When the sucker lost money and started getting angry, everyone around him paid the price. Cunning Orochimaru had already made his exit under some excuse. Anya wanted to escape too, but she figured that although the monk might escape, the temple never could—and besides, she still had something on her. Suck it up—it's not like she had a choice anyway, not when she was a ninja now.
Originally, Anya was considering helping Tsunade win the money back, but if Tsunade got excited and kept gambling, there'd never be enough money to last. She quickly dismissed this thought.
After witnessing Tsunade's furious palm strike, Konan was visibly shaken. Along the way, she stuck close to Anya, keeping one step of distance from Tsunade.
Of course, traveling together wasn't all bad. While Tsunade tested her medical ninjutsu, Anya casually brought up the antidote pill famously used on the Sunagakure Battlefield.
"What? You want to learn the Antidote Technique too?"
"Yes."
"Fine, call me teacher first."
"Uh... Didn't you say you wouldn't steal any students from others?"
"It's you calling me, not me stealing. Get it?"
"Forget it. I'll research it myself later."
"You little brat, do you think I won't hit you?"
After their teasing banter, Tsunade still taught Anya the antidote method, even beginning to explain medical ninjutsu. It became just like back at the hospital—all cram-style teaching once again. Konan listened eagerly too, though unfamiliar with ninjutsu, she didn't grasp much—still, she quietly memorized every word.
After several days' travel together, they gradually grew familiar with each other. Konan wasn't as quiet as she originally was, though her mood remained low. Obviously, leaving behind her companions made her heart heavy.
Seeing this, the clever Anya comforted her: "Don't worry. He or she has Jiraiya to teach—growth will be fast. When you become a ninja and gain the ability to protect yourself, I promise I'll reunite you. If you don't believe me, let's pinky swear."
Looking at Anya's sincere expression, Konan extended her hand: "Okay, pinky swear."
As their little fingers hooked together, Konan finally revealed a long-lost smile.
Upon arriving at Konoha, the village was decorated festively, and people wore joyful smiles everywhere. Clearly, White Fang had already brought news of peace—the Second Battle had ended, and everyone could begin living stable lives again. The once somber village now pulsed with life and energy.
Konan, who had always lived in the rain-soaked village of Sanshouo (ruled by Hanzo), stood speechless at Konoha's scenery. Walking through Konoha's streets, she'd never witnessed such prosperity before or seen a village so full of life. No wonder Hanzo picked a fight with Konoha—he must've been green with envy over all this prosperity.
Back in the village, Tsunade parted ways with Anya. As one of the Sannin, returning meant endless work awaited her. Actually, this was precisely why, after experiencing war and feeling weary, she chose to return home gradually—it felt like the best option.
Anya put on her signature Anbu mask and led Konan straight toward the Ninja Academy.
Konan, who had never attended school before, looked at the academy with a hint of longing in her eyes.
Anya told her, "The Ninja Academy is the best place to build a solid foundation. They offer comprehensive training for ninjas. Once you complete the training and are ready, you'll have to pass a graduation exam to officially become a ninja. When you graduate from this school, I'll personally teach you."
Konan asked, "How long did it take you to graduate from the school?"
"About a year," said Anya. It felt like ages since she last attended school. Looking back, she couldn't help but feel nostalgic.
Konan steeled herself and decided on a modest goal—to graduate within a year.
After finishing the introduction to the academy, Anya took Konan back to her home. She gestured around the house and said, "This is my home. Due to constant warfare, I've barely lived here, so it's a bit dusty. Now that I'm part of the Anbu, I won't be coming back here at all. From now on, you can live here. You can use whatever you need from inside the house. If you require anything else, just tell me and I'll get it for you."
Unaccustomed to this kindness from Anya, Konan suddenly thought of something and said, "Once I return to Hanzo's area, I will help you."
"Hehe." Anya realized Konan had taken her words to Orochimaru about becoming stronger to heart. With a slight smile, she replied, "Then you'd better work hard, Konan. I'll go get your identification plaque made, and tomorrow you can officially start attending classes."
"I will."
Saying that, Konan rolled up her sleeves, grabbed some cleaning tools, and started dusting off the room. Seeing this, Anya secretly nodded in approval before vanishing from sight.
When she reappeared, she was directly in front of the Third Hokage's office. Since she was now part of the Anbu—subordinates directly under the Kage—it was necessary to file a report upon returning.
Seeing Anya appear, the Third was delighted and enthusiastically praised her, saying, "White Fang told me about your performance over those few months on the battlefield. It was nothing short of flawless."
Anya politely responded, "Thank you for your praise, Lord Hokage."
After the compliments, the Third asked, "I heard you brought back a child. Are you planning to train them as your apprentice?"
A little wary of any hidden meaning behind his words, Anya hesitated slightly before replying, "Yes."
"Hehe," the old man chuckled. "No need to feel uneasy. Truthfully, many ninjas in Konoha were orphans we picked up from battlefields. Your good friend Minato was among them as well. If they have arrived in Konoha, then from that point on, they are members of Konoha."
Anya agreed with this internally. Konoha's ability to integrate others is truly impressive—even the Uchiha Clan was fully incorporated into the system. The only one who never fully aligned with it was Madara Uchiha.
The Third continued, "The Anbu typically has seventy members, but expands during wartime. However, since our missions are extremely dangerous, Anbu losses tend to be heavy. Now that you are a squad leader, but currently without any subordinates, would you like me to assign you team members, or do you prefer to recruit your own?"
Without hesitation, Anya replied, "I'll recruit my own."
Anya decided to select some ninjas with special abilities, preferably those who could complement their sword art in combat. Of course, ninjas meeting their standards would be extremely rare; if they were only there to fill numbers, it would be better not to recruit at all.
Hokage the Third respected Anya's opinion and nodded, saying, "Then alright, since the war is nearing its end, I've decided to focus on recovery and reduce the size of Anbu. Each squad's size will be adjusted to five members. Once you find suitable team members, report directly to me."
"Fine."
The Third spoke softly, "This war's been rough on you. Take some time off to rest properly first."
"Yes." Anya walked out of the office.
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