Chapter 139: The Moment to Receive Honor; This Is the Reward They Deserve.
Home.
Two simple words, yet they carried emotions too complex to untangle.
Completely different from how they had felt when leaving Konoha—this was a feeling they might remember for the rest of their lives.
Returning in glory.
These three months hadn't been the longest mission they’d ever taken on, but they were undeniably the most exhilarating, the most unforgettable.
Seizing control of Kirigakure’s leadership in a single decisive strike, turning the village into Konoha’s vassal!
That achievement alone was worth thousands of miles of merit.
Even if their contribution had merely been the final flourish, it was still the greatest honor they had ever earned while following their Commander.
And beyond that, their journey in the Land of Earth had been even more thrilling.
Over two hundred ANBU standing against an entire ninja village.
Forcing one of the Five Great Nations—Iwagakure—to bow its head.
The ruthlessness shown in Kirigakure, the overwhelming pressure placed on Iwa.
All of it gave them the right to proudly tell the world:
They were Konoha’s ANBU.
The rightful elite assassination force of Konoha.
Not just shadows carrying out silent judgments. Not just nameless figures who would never see the light.
This transformation filled their hearts with pride.
At this moment, every gaze directed toward Hakken brimmed with respect.
It was this youth who had given the ANBU a new beginning, and their Commander had fulfilled the promise he once made.
The reborn ANBU would become Konoha’s pride.
That sense of belonging, that sense of honor, had transformed into unwavering loyalty toward the village.
No one would ever again feel lost because of ANBU missions, nor mistake that honor for darkness.
They could even proudly declare, “We are ANBU,” and mean it with their whole hearts.
And that feeling of belonging reached its peak the moment they arrived outside Konoha’s gates.
“This is the true Hokage.”
Hakken lifted his head and exchanged a distant smile with Minato.
Just like the day he returned from the Land of Lightning after leading Night Owl through battle, Minato was there, watching him with warmth.
But this time, behind the Hokage stood a dense crowd of Konoha’s ninja and villagers.
A spontaneous gathering, stretching from one end of the street to the other.
Young ninja practically vibrating with excitement and admiration, elders wearing expressions full of pride and emotion.
And the villagers… all they felt was gratitude.
Ever since this squad ventured deep into the Land of Earth, one victory report after another had flowed back into Konoha.
Today, they wiped out several enemy bases in the Land of Earth.
Tomorrow, they slew countless foes in Konoha’s name.
Minato hid nothing. Every report of their achievements on the front lines was made known to the public.
He wanted the village to understand exactly who was protecting them.
The reborn ANBU were Konoha’s unquestioned heroes.
When disaster struck, they charged in first. And after defending the village, they hadn’t forgotten their hatred—they carried it into battle, bringing their fury down upon Kumogakure.
This was the kind of merit that would be remembered forever.
“Feel it, Kakashi?”
Within Night Owl Team, Guy thumped his chest excitedly as he looked toward the comrade beside him. Much like Hakken’s bond with Itachi, the two of them were genuine, wholehearted friends.
“Yeah. I feel it. It’s completely different now.”
Kakashi nodded, brushing his fingers lightly over his Sharingan.
Darkness?
There was no such thing.
This was the true ANBU.
Night Owl had accomplished what no one else ever had.
The team continued forward, removing their masks one by one.
Heroes deserved to have their faces remembered.
“Welcome home, heroes of Konoha.”
With his arms open, Minato radiated the gentle warmth of the Yellow Flash. His smile, bright as sunlight, embraced everything.
They were family.
“You really know how to put on a show, Minato-sensei.”
As they approached, Hakken stopped walking, rolled his eyes, and hopped straight to Minato’s side.
He never liked stepping forward under everyone’s gaze. This glory belonged to the ANBU who followed him.
As for what he wanted?
Probably to nap on Anko’s lap and enjoy the cool breeze from the little maid’s fan.
Or drag Yūgao Uzuki off to take a bath together and then sit quietly beneath the swing.
There are always people one holds close in life.
Yūgao had already become someone Hakken couldn’t do without.
Still—
Not everyone enjoyed the spotlight. A few shy boys in the squad shifted nervously, and as a group, Night Owl’s members stepped up beside Minato, letting the attention fall on the ANBU beneath them.
“They deserve this treatment. They earned it with their lives. The villagers’ recognition is something they fought for themselves.”
Minato shook his head. “But Hakken, as you asked, their names will all be carved onto the Wall of Honor.”
“There are just a few names I’m still considering.”
“Besides the Third and White Fang-sama, there’s one more I’m conflicted about.”
Hiruzen Sarutobi?
Hakken raised a brow.
“You’re mistaken. I’ve spoken with the Third. He said he’ll spend the rest of his life earning deeds worthy of the Wall of Honor. Consider the past page turned.”
Minato scratched the back of his head. Even he hadn’t expected the Third to change that much.
“As for White Fang, I’ve already started making the truth public. There won’t be any problems.”
Really?
Beside them, Kakashi finally let out the breath he’d been holding.
It wasn’t vanity that concerned him—not the Wall of Honor or recognition.
It was proving that his father had never been the village’s criminal.
That alone was everything.
Cleansing the stain on a hero’s name was enough.
“So… can this great me get a spot on your Wall of Honor?”
On Hakken’s shoulder, the Nine-Tails suddenly grinned at Minato. After all, he’d contributed quite a bit this time, hadn’t he?
Iwagakure’s downfall—wasn’t that largely thanks to him?
“Of course. We won’t forget anything Nine-Tails-sama has done for Konoha.”
Minato bowed his head in earnest respect. Even he hadn’t expected a Tailed Beast to devote itself so seriously to the village.
“Not bad. You’re a good kid. I’ll protect you from now on.”
Nine-Tails-sama.
Just hearing those words sent a wave of delightful pride surging through Kurama.
He’d never imagined that helping humans could feel this… satisfying.
Mm. Not bad at all.
“And this other person you mentioned?” Hakken asked.
White Fang and the Third were accounted for—so who was left?
This one… wasn’t easy to bring up.
Minato glanced at Uchiha Shisui and Itachi Uchiha beside him. Under their silent attention, he finally spoke.
“The shinobi demon who, together with the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, judged the chaos of the era and founded Konohagakure… but later chose to betray the village. After leaving, he returned once more and, at the cost of his life, struck down the First.”
“Madara Uchiha.”