He took the wounded back to Konoha. Naturally, he couldn't move at ninja speed, so it took about seven or eight days of traveling with the Qianye group before they saw Konoha's gates.
Returning to the village where they had lived since childhood, everyone seemed very excited—even Chao Yanqian felt a long-lost sense of peace of mind.
From a distance, in addition to the medical ninjas at Konoha's gate, some of Konoha's high-ranking officials had also led a group of villagers to welcome the wounded. When the Qian Qiang group appeared, the families of the injured immediately rushed forward, expressing concern and helping the medical ninjas escort them to Konoha Hospital.
They had fought against Sunagakure on the frontlines, enduring unpredictable dangers to protect Konoha's peace. Now seriously wounded and back home, seeing their loved ones sparked a deep sense of belonging in their hearts.
Even Chao Yanqian was moved by the scene, a touch of emotion showing on his face.
Of course, Chao Yanqians impression was mostly for those high-ranking Konoha officials. Since they wanted a performance, Chao Yanqian would not disappoint them. The higher-ups wanted ninjas who loved the village and protected their comrades and Chao Yanqian would be exactly that kind of ninja.
"Ohara, how are you? Why are you so badly hurt?" Hoshinohara's mother burst into tears at the sight of her son's bandaged body, eyes full of distress.
"Mom… don't do that, people are watching!" Hoshinohara scratched his head awkwardly and said shyly, "I'm fine now. I was seriously injured, but thanks to Chao Yanqian's surgery, I'm okay! After a few days of rest, I'll be back to normal."
"That's good!" Hoshinohara's mother wiped her tears, then turned to Tsukuni and said, "Thank you, thank you! I really don't know what we would have done without you…"
"It's nothing," Chao Yanqian smiled and said, "He's my friend—it's only right that I helped him."
Hoshinohara's mother had wholeheartedly taught Mizuno medical ninjutsu, hoping that if Hoshinohara was ever seriously injured on the battlefield, Mizuno could heal him.
"There's one more thing," she said, pulling Hoshinohara's mother and leading her aside. She whispered, "The frontlines are too dangerous now. War could break out at any time. It might be better if Yuan joined the medical corps. He'd have a better chance of surviving."
"Yes, I've thought the same thing," Hoshinohara's mother nodded in agreement.
That was all Asakuna could do. From then on, Asakuna and Hoshinohara would go their separate ways. The road ahead depended on their own luck and choices.
After sending the wounded to Konoha Hospital, Mitsuen's mission was complete. As the team captain, Mitsuen still needed to report to the Hokage's office.
This was also arranged by Orochimaru. As the mission captain, he now had the chance to meet the Hokage.
Chao Yanqian didn't know what Orochimaru's intention was, but he could only go and meet this "Ninja King" for now.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
"Come in!"
He walked into the Hokage's office and couldn't help but glance at the Third Hokage. This wasn't the first time Mizuno had seen him—when he was in the Ninja Academy, the Third Hokage often visited.
But this was the first time he was meeting the Third Hokage at such close range.
Although only the Hokage appeared to be in the office, Chao Yanqian knew that the Hokage Building was filled with hidden ANBU. Besides the Third Hokage himself, no one probably knew their exact number.
"Hokage-sama," Chao Yanqian said, bowing respectfully.
"It's you, Chao Yanqian. You made it back safely, I hope?" the Third Hokage said kindly, smiling.
He treated all Konoha ninjas this way—smiling, kind, and dignified. Every ninja in the village respected him. To them, the Third Hokage was their guardian.
Shimura Danzo once said that the Third Hokage was the sunlight bathing Konoha, and he, Danzo, was the root hidden underground. Together, they supported Konoha like light and shadow.
Though darkness was inevitable, those living in the village had no right to blame them.
The ninja world was far from peaceful. Konoha was at constant risk of destruction by rival villages, and unlike the First Hokage, the Third Hokage lacked the overwhelming strength to deter all threats. If he didn't resort to certain tactics, how could he protect the village?
Think of the tragedy of the Hidden Rain Village, and you'd understand the Third Hokage's sacrifices.
On the map, the Land of Rain was surrounded by the Lands of Wind, Earth, and Fire. The Land of Fire itself was sandwiched between four great powers. If Konoha hadn't been strong enough, it would have ended up worse than the Land of Rain.
"The journey went smoothly—there were no attacks from Sunagakure," Chao Yanqian reported simply.
"Hmm." After hearing the report, the Third Hokage nodded and said softly, "Sunagakure has been getting more restless. According to Orochimaru's report, your medical ninjutsu is exceptional. Even seasoned medical ninjas don't compare to you."
"Orochimaru-sama flatters me. I only studied at Konoha Hospital for a while. If a teammate is injured during a mission, I can treat them in time," Chao Yanqian replied, concealing all other thoughts. At that moment, he displayed exactly the kind of quality the Third Hokage admired most—unity and loyalty.
"What an amazing talent," the Third Hokage exclaimed. "Even Tsunade didn't have such advanced medical skills at your age."
"Hokage-sama overpraises me. How can I compare with Tsunade-sama, one of the Sannin?" Asura Chuan responded, both excited and humble.
The Third Hokage smiled, looked at Chao Yanqian, and asked gently, "Orochimaru recommended you to me. He hopes you'll join the medical corps. What are your thoughts?"
"Hokage-sama, I don't want to join the medical corps. The war with Sunagakure isn't over, and Keita's death hasn't been avenged. I want to return to the frontlines and fight against the Sand Shinobi," Chao Yanqian said emotionally.
He did wish to join the medical corps in his heart—but he couldn't say it out loud.
"Child, don't be so agitated," the Third Hokage said gently. "I'm deeply saddened about Keita as well, but the dead cannot return. You have to look forward. There's still a long road ahead. Don't let hatred blind you. But you're right—our war with Sunagakure isn't over. That's why the village needs you, a ninja with medical talents."
Seeing the confused look on Chao Yanqian's face, the Third Hokage continued, "You've seen it yourself while transporting the wounded many of our ninjas have suffered serious casualties. Keita's death is tragic, but he died honorably for peace in the village. Still, no one wants to see more loss of life, and your strength can reduce such casualties."
"Hokage-sama, I understand. I'm willing to join the medical corps," Chao Yanqian said solemnly.