"What?!"
The Konoha patrol units immediately noticed the massive chakra construct descending from the sky.
"There's a situation! Report to the captain!" the squad leader ordered sharply.
Chen Xing sensed the patrol approaching. Not wishing to cause unnecessary conflict, he manipulated the Peacock Method and slowly descended outside the village gates.
The enormous purple chakra wings retracted, shrinking down before dispersing completely.
One of the patrol shinobi stared in shock. "That's… Yuhi Kurenai."
"And the Hyuga girl with Byakugan… that must be Hyuga Hinata."
"The one in front… he looks familiar."
Chen Xing stepped forward calmly.
The patrol captain's expression suddenly stiffened.
"You are… the Peacock King!"
Several shinobi instantly tensed, hands moving to their weapons.
The title "Peacock King" had spread through the ninja world. During the events in Tanzaku Town, Chen Xing had clashed with forces connected to Sunagakure and demonstrated strength on par with elite jōnin. Rumors had exaggerated his feats, but his reputation was real.
"Relax," Kurenai said evenly. "He is the Fourth-Generation Celestial Shadow of Hoshigakure. He is not here as an enemy."
The captain, Zhongtian, hesitated before lowering his weapon.
"For protocol reasons, we must escort you to the reception post."
"That's fine," Chen Xing replied with a faint smile.
---
They arrived at the Konoha border reception station. The layout had not changed much over the years—temporary structures staffed by chūnin and ANBU assigned to monitor visitors.
Chen Xing sat casually while the patrol filed their report.
Before long, a familiar figure entered.
Silver hair. Mask covering the lower half of his face. Left eye concealed by his forehead protector.
It was Kakashi Hatake.
"Well," Kakashi said lazily, eye curving slightly. "I didn't expect to see you again. I suppose I should call you Celestial Shadow now."
Chen Xing chuckled. "You look more relaxed than when you were in ANBU."
Kakashi shrugged. "Things change."
Kurenai glanced between them. "You know each other?"
"He participated in the Chūnin Exams a few years ago," Kakashi replied. "I was the proctor for the third exam preliminaries."
Chen Xing smiled but said nothing.
---
Hokage Office
Inside the Hokage Tower, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was reviewing documents when a messenger hawk landed at his window.
He unfolded the report.
"Peacock King…"
His eyes darkened slightly.
With the recent death of Danzo Shimura, tensions within the village had not completely settled. The arrival of an influential foreign Kage could not be ignored.
"I hope he has come in peace," Hiruzen murmured.
---
Back at the reception station, another hawk arrived.
Kakashi read the message and looked up.
"You've been granted entry. The Hokage will see you."
Chen Xing stood, stretching lightly. "Lead the way."
The two moved swiftly through the forest toward Konohagakure.
After a moment, Chen Xing spoke.
"I heard that Uchiha Sasuke is on your team."
Kakashi glanced sideways at him.
"That's right."
Chen Xing's eyes flickered with interest.
The heir of the Uchiha clan.
Things were about to become interesting.