After all, no one guards against the dead.
After thoroughly deceiving his son, Ashina dropped his stern demeanor and began to ask about the affairs of the nation. Hearing that everything in the Land of Whirlpools was currently running smoothly, Ashina felt very happy and relieved. It seemed his sons were still somewhat useful. He hoped the Land of Whirlpools would remain this way in the future and continue to exist forever. With Konoha Village and the Hokage's presence, that wish shouldn't be too difficult.
Today, Konoha Village welcomed distinguished guests from various countries across the Ninja World, making it truly bustling—even more lively than the Five Kage Summit.
In the afternoon, the guests began wandering through the streets and alleys of Konoha Village. Torifu wasn't worried about them harboring any malicious intentions. He was only worried they wouldn't be tough enough to handle a fight.
The current Ninja World was such that Konoha Village's strength had virtually no equal. Just the number of Kage-level individuals alone was more than one hand could count, not to mention Torifu, the strongest in the Ninja World. He alone could easily defeat all the Kage-level Ninja from the other three villages. It wouldn't even require much effort; he could finish them off in less than half an hour. This was a gap in sheer power.
However, Torifu had not yet broken through to the Six Paths level, so he wasn't truly invincible. After all, the true enemies of the Ninja World, the Ōtsutsuki, were almost all at the Six Paths level. The weakest among them was at least on par with Torifu's current strength. He still needed to continue striving.
Representatives from various villages began strolling through Konoha Village, with some Kage even coming out personally to wander around and chat with the villagers. It looked extremely harmonious. But their actions were merely an attempt to leave a good impression on the Hokage, so that when new electronics were developed, they would be prioritized for cooperation. The first batch of electronics shipped back to their villages sold quickly and became extremely popular nationwide. The nobles in the Royal Capital were practically in a frenzy to buy them. Sunagakure and Iwagakure had made a fortune.
When the Kazekage and the Tsuchikage heard the Konoha Village guides say that new electronics were already in development, the abacus in their minds began to clatter.
However, the final authority on all of this rested with Torifu. He didn't want to complicate matters and preferred to give an equal quota to every village, eliminating the need for competition. But the Tsuchikage and Kazekage were naturally a little reluctant. With the arrival of people from Kirigakure and the Land of Iron, they too were certainly aiming for cooperation. If the new partners were included, the share allocated to the existing allies might be reduced. This was something they didn't want to see, especially since they had only just begun to enjoy the profits.
Their performance this afternoon was a success. The Mizukage and Ichiryu hadn't even had time to react yet, but the Tsuchikage and Kazekage had already established a friendly reputation within Konoha Village. They had done everything they needed to; the rest depended on the Hokage's decision during the talks after the wedding.
In the Kumotsuru Clan compound, Torifu and Kakuzu were sitting in the pavilion drinking tea. Minato, Yahiko, and Konan sat on wooden seats on either side of the pavilion. Even Amado was there, leaning against a support pillar, listening to the two men talk.
Kakuzu felt a little dazed. "You're all grown up. In the blink of an eye, almost twenty years have passed."
Amado smiled gently. "Yes, Uncle. But you haven't changed at all. You look just like you did back then." Amado's parents had died, and Kakuzu had given him a ray of hope. He thought simply surviving would be enough, but instead, he had entered paradise and begun a new, happy life. He had always kept Kakuzu's kindness in his heart. Hearing that Kakuzu had arrived, he immediately got out of bed!
"I never thought the little boy who loved playing with wood would now become a famous inventor throughout the Ninja World. Even I use your inventions every day. It seems my judgment was quite good, Leader."
Torifu laughed heartily. "It is. Without you, I wouldn't have so many younger brothers and disciples."
When these children were picked up by Kakuzu, they were all so destitute and helpless, their bodies filled with the air of despair. Simply being alive was a luxury for them. But now, their eyes were full of hope, harboring grand dreams and the confidence to achieve them. This was what Kakuzu considered their greatest change—when a person gained spirit, they became a proper person.
"Leader, you truly have a knack for raising children. I wonder how you will guide the future little lord or lady when they are born."
Torifu pondered this for a moment. He considered various educational methods, but no matter what, Torifu knew he wouldn't spoil his child. He would teach them just as he taught Minato and Yahiko's group. This was what Torifu was relatively good at. He hoped he would be able to keep his resolve when the time came.
"How is the organization doing lately? I heard the base has been completed?"
Kakuzu smiled at the question. "Leader's news travels fast. It has indeed been completed. The rooms are fully equipped with all sorts of electronics, making it perfect. The brothers are all very happy and say they finally have a home."
This was what Torifu had hoped to achieve. The members of the Lotus organization were spread almost all over the Ninja World, and Torifu could easily gather all sorts of information. Therefore, he had to provide a decent life in return for the members of the organization.
Torifu thought for a moment, then said, "The future will be about continually expanding around the base, gradually building it into a small village. Then everyone will truly have a permanent home." For a Ninja, leaving their village and joining an organization meant being rejected by other villages. Thus, they were homeless and had nowhere to belong. If a village could truly be established, he felt they would all feel safer when executing missions abroad, knowing they had a home to return to.
"Understood, Leader. I will proceed with the base's expansion with that goal in mind."
Kakuzu was over sixty years old and had plenty of experience, having traveled through every country. No one was better suited to manage these matters than him. He might have a slight deficiency in power, but he was certainly Kage-level. And as long as he wasn't defeated, he could live forever, practically making him a living history book.
"Just enjoy your time in Konoha Village these few days. The organization will only get better in the future. If you encounter any children with great talent, feel free to absorb them and mentor them yourselves."
Kakuzu naturally understood Torifu's words. Minato and the others also understood. It meant that Yahiko and Konan were the last batch of children allowed to stay in Konoha Village. No more were needed. At this thought, Yahiko and Konan secretly rejoiced in their own good fortune.