"I can't believe it… That brat has been quietly accumulating such advanced technology and building such an extensive network of power. That old fool must have lost his mind, letting go of two of his most capable subordinates. I guess being Hokage for too long has made him senile. How ridiculous!"
After Mirai left, Tsunade focused her attention on the communication ring, the symbol of the organization. She quickly grasped the basic operations, and for anything she didn't understand, 18 provided timely guidance, allowing her to master its functions with ease.
It didn't take her long to uncover 18's true identity.
As she browsed the shared technology database, she found an extensive collection of research on Bloodline Limits and genetic fusion methods—including studies on Wood Release.
Seeing Wood Release listed, Tsunade felt a surge of anger. This was her grandfather's legacy. But the moment she noticed that the primary researcher was Orochimaru, she merely clicked her tongue and suppressed her frustration. She had already known about Konoha's attempts to recreate Wood Release for suppressing the Nine-Tails.
However, Hashirama's cells were too overwhelmingly dominant, making replication nearly impossible. After numerous failed experiments resulting in death, the research had been officially abandoned.
Now, seeing Wood Release research resurface, Tsunade dug deeper. And when she read the details, her anger flared again. Danzo.
The records were thorough—Danzo had commissioned Orochimaru for this research, with Mirai providing technical insights.
Beyond Wood Release, the database contained extensive research on Byakugan, Crystal Release, Shikotsumyaku, and numerous other Kekkei Genkai. There were also documented fusion techniques, complete with successful case studies, showing an 80% success rate when following precise methodologies.
"How many human experiments has that damn snake conducted…?"
Tsunade muttered to herself, scanning the sheer breadth of knowledge in front of her. The potential applications intrigued her.
Her moral compass hesitated at the idea of human experimentation—but the low failure rate recorded in these case studies was tempting.
And it wasn't just genetic modification. The database also contained advanced puppet and mecha technology. Though Tsunade wasn't well-versed in this field, a brief glance at the data was enough to tell her—
These machines were terrifyingly powerful.
If Konoha fully integrated this knowledge, its military strength would increase tenfold.
Yet… the village had let this genius slip through their fingers.
Then again, considering Konoha's darker side, Tsunade couldn't entirely blame Orochimaru or Mirai for leaving.
By strict definition, any ninja who left Konoha without the Hokage's direct approval was immediately classified as a rogue ninja.
By that standard, Tsunade herself had long since abandoned the village.
The only reason Konoha's leadership hadn't declared her a missing-nin was her status and accomplishments.
Closing the technology database, she opened the power distribution map of the organization.
And when she saw the sea of red before her, her breath caught.
The territory map came with detailed descriptions of controlled regions.
At the core of this empire were four major trade associations—dealing in textiles, agriculture, medicine, electronics, energy, and transportation.
Dozens of noble families and smaller trade groups had already become directly or indirectly dependent on these four giants.
Even several entire nations were now under their economic control.
And the most absurd part?
Konoha had no clue.
Not only were they completely unaware, but they were still heavily reliant on Mirai's network—especially in the medical sector. Konoha's entire healthcare system was now dependent on Hyakusa Trade Association's medicines and medical equipment.
"Shizune…" Tsunade murmured, still stunned. "He wasn't exaggerating. That brat… he really can unify the shinobi world. Even if I return to Konoha, I wouldn't be able to stop him."
Her entire worldview had been shaken.
When Mirai first persuaded her, she had agreed purely because her deepest doubts had been exposed—her ideals shattered by harsh reality, leaving her with no other path.
Even then, she hadn't truly believed Mirai could succeed.
After all, her grandfather, the God of Shinobi, had failed to unite the world.
But looking at the data in front of her…
This was not the shinobi system she knew.
This was an entirely different path—one that circumvented the ninja hierarchy altogether.
And it was already in motion.
Sunagakure was about to cease to exist.
And the remaining four great villages… how long could they resist before being absorbed by this growing empire?
Tsunade bit her finger, deep in thought.
A world without war…
A world where shinobi didn't dictate the fate of nations…
The more she read, the more she realized—
Mirai wasn't just talking big.
If anything, he had understated his progress.
A shinobi world without war…
It was possible.
Bang!
Tsunade slammed her hand onto the table.
"Shizune!"
Shizune jumped, startled.
"I've made up my mind," Tsunade declared, her voice firm. "I'm going all in on Mirai. I've been losing for too long—it's time I made a winning bet. And this time, I'm betting big. I'm betting on peace."
Shizune hesitated, her voice shaky.
"B-but, Tsunade-sama… what about Konoha?"
"That's the Hokage's problem, not mine."
Tsunade's golden eyes burned with conviction.
"The Will of Fire shouldn't be stagnant. If we truly inherit it, we must strive to evolve it. As long as we hold the same ideals, we are free to pursue our own vision of the future."
This was the Tsunade Shizune had never seen before.
Not the jaded gambler.
Not the wandering drunkard.
But the bold, confident, and unwavering kunoichi—Tsunade-hime, the legendary Sannin.
"Tsunade-sama…"
Shizune felt overwhelmed.
"If you don't want to follow me, I can arrange for you to return to Konoha. You can resume your work at the hospital—"
"No! I'm staying with you!"
Shizune immediately interjected, hugging Tonton tighter.
Tsunade smiled, ruffling Shizune's hair.
"Good. Then let's go. Our first stop—Tea Country's research base. If I'm betting on this future, I'm not just going to sit around and watch."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama!"
---
Back in Sunagakure.
Reforms were moving at full speed.
To fully support the establishment of the Suna Federal Republic, Pakura had halted all external missions.
Every available shinobi was now assigned to village reconstruction efforts.
To fund this initiative, Pakura, acting as the Fifth Kazekage, had borrowed 2 billion ryo from the Keikou Trade Association—interest-free.
After all—money only had value when it circulated.
And once it flowed through Sunagakure, it would ultimately end up back in Mirai's hands.
Yet even with every available shinobi deployed, manpower remained scarce.
Much of the infrastructure work required civilians.
Meanwhile, the radical factions in the village had suggested an extreme solution—eliminating the Wind Daimyō and replacing the Land of Wind with the Suna Federal Republic entirely.
Pakura shut that idea down immediately.
She was already overwhelmed just managing their existing territories—including a third of the Land of Wind.
With other nations voluntarily joining, even Hoshigakure from the Land of Bears, there was no need for reckless expansion.
To keep the radicals occupied, she assigned them heavy logistical and escort missions—keeping them out of her way.
And so, the foundations of a unified, post-shinobi world continued to take shape.
(End of Chapter)
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