Time flew. It had already been a year since Jiraiya left.
Jiraiya's departure didn't cause much of a stir. While those who knew him occasionally felt nostalgic, most people continued living their peaceful lives as usual.
In Konoha Village,
Mirai Uchiha was sunbathing in the courtyard with a few people beside him, lazily petting a small cat resting in his arms.
Tsunade fed a grape into Mirai's mouth and softly said, "Mirai, come out with me for a bit later?"
Mirai raised an eyebrow curiously. "What happened?"
After a moment's silence, Tsunade slowly replied, "Jiraiya's final book has just been published."
Upon hearing this, memories of Jiraiya leaving Konoha flashed through Mirai's mind. He then nodded. "Alright, let's go now."
Konan, who had been giving Mirai a shoulder massage beside him, quickly chimed in, "I'll go too."
When she was still very young, Jiraiya had once taught her, along with Nagato and Yahiko.
If it hadn't been for Jiraiya, the three of them might have perished long ago during those warring years.
Therefore, deep down, Konan held great respect for Jiraiya.
As for Konan's request, naturally Mirai had no reason to refuse.
Soon enough, the three arrived at a bookstore in Konoha.
After searching for some time, they finally discovered Jiraiya's book tucked away in an unremarkable corner.
"The Great Jiraiya"
Seeing the title, Mirai couldn't help but smile.
Probably only Jiraiya would dare give his own book such a narcissistic name.
As Tsunade and Konan piled all the available copies into their arms, Mirai asked, "Should I try inquiring about Jiraiya's whereabouts?"
Although Jiraiya had voluntarily given up his powers back then, according to Mirai's estimation, Jiraiya should still have another one or two years left to live.
So right now, he might be peeking into a women's hot spring somewhere.
Both Tsunade and Konan immediately shook their heads gently, saying, "No need. We just wanted to buy a few copies for collection."
"Some things are better left as memories."
Seeing this, Mirai made no further comment.
After strolling through the streets with Tsunade and Konan, an Anbu suddenly appeared before Mirai.
"Hokage Neji is requesting your presence."
"I understand."
Mirai knew Neji Hyuga wouldn't contact him without good reason, so he agreed directly.
Before leaving, he took one copy of "The Great Jiraiya" from Konan.
Flipping through it briefly, Mirai found himself surprised—Jiraiya's writing was actually pretty good.
After all, with experiences few ordinary people could claim, just narrating those events as stories was already fascinating enough.
Walking along while looking around, Mirai Uchiha soon arrived at the Hokage Tower.
Upon entering the Hokage's office, Mirai Uchiha immediately saw Nagato inside.
"Long time no see."
"You're back?"
Nagato nodded respectfully. "Mirai Uchiha, matters on Planet #3 have temporarily concluded."
Mirai Uchiha patted Nagato's shoulder and smiled. "You've done well this time around."
Nagato chuckled lightly, suddenly noticing the book in Mirai Uchiha's hand.
"Mirai Uchiha, what is this?"
"A new book from Master Jiraiya."
Hearing this, Nagato sighed.
He had already heard about Master Jiraiya's situation.
To this teacher who once selflessly taught them and rescued them from the brink of life and death, Nagato still held deep respect in his heart.
"Here, consider it a gift."
"Thank you."
After handing over the book to Nagato, Mirai Uchiha casually asked, "Neji, did you bring me here for something?"
Glancing at Nagato, Neji Hyuga replied, "Nagato said he wants to resign from his current position and return to Amegakure to settle down."
Surprised, Mirai Uchiha looked at Nagato and asked, "Why the sudden decision to leave?"
Nagato explained, "I apologize for making such a decision, but I've considered it carefully for a long time."
"I'm not much of a talker, and I don't like overthinking things."
"Master Jiraiya's death really hit me hard. I want to pursue inner peace—waking with the sunrise and resting with the sunset, only worrying about three meals a day without concerning myself with anything else..."
Hearing Nagato's words, Mirai Uchiha questioned, "So are you planning to follow Master Jiraiya's path as well, renouncing your powers to live as a regular civilian?"
"No," Nagato quickly clarified. "I'm nowhere near reaching Master Jiraiya's state of mind yet..."
Seeing Nagato's nervous expression, Mirai Uchiha couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Fine then, go back to Amegakure. If you grow tired of that lifestyle someday, feel free to come back anytime."
Hearing Mirai Uchiha grant his request, gratitude filled Nagato's face.
"Thank you so much, Mirai Uchiha!"
Mirai Uchiha waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing really. Don't worry about it."
Thanks to advanced biotechnology, the Shen Nation no longer struggled with a lack of talent.
As long as proper work handover was handled, Nagato's departure wouldn't significantly impact the nation's operations.
That was exactly what Mirai Uchiha had aimed for when building the foundation of the Shen Nation.
Except for him, the Shen Nation would never be affected by anyone's departure.
"Mirai Uchiha, please inform Konan that I've decided to settle in the place where I once lived with her and Yahiko. If she has time, she can come find me."
Mirai Uchiha nodded. "I'll make sure she knows."
In his past life, he had pursued the dream of becoming Hokage during his youthful and passionate teenage years. He held deep affections for all the significant characters portrayed in the story.
Strictly speaking, few antagonists in Naruto were purely evil by nature.
Everyone was clearly striving toward the same ideal, yet because of differing ideologies and life experiences, they eventually resorted to conflict and [Bloodshed].
Whenever someone perished back then, he always felt a profound sense of regret.
Now that he had these abilities, he was determined to bring a happy ending to this tragic world—making up for the longing left unfulfilled in his youth.
———
Upon returning to the clan compound, Mirai informed Konan of everything Nagato had conveyed.
True to expectation, upon hearing the news, Konan expressed a desire to revisit Amegakure—the place where they once lived together.
Ever since returning to Konoha with Mirai, she hadn't been back to Amegakure for quite some time.
The land that had given her life and shaped who she was had already grown hazy in her memory.
Mirai readily agreed and decided to personally accompany Konan on the journey back.
Having already altered the tragic fate described in the original story, wouldn't it be a waste not to witness these changes with his own eyes?
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