Inside Shikkotsu Forest.
"How are you adjusting? Getting used to things?" Heiyan asked Katsuyu.
"Mm, the scenery here is beautiful. There are many human presences. I feel friendliness and peace from them."
Katsuyu's clone rested on Heiyan's shoulder, sensing the environment with its antennae. When it noticed Fangzhang Island floating on the sea, it exclaimed in surprise, "That must be Samehada—the legendary sword that consumed two Dragon Veins! What a creature."
She acted just like a little girl discovering a brand-new world, fascinated by everything around her.
"I have something for you," Heiyan said. Then he stretched out his hand and retrieved a female body from Kamui's space.
This female body was nearly perfect in proportion, her chest gently rising and falling as though peacefully asleep. Strangely enough, her face was smooth and featureless—no eyes, nose, or mouth. She was a faceless woman.
"Heiyan, what... is this?" Katsuyu's voice trembled slightly. It was obvious how unsettled it felt inside.
"This is a body I created for you using the Yin and Yang Release," Heiyan explained. "Simply project your chakra onto it, and you can assume a human form and enter Penglai Ninja Village. How does that sound? Interested in experiencing life as a human?"
Heiyan asked with a smile.
"That would be wonderful!"
Hearing this, Katsuyu couldn't hide its joy and excitement.
After all, no matter who someone is, being trapped alone on a deserted island for over a thousand years, barely able to move—then suddenly breaking free from those restraints and gaining freedom...
That kind of joy—nothing could ever compare to it.
Thus, under Heiyan's guidance, Katsuyu carefully began projecting its chakra bit by bit into that female body.
Gradually, facial features started appearing on the woman's previously blank face:
Big eyes, a delicate and well-defined nose, gentle lips, a small chin.
Additionally, there was a purple diamond-shaped mark on her forehead,
alongside flowing golden hair.
"Tsunade?!"
Seeing this sight, Heiyan looked shocked.
"Heiyan, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do this on purpose," Katsuyu quickly apologized, standing up and bowing deeply. "I saw Tsunade-sama often, and her image left a deep impression on me. She represents the ideal image of a woman in my heart, so… I subconsciously ended up looking like her."
"It's not your fault," Heiyan reassured her, helping Katsuyu back to her feet. "After all, you lived in Shikkotsu Forest for years, rarely encountering any other human women besides Tsunade."
"Let me try again."
Encouraged by Heiyan, Katsuyu calmed herself down and once more projected her chakra, subtly adjusting the facial features and overall physique.
A few minutes later,
an image of a beautiful woman in her early thirties appeared before Heiyan, her figure more mature and fuller. Yet, traces of Tsunade still lingered faintly in her expression, making her look somewhat like an older sister from Tsunade's family.
"Heiyan, does this version suit me now?"
Katsuyu slowly spun around in front of Heiyan, asking nervously.
"Perfect."
Heiyan gave an approving thumbs-up and teased with a smile, "Perhaps even Tsunade would feel jealous of your figure when she sees you."
Upon hearing this, Katsuyu couldn't help but blush, exuding the graceful charm of a mature woman.
"Oh right, pick a human name for yourself. It'll be more convenient later on."
Heiyan offered another suggestion.
"Hmm... then how about Yurou? Using 'Yu' from Master Heiyan's name and the word 'soft.'"
Katsuyu thought briefly, her sparkling eyes fixed on Heiyan as she whispered shyly. She was a bit worried he might dislike having chosen a similar-sounding name to his own.
"What a beautiful name."
Heiyan didn't dwell on it—he simply thought it suited her perfectly: gentle and feather-light.
"Let's go. I'll show you around the village."
With that, he summoned a thundercloud and invited Yurou to step onto it together with him.
Whoosh!
The thundercloud carried them both away from Shikkotsu Forest, heading toward Penglai Ninja Village.
Before long...
Under Pakura's and Mei Terumi's watchful gazes, Heiyan and his companion descended at the mountaintop villa.
"Heiyan, who is this?"
Pakura approached curiously, eyeing Yurou's looks and figure discreetly.
"She's Immortal Sage Yurou, mistress of Shikkotsu Forest."
Heiyan offered a brief explanation to Pakura. By his side, Yurou also smiled gracefully, greeting Pakura and Mei Terumi with elegant poise, like a noble lady.
