In his mind, the voice of Toad Kiyohara sounded. "Gwah, your speed at accumulating chakra is incredibly fast."
"Well, my total chakra reserves are far greater than those of ordinary shinobi," Kiyohara replied.
If Naruto had Sakura's level of chakra control, his training speed for the Yin Seal would absolutely surpass hers.
The greater the amount of chakra one possessed, the more chakra could be stored each day into the reservoir that was the Yin Seal.
"Tsk tsk, it seems you've inherited quite a bit from the other versions of us."
The spiritual form of Toad Kiyohara shifted its posture within his mind, glancing at the pile of urns stacked beside his own.
"So when are you going to the Land of the Sea?"
Toad Kiyohara was also curious. If Kiyohara truly inherited his bloodline or chakra, what kind of transformation would occur?
"After returning to the village, I'll find a way to submit an application," Kiyohara answered.
Moreover, there were many summoning beasts on Summoning Island. At that time, he could see whether it was possible to contract with a flying summoning beast.
Although he himself could fly, it still consumed chakra.
If he had a summoning beast capable of flight, he could conserve a portion of his chakra.
When Kiyohara stepped out of the room, the members of the Akatsuki organization were bustling with activity. The wounded were being carried into hastily constructed medical tents, shinobi tools and supplies were being recounted, and defensive fortifications were undergoing repairs.
Yahiko stood among the crowd, issuing commands, while Konan assisted with transportation using her paper techniques.
Nagato had been placed in the deepest part of the base, attended by two medical-nin.
Kiyohara had gone to see him. His cheeks were sunken, his body frighteningly thin. Kiyohara guessed that Nagato could only return to his original condition by devouring a large amount of chakra, just like when he used the Preta Path to absorb the tailed beast chakra from Killer B, instantly restoring himself from a withered state back to normal.
"There are quite a lot of people," Toad Kiyohara remarked.
"Indeed."
Kiyohara looked ahead and noticed several unfamiliar faces.
They seemed to have joined Akatsuki just today.
After thinking about it for a moment, Kiyohara found it completely normal.
The current Akatsuki had just directly repelled Hanzo. For a time, their reputation was unparalleled, like the sun at its zenith.
It was only natural that many previously hesitant forces or independent shinobi would choose to join.
"I wonder if fragments of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path could be used to forge shinobi tools," Kiyohara mused.
As the enemies he faced grew stronger, the shinobi blade he carried was already beginning to fall behind.
Chakra metal was like rare earth elements, a general term for a category of metals.
In other words, even among chakra metals, there were clear hierarchies and differences in quality.
The chakra metal Kiyohara originally possessed could only be considered lower to mid-tier.
But now that Kiyohara had acquired the method of gold dust, he could attempt to amass sufficient funds and exchange them for rarer and more valuable chakra metals.
He might even obtain a weapon from the Kusanagi sword series.
"That might be possible," Toad Kiyohara said.
"Madara's Gunbai was a shinobi tool made from the branches of the God Tree, capable of reflecting all ninjutsu."
"The Demonic Statue of the Outer Path is, in theory, also a kind of God Tree branch, though its state is somewhat different."
The relationship between the God Tree, the Ten-Tails, and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path was extremely subtle. In essence, they were the same existence, merely different manifestations.
"I remember that Takigakure should still have a branch of the God Tree," Kiyohara thought to himself.
Every hundred years, within Takigakure, a massive ancient tree would produce a certain liquid.
The shinobi of Takigakure collected this liquid and named it the Hero Water.
It was said that drinking it could increase one's chakra reserves tenfold, a terrifying effect.
This was also one of the reasons why a small village like Takigakure could possess a tailed beast.
"We can check it out in the future," Toad Kiyohara said.
While the man and the toad communicated mentally, footsteps sounded from behind Kiyohara.
"Kiyohara."
Yahiko's voice rang out.
Kiyohara turned around.
The orange-haired young man walked to his side, and the two stood shoulder to shoulder. The rain had lessened, though the sky remained overcast.
"You're leaving today?" Yahiko asked.
