and Naruto's visibly relaxed expression, Tsunade's last bit of doubt subsided.
Regardless of what the future holds, at least for now, this girl from the past doesn't seem to pose a threat.
The warnings about the future that Naruto brought back, whether true or false, were like a heavy dark cloud that began to hang over Konoha.
She knew that peaceful days were probably numbered.
Chapter 430 Light, is this the older sister or the younger sister?
Leaving the somber atmosphere of the Hokage's office, Naruto, carrying a ray of light, headed towards the Uchiha clan's compound on the edge of Konoha Village.
Along the way, Guang curiously observed the street scenes that were so different from the future.
Naruto, on the other hand, seemed much more relaxed after successfully reporting the situation and temporarily settling Hikaru in.
The two passed through an ancient torii gate that marked the boundaries of the Uchiha clan's territory.
Light slowed her pace and stared wide-eyed at the sight before her in disbelief.
In her understanding and memory, the term "Uchiha clan" is associated with...
It was a heavily guarded fortress from the Warring States period, constantly filled with the smell of blood and gunpowder.
It was the deep sorrow and vigilance on the faces of the clansmen, and the constant stream of bad news about casualties.
It's a precarious existence where you never know whether tomorrow or an enemy attack will come first.
However, what they saw before them was a completely different scene of peace and prosperity.
Along the clean and wide stone-paved road are well-planned mansions bearing the typical Uchiha clan emblem.
Wind chimes hang from the eaves, making a crisp sound in the breeze.
Children chased and played in the streets, their carefree laughter ringing out.
Young ninjas walked by in twos and threes, discussing missions or training, their expressions focused and peaceful;
The elderly sit on their porches, leisurely enjoying tea, playing chess, or tending to the flowers and plants in their courtyards.
There was no smell of blood in the air, only a faint fragrance of grass and trees and the comforting aroma of food wafting from each kitchen.
On everyone's face radiated a deep peace and contentment she had almost never seen before.
"So...so awesome..."
Guang murmured unconsciously, his calm eyes filled with undisguised amazement and emotion.
This pure, peaceful life without shadows was something she could never have dreamed of when she struggled to survive amidst the flames of war since childhood.
The Uchiha clan... so this is how they can live?
Naruto saw the genuine shock on Hikaru's face and the gradually brightening light in his eyes.
He couldn't help but puff out his chest, proudly echoing, "Right? Right! I told you Konoha was awesome!"
With a still somewhat dazed look in his eyes, he navigated the streets with practiced ease.
Finally, it stopped in front of a large, imposing yet elegant mansion.
This is the home of Fugaku Uchiha, the current head of the Uchiha clan.
This time, Naruto didn't barge in over the wall like he always did when he came to see Sasuke.
Or they might shout "Sasgei!" from a great distance.
He unusually walked properly to the front door, raised his hand, and gently knocked.
Soon, the door was pulled open from the inside.
Appearing behind the door was Uchiha Mikoto, dressed in an elegant kimono and possessing a gentle demeanor.
When she saw that the person knocking on the door was Naruto, who had been missing for a month, her face instantly lit up with surprise and relief.
"Naruto? It really is you?!"
Mikoto's voice was filled with excitement, and she instinctively reached out her hand.
Seemingly trying to confirm if Naruto was really standing there: "Where have you been all this time, kid? Do you know how worried everyone was about you! Sasuke, he..."
Her words were filled with the genuine care and concern of an elder.
Faced with Aunt Mikoto's undisguised concern.
Naruto felt a warm glow in his heart, but also scratched his head a little embarrassedly: "Hehe, Aunt Mikoto, I'm sorry to have worried you."
"There was a little... well, something rather unusual, but it's all resolved now. I'm fine, I'm back safe and sound!"
"You child... really..."
Mikoto carefully examined Naruto, confirming that he was indeed uninjured and in good spirits, before she could truly relax.
She gently patted his shoulder, her tone a mixture of reproach and affection.
"Um... Is Uncle Fugaku home?" Naruto got straight to the point.
Mikoto was somewhat surprised. It was rare for Naruto to come looking for Fugaku; he usually went straight to Sasuke.
"You're looking for him? He's home, in his study. Is something the matter?"
Naruto stepped aside, making way for Hikari, who had been standing quietly behind him, and introduced her to Mikoto: "Aunt Mikoto, her name is Hikari, Uchiha Hikari."
"She... well, she's also from the Uchiha clan, but due to some... very unexpected reasons, she's been living away from home. I just brought her back."
"The decision regarding her placement needs to be made by Uncle Fugaku. I have already reported this to Granny Tsunade."
"Uchiha...Hikaru?"
Mikoto's gaze fell on Hikaru, with a hint of scrutiny, but more so with a woman's innate gentleness and curiosity.
Guang has exquisite features and a calm demeanor with a subtle sense of aloofness.
It definitely has a unique Uchiha clan feel to it.
But her clothing and demeanor also exuded an indescribable ancient charm that seemed out of place in this era.
"Yes, madam, it's a pleasure to meet you. I apologize for disturbing you."
Guang stepped forward and gracefully bowed, his posture impeccable.
Looking at Hikaru's well-behaved and polite demeanor, Mikoto's impression of him improved.
She smiled and nodded: "What a beautiful and polite child."
"Don't be shy, come in. Fugaku is here."
The three of them entered the mansion.
As they walked through the well-maintained courtyard, Naruto couldn't help but ask, "Aunt Mikoto, where's Sasuke? Did he go to the training grounds again?"
When her son was mentioned, Mikoto's face showed a hint of helplessness and worry: "Sasuke... ever since you disappeared, that child has been restless."
"Later, he directly applied to the Hokage for a long-term investigation mission outside the village, saying that he was going to look for clues you might have left behind, and he has been gone for almost half a month."
"If it weren't for the communication toads from Mount Myoboku bringing news of his safety from time to time, I really wouldn't be able to put my mind at ease."
Upon hearing this, Naruto felt a surge of complex emotions.
She felt both touched by Sasuke's awkward yet sincere friendship and guilty for causing everyone worry.
He secretly resolved to go find Grandpa Fukasaku or Granny Shima later and ask them to send a communication toad to deliver a message to Sasuke.
Tell him that you have returned safely and urge him to finish his mission and go home.
Mikoto then naturally started chatting with Hikaru, asking her about her age, favorite foods, and impressions of Konoha, among other things.
Although Guang was a little reserved, he answered each question politely.
Her calm demeanor and the occasional sense of vicissitude that seemed out of place for her age only made Mikoto feel pity for her.
The two chatted happily, and Naruto couldn't get a word in edgewise, so he could only follow silently behind them like a follower.
Seeing this harmonious scene, I felt quite happy.
Soon, the three arrived at the reception room.
Fugaku Uchiha was sitting in the main seat with some documents in front of him. It was clear that Tsunade had briefly informed him of the situation through emergency communication channels.
Seeing Naruto and Hikaru enter, Fugaku put down the documents in his hand.
That usually serious and rigid face showed little emotion; his gaze swept over Hikaru and Naruto.
"Uncle Fu Yue".
Naruto unconsciously straightened his back and spoke somewhat nervously.
For some reason, he was always a few times more nervous in front of this stern clan leader than he was in front of Granny Tsunade.
Fugaku nodded slightly, his voice steady: "Come in. The Fifth Hokage has already informed me of the matter."
Naruto and Hikaru took their seats as instructed.
Mikoto thoughtfully prepared tea and snacks.
Fugaku's gaze was mainly fixed on Hikaru, with the prudence and authority characteristic of a clan leader: "Uchiha, Hikaru, right! The Fifth Hokage has already explained your situation to me."
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