Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, late autumn had arrived, and another year was nearing its end.
Konoha continued to develop steadily, growing more prosperous by the day.
Uchiha Ren spent his time in the Hokage's office "working," occasionally slipping out to multitask his schedule with Shadow Clones.
Tsunade had clearly entered a new stage of growth. Whenever she threw herself at him, there was a distinct softness, though she sometimes used too much force. Ren even worried that one of his clones might be knocked into smoke on the spot, which would be truly embarrassing.
His real body, however, always accompanied Uchiha Hikari. With her Sharingan, he didn't dare gamble on whether his clones could deceive her. Yet every time he went on a date with her, he could feel a subtle sense of being watched.
And that gaze didn't just belong to Black Zetsu.
It also came from Uchiha Madara.
That old man had no shame at all.
At times, Ren even considered confronting him directly and exposing his poor disguise. Every day, Madara lingered in Konoha's park, chatting loudly with retired elders about the history of the shinobi world, shouting about how the Uchiha's Sharingan was invincible—yet stubbornly refusing to admit he was an Uchiha.
With that arrogant tone, that unmistakable hairstyle, and that signature laugh—
Who would believe he wasn't an Uchiha?
Recently, he had even started spending time around Uchiha Hikari. Uchiha Tomita had quietly approached Ren to ask whether this old man had been brought back by him from somewhere, suggesting they might as well acknowledge him into the clan. Otherwise, people might start thinking the Uchiha neglected their elders.
Ren could only cover for Madara and let him do as he pleased in Konoha—as long as he didn't cause trouble.
But spying on his dates?
That crossed the line.
For a moment, Ren considered reanimating Senju Hashirama to divert Madara's attention. As Madara's natural counter, all Hashirama would need to do was wave a hand, and Madara would be completely captivated, leaving Hikari alone and no longer spouting his ridiculous "romance theories."
However, Ren quickly dismissed the idea.
If Hashirama and Madara met, it would be like lightning striking fire. No one could predict what would happen.
Better to leave things as they were. Disrupting Konoha's current peace on a whim simply wasn't worth it.
In the Hokage's office, Nara Shikaku handed over a document.
"Hokage-sama, this is the proposal for the academy graduates' team assignments, instructor allocations, and the internship plans for functional-track students in the first half of next year."
Ren read through it carefully from beginning to end.
There was nothing unusual about the combat-track students. They would continue under the training system originally designed by Senju Tobirama.
The only adjustment was Ren implementing a policy ahead of schedule—one that Tsunade would later advocate in canon. From the academy onward, medical-nin training was being actively promoted, aiming to ensure that each three-man squad would eventually include a medical-nin.
Of course, this ideal was still far from reality.
The threshold for becoming a medical-nin was extremely high. Not only did it require mastering medical ninjutsu, but also an extensive foundation of medical knowledge.
As things stood, only elite teams qualified to have a medical-nin assigned.
The functional-track shinobi were the core of Ren's reforms.
Shikaku understood this perfectly. As Ren's most trusted aide, he could not afford to let this initiative fail. He had led his team through countless sleepless nights drafting the plan, even conducting on-site research across Konoha's various companies.
"Proceed with this plan," Ren said, smiling in satisfaction.
The structure resembled a guaranteed job assignment system. Upon graduation, students would be placed directly into Konoha's enterprises, which were in desperate need of talent.
Even the weakest academy graduate had already been screened—at minimum possessing the abilities of a Genin. They were literate, capable of using ninjutsu, and far exceeded the average civilian in overall quality.
These were precisely the kind of people Konoha's industries needed.
"Hokage-sama," Shikaku continued, "the first batch of exchange students from Sunagakure is nearing the end of their program. According to the agreement, the exchange lasts only two years. After graduation next year, they will return."
"Time flies," Ren said. "How are they doing?"
"A portion of them have requested to extend their studies. According to ANBU reports, some groups have been criticizing Sunagakure's system—calling it backward, harsh, and exploitative."
