Naruto received the Five Kage and, after learning their purpose, held discussions through the night. No one knew the content of their talks.
But judging from the atmosphere after the meeting ended, they seemed to have reached a preliminary consensus.
And that was indeed the case.
It was agreed that the Kage would first return to their respective villages to prepare for negotiations with their affiliated daimyo, then make the next deployment based on the negotiation results.
Meanwhile, Amegakure would prepare to receive the major ninja villages.
As for the funding issue the Kage were most worried about, Naruto revealed he had a solution, though he didn't share specifics. Kakuzu's Golden Nation plan was currently top secret—besides the two of them, no third person knew about it.
Yes, it was Naruto and Kakuzu's little secret.
Among the Five Great Nations, given the Land of Lightning's special circumstances, Kumogakure had no one to negotiate with. On this point, Naruto indicated that Amegakure would handle the aftermath.
This time, the Raikage uncharacteristically didn't protest.
Perhaps navigating the whirlpool of power struggles had left him feeling overwhelmed.
Perhaps he'd long been dissatisfied with the Land of Lightning's rigid class system.
Or perhaps, after experiencing a series of events, he'd come to recognize Uzumaki Naruto's abilities.
He only made one request—to see his once-beloved subordinate, Darui.
Darui had suffered many hardships. While escorting Killer B back to the village, he escaped from Tobi's insertion technique but lost his left arm.
Just as he recovered from his severe injuries, he met defeat on Paradise Island. When he tried to end his own life, Naruto was forced to use Kotoamatsukami to stop him.
He eventually came to Amegakure and became Naruto's subordinate.
Now, Darui's missing left arm had long been replaced by Naruto with an Asura Path mechanical arm.
Their meeting wasn't as dramatic as one might expect.
The Raikage looked at his former subordinate, his usually stern eyes showing rare gentleness.
After a long moment, the Raikage stepped forward, patted Darui's mechanical shoulder, and simply said: "You've been through a lot, brother."
"Boss..."
Darui watched the Raikage's retreating figure with complex emotions. He didn't tell the Raikage that Naruto had long since released his Kotoamatsukami.
Back when Naruto fought Kumogakure over the 'Secret Technique' scroll.
The Raikage had also carried out retaliatory action.
Taking advantage of Naruto being away from the village, he sent jonin led by Samui as a strike force to attack Amegakure. They were defeated by Konan, Kisame, and others, captured, and imprisoned to this day.
It's better to resolve grudges than let them fester.
To show goodwill, Naruto released the long-imprisoned Omoi, Samui, and Karui, along with the Raikage's other followers.
The Raikage had them stay temporarily while Dodai returned to the village to handle the village's relocation matters.
After that, the Raikage couldn't wait to enter Hell Valley for training.
You might have forgotten—Hell Valley had been moved to Amegakure long ago.
Re-entering Hell Valley, returning to where he once fell.
He vented all the negative energy accumulated in his heart over the past six months on the punching bags!
"I don't care anymore! I don't care about anything! Let them make a mess, go ahead and make all the mess you want! I'll only keep company with heavenly thunder and my fists—who cares if floods rage! Ora ora ora ora ora ora ora ora ora ora...!!!!"
The Fourth Raikage A challenged new limits!
...
In that post-war internal meeting at Konoha, Shizune had proposed establishing a mental healthcare ninja unit.
Due to lack of technical support, Kakashi wanted to use this opportunity to invite Uchiha Itachi as an advisor.
After finding Itachi and explaining his purpose.
Itachi said: "In terms of genjutsu mastery, Shisui is stronger than me. Having him serve as this advisor would be more appropriate."
But actually, Kakashi had come with another purpose.
After much consideration, he spoke up: "Itachi, when you served as a double agent for Konoha and the Uchiha, you carried out the mission to eliminate your entire clan under orders. Everyone in the village holds deep misunderstandings about you... Actually, I want to use this opportunity to clear your name, so please take on this advisor role."
But Itachi said: "Ninjas inherently move forward in darkness. Countless ninjas throughout history have borne infamy while sacrificing themselves for peace—that's the essence of being a ninja. There's no need for such unnecessary actions. Let the dark truth remain buried forever."
Kakashi said: "But if Konoha really does relocate to Amegakure in the future, when people see you then, it will inevitably cause unnecessary gossip..."
Itachi said: "That's also something a ninja should bear. Besides, my killing of the entire clan is an undeniable fact."
"I see. Then I'll take my leave..." Kakashi could only depart for now.
Soon after, Shisui found Itachi.
Shisui cut straight to the point: "Itachi, you actually want to protect the Third Hokage, don't you? After all, the Third was involved in that incident too. You're worried that if the truth comes out, the people of Konoha will waver in their faith in the Will of Fire..."
Itachi sighed: "Nothing can be hidden from Shisui-nii."
Shisui said: "Itachi, the establishment of any will and its deep penetration into people's hearts must undergo the test of reality."
"When the truth is revealed, it might subject the Third to some criticism, but it can also remind people that no will is absolutely perfect; peace is hard-won because it's built on sacrifice."
"..." Itachi fell into deep thought.
Shisui said: "Itachi, consider it fulfilling my request—accept Kakashi's commission!"
Itachi finally agreed.
Before leaving, Shikaku proposed bringing Mitarashi Anko back to Konoha to clear up Danzo's previous slander against Naruto.
When they saw Anko again, everyone was shocked!
Yes, Anko had become a sweet potato!
Shikaku was amazed: "Anko, I remember when I last saw you, you weren't like this..."
Anko's chubby face bore a smile: "The food here is too good, and more importantly, meals are free..."
Kakashi and Shikaku exchanged glances.
Kakashi sighed internally: Ah, Konoha has lost another village flower...
Shikaku thought: Seeing Anko now, I think the village people would have nothing to say.
...
The situation in the Land of Lightning couldn't be delayed any longer.
As night fell, Uchiha Sasuke donned black clothes and strapped on the Kusanagi sword. He was preparing to head to the Land of Lightning to clean up the situation he had once helped create.
When Sasuke was having his eyes taken by Madara and fell into a coma, Itachi had already handled part of the aftermath—namely, finding a wise successor to the daimyo position.
On Itachi's advice, that successor chose to remain patient and bide his time.
So what Sasuke needed to do was simple and clear—put the successor Itachi had personally chosen on the daimyo's throne.
"I'll personally fix the situation I personally created... Itachi, Naruto, this time I won't disappoint you again."
The ever-changing ninja world would generate new storms with Amegakure's intervention.
And at this time, Kara's Inner member Victor received shocking news!
"The Divine Tree's flower will appear at the Land of Lightning's black market auction... Are you certain, Deepa?!"
Deepa said: "Absolutely certain, Victor-sama...!"
Victor's old eyes gleamed with greed: "Then we can't just sit by and watch..."
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