Kaede's words brimmed with confidence.
He didn't spare Akatsuki a second thought.
And rightly so—anyone with power like his would never waste time worrying about a handful of vermin clinging to the shadows.
Like fireflies glowing in the night, they might seem bright for a moment. But once the sun rises, only the sun remains. Every other light fades away in its radiance.
Such was Akatsuki compared to Kaede.
Hearing this, Black Zetsu stayed quiet.
Yes. Even if Obito secretly believed that persistence would let them one day topple Kaede, Black Zetsu knew the truth.
There was no defeating Kaede.
Unless through deception in the dark, it was utterly impossible.
He was far too strong.
Even Kaguya, restored to her full power, might not match him. How could the remnants of Akatsuki ever hope to win?
"You're right," Kaguya agreed with a nod.
"Then I'll take my leave. With Mother freed, I won't be returning to Akatsuki."
Black Zetsu spoke carefully, gauging Kaede's reaction.
If Kaede wanted him gone, there was nothing he could do—Kaguya herself couldn't shield him from Kaede's wrath.
"Go," Kaede waved dismissively.
He didn't care. Black Zetsu was just a schemer, nothing more.
"Yes!"
Relief washed over Black Zetsu. He bowed deeply before leaving.
That night, Kaguya returned to rest, accompanied by Kaede. After five millennia sealed upon the moon, adjusting to life here would take time—but it was far better than her prison had been.
The next day.
No one yet knew why Black Zetsu had come.
Kaede summoned both him and Tsunade before him.
"I didn't have time to ask last night. While I chased Isshiki, what happened here?"
Kaede's eyes narrowed. He wanted to confirm whether the events he had altered had shifted the flow of the future.
Black Zetsu dared not lie—not with Tsunade present to expose him. After a pause to gather his words, he answered quickly:
"Danzo, still fleeing, seems to have made contact with Obito. They're plotting something, though it hasn't yet unfolded. Danzo has no refuge—your forces hunt him without pause. Recently, he was cornered near the Valley of Clouds. With him are many stragglers—Uchiha Sasuke, Hatake Kakashi's remnants, Sarutobi Asuma, and others.
But they chafe under him. They don't respect him. Some are ready to leave him at any moment."
Kaede frowned.
"A pity. If you had come a few days later, I might have learned what schemes they planned."
Still, what was done was done.
His gaze shifted to Tsunade.
She had been ready for this. Even if Kaede hadn't asked, she had intended to report.
"All across the world, we've founded ninja academies. Anyone may enter and learn. The weakest instructors are elite jōnin, all absolutely loyal to you. In some regions, even Kage-level shinobi serve as headmasters.
The academies are producing countless gifted students. Even among commoners, we've uncovered many with talent equal to clan prodigies. With training and resources, they're no weaker than any noble-born shinobi. And they are unwaveringly loyal to you, my lord.
Under your command, we've also decreed: no child under twelve may be sent to war. They must first be trained properly. This has reduced child casualties, and their growth has been astonishing. Many now rival the strongest of Konoha's genin in their prime."
Her voice was filled with pride.
This was the change Kaede's rule had brought.
Elsewhere, prodigies among commoners would have been ignored, left to wither in obscurity. Here, every spark was nurtured.
Not every commoner could become a Yellow Flash like Minato. But under Kaede's reign, they all had a chance.
Kaede nodded slowly, satisfied.
"So even the weakest are of the Twelve Guardian's level now. Excellent."
He smiled.
"You've done well."
"It is no burden," Tsunade replied with conviction. "To be recognized by you is our greatest fortune. Under anyone else's rule, these children would already be dead on battlefields. You've given them a future."
(End of Chapter)
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