Ren wasn't surprised.
Sunagakure's harsh environment naturally produced a brutal education system—one focused solely on turning students into tools as quickly as possible.
But after experiencing Konoha's system—its education, its living conditions—
The contrast was unbearable.
If one had never seen the light, they could endure the darkness.
But once they had—
There was no going back.
Ren's ideological education had played no small role either. Many of these students had begun to question the very foundation of their upbringing.
"Anything else?"
"One student, name: Tu Sha. Ordinary background. Mother deceased, father died on a mission last year. He privately approached the Education Department, subtly expressing a desire to join Konoha."
"Sharp instincts," Ren said, though he shook his head. "Unfortunately, we can't accept him."
"But we can maintain contact. If necessary…"
"I've already arranged it," Shikaku replied.
Ren smiled.
He was looking forward to what would happen once these students returned to Sunagakure—especially those from influential families.
"Let's hope they bring true 'freedom' to Sunagakure," Ren said sincerely.
Shikaku silently mourned for them.
"Hokage-sama… what about the Uzumaki students? Should they return to Uzushiogakure after graduation as well?"
Ren tapped his fingers against the desk, thinking.
"…Have there been any cases of early romance among them?"
"…Romance?" Shikaku blinked.
He didn't understand why Ren cared about such a thing.
Students dating wasn't unusual at all. Some even got married right after graduation.
"…Probably?" he answered vaguely.
"That won't do," Ren said seriously.
Shikaku twitched.
Soon, Ren gathered the Uzumaki students and their accompanying guardians.
"Children," he began warmly, "next year, you'll graduate and become full-fledged adults. You'll return to your homeland—Uzushiogakure."
Their expressions changed immediately.
They had grown accustomed to life in Konoha.
Returning… was not something they wanted.
After some pleasantries, Ren shifted the topic.
"How many of you are currently in relationships? Raise your hands if you're single."
Only a small number raised their hands.
Even Ren was surprised.
The power of youthful emotions was truly impressive.
Most of them were already in relationships.
Good.
Very good.
As he probed further, it became clear—
Many of their partners were from Konoha.
Uchiha.
Senju.
Civilian shinobi.
About one-third of them had relationships tied directly to Konoha.
Ren smiled.
"Then when you return… won't you be in a long-distance relationship?"
That hit directly where it hurt.
Separation.
Uncertainty.
Fear.
"What if someone else steps in?"
"What if things fall apart?"
"Hokage-sama… can I stay in Konoha another year?"
A red-haired girl burst into tears.
"I don't want to be separated from Uchiha Nohara…"
Ren handed her a handkerchief.
Uchiha Nohara.
Well done.
Your clan leader approves.
Ren had long encouraged intermarriage within the Uchiha clan—especially with other major clans like Senju, Uzumaki, and Hyūga.
He even provided subsidies.
Dating allowances.
Financial support.
Because nothing encourages relationships more effectively than money.
"Don't worry," Ren said gently. "I'll personally negotiate this for you."
"You two are a perfect match."
"Live well together—that's what matters most."
The girl blushed through her tears.
"Hokage-sama… you're such a good person…"
More followed.
"My partner is also from the Uchiha—"
"No problem."
"Mine is from the Senju—"
"I'll handle it."
One after another—
Ren made promises.
There was no reason to stay?
Then he would create one.
Marriage.
Family.
Integration.
"Don't worry," Ren concluded. "Konoha has special policies for the Uzumaki."
"If an Uzumaki marries into a Konoha bloodline clan—"
"They'll receive a house."
"A wedding grant."
"And child support after birth."
He raised his voice slightly.
"Konoha and the Uzumaki Clan have always been allies."
"The next generation must lead by example."
"Strengthen that bond."
Applause filled the room.
The Uzumaki were moved.
Konoha—
Truly was their greatest ally.
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