"Hmm?"
Hearing the immortal sage's words, Tsunade stopped midway through forming a Hand Seal.
"What do you mean...?" she asked, puzzled, hoping for a clearer explanation from the sage.
"My meaning is that Kirigakure can also join Konoha in peace, just as Amegakure did, becoming part of the unified shinobi nation you envision."
Leaning on his cane with one hand while keeping the other behind his back, the immortal sage smiled as he spoke.
"Really?"
Tsunade was astonished. She couldn't believe victory had come so easily.
"Of course it is."
The immortal sage nodded. His tone shifted slightly before he suddenly asked, "Tsunade, since you've vowed to unify the world of shinobi, I assume you're ready to become the Fourth Hokage?"
"Well, I haven't really thought about that."
Shaking her head, Tsunade answered truthfully.
But now, reminded by the immortal sage, she realized that becoming Hokage was an essential step toward achieving her dream.
Reflecting further, Sarutobi Hiruzen had often privately mentioned how old age had taken its toll and how he felt increasingly incapable, hinting at his willingness to step down.
The meaning behind his words had been crystal clear all along.
Considering all this, Tsunade understood—her eventual succession to the Hokage position was already decided.
At that moment, her expression turned serious, and she gave the immortal sage a formal reply:
"Yes, I've decided—I will become the Hokage."
"Then on the day Konoha holds your inauguration ceremony as the new Hokage, I'll personally be there to extend my congratulations—and fulfill this promise, announcing collectively that all Kiri ninja will join Konoha in the Land of Fire."
Upon receiving her firm answer, the immortal sage solemnly made his commitment.
"Thank you."
Tsunade bowed deeply to the sage. She knew someone of his status wouldn't bother lying unnecessarily.
"The very first female Hokage in history—one who unified all the shinobi nations. Now that's something to look forward to."
With meaningful words of admiration, the immortal sage then turned away.
Just then, thick fog rolled across the frozen lake. By the time it cleared, he'd already vanished without a trace.
Ten minutes later.
Under the tense gazes of Hanzo, Sakumo Hatake, and others, Tsunade returned from the vast icy expanse, arriving back at the beachside campsite.
"Tsunade-sama, what happened out there?"
They rushed forward to ask.
Earlier, they'd sensed intense chakra fluctuations coming from the direction of the ice field—clearly indicating Tsunade had been engaged in battle against the immortal sage. Now that she had returned safely, did it mean she had defeated him?
"We depart. Return to the village."
Tsunade didn't elaborate. She simply issued the order. Hearing this, no one dared press her further.
A coastal breeze swept through, lifting strands of Tsunade's golden hair.
She cast one final glance toward the Land of Water before turning her gaze away and leading the Konoha ninja homeward.
Thus ended Tsunade's journey, away from Konoha for over a month—an unprecedented feat having conquered all Four Great Nations and secured legendary achievements none in history had ever achieved before.
Back in her homeland, the people of the Leaf Village awaited her return, ready to greet their heroine with endless flowers and thunderous applause.
One day later.
In the Land of Water, at the Mizukage building in the Hidden Mist Village.
An hour earlier, Master Tortoise had arrived in Mist, summoning the high-ranking elders to inform them of the outcome from his negotiations with Tsunade.
"We understand, Master."
After hearing Master Tortoise's instructions, everyone—including Sage Master Yuan Shi—nodded in agreement without protest.
To all the villagers of Mist, Master Tortoise had saved their village twice and brought new life to the Land of Water. There was no way this revered elder would ever act against Mist's interests.
Could it be true that Konoha's Tsunade is truly that powerful, forcing even Master Tortoise to yield?
That's what many people were thinking.
Still, even if Mist eventually joined Konoha, according to the agreement between Master Tortoise and Tsunade, the village would remain relatively independent, with minimal disruption to the villagers' daily lives.
Perhaps, given the current state of the ninja world, this was already the best possible solution.
At this moment, Yahiko and Konan were deeply shocked.
Only yesterday had they discovered the truth—that Lord Ink Master, whom they had been following, was actually the legendary Master Tortoise of Mist.
They had heard stories about Master Tortoise before, knowing him as a great ninja who once saved countless lives in the Land of Water, a kind and gentle old man.
Since arriving in Mist, local ninja and civilians alike had treated them with utmost respect. Others their age looked at them with open envy.
The two knew it was because of their identity—"disciples of Master Tortoise."
Anyone chosen by Master Tortoise as his student was sure to rise up and become one of Mist's future leaders.
"Gra– Grandpa Master Tortoise, does this mean we'll live in Mist village from now on?"
Yahiko and Konan asked eagerly, both imagining how wonderful life here could be.
Unexpectedly, Master Tortoise shook his head, replying:
"We're heading to Penglai Ninja Village."
Penglai?
Upon hearing this, the two felt puzzled—they had never heard of this village or even known such a place existed within the ninja world.
"Penglai Ninja Village is a settlement personally founded overseas by Master Tortoise. It surpasses even Mist in wealth and prosperity—it's a paradise beyond ordinary realms."
At this moment, Yuan Shi spoke up voluntarily, explaining Penglai to them while congratulating the pair on the opportunity to live there.
After listening, the two couldn't help but feel delighted and amazed, looking forward even more eagerly to their future life.
An hour later, at the village gate of Mist.
Master Tortoise used Super Beast Imitating Drawing once again, summoning a giant ink bird. After saying goodbye to Yuan Shi and others, he climbed onto the bird's back along with Yahiko and Konan, flying southward.
In the days that followed, as the trio journeyed toward Penglai.
Tsunade's name spread like thunder through every corner of the shinobi world. Across all nations, billions of civilians couldn't stop talking about her—morning to night, she was all anyone could discuss.
This woman had made Rain, Wind, Earth, Lightning, and Water nations kneel in submission one after another. Many believed her power eclipsed even Hashirama Senju, the so-called "God of Shinobi"—making her the strongest ninja who ever lived.
She was hailed as the "Goddess."
When the so-called 'Goddess' Tsunade returned triumphantly to Konoha with her army, the entire village came out in full force to welcome her like never before. Konoha partied for three full days and nights.
During those three days, Konoha remained brightly lit all night long, filled with endless fireworks lighting up the sky so clearly it seemed like daytime.
Amidst this grand celebration of victory, Tsunade herself remained unusually calm and composed.
As soon as she returned to Konoha, after having a quick meeting with Hiruzen Sarutobi and others, she withdrew to the three-story home by the hot spring river and stayed indoors for three days, seemingly indifferent to all the excitement outside.
After the celebration ended,
Hiruzen Sarutobi publicly announced his plans to retire soon, and naturally, there was no doubt about who would succeed him—
Tsunade.
Immediately, the whole of Konoha sprang into action, everyone busying themselves preparing for the upcoming Hokage inauguration ceremony.
Moreover, this ceremony wasn't just a major event for Konoha—Kages from the other nations including Wind, Earth, Lightning, and Water would also arrive in Konoha to congratulate the new Fourth Hokage and discuss together the great matter of uniting the world of shinobi.
An era of 'All Nations Paying Homage'.
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