So she's Heiyan's Summoned Beast?
Pakura muttered inwardly, feeling something strange and already imagining many scenarios involving Heiyan and Yurou.
Fortunately, Heiyan had no idea what Pakura was thinking; otherwise, he'd probably laugh and cry at the same time.
Then he squatted down in front of Mei Terumi, gently stroking her head while saying:
"Don't worry. The adversaries of Mist have been taken care of. Now things are stable again. Sage Master is leading the ninja and villagers in rebuilding the village with great enthusiasm. There's not much you can do there if you return now, so why don't you stay here in Penglai for a while, study, and learn? When you want to go back to Mist someday, nobody will stop you."
These words instantly put the young Mei Terumi at ease.
"Thank you, Lord Heiyan."
She murmured softly, her perception of Heiyan now completely transformed in her heart.
Back in Mist, ever since childhood, Mei Terumi had heard various rumors about Heiyan—but they were all terrible tales describing him as a bloodthirsty madman who cruelly slaughtered many Kages and Daimyos, making him the common enemy of the entire world of shinobi—a despicable person whose death was deserved and legacy forever stigmatized.
But since being rescued by Heiyan, arriving at Penglai, and interacting with its villagers, Mei Terumi had heard a completely different version of stories about him.
Heiyan had saved the fishing tribe, the Uzumaki clan, the Loulan clan, the warrior clan, and even ninjas like Pakura who were persecuted by their villages. Then he brought them all together here to found the Penglai Ninja Village.
He was a hero.
Now, upon hearing that Heiyan had once again saved the Hidden Mist Village, Mei Terumi chose to believe—believe in Pakura, in the Penglai Ninja Village, and in Lord Heiyan.
"Oh right, Yurou."
Heiyan stood up and spoke to Yurou beside him. "Mei Terumi herself has immense talent. When you have time, take her to Shikkotsu Forest so she can experience Sage Art cultivation by absorbing natural energy in advance. Also, don't let Saiken slack off. Order it to help Mei Terumi train her Boil Release Kekkei Genkai."
"Of course, Lord Heiyan."
Yurou readily agreed and stepped forward to gently take Mei Terumi's hand.
Mei Terumi felt flattered beyond expectation.
Lord Heiyan actually said that my talent is high? Moreover, the long-missing Six-Tails Saiken is also in Shikkotsu Forest, and will help me train my Boil Release?
Stunned, her heart trembled with great shock.
Indeed, Heiyan held high hopes for Mei Terumi.
In the original timeline, there were only a few female kunoichi reaching Kage-level strength. Mei Terumi was not only one of them but also the sole ninja in the shinobi world who mastered two Kekkei Genkai.
Her extraordinary cultivation talent was evident enough.
Moreover, Mei Terumi possessed political capabilities as well. During her tenure as the Fifth Mizukage, she implemented peaceful and open policies that enabled Kirigakure's revival.
A woman of unparalleled beauty, brilliant intellect, and formidable strength—her brilliance rivaled even that of Tsunade.
There was another important reason why Heiyan decided to cultivate Mei Terumi.
He wanted Penglai to maintain good relations with Kirigakure, promoting cooperation in economy, trade, and culture, becoming inseparable allies.
After all, both Land of Water and Penglai were overseas nations. Among the Five Great Ninja Villages, Kirigakure participated the least in the affairs of the ninja world, remaining in seclusion for a long time.
A powerful alliance at sea would emerge from Penglai's union with Kirigakure—not only securing safety but also promoting mutual development.
It was truly advantageous without drawbacks.
At this moment, Mei Terumi still didn't realize that Heiyan—the immortal sage (also known as the Turtle Sage)—had already chosen her future self to be the next Mizukage.
Later on,
Heiyan personally brought Yurou down the mountain to tour the village.
During this process, he introduced Yurou to Ashina Uzumaki, Haruko, Queen of Loulan, Mifune, and other high-ranking village elders. Soon, all villagers learned about Fairy Yurou's name.
Following Heiyan's suggestion, Yurou accepted Sara, daughter of the Loulan Queen, along with Mei Terumi as her students. Meanwhile, Kisame and Zabuza were assigned to Mifune, for whom Heiyan hoped to instill moral character in these two brats and teach them the spirit of warriors.
After finishing their tour, the two returned to their mountaintop villa.