"Lady Tsunade has already received orders from the Hokage. Our mission is complete, and we are to return to Konoha."
Kiyohara paused briefly before continuing, "Akatsuki has now established a firm foothold. Hanzo will not launch another large-scale attack in the short term. Konoha will send medical supplies and basic shinobi tools, and will formally recognize you as a legitimate political organization of the Land of Rain."
Yahiko fell silent for a moment.
Rainwater slid down his sharply defined face. In just a few days, this young leader seemed to have matured considerably.
"Please convey my thanks to Lady Tsunade… and thank you as well."
Yahiko spoke solemnly.
"If not for you, Akatsuki might no longer exist as of yesterday."
Kiyohara gave a slight nod.
In a sense, Yahiko was correct.
If events had followed their original trajectory, Akatsuki would indeed have ceased to exist.
The Akatsuki later led by Nagato not only changed in ideology and membership, but even its uniform changed.
It transformed from a neutral mercenary organization into a transnational group composed of S-rank missing nins.
"But you are strong as well," Kiyohara said.
Yahiko gave a wry smile. "Without Lady Tsunade's Katsuyu helping to treat the wounded, we don't even know how many casualties we would have suffered. By the way, as a shinobi of Konoha, how do you view an organization like ours? Do you truly believe we can change this country through peaceful means?"
The question was direct.
Kiyohara thought for a moment before answering slowly, "I believe in the possibility. Throughout the history of the shinobi world, peace has never been achieved by a single person or a single organization, but rather by countless individuals striving toward the same direction. What you are doing at least offers the Land of Rain another choice."
He paused before continuing, "But Yahiko, you must also be prepared. The path of peace is often more difficult than war. Hanzo is only the first enemy. There will be more in the future, pressures from great nations, betrayals from within, and conflicts between ideals and reality."
Kiyohara spoke tactfully.
To be honest, Nagato and Yahiko held fundamentally different ideals.
Although he had changed the outcome this time and allowed Yahiko to survive, Black Zetsu and Obito would certainly continue to manipulate Nagato.
Whether Nagato could resist that temptation remained uncertain.
After all, Kiyohara did not possess Naruto's almost miraculous power of persuasion.
A brief silence fell between them.
In the distance, Konan's voice called out to Yahiko. Decisions regarding the wounded required his attention.
"You should go," Kiyohara said. "I hope that when we meet again, the Land of Rain will already be different."
Yahiko extended his hand, and the two clasped firmly.
"It will be," he said.
At ten in the morning, Tsunade's group prepared to depart.
The members of Akatsuki gathered spontaneously at the base entrance to see them off.
Many of them were still injured, wrapped in bandages, but their eyes were filled with respect.
Konan stepped forward and handed Kiyohara a paper crane. "This is made from specially treated paper. It contains a trace of my chakra. If you need to contact me in the future, just channel chakra into it, and it will carry a message to me."
Kiyohara accepted the crane. It was remarkably light. "Thank you."
Meanwhile, Shizune and Kurenai were exchanging knowledge with Akatsuki's medical-nin.
Shizune wrote down several simple antidote formulas, while Kurenai shared a few genjutsu techniques suited to the environment of the Land of Rain.
Tsunade stood at the forefront. As she looked at Kiyohara, for a fleeting moment, she seemed to see her younger self, Nawaki, and Dan.
"Lady Tsunade," Yahiko stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Akatsuki will never forget Konoha's assistance."
Tsunade waved her hand. "Stand up. True peace is not maintained through gratitude, but through strength and wisdom. Develop well and live well. Jiraiya will be pleased too."
"Yes."
Yahiko nodded.
After their final farewells, the four turned and left.
In the curtain of rain, their figures gradually blurred, eventually disappearing around a bend in the mountain path.
The members of Akatsuki remained standing for a long time.
"Big brother… can we really succeed?" Yataro asked quietly.
Yahiko gazed at the distant mountains, rain soaking his hair and shoulders.
"I don't know," Yahiko said.
"But we will do everything we can to try. That is the meaning of our existence."
The journey back to Konoha took several days.
