After taking in Ajisai, Uchiha Mirai remained in Amegakure for another half a month.
During this time, Ajisai successfully learned how to extract chakra from her body and strengthen her spiritual energy.
As Mirai had suspected, she possessed remarkable talent. With proper training, her potential would be considerable. After all, any ninja gifted in space-time jutsu had an inherently high ceiling.
At the same time, Amegakure's reconstruction was progressing steadily. Everything was unfolding in an orderly fashion, ensuring the village's development was on the right track.
Situated at the crossroads of the Lands of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Amegakure was a crucial hub in the ninja world. Naturally, Mirai placed great importance on its reconstruction.
Having stayed for so long, it was finally time for him to leave—taking Ajisai with him.
...
Amegakure.
Inside the temporarily constructed administrative building, Nagato watched Mirai prepare to depart, a rare smile appearing on his face.
"Mirai, pass my regards to Konan. Once I'm done with things here, I'll head to Konoha to see her."
Mirai had no reason to refuse.
Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko had survived the war together, their bond having long since transcended friendship and become familial. Now that Nagato had pledged allegiance to the Divine Nation, it was only natural for them to reunite.
Seeing the anticipation in Nagato's eyes, Mirai nodded. "I'll let Konan know."
Nagato chuckled. "You know, Mirai, you've been smiling a lot more lately."
Mirai raised a brow. "And?"
Nagato grinned. "Ever since I realized I'm not the prophesied savior of the ninja world, I've felt a lot lighter."
"All those burdensome responsibilities? I'll leave them to you."
"Besides..."
"The people of Amegakure are finally living happy lives. I'm genuinely glad for this village that has suffered for so long."
It wasn't that Amegakure's shinobi were suddenly living luxurious lives, but for the first time, they had hope for the future.
With hope came purpose, and with purpose came happiness.
Having witnessed everything, Nagato held a deep admiration for Mirai. He knew he could never have achieved the same results.
He couldn't help but sigh. "Mirai, I don't know how you've managed to accomplish so much."
"Your story sounds downright fantastical."
From being an orphan of a persecuted and despised clan to becoming a force that reshaped the entire ninja world...
He had defeated the genius Kakashi Hatake at graduation, distinguished himself in the Third Great Ninja War, restored the Uchiha clan's reputation, and overthrown Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had ruled Konoha for decades.
Now, not only did Mirai wield overwhelming power, but he had also established the Divine Nation.
Most astonishingly, under his rule, the various nations had stopped warring. Instead, their citizens now lived in prosperity.
Railways, online videos, steam-powered mechs...
Every innovation was groundbreaking, revolutionizing daily life.
Nagato couldn't fathom how any of it was possible. If someone were to claim Mirai wasn't the ninja world's true savior, he would be the first to object.
He shook his head in amazement. "Mirai, we both have the Rinnegan, yet I can't understand how you've done all this."
Mirai chuckled. "If you must have an answer, let's just say... my story operates on a different level than yours."
"Hm?"
"What do you mean?"
Seeing Nagato's confused expression, Mirai chose not to elaborate.
Come on—how was he supposed to explain that he was basically running on cheat codes?
After giving Nagato some final instructions regarding Amegakure's future, Mirai departed with Ajisai.
He didn't use Flying Thunder God Technique to instantly return to Konoha. Instead, he took to the skies, flying eastward with her.
...
High above the land, Ajisai looked down at the ninja world, her face filled with awe.
This was the first time she had ever seen her homeland from such a vantage point.
It was breathtaking.
After a while, curiosity got the better of her. "Mirai-sama, are we returning to Konoha?"
Mirai shook his head. "No, I plan to make a stop in the Land of Grass first."
"The Land of Grass?" she asked, puzzled. "Why?"
Mirai chuckled. "Your situation reminded me of another child."
"I plan to bring that child back to Konoha as well."
"And while I'm at it... I might as well bring the Land of Grass under the Divine Nation's influence."
The Land of Grass bordered Amegakure to the east.
Since it was along the way, he might as well take care of it now and save himself the trouble later.
He wondered how Karin was faring at this point in time...
...
Land of Grass.
Kusagakure.
A cluster of crude, straw-thatched houses formed a ragged village, its ground covered in dense grass.
Scattered groups of shinobi patrolled the perimeter—though 'patrolling' was a generous term. Most were just loitering and chatting, barely paying attention to potential threats.
After all...
Despite its size, the Land of Grass was mostly covered in forests and thickets, its damp climate breeding swarms of insects and venomous creatures. Few outsiders had any reason to venture here.
Before long, a squad of Kusagakure shinobi rushed into the village.
Two of them carried an injured comrade on their backs, his body severely wounded, his breathing weak. They hurried toward a decrepit hut.
BANG!
One of them kicked the door open.
Inside, a raggedly dressed woman huddled in the corner, shielding a young girl in her arms.
A Kusagakure ninja grabbed the woman by the hair, yanking her up roughly. "Run again, and I'll kill you."
"Now hurry up."
Trembling, the woman hesitantly extended her arm. The wounded shinobi immediately sank his teeth into it.
"Ahhh!"
She cried out in pain, sweat beading on her forehead.
Meanwhile, the injured ninja's wounds rapidly healed. Within moments, he was back on his feet, as if nothing had happened.
One of the shinobi chuckled. "Damn useful, isn't she?"
"Having her in the village is like having a built-in safety net."
The woman dropped to her knees, pleading, "Please, I need time to recover. I can't keep this up much longer..."
One of the Kusagakure shinobi scoffed. "Then drop dead already. Your daughter can take your place soon enough."
The woman's face paled in horror. "She's just a child! You can't do this to her!"
One of the shinobi sneered. "You should be grateful we even let you stay here. The least you can do is make yourself useful."
"If you want to keep your daughter safe, then live as long as you can."
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+80 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo