"Damn it, why did they suddenly add this class? Is Uncle Mirai targeting me?"
Naruto Uzumaki chewed on his pen, veins faintly bulging on his forehead as he complained. What was the point of studying shinobi history? What did the fall of the Land of the Sun have to do with him? He was just a sixth-year student at the Federal Ninja Academy.
"Mom, isn't there a jutsu that can help me memorize all this quickly?"
At his words, Kushina Uzumaki sighed and waved him off. "Give it up, Naruto. You'll never beat Gaara when it comes to studying. Honestly, you didn't inherit any of my strengths."
"You're lying. I'm bad at studying because I'm just like you. After all, Uncle Mirai calls us the idiot mother and son, hahaha!"
"What's so funny about that? That was Hyuga Mirai talking nonsense!"
In a flash, Kushina appeared beside Naruto and punched him hard on the head. That title was absolutely unacceptable—she was much smarter than Naruto. He was the only Uzumaki descendant who felt dizzy just looking at sealing jutsu knowledge, completely unlike herself.
"Hmph, Naruto, you can review slowly at home. I'm going to see Mikoto."
With that, Kushina shook her fist at him before leaving to go shopping with Mikoto Uchiha, who finally had some time to rest.
Since the Sand Federation had shifted its commercial affairs to the nearby trade city, the federal capital had become much quieter. ANBU also conducted repeated checks on anyone wishing to move in, only allowing them after thorough confirmation.
The federal capital was the most prosperous city in the federation. In both medical care and security, it deserved top marks.
The massive barrier surrounding the federation had been jointly created by Kushina and Ayaka Uzumaki. It took them a whole year to complete the setup.
After seeing this barrier, no one objected to Kushina serving as deputy head of the Barrier Department. She had also completed the barriers for other departments by herself. Given her close ties with Hyuga Mirai, even when she frequently skipped shifts, as long as the federation's barrier was stable, few complained. Like Mirai, she also left a shadow clone behind in the Barrier and Sealing Department.
Mikoto Uchiha had little to worry about Sasuke's education. By relying on his own studies, he had already ranked second in his grade, which was impressive.
Surpassing Gaara, however, was nearly impossible. Gaara had been accepted as the Kazekage's disciple shortly after birth, trained by Jonin before even entering school, and as the One-Tails' jinchūriki, he had specialists guiding him in controlling the beast.
Even if the Uchiha clan had remained intact, Sasuke would have struggled to keep up. Moreover, Mikoto had seen Gaara herself—his diligence matched Sasuke's, if not more. She eventually accepted it.
As long as Sasuke didn't overexert himself, she was fine with it.
Busy with police force duties, Mikoto rarely had time to tutor Sasuke. Sometimes, he even had to handle meals himself or go to Kushina's.
After leaving the Uchiha compound, Sasuke slowly recovered from that night's incident. Other clan members also began to move away, not from conflict, but simply because the capital had many livable areas, and some wished for a change.
Uchiha Tekka said nothing. After that night, he no longer confined himself blindly to the clan.
The federation as a whole was gradually finding its rhythm.
When Pakura learned about the alliance of the four nations and the Chunin Exams, she discussed with one of Hyuga Mirai's clones before deciding to hold a high-level meeting.
Her view matched Mirai's: it wasn't the time for public announcements, but preparations had to begin. A few people could be informed, but only within the leadership.
The new Kazekage building wasn't finished yet, but the meeting room could hold over sixty people. A large round table sat in the center, and following old Sunagakure traditions, statues of past Kazekage lined the walls. Pakura's statue was the most finely crafted.
She had found it strange to have her own statue glaring down at her during meetings, but eventually agreed under pressure from the elders.
Unlike her predecessors, she didn't like wearing hats or veils in public—at most a cloak.
Most meeting topics were reported in order, from higher to lower officials.
"Kazekage-sama, the new crops are growing as well as last year's. This year's harvest should be enough to feed the entire federation for a year with surplus left over. We can also let local administrations promote other fruits and vegetables. Though imports from the Land of Rain are plentiful, they still can't fully meet demand."