Along the way, the atmosphere was relatively relaxed. Far removed from the bloodshed and tension of the battlefield, Kurenai and Shizune became much more talkative. The two girls discussed what they wanted to do after returning to the village.
Soaking in hot springs, going shopping, and having a proper, satisfying meal.
At last, the gates of Konoha came into view.
Passing through the heavy gates, the familiar streets, shops, and the voices of passersby rushed toward them.
"We're finally back," Shizune let out a long breath.
Kurenai looked at the dango shop on the street corner, her eyes lighting up. "I really want to eat tri-colored dango."
Tsunade rolled her shoulders. "First we go to the Hokage's building to report the mission, then tonight we'll all come to my place for dinner."
"Sensei, aren't you going to help?" Kiyohara asked.
He had already noticed that Tsunade was indeed quite lazy. Ever since he had moved into her house, he had been the one cooking most of the time.
Tsunade's reasoning was simple, his cooking tasted better.
"Ahem, Kiyohara, Shizune will help you," Tsunade said, first a bit guilty, then completely self righteous.
"Isn't it only natural for a disciple to show filial respect to their teacher? Besides, the more people there are, the livelier it will be."
Kurenai's face flushed slightly. "Alright… thank you for the invitation, Lady Tsunade."
Shizune covered her mouth and laughed softly.
At the Hokage building, inside the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen sat behind a large desk, his pipe releasing thin trails of white smoke.
"I've already read your mission report," he said, placing the scroll in his hand aside as his gaze swept across the four of them.
"You did very well. It exceeded expectations."
"Old man, you can skip the pleasantries," Tsunade said as she casually sat down.
"So where are the rewards? My disciple has rendered great service."
Hiruzen smiled bitterly. "I knew you would say that."
He took out three scrolls from the drawer.
The first was handed to Shizune. "Shizune, your proficiency in medical ninjutsu and poisons has already reached the level of a Tokubetsu Jonin. From today onward, you are officially promoted to Tokubetsu Jonin. This is your appointment letter and your new headband."
Shizune accepted it with both hands, surprised and excited. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
The second scroll was handed to Kurenai. "Kurenai, your talent in genjutsu and your overall combat ability have reached the standard of a Jonin. Although you are still young, during wartime, exceptional promotion is necessary. You are hereby promoted to Jonin. This is your appointment letter."
Kurenai took a deep breath and accepted it solemnly. "I will not fail the Hokage's trust."
Finally, Hiruzen looked toward Kiyohara.
Tsunade straightened up, while Shizune and Kurenai also held their breath. Everyone knew that Kiyohara had shone the brightest during this mission, and his reward was the most anticipated.
Hiruzen did not immediately take out a scroll. Instead, he pondered for a moment.
"Kiyohara," he began slowly.
"Money, rank, ordinary jutsu, these things do not hold much meaning for you. The strength you displayed in the Land of Rain has already surpassed that of an ordinary Jonin."
Not at all.
Kiyohara very much wanted to say that.
Promotion and wealth were exactly what he wanted.
However, saying so would not fit the image of a bearer of the Will of Fire.
"So, I have decided to give you this."
Hiruzen took out a scroll from his robes. The seal at its opening bore the exclusive mark of the Hokage.
"This is a ninjutsu I created myself, the Five Release: Great Combo Technique."
Tsunade's eyes widened slightly.
The Five Release: Great Combo Technique was one of Hiruzen's signature jutsu. It required mastery of all five chakra nature transformations simultaneously. Its difficulty was extremely high, but its power was astonishing.
"Old man, you're being quite generous," Tsunade said.
There was not much surprise in her tone, as if she had already expected it.
Kiyohara accepted the scroll with both hands. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"Wait," Tsunade suddenly spoke.
"Just one jutsu? My disciple nearly killed Hanzo and helped Konoha establish such an important strategic position in the Land of Rain. Old man, can you stop being so stingy?"
Hiruzen's expression stiffened slightly. "Tsunade, you…"
"What about me?" Tsunade crossed her arms.
