After returning home, Kushina still did not let go of Naruto.
Unknowingly, she had been away from Naruto for almost three months. At that time, Naruto had difficulty even speaking, but now he had begun to learn to recognize characters.
Listening to Naruto recount his experiences in Uchiha Yoichi's home over the past few months, he had not suffered any grievances; even if he was bullied by Karin, as long as Naruto cried out, Auntie Minami would come to his aid and hang Karin up with golden chains.
When he clashed with Sasuke, Naruto didn't call for help, because he often bullied Sasuke more.
The two didn't know why, they just couldn't see eye to eye; even in front of Kushina, Naruto said this, compared to the bullying from Karin and bullying Sasuke, he disliked the latter more.
Kushina chatted with Naruto for a long time, until Naruto got sleepy, and she took him to bed. Now knowing Naruto was doing well and spoke with such joy was enough.
Though she wished she could punch Uchiha Yoichi to death, hearing Naruto was cared for so well made her grateful to Minami and Mikota, and she no longer felt jealousy towards them.
After coaxing Naruto to sleep, Kushina thought silently to herself: Just ten times is enough. After ten times... if Jiraiya hasn't retrieved Minato's body, then I'll retrieve Minato myself and it will all end.
Indeed, just ten times, this is just a ninja, enduring ten times and it'll be fine.
Kushina took a deep breath, clenched her fist, thinking this; but after lying in bed for a while, she suddenly found she couldn't fall asleep. Although returning home provided a moment of peace, without the sound of cascading waterfall, the quiet made her unable to sleep.
This tranquility made Kushina feel somewhat empty, turning over in bed for two or three hours, she could not find sleep.
"Hmm..."
A muffled grunt echoed within the silent room, and then silence returned; after a minute or two, Kushina finally, with her red hair nearly sticking together from sweat, poked her head out from under the blanket.
Looking left and right, she confirmed she hadn't disturbed Naruto, and then she began to quietly tidy up.
After finishing this task, Kushina unexpectedly felt somewhat weary and sleepy, so she covered herself with the blanket, and soon drifted off to dreamland.
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"Bastard!"
Inside the prison cell of the Hidden Mist Village, which is crowded with ninjas; the one now speaking fiercely is Terumi Mei, she was among the first to be imprisoned, and was the main culprit of last year's incident.
As for the other Hidden Mist Ninjas, they were all companions and confidants of Terumi Mei; as the village's Double Bloodline Jonin, many had their eyes on Terumi Mei's talents, assuming she would likely be the next Mizukage, hence they invested in her early.
Additionally, Terumi Mei had good relationships in the Hidden Mist Village, often taking care of the younger generations.
But now, all ninjas associated with her had been locked up.
"The Fourth Generation Mizukage, this bastard, if it weren't for us, he'd still be controlled and wouldn't know how many stupid things he'd do, and now he..."
Terumi Mei said grudgingly, clenching her fist. After Uchiha Yoichi left, the Fourth Generation Mizukage unexpectedly ordered slander against her, accusing her of colluding with the Konoha Ninja.
Her decision not to engage was correct at that time; facing such destructive power akin to a Tailed Beast, was she supposed to provoke them, allowing Konoha Lightning Fang to wreak havoc in Hidden Mist Village, and then fly away?
"Enough, Terumi Mei, the Fourth Generation Mizukage needed a scapegoat, our only mistake was attempting to shield the Hidden Mist Village at the time. We should have shared that he was being controlled with others."
From the cell across Terumi Mei, Ao spoke up, his charges were even more serious for not safeguarding the Byakugan of the village...
It's laughable, the Byakugan was his war trophy, plus during such circumstances, refusal would have led to his own death and the death of Terumi Mei and everyone else.
Facing Konoha Lightning Fang, without thousands of tens of thousands of ninjas, there was simply no impact.
At that time, they shouldn't have rushed; they should have discussed with the village elders about the matter; they felt the Mizukage was being controlled by a Traitorous Ninja, and all those shameful acts had they spread it would badly hurt Hidden Mist Village, therefore chose to keep silent.
However, Terumi Mei and others didn't expect that once Yagura was rescued, he would turn hostile and even label them as conspirators with Traitorous Ninja.
Terumi Mei said through gritted teeth: "I'm just unwilling to accept it. We clearly saved Hidden Mist Village, and that guy..."
Before she could finish her sentence, footsteps echoed from outside, causing everyone to immediately fall silent, but once they saw who it was, Terumi Mei was surprised: "Marshal?"
"Terumi Mei, you've worked hard this time. If it weren't for you, the Fourth Generation would still be committing ridiculous acts..."
The old voice of Marshal spoke, he had been a member of the Hidden Mist's high echelon since its founding, now over seventy years old.
