"Yo, you came out so quickly. Seems like it's over."
Mito Uzumaki gave a faint smile.
The Daimyo was in a bad mood and simply gave a cold snort without responding.
After a moment of silence, The Third asked cautiously, "Your Excellency, what exactly did you encounter?"
Illusions like that were difficult to understand unless one had experienced them firsthand—only Akaba and those who had gone through it could truly comprehend what had happened.
"Yeah, Grandpa, what was Wave Five?" Erika also asked curiously.
The Daimyo opened his mouth but found it hard to explain.
Was he really supposed to say that he became Hokage and protected Konoha, only to be instantly defeated by Zabuza?
And worse, wasn't that final line clearly mocking?!
Wave Five?
Hiruzen awkwardly adjusted his pipe.
Although he didn't know the details, a quick glance was enough to tell the Daimyo had suffered a humiliating defeat.
This brat can't hold back at all. Couldn't he go just a little easier on him?
After thinking for a while, he still couldn't bring himself to say anything comforting.
"Hiruzen, can we use the Virtual Reality Game again?"
The Daimyo grew increasingly resentful.
"Do you think this large-scale illusion can be used repeatedly as you wish?" Mito Uzumaki replied sharply.
"Your Excellency, an illusion like this can barely be used once at most," The Third explained.
"I see," the Daimyo sighed, then thought for a moment before adding, "I'm sorry. I realized I know far too little about ninjas."
Huh?
Mito's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't believe this stubborn old man had actually apologized!
"Your Excellency, your talent lies not in ninjutsu or combat, but in governing and managing the entire nation." The Third said with a sigh. "Compared to that, ninjas are merely tools of war."
"War is an intricate art. My remaining lifespan probably won't be enough to fully grasp it."
Weary, the Daimyo lay back.
After such a blow, his interest in the Virtual Reality Game plummeted.
"At least you finally got some sense into your head."
Mito wasted no chance to mock him.
At this point, Akaba, Jiraiya, Sakumo, and Shiso arrived at the stands. The four were about to bow to the Daimyo when—
"Skip it! Skip it!"
The Daimyo looked unhappy, glaring angrily at Jiraiya.
This white-haired guy looked too similar to that annoying character from the illusion!
"Esteemed Lords, since the Manga Con has concluded, shall we make the announcement?" Akaba bowed respectfully and asked.
"Akaba, you've consumed quite a lot of chakra, so go rest. I'll handle the announcement," The Third smiled gently.
"Understood!" Though his chakra hadn't been drained completely, Akaba naturally welcomed the chance to slack off.
The Daimyo originally intended to stay a bit longer, but upon seeing Jiraiya's face, he recalled words like "Beginner!", "Wow!", and "Good fight!" from the illusion.
"That's enough. Erika, we're heading back now," he said as he motioned for someone to come over and help him rise.
Erika felt reluctant, but since the Manga Con was over, they needed to return to the Daimyo's mansion.
The guards brought over the carriage, and Erika along with another guard carefully helped the Daimyo walk toward it step by step.
Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks.
"Mito, after this encounter, perhaps we may never meet again."
"Life is short. Making it this far, every extra day is a bonus."
The Daimyo lifted his head slightly and spoke softly, "I'm truly sorry about the Land of Whirlpools."
"Get out."
Uzumaki Mito waved her hand dismissively, her tone anything but polite.
Tsunade didn't respond. It looked like the negotiation hadn't gone well.
Akaba mused inwardly.
After the Daimyo boarded his carriage and gradually disappeared along the mountain path, Uzumaki Mito let out a faint sigh filled with wistfulness.
Their era was finally coming to a close.
"The Manga Con has ended. Return to the Hidden Leaf and rest."
The Third channeled Chakra to amplify his voice.
Hearing his announcement from the stands and noticing the Daimyo had already departed, the audience realized the Manga Con was genuinely over.
"Is that really it?"
"It felt so short. I didn't even get to enjoy myself much!"
"If there's a next time, it'll probably be ages away..."
Even the ninja were reluctant to leave.
Just a brief, rudimentary Manga Con, yet for these people whose lives contained so little entertainment, it had become a cherished memory.
"A Manga Con doesn't have to be hosted by the village. If we really want to do one, we can organize our own."
Akaba stepped forward and declared.
"Host our own Manga Con?"
Everyone hesitated briefly, their minds struggling to catch up. Could they really pull off something like that performance for the Daimyo on their own?
"Ohem... A Manga Con can be big or small. It's not supposed to be some formal thing anyway."
The Third cleared his throat lightly.
If it weren't for my suggestion to invite the Daimyo, this would've stayed a small, casual event we organized ourselves.
"I see!"
Understanding dawned in everyone's eyes, lighting up their expressions.
They'd simply assumed such activities were like the Chunin Exams—grand official events.
The truth? They could organize these events themselves!
"Wonderful! Grandma, I want to dress up as Lady Mito!"
A girl called out joyfully.
"Dummy! Lady Mito isn't a comic book character!"
"..."
Amidst the noisy chatter, one thing remained constant—the cheerful laughter ringing through.
The sound barely made it to the main stand, but that was no issue for the ninja.
The Third took a puff from his pipe, looking pleased and proud.
But...
"Hey, Teacher, don't think you can get away without paying us!"
Tsunade smirked.
"Third Elder, what you promised still stands. Not a single item can be forgotten."
Akaba quickly followed up to collect payment.
Did he work this hard for nothing? He needed compensation for leading the caravan to the Land of Wind!
"You guys all benefit, what about me? I worked hard drawing and my sketches got torn up by the Princess!"
Jiraiya immediately exploded with indignation.
"Fool Jiraiya, dare you even mention those drawings? Creating indecent illustrations in public? You've disgraced our Konoha entirely."
Tsunade scoffed coldly.
"Alright, nobody gets left out."
The Third sighed. Such unlovable children indeed!
Still...
What a pity!
"All of you can go back and rest now as well."
Uzumaki Mito smiled faintly.
"Yes!"
Tsunade was delighted—this meant Mito wouldn't interfere with the distribution of money.
Akaba was curious about the negotiation outcome but in no rush to find out.
There's no hurry—everyone will learn the truth eventually. Staying here only makes it easier to be forcibly conscripted.
The group turned around, ready to withdraw.
"Then, I'll take my leave."
Shishio walked at the back, offering a slight bow before turning to follow the others.
Mito Uzumaki watched them leave with a quiet sigh.
At that moment, Danzo slowly stepped out from the shadows.
"You, The Third, and Danzō… this old veteran of the ninja world won't be leaving Konoha anytime soon. The Land of Whirlpools is in your hands."
Mito exhaled softly.
"Do not worry, Lady Mito. I will do my best," Danzō said, uncharacteristically serious.
No matter the interests or emotions involved, he would fully commit himself to aiding the Uzumaki clan.
"Even if most of them cannot become ninjas, at the very least—"
The Third paused mid-sentence, taking a slow puff from his pipe.
The Daimyo had finally relented, allowing some Uzumaki members to enter the Land of Fire. However, aside from those already serving within Konoha, the rest were required to live in hiding, their identities erased, never to become ninjas again.
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