"What Kiyohara lacks right now is systematic guidance and top tier techniques. Your Five Release: Great Combo Technique is good, but the time required to learn it is far greater than that of ordinary ninjutsu. Give him something more practical as well."
The office fell into silence.
Shizune and Kurenai lowered their heads, trying to suppress their laughter. Kiyohara looked at his teacher, this kind of bargaining scene that resembled a marketplace could only be pulled off by Tsunade.
However, he liked it.
If possible, he would gladly take a dozen more teachers like her.
Hiruzen rubbed his temples and let out a sigh. "Alright, alright. Kiyohara, in addition to the Five Release: Great Combo Technique, I will give you one more jutsu."
He took out a smaller scroll from the drawer. "This is the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. For ordinary people, it is a forbidden technique, but for someone like you with considerable chakra reserves, its limitations are much smaller."
This time, Kiyohara was genuinely surprised.
The Shadow Clone Technique was a B rank ninjutsu, but its advanced version, the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, was an A rank ninjutsu.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!" Kiyohara said quickly.
Hiruzen waved his hand. "That's enough. Go on. Train well. The future of Konoha depends on young people like you."
The four of them left the office.
In the corridor, Tsunade smugly patted Kiyohara on the shoulder. "Well? I got you something extra, didn't I?"
"Sensei is wise," Kiyohara replied smoothly.
Shizune laughed. "Lady Tsunade only bargains with the Hokage at times like this."
"Of course. That old man is stingy. If you don't push him a little, he'll hide all the good stuff," Tsunade said as she stretched her body.
"Come on, let's go to my place."
On Konoha's streets, the sun had already set, and streetlights gradually lit up one by one.
Kiyohara parted from the group and went to the market first to buy ingredients. He knew everyone's tastes.
Tsunade liked tender chicken dishes and sake. Shizune preferred light rice based meals. Kurenai loved octopus, and Tonton needed specially prepared pet food.
As for himself, he did not particularly mind, but if he was going to cook, he might as well make it a feast.
The vendors at the market greeted him warmly when they saw him.
"Kiyohara, you're back from your mission? Today's saury is very fresh!"
"Would you like some newly arrived matsutake mushrooms? They're perfect for soup."
"These eggplants are homegrown, I'll give you a good price."
Kiyohara had always been well liked in the village.
He responded politely while carefully selecting ingredients. In his mind, he was already planning the menu. The tender chicken could be prepared both as salt grilled and as a stew. The octopus could be made into sashimi and charcoal grilled. The vegetables would be stir fried and served cold in different dishes. Then a pot of high quality rice, along with a miso soup.
Meanwhile, Tsunade and the others returned home first.
"I'm back," Tsunade called out lazily as she pushed the door open, kicked off her shoes, and walked inside.
The pale soles of her feet flashed briefly in the air.
"Tonton, put on the hot water. I want to take a bath. Kurenai, make yourself at home, don't be shy."
Kurenai walked into the living room with a hint of restraint.
Shizune skillfully set down her luggage, then carried Tonton into the kitchen to prepare its dinner.
The little pink piglet squealed excitedly, jumping down and circling around Shizune's feet.
At this moment, Kiyohara also returned. His body flicker speed was extremely fast, so he had not spent much time.
From outside the kitchen came the sound of Tsunade entering the bathroom and closing the door, followed by the sound of running water.
After feeding Tonton, Shizune came to the living room as well and began chatting with Kurenai. The two girls spoke softly, their voices occasionally mixed with light laughter.
Kiyohara focused on handling the ingredients.
He rubbed the tender chicken with salt and spices and placed it into the oven. The octopus was cleaned thoroughly, with part of it sliced and arranged neatly on a plate.
Inside the bathroom, steam filled the air.
Tsunade immersed her entire body into the bathtub. The warm water wrapped around her skin, making her let out a comfortable sigh.
The fatigue from days of traveling slowly melted away in the heat.
She closed her eyes, yet scenes from the Land of Rain unconsciously surfaced in her mind.
Especially Kiyohara's performance.
"So young…"
Tsunade murmured to herself.
At that age, most shinobi were still struggling at the Chunin level. The more talented ones might reach Tokubetsu Jonin.