"Yurou, during your stay in the village, just live here."
"There are plenty of rooms here, and with Pakura and Mei Terumi around to keep you company, you won't feel lonely."
Heiyan made this suggestion.
"Okay then." As always, Yurou gladly agreed.
So, Heiyan led Yurou into the villa and invited her to pick out a room for herself.
"Well then, take a look and see if there's anything you need. You can ask Pakura for help and go shopping in the village."
Heiyan handed Yurou some cash, made sure she was comfortable, and then decided to go excavate the Paradise Box to deal with the monster inside—Satori.
"Master Heiyan!"
Just then, Yurou suddenly called out to Heiyan, looking as though she wanted to say something but hesitated.
"Is there anything else?" Heiyan asked in surprise.
"That... Are you and Tsunade-sama going to stay separated like this forever? Are you planning to return to Konoha to marry her, or should we bring her to Penglai?"
Yurou asked carefully, showing great interest.
"Sigh, I'm troubled by this too."
Upon hearing this, Heiyan sighed deeply and replied helplessly, "Tsunade hopes that I'll return to the Senju clan. While I don't mind being a son-in-law to the Senju family, I no longer have much affection for Konoha itself—it's just hard to refuse her kindness. If I ask Tsunade to leave Konoha and marry me in Penglai, I also need to consider her feelings."
His conflicted feelings were plain to see.
"I see. Master Heiyan truly cares deeply for your beloved. Tsunade-sama must be very fortunate indeed."
After comforting Heiyan briefly, Yurou's beautiful eyes sparkled gently as she continued, "Perhaps I could help persuade Tsunade-sama? Once she hears about what happened in the Mist Village, I think she'll come to Shikkotsu Forest to meet you soon."
"Thank you,"
Heiyan's face lit up with joy. With Yurou's help, the small problem between him and Tsunade might finally find an ideal solution.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Konoha Village.
Inside the Hokage's office, a group of senior officials had gathered.
"The Immortal Sage single-handedly destroyed Madara Uchiha's impure reincarnation army and decisively defeated Madara himself in direct combat. Under his guidance, Sage Master has taken on the role of acting Mizukage, currently mobilizing Water Country's resources and manpower to rebuild the Hidden Mist Village..."
Anbu Commander Sakumo Hatake reported verified intelligence to Konoha's senior officials.
Inside the office, everyone fell silent, with shock apparent on their faces.
After a while,
"Great Toad Sage, may I ask if you've ever heard of the name 'Immortal Sage' before?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke first, seeking advice from Gamamaru.
In his opinion, if someone like the Immortal Sage could defeat Madara Uchiha, he must be a figure equal in power to Gamamaru. Since there was already the Great Toad Sage in this world, another sage like the Immortal Sage would be entirely plausible.
Perhaps they even knew one another by reputation.
However, to Hiruzen's surprise, upon hearing this, Gamamaru silently shook his head.
"Well now, I've never heard of that name before. Perhaps the Immortal Sage has been hiding in Water Country all along without ever revealing himself."
Gamamaru speculated. From its tone, one could tell it was curious about the Immortal Sage as well, showing no sign of underestimating him.
After all, turtles are said to outlive even frogs.
If the opponent was also a being that had absorbed Natural Energy to become an immortal, it might be even older and more long-lived than itself—a true recluse, a legendary old master.
Danzo stood silently aside, his expression shifting constantly.
[Immortal Sage]? Where did this monster come from? It actually defeated Madara Uchiha.
In fact, Danzo had learned of this news two days ago. At first, he hadn't believed it, but later discovered that the cursed seal Madara had placed on him had vanished completely, only then realizing the truth.
Well enough.
This way, he would no longer have to live under Madara's threat. He could finally abandon his double-agent identity and fully focus on advancing his cause within Konoha.
Among all those present, only Tsunade showed no reaction, though a faint smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of her lips.
She knew the [Immortal Sage] was none other than Heiyan. Heiyan had won.
Thinking this, she couldn't wait to head straight to Shikkotsu Forest, find Heiyan, and celebrate this victory together with him.
After defeating Madara Uchiha, Heiyan would return to Konoha as a hero, clearing away all those baseless accusations that had burdened him for years. What an exhilarating moment that would be!
In Tsunade's heart, there was only one possible future Hokage—the man she loved, Heiyan.
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