Just a few days after the great battle at Akatsuki Village, Nagato's name spread throughout the entire Shinobi World.
He had risen to the peak of the ninja world almost invincibly, and after that single battle, no one dared to claim they could defeat him.
Along with him, Konan and Kakuzu were also thrust into the public spotlight.
"The Immortal Kakuzu" and "Konan, the Angel" both made it onto the priority watchlists of various hidden villages.
Yahiko, who hadn't even lifted a finger in battle, was put on a pedestal. Some fans even claimed his strength might rival—or even surpass—Kawaki Hatake's.
Though it sounded like flattery meant to provoke him, Yahiko didn't mind at all—he was actually quite pleased.
Would his own teacher really come after him over something like this?
To Akatsuki Village, these rumors were nothing but beneficial—no downsides whatsoever.
Meanwhile, Tsunade returned to Konoha with a tarnished reputation—accused of bullying the weak.
What infuriated her most was losing the fight anyway, sending her into a rage.
At one point, she wanted to declare war on Rain Country, but was stopped by the higher-ups in Konoha.
Without a valid reason, she couldn't wage a war over personal grudges.
Luckily for everyone, Kawaki Hatake saw reason, knowing full well Tsunade was clearly at fault from the start.
Not only did he avoid stirring trouble for Akatsuki Village, but he also refused to take Tsunade's side. Otherwise, not even the combined efforts of Konoha's leadership would have been enough to stop her.
The drama quickly spread like wildfire across the Ninja World.
As time passed, things gradually calmed down, and on the surface, it seemed as though everything had blown over.
But behind the scenes, according to rumors whispered by spies across nations, Tsunade and Kawaki Hatake had entered a cold war, reportedly even refusing to sleep together for a while.
Of course, those details were nothing more than idle gossip—entertaining, sure, but not worth taking seriously.
Some time later, Akatsuki Village received envoys from both Iwagakure and Suna.
This time, the attitude of these two great villages had changed completely, their words unusually respectful.
They not only avoided mentioning any desire to share power or profit, but also expressed hopes for deep cooperation with the Akatsuki Village.
All of this proved Kawaki's strategy had worked perfectly.
"Truly satisfying."
"They had it coming before."
Konan was practically bouncing with joy as soon as the Suna envoy left.
Today, she finally managed to repay all the humiliation they once suffered.
"When your fists are big, that's the truth."
Yahiko thought back to the Suna envoy's humble demeanor earlier and couldn't help feeling secretly delighted.
"What my teacher said was right—these people are all bullies who pick on the weak and fear the strong."
Nonou still remembered Tsunade's parting advice: "Never hold back when it comes to showing your strength."
The ninja world had always been a place where only the strong survive.
"At last, we can enjoy some peace."
Nagato wore a faint smile, clearly in a good mood.
The Suna envoy had shown him exceptional respect.
"Hmph. At least they know how to read the room."
Kakuzu had already planned—if Kawaki's approach didn't work, he was ready to personally visit those two great villages.
Let's see what they value more—money or their lives.
"Well then, the trouble seems resolved."
"But we still can't relax. We must remain vigilant in all areas."
Yahiko remained grounded, keeping a level head despite their success.
Even though Akatsuki Village was powerful, it was still just a tiny ninja village in a minor country. Better safe than sorry.
"Relax, I've already handled everything."
"Once anything happens, no matter how small, I will know about it."
Following Hanzō of the Salamander's strategy, Nonou had already spread Akatsuki Village's spies throughout the Ninja World within this year.
"I trust you with anything."
Nonou always stayed ahead, making Yahiko's role as a leader surprisingly easy and stress-free.
He couldn't even count how many times he'd marveled at Nagato for picking up such a treasure.
Glancing at the carefree Konan beside him, he could only shake his head and smile bitterly.
The one I chose is mine alone to cherish.
"What kind of look was that just now?"
Though usually a bit clumsy, Konan was extremely sharp when it came to matters like these.
She definitely, absolutely felt disrespected.
"Huh? Nothing at all."
"I'm just taking a good look at you."
Caught off guard by her question, Yahiko stammered. Why can't you think this fast during actual missions?
"Hmph~ As if I'd fall for that!"
"Just wait, you're gonna regret this."
Konan gave Yahiko a fierce glare before turning her head away, refusing to look at him anymore.
If I don't teach you a lesson, you won't ever realize how powerful Konan-sama truly is.
"Hahaha~"
Watching Yahiko scratch his head in embarrassment, Kakuzu actually laughed out loud.
Spending more time with these half-grown kids, he found his own mindset becoming younger.
"Alright, alright, there's nothing much going on here."
"How about we go out for a few drinks to celebrate?"
Yahiko quickly changed the subject, hoping this would help him escape unscathed.
"Sure."
Everyone agreed, except for Konan who didn't say anything.
"Then let's go."
Knowing full well Konan wouldn't miss out, Yahiko immediately got up and headed for the door.
The five of them went straight to the finest restaurant in Akatsuki Village, feasting heartily while enjoying plenty of sake.
On their way back, Yahiko—still somewhat conscious—thought he'd truly escaped unharmed, unaware he would still end up getting thoroughly beaten before finally being allowed to rest.
"My teacher was right after all—women and little people are truly difficult to deal with."
Lying on the bed with his eyes closed, Yahiko muttered to himself, pouting pitifully like a child.
Yet once asleep, he smiled sweetly in his dreams.
With major problems resolved, Akatsuki Village officially entered a stage of rapid growth.
A continuous flow of funds supported the creation of an elite military force, propelling the Land of Rain's military to unprecedented heights.
In both economy and power, they had far surpassed the era ruled by the Demi-God.
Before long, another year passed. Aside from occasional minor conflicts involving some tiny ninja villages, nothing significant occurred in the entire Ninja World.
This chapter isn't done yet—hold on!
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Still thriving and prosperous, Konoha steadily held its seat as the number one village among ninja settlements.
Last year, Kakashi had entered the advanced class with excellent results, and this year Gai and others were quickly catching up.
Since Kawaki founded the Advanced Class, it had produced many outstanding ninja for Konoha in recent years, which naturally raised the entry requirements.
Being selected to continue training in the advanced class had become the dream of every student at the Ninja Academy.
Now, Kakashi and the other five had become the envy of countless classmates.
Today marked the annual enrollment day at Konoha Ninja Academy.
Bright and early, at Tsunade's urging, Kawaki got up and finished washing up.
"Take care of Ginji. I'm going back to sleep."
Tsunade gave Kawaki one final kick on the butt before turning over, pulling up the covers, and closing her eyes again.
She hadn't really planned on having a second child so soon, but last night had definitely been quite the battle.
"Got it."
Kawaki rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He was exhausted as well, you know.
Moving mechanically, he got dressed, washed up, and walked into the dining room, finally beginning to feel completely awake.
"Ginji, who was five years old, started school today and sat quietly beside Kakashi."
"Morning, Dad."
Kawaki tousled his son's hair and took a seat at the table.
"Uncle, do I really have to give a speech today?"
Being the youngest student ever admitted to the advanced class, Kakashi was supposed to speak at the opening ceremony.
"Why wouldn't you go? This is an honor you deserve."
Before Kawaki could even respond, Sakumo shot Kakashi a glare.
Despite holding a high position, he still took pride in moments like this.
If his own son was this exceptional, shouldn't he be allowed to show off a bit?
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