Yet Kiyohara was already capable of directly confronting a veteran powerhouse like Hanzo. Even if it had been a group effort, that level of strength was undeniable.
As a teacher, Tsunade felt proud, but there was also a trace of complicated emotion.
Rapid growth was often accompanied by enormous risk.
In the history of the shinobi world, how many geniuses had shone brilliantly only to fall suddenly?
Tsunade lifted her arm out of the water, watching droplets slide down along its curves.
Her skin remained firm and smooth, thanks to medical ninjutsu and the Yin Seal preserving her appearance. Time seemed to have halted its marks upon her.
"Birthday gift…"
Tsunade suddenly remembered.
She pressed her forehead in mild frustration. She had never been good at giving gifts. In the past, for Nawaki and Dan's birthdays, she would either ask them directly what they wanted or simply give money.
After thinking for a while, Tsunade stood up.
Water flowed down along the contours of her body, splashing and creating ripples across the surface of the bath.
She picked up a towel and wrapped it around herself, stepping out of the bathroom barefoot. In the mist, her figure appeared faintly visible, her long hair damp and draped over her shoulders, a few strands clinging to her cheeks.
After drying herself, she changed into loose clothing and walked toward the kitchen while rubbing her hair with a towel.
"It smells amazing."
She leaned against the doorframe, watching Kiyohara's busy figure.
Kiyohara wore a dark blue apron, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing well defined forearms.
"It'll be ready soon. Sensei, go wait in the living room," Kiyohara said without turning around.
"Let me see what you've made."
Tsunade stepped closer, leaning over his shoulder to look into the pot. It was tender chicken stewed with mushrooms, the broth rich and fragrant.
Her breath brushed lightly against Kiyohara's ear, carrying the warmth and moisture from her bath.
Kiyohara noticed that Tsunade was not wearing any padding, and faint outlines could even be seen.
"There's one more soup, and the charcoal grilled octopus is almost done," Kiyohara said.
"Sensei, I'll help you dry your hair later."
"Got it."
Tsunade responded, but did not move. Instead, she reached over and picked up a piece of freshly roasted chicken from a nearby plate.
"Mmm… delicious. The heat is just right, crispy on the outside and tender inside."
Kiyohara sighed helplessly. "That was meant for plating."
"Tasting before plating is also part of a chef's duty."
Tsunade spoke without any guilt, grabbing another piece before finally leaving the kitchen, satisfied.
Kiyohara shook his head and continued his work.
Twenty minutes later, dinner was ready.
The low table in the dining area was filled with dishes.
"Wow…"
Kurenai's eyes sparkled.
"They all look so delicious."
Shizune had already set the bowls and chopsticks. "Kiyohara, you worked hard making so much."
"It's nothing. Everyone, have a seat."
Kiyohara removed his apron and sat down across from Tsunade.
Tsunade picked up a sake flask and poured herself a cup, then looked at Kiyohara. "Do you want some too?"
"I'm not of age yet, Sensei."
"Again with that. How boring."
Tsunade drank on her own, then picked up a slice of octopus sashimi.
"Let's eat."
"Let's eat," the others echoed.
Shizune praised the vegetables for being cooked perfectly. Kurenai was full of compliments for the octopus. Even Tonton ate enthusiastically from its small bowl.
At the same time, in Sunagakure.
The night wind carried sand that struck the windows with a rustling sound.
Inside the high level conference room of Sunagakure, the lights were bright, and the atmosphere was heavy.
More than a dozen high ranking shinobi and advisors sat on both sides of a long table. At the head sat Chiyo, acting as the Kazekage.
The veteran shinobi wore a serious expression.
"Everyone has read the intelligence sent back from Konoha."
Chiyo spoke.
"The incident in the Land of Rain, Hanzo of the Salamander was repelled by the Akatsuki organization working together with a Konoha squad. Among them, the Konoha shinobi Kiyohara performed exceptionally."
The intelligence scroll spread across the table recorded the details of the battle, including Kiyohara's use of Sage Mode, his resistance against Hanzo's iaijutsu strike, and his large scale gold dust techniques.