The report came first from the Agriculture Department, a subdivision of the Administrative Bureau. Barely two years old, it was already the busiest department.
Anyone assigned there soon developed the same dark skin as Cloud shinobi.
"Kazekage-sama, the tax reform proposal should also be considered. Elder Jieko's plan is sound. If implemented, it could greatly ease the financial deficit."
After the Finance Department's remarks, all eyes turned toward the head of the Puppet Division—a man in his forties, disciple of Elder Chiyo, and currently handling the division's affairs while studying new mecha puppets under Sasori.
He sat expressionless. The puppet mecha unit had been ordered by the high council, with Kazekage's approval. Staring at him was pointless—everyone knew he was basically just handling chores.
"Kazekage-sama, the sealing chains will be complete within two months at the latest..."
After more than three hours of reports and discussions, the meeting neared its end. Though Pakura gave departments much autonomy, certain matters still required her approval.
"Next, deploy the Fourth Ninja Battalion to Bear Sand County, the Fifth Battalion to River Sand County. Tekka, draw five squads from the police force to station in Tea Sand County. If there's nothing else, those I named stay behind. The rest are dismissed."
She wrapped up with troop deployments. Others were curious but understood not to pry.
Bear Sand, River Sand, and Tea Sand Counties were once the Lands of Bears, Rivers, and Tea. Based on the enemy alliance's likely invasion routes, River and Tea Sand Counties would surely become battlefields. Bear Sand needed defense too—if Onoki grew unpredictable, little could stop Iwa's forces there.
When Uchiha Tekka and the others learned of the four-nation alliance, their brows furrowed. They trusted the federation, but felt deep anger toward the Great Nations.
Why stir war when life was already good?
Since they needed secrecy from the four villages, preparations had to start immediately. After receiving orders, they left to arrange matters.
The federation police force had grown to over six hundred. With most tied to garrisons, Tekka's five squads essentially comprised nearly all combat-ready units.
And Tekka himself was indispensable—one of the only Uchiha to awaken the Mangekyō. His presence was vital.
Pakura didn't mobilize the puppet mecha unit yet. They were the federation's strongest special force; even tailed beasts could be repelled by four squads together. Without knowing the enemy's main force, they would remain in reserve.
War was at least half a year away. Sending them out early would be pointless; better they refine their puppets within the federation.
"Almost done. Now for the Chunin Exams."
With that thought, Pakura decided to entrust the entire matter to Hyuga Mirai. His abilities as academy principal were unquestionable—he had built the federation's academy system into its current scale within two years. Likely no one would dare compete with him for the Kazekage seat.
Pakura herself was already tempted to let go. The position was exhausting, even with five deputies assisting.
"After the Chunin Exams and the war, I'll resign as Kazekage. I'll use some minor wartime failure as the excuse."
She had even prepared the reason.
Managing a village and managing an entire nation were two completely different burdens—especially the Sand Federation, the largest country in territory and population in the shinobi world.
She had long thought of stepping down. After the war, she would finally act on it.
"Red, your expression is too complicated to describe. Since you can't resist, why not just enjoy it?"
Hyuga Mirai accepted two skewers of grilled squid from a vendor, handing one to Kurenai Yuhi.
"Soon the Gourmet Tournament will be held here again. Even if the previous champion doesn't compete, many great chefs have gathered. It'll be a feast."
Kurenai had regained normal movement—only her Chakra was sealed.
Mirai had brought her to the Land of Hot Springs. After spending so long at the research base, he wanted a change of scenery.
Especially the Gourmet Tournament—an event he created purely to indulge himself. He intended to make up for his childhood without good food by collecting the best chefs in the world.
"Dragged here against my will, don't expect me to have much appetite."
Though she said this, Kurenai slowly raised the squid to her lips and took a bite.
It was a scene she had imagined many times. Though it came more than a decade late, deep down, she felt a faint satisfaction.
It wasn't much, just enough for the corners of her crimson lips to curve slightly upward—before she forced them back into a line. Controlling her expression, she reminded herself over and over: he had betrayed their team, betrayed Konoha.
That look suddenly reminded her of Kiyo Hyuga.
(End of Chapter)