Upon returning to the village, they might not get a chance to rest either.
During training, Rin refrained from using Sage Mode.
As a result, Kakashi and Obito never witnessed her sage transformation.
They remained unaware that Rin had mastered this ability and were puzzled by her sudden shift from focusing solely on Medical Ninjutsu to intensive physical training.
Though curious, neither Rin nor Minato offered an explanation, and the two boys hesitated to ask.
On the third day, the group began their journey back to Konoha.
The returning forces included not only Tsunade, Raj, and Minato, but also Hiashi Hyuga, Fugaku Uchiha, and their respective clan members.
Only Shibi Aburame's unit remained behind to guard the eastern front, while the rest were recalled to Konoha.
Before departing, Raj felt a pang of reluctance.
Having stayed in the camp for so long, the sudden departure felt disorienting.
However, the thought of the substantial sum of money in its pouch quickly rekindled its excitement.
Upon returning to Konoha, it planned to buy a house - no, it should demand one from the Third Hokage.
After all, with such significant contributions, wouldn't a house be a reasonable reward?
Having already reached the rank of Jonin, Raj harbored no ambitions of becoming Hokage.
Its mindset remained remarkably detached, viewing war merits as mere currency for housing and benefits - easily earned again later.
With power comes the freedom to indulge!
The journey back to Konoha was filled with laughter and camaraderie.
Hiashi Hyuga approached Raj again, inviting it to visit the Hyuga clan estate upon their return.
Unable to refuse, Raj reluctantly accepted.
"We're finally back!"
Outside Konoha's gates, the sight of the familiar village entrance filled everyone with excitement.
"I can't wait to go home," Rin said, clasping her hands together.
'I wonder if Father's been doing well lately?'
Since the northern mission that led to the eastern war zone, she hadn't had a chance to return to the village.
This was her first time back in over half a year, and her heart fluttered with anticipation.
But even more anxious than Rin was her father, Nohara Masato.
The last time she returned, Raj had been promoted to Jonin.
Though Rin hadn't arrived yet, Masato had already heard about her becoming Lady Tsunade's disciple.
'A Chunin at nine years old... Lady Tsunade's disciple at ten... She's completely surpassed me, her own father, and ground me into the dirt.'
Sure enough, as soon as they passed through the gates and registered, Raj spotted Nohara Masato lurking in the shadows of a distant street.
The old man probably thought he was well-hidden, but his furtive, weasel-like demeanor made it obvious to anyone with eyes that something was amiss.
At least Raj and Minato could see through his act.
No words were needed.
Raj didn't offer any warning, deciding to let Rin's arrival be a pleasant surprise.
"Raj-kun, don't forget," Hiashi Hyuga reiterated before parting, emphasizing his high regard for Raj.
'This relentless persistence...'
"Meow!"
Raj sighed inwardly and gave another small nod.
The Hyuga Clan maintained relative stability, facing no external threats beyond the internal conflict between the Main Family and Branch Family - unlike the Uchiha, who had strained relations with both the village and their own clan.
Of course, the most crucial difference was the Hyuga Clan's lack of genjutsu capable of manipulating others.
When visiting them, the only potential danger was the risk of being drugged; the Uchiha, however, posed far greater risks.
Even the three-tomoe Sharingan could still control summoned beasts - Manda, for instance, had fallen victim to Sasuke's techniques and met a gruesome, explosive end.
Raj refused to take such risks.
Throughout the journey, it maintained a safe distance from Fugaku Uchiha, avoiding unnecessary contact.
Fugaku likely sensed Raj's avoidance and wisely refrained from approaching, sparing himself the embarrassment.
Having secured Raj's assurance, Hiashi departed with a satisfied smile.
At that moment, the final carriage arrived, escorted by four ninja.
These were the sealing team previously guarding Yugito; needless to say, the carriage's occupant was Yugito herself.
"Why is she here?"
"Lady Tsunade ordered her brought."
Raj had been running so fast earlier that it hadn't noticed the carriage behind it.
But Yugito's arrival wasn't a big deal.
After all, it didn't expect to stay in the village much longer anyway.
The thought brought a pang of bitterness.
Whether it or Minato, mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique had turned them into little more than laborers, teleporting wherever they were needed.
Meanwhile, Yugito was here as a guest.
Who in Konoha would dare provoke her, besides Raj?
'Hmm, maybe one other person.'
"Is she staying at your place?"
Minato nodded slightly.
Who else could keep the Jinchuriki Yugito in check besides Kushina?
Having others watch her would only displease Yugito.
But letting her roam freely worried the village.
First, there was the risk of her leaking classified information.
Second, if the Jinchuriki were to lose control, Konoha would suffer not only significant losses but also have to compensate Kumogakure for the loss of their Jinchuriki.
Having Kushina keep an eye on her seemed like the best solution.
The only downside was the potential for Kushina to be "infected" by Yugito's temperament.
After all, Kushina's personality was far from pleasant; only Minato could tolerate her.
As Yugito stepped out of the carriage, she caught sight of Raj's gaze and immediately glared fiercely at it.
She still hadn't avenged the time it had knocked her unconscious.
'Now that I'm in Konoha, I'll definitely find a chance to settle the score...'
Next, Yugito handed her pass to the gatekeeper ninja.
Her pass had been issued by Tsunade, who was riding in the carriage with her.
When the carriage curtains were drawn back, a strong aroma of sake wafted out.
"Ugh, are we there already?"
Tsunade climbed out of the carriage, glanced around, and casually strode through the village gate.
Village tyrant.
No need for signatures.
Judging by the direction she was heading, she was probably instinctively making for that gambling den.
But at that moment...
"Lady Tsunade, Jonin Minato and Jonin Raj, the Hokage has ordered you to report to the Hokage Building immediately."
An Anbu ninja appeared.
After delivering the message, he vanished as quickly as he'd come.
"Damn old man, always using those filthy ninjutsu!"
"Meow!"
Tsunade and Raj both glared at the sky.
'I'll smash that crystal sooner or later.'
"Ahem... Shall we get going?" Minato chuckled awkwardly.
Among the three, only Minato was relatively obedient.
Raj and Tsunade had always disdained following orders.
But that was precisely why, without Minato here, it wouldn't have been just one Anbu operative sent - it would have been the Third Hokage himself or two meddlesome Elders.