It was him who endorsed the overthrow of the Third Generation Mizukage; the Third held too much animosity toward Bloodline Ninjas, and the Blood Mist Policy had instilled fear in Hidden Mist Village, the Third was unwilling to change, thus needed to be overthrown.
However, Marshal didn't expect that after Yagura took power, he was controlled again, initiating a blood mist policy even more terrifying than that of the Third Mizukage.
"But you did not do well in cooperating with the Konoha Ninja. Last time at the Mizukage Building, nearly two hundred ninjas died or were injured, most of whom were Yagura's confidants, so he..."
The Marshal shook his head and continued, "You should leave the village. Although I can protect you, Yagura will definitely target you again in the future. Moreover, leaving the village could divert his attention."
After listening to the Marshal, Terumi Mei was stunned for a moment, feeling very unwilling in her heart.
"Elder Marshal, why should Lord Terumi Mei become a traitorous ninja? If it's the Fourth Mizukage's coercion, I am willing to follow Lord Terumi Mei together...."
"Me too, the Fourth Mizukage is just blind, being controlled himself..."
Before chaos could erupt in the cell, the Marshal spoke up, "Silence, someone has to pay the price for the dead ninjas."
If not Terumi Mei, it would be someone else, unless they could persuade Yagura to admit his folly and that he was controlled by the enemy, leading to the restart of the blood mist and other foolish acts.
But that would be a major blow to the reputation of the Hidden Mist Village, and the Land of Water's Daimyo already distrusts the village. If such an incident were to spread.... the village's leadership would not agree.
"... I understand, Marshal, thank you for helping me."
After much consideration, Terumi Mei eventually agreed to the Marshal's proposal. If she didn't leave the village, she could rely on the Marshal to escape the cell this time, but she couldn't depend on him every time. Staying in the Hidden Mist Village, she would eventually be targeted by an enraged Yagura.
"It's good that you understand. You may find achievement outside, and once you leave, I assure you they will all safely leave the cell."
"Thank you, Marshal."
Though unwilling in her heart, Terumi Mei agreed.
After instructing her companions, Terumi Mei left the Hidden Mist Village under the arrangement of the Marshal, unnoticed by anyone.
Seven days after Terumi Mei's departure, Yagura found out about it. He immediately realized it was the Marshal's arrangement. Although furious, he didn't dare to do anything against the eighty-some-year-old Fourth Elder.
In the end, Yagura had no choice but to declare Terumi Mei a traitorous ninja of the Hidden Mist Village. After issuing a wanted notice, he released the ninjas who were close to Terumi Mei; the number was too large, and punishing all of them would surely draw opposition from the other high-levels of the Hidden Mist Village.
Now Yagura was no longer controlled by the Mangekyo Genjutsu, lacking the boldness to act on his whims as before. A rational Yagura still cared about the opinions of the Hidden Mist Village's leadership.
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"Tell them to find construction teams from other great nations, lay the railroad as soon as possible, and have them continue their research. The current speed is too slow; it would be best if they could reach any border of the Land of Fire within half a day...."
Uchiha Yoichi said to Nonou, who was now assisting Mikota with many matters, and as a result, four large orphanages around Konoha were built, funded by the Uchiha Trading Association.
For the Uchiha, it's hard to say whether it was a loss or a gain; in any case, the talents emerging from the orphanage would ultimately serve the Uchiha. Moreover, Nonou had a talent, saving Mikota half a day every day.
Uchiha Yoichi continued, "You will also be in charge of the other routes in the Land of Fire. I will inform the Daimyo's mansion to cooperate with you."
"I understand, My Lord."
Nonou nodded and reported some other matters, and after receiving responses, she took her leave.
Now the Daimyo was controlled by Uchiha Shisui using Kotoamatsukami, and his pupil power was quickly recovering with the Hashirama Cells; next, it was time for the other ministers of the Land of Fire. Once six ministers and the Daimyo were controlled, a merger could be considered.
By then, Konoha should also swallow the Land of Wind, and Pakura's progress was very smooth. Holding the right to allocate resources, she was the hottest figure in the Hidden Sand Village.
Knock knock!
The sound of knocking was heard, and then Yuhi Kurenai opened the door and walked in, followed by three women.
It was the Three Great Snake Princesses from Ryuchi Cave, and this was their first time in Konoha after joining. They were led around Konoha by Yuhi Kurenai, and the three now wore Konoha headbands.
But from the outside, they were no different from other Konoha ninjas.
"Teacher Yoichi, we have returned."
Yuhi Kurenai said, standing obediently beside Uchiha Yoichi; being followed by three snakes that could transform into human shapes, she was still a bit on edge.
"Hmm, thank you for your efforts, Kurenai."
After speaking, Uchiha Yoichi looked at the Three Great Snake Princesses and said to them, "So, have you decided? I can give you some advice as well."