The ceasefire agreement, brokered by many sides, quickly spread.
The war was over.
Kumogakure, as the defeated side, lost everything—both dignity and substance. Fortunately, the Daimyō of the Land of Lightning did not abandon them, providing continuous financial relief. But as the price for this aid, the Daimyō inserted his influence into Kumogakure's internal affairs.
The "one country, one village" system meant the nation belonged to the Daimyō, while the shinobi village was semi-independent. In practice, they were only partners. But such a powerful force not under direct national command was unsettling. Shinobi obeyed only their Kage, so if the Daimyō could not project influence into the village, they would never sleep soundly.
As for the victors—
Uchiha Makoto, as agreed, began the ceasefire and withdrew his forces, leading the army back to the Land of Fire. The Uzumaki clan followed alongside. Their alliance, tested by this war, was strengthened and solidified. Still, no matter how close they had become, Uzumaki Shinji could not yet bring his clan back to Akatsuki Village.
Before parting, the three sides held a final banquet. Konoha also attended, as part of the alliance.
The meal was pleasant enough. A few small incidents occurred, but nothing serious.
Among the rank-and-file shinobi, there was little enmity. Sharing food and laughter, they mingled in groups, enjoying the sense of camaraderie.
At the table, Senju Tobirama—the "old Senju ghost" with his perpetually grim face—finally allowed a faint smile when he heard that Konoha would receive twenty billion ryō without lifting a finger.
"Though twenty billion is far less than a hundred billion… free money is still sweet. At least it wasn't all for nothing."
His smile, however, was directed at Uzumaki Shinji. The Uzumaki were generous, honoring their allies with wealth. A true brother.
Tobirama knew well that this money was thanks to Shinji's efforts. Uchiha Makoto, that "naturally evil Uchiha brat," would never give him a single coin. Only days ago, Tobirama had been humiliated by him, convinced Konoha would receive nothing.
The thought had burned in his chest, keeping him awake at night. If Konoha had truly received nothing, then all his efforts to suppress public opinion, to strike hard at dissenters, nearly destroying his own reputation in Konoha—would have been for nothing.
But Makoto's announcement shattered his brief relief:
"These twenty billion ryō—ten billion from the Uzumaki to the Senju, and ten billion from Akatsuki Village to the Uchiha. You can divide it among yourselves in Konoha."
Tobirama's smile froze.
He had assumed the money would go directly to Konoha, under his control. Instead, Makoto had cleverly split it, funneling half to the Uchiha. With that, the Uchiha could strengthen themselves, recruit allies, and expand their power—exactly what Tobirama feared most.
Grinding his teeth, he mouthed silent curses at Makoto, who only smirked and returned a middle finger before ignoring him.
Compared to Tobirama's constant scheming, the Uzumaki were far more reliable partners. Makoto had already struck a deal with Shinji: in their new film company, Akatsuki Hollywood, shares would be split seventy-thirty. Shinji himself had suggested the ratio, showing tact and humility.
Makoto was happy to continue working with him.
After all, money was to be made. And Shinji, after seeing Akatsuki Village's wealth during the war—luxurious supplies, top-tier weapons, even desserts like ice cream and chocolate for the troops—was eager to join in.
The Land of Fire's Daimyō would never fund Konoha like that. Clearly, Makoto had other ways of making money.
"Your Uzumaki clan lives on an island. You have abundant fish. Fish is valuable protein, and the Land of Fire has a massive market. If we handle the trade, I have channels to sell it. Merchants will line up to work with us."
Makoto laid out his plan. Shinji listened carefully, intrigued. Tobirama, however, scoffed.
"Selling fish? That's your genius idea? Do you think the Land of Fire lacks fisheries?"
Makoto shook his head. "Not fish. Canned fish. With sealing techniques for preservation, and my people handling production and sales, no one can compete with us. It's an untapped market."
Shinji's eyes lit up. With sealing techniques, even ordinary clan members could mass-produce packaging. It was feasible.
Tobirama, listening in, finally broke his silence. "…Could Konoha join as well?"
He was tempted. Konoha's finances were always strained. The Daimyō's annual stipends were never enough. Meanwhile, Akatsuki Village had just secured two hundred billion ryō in war reparations. Their future was secure, while Konoha risked falling behind.
If this business could provide new revenue, Tobirama was willing to cooperate—even with Makoto.
Makoto smirked. "You want to join? I'll think about it."
In truth, he had already planned to draw Konoha into Akatsuki's economic orbit. Better to bind them with shared profit than let them sabotage from the shadows.
After a long silence, Tobirama pressed again. "We are allies, aren't we? Allies should help each other."
Makoto let him stew, then finally relented. "Fine. But remember—this was my idea. Akatsuki will take fifty percent, the Uzumaki thirty, and Konoha twenty. Consider it a favor."
Shinji agreed without complaint. The Uzumaki's position was elevated, even above Konoha's.
Tobirama, though seething, had no choice but to accept.
…
Meanwhile, in Konoha, a shocking event occurred.
Barely a week after the attempted assassination of Akatsuki's leader, the Hokage himself was attacked.
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