"This growth rate is terrifying."
"Even more terrifying is that he captured Pakura."
Another person spoke coldly.
"Pakura of the Scorch Release is now imprisoned in Konoha. It is a massive blow to our morale."
In a corner of the meeting room, a young Sunagakure shinobi clenched her fists tightly.
It was Pakura's disciple, Maki, a sixteen year old girl with short light brown hair.
When Kiyohara's name was mentioned, a flash of anger crossed her delicate face, which resembled Rin.
That bastard was the one who captured her teacher.
That detestable Konoha shinobi.
Maki closed her eyes, forcibly suppressing the anger in her heart. She knew now was not the time to act impulsively.
"We should form a delegation to go to Konoha," Chiyo said.
This was also the intention of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, though he was not present, currently stationed at the Kiri front line.
"I will personally lead the team. The members will include diplomatic advisors, Jonin guards, and…"
Her gaze fell on Maki.
"Maki, you will go as well."
Maki looked up. "Me?"
"You are Pakura's disciple."
"I understand, Lady Chiyo."
Maki nodded.
Meanwhile, in Konoha, within the Root base.
Deep underground, the chamber was cold and damp. The only light came from several lamps on the walls.
These lights stretched Shimura Danzo's shadow long and distorted across the stone walls.
As soon as he returned, he received the news. Hiruzen Sarutobi had ordered that starting next quarter, Root's funding would be reduced by twenty percent.
Bang.
The teacup in his hand was crushed to pieces. Scalding tea mixed with blood dripped through his fingers, yet Danzo's face remained expressionless, as if he felt no pain.
"Hiruzen…"
Danzo burned with anger.
A reduction in funding was both a warning and a punishment.
Because of his unauthorized actions in the Land of Rain, because his plan had failed, because that brat Kiyohara's performance had been too dazzling, making Root's incompetence stand out in contrast.
Danzo closed his eyes, and Kiyohara's face appeared in his mind.
That Uchiha brat had refused his recruitment from the very beginning, and later repeatedly disrupted his plans.
Attacking the Root training base, protecting Uchiha Shisui, and now shining brilliantly in the Land of Rain.
"The inherently evil Uchiha bloodline…"
Danzo muttered.
"It must be controlled, or eliminated."
But the current Kiyohara was no longer a mere Genin who could be easily manipulated.
Behind him stood Tsunade, the attention of Konoha's upper echelons, and even Hiruzen himself favored him.
Acting openly would be too risky.
"Kinoe," Danzo called.
A masked shinobi stepped forward and knelt on one knee.
"How is your Wood Release jutsu training today?" Danzo asked.
Kinoe was the only surviving subject from the Wood Release experiments.
Although he possessed the power of Wood Release, compared to the First Hokage, the difference was vast.
Even so, Danzo placed great hopes on him.
If he could control the power of Wood Release, no one would dare object when selecting the next Hokage.
Moreover, this power would surpass the Sharingan.
Over the next two days, Kiyohara devoted himself to training.
In the mornings, he followed Tsunade to learn advanced medical ninjutsu and complex surgical techniques.
The afternoons were for independent training.
Kiyohara went to a training ground on the outskirts of Konoha. It was far from residential areas, making it suitable for practicing high power ninjutsu.
He first practiced the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, able to create a considerable number of shadow clones at once.
When the clones were dispelled, their memories and experiences would flood back into the original body.
Of course, if the amount of information was too great, it could cause temporary dizziness or even headaches.
Even so, Kiyohara's training speed increased significantly.
In addition, he continued practicing the Five Release: Great Combo Technique.
This technique was essentially five techniques combined, a composite ninjutsu that fused five different chakra nature transformations.
By creating four shadow clones and having them act together with the original body, they could simultaneously release wind, lightning, fire, water, and earth techniques from their mouths.
Therefore, this move was highly suitable as a wide range clearing technique, capable of taking down a large number of enemies at once.
Kiyohara first created three shadow clones, each releasing a different elemental technique at the same time.
Boom!
The massive rock in front of him shattered instantly.
(End of Chapter)