Noon.
A blonde girl sprinted through the streets of Konohagakure, with a red-haired elder in hot pursuit. The chase ended swiftly—the girl was caught.
"Tsunade, go home!"
"I'll teach you ninjutsu!"
Mito Uzumaki made a practical choice. Compared to confronting Uchiha Ren, it was much easier to just drag Tsunade back.
"Grandma, don't pull my ear—it hurts…"
Mito wasn't actually using much force, but Tsunade knew the trick—act pitiful when she's angry.
"Hmph. Now you know it hurts. Come on—home. You're not going to see that Uchiha boy!"
Mito grabbed her arm and started dragging her away, muttering all the while.
"The more handsome the man, the better he lies. Stay around him long enough, and you'll end up After being cheated, I helped him count the money.
"Grandma! The Hokage is a good person!"
Tsunade struggled, but couldn't break free.
"And you even taught Yōgetsu gambling? I haven't settled that with you yet. Your allowance is getting cut!"
Elsewhere.
Ren slowed his pace after confirming Mito wasn't chasing him.
No point rushing after a meal.
Afternoon—
Was reserved for Sage Mode training.
Recently, his progress had been steady. Yellow markings had begun to appear around his eyes.
He was already entering the initial stage of Sage Mode.
Fast.
Even Fukasaku had praised his talent.
Of course, compared to Hashirama Senju—
Clap hands, instant Sage Mode—
That was another level entirely.
Still, as a descendant of the Sage of Six Paths, his talent was unquestionable.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya was still sitting cross-legged, learning to sense natural energy.
A long road ahead.
At the Hokage building.
Two visitors sat uneasily:
A samurai from the Land of IronA shinobi from Amegakure
Both were stunned.
Wasn't Konoha supposed to be weakened after the war?
Then what was this?
Prosperity.
Order.
Explosive growth.
The samurai remained calm—his country had never relied on shinobi anyway.
But the Amegakure envoy?
Uneasy.
Because his village had ambitions.
Hanzō had risen in chaos.
Through strength.
Through blood.
Through vision.
He unified the Land of Rain.
Crushed internal enemies.
Stabilized the nation.
And now—
He aimed higher.
To build the sixth great shinobi village.
So far—
Everything had gone smoothly.
Until today.
Seeing Konoha—
The envoy realized something terrifying.
This wasn't a weakened giant.
This was a fully recovered monster.
Rain could not compete.
Not yet.
"Envoy of the Land of Iron, come with me."
Nara Shikaku led him into a private office.
After brief pleasantries—
A "gift" was exchanged.
Shikaku weighed it.
Smiled.
Understood.
"Tea is good. Very good."
They shared a knowing look.
Now—
Business.
"Please, Konoha must save us!"
The envoy's voice trembled.
"Rain Village has invaded us!"
"Konoha… values peace," Shikaku replied slowly.
"But we've just ended a war. Our finances are strained. Our forces depleted…"
"…Konoha is… in decline."
The envoy stared at him.
Decline?
This?
But he understood.
They wanted more.
"Of course… we understand Konoha's difficulties."
"We are willing to pay."
Good.
Shikaku produced a contract.
Resources.
Trade rights.
Tax concessions.
Economic integration.
The terms were harsh.
Very harsh.
The envoy's face turned pale.
This was practically selling the country.
But—
If they refused?
Rain would take everything.
Including lives.
"If you sign, Konoha will act."
"If not… you'll lose far more."
Silence.
"…Can you guarantee Rain will retreat?"
Shikaku opened the window.
The view of Konoha's prosperity filled the room.
"…You tell me."
"…I understand."
The envoy signed.
Defeated.
Moments later—
The Amegakure envoy entered.
Shikaku's expression turned cold.
"Does Rain Village intend to go to war with Konoha?"
The pressure was immediate.
Overwhelming.
"N-No! There must be some misunderstanding!"
"Land of Iron is Konoha's neighbor. We will not tolerate aggression."
"Misunderstanding! Completely!"
The envoy forced a smile.
Inside—
His thoughts were clear.
Cancel the raids.
Lie low.
Develop.
Konoha—
Was untouchable.
For now.
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