To ensure the image of the Tsuchikage and the Kazekage didn't collapse in the eyes of the ninja, Torifu had specifically emphasized after returning that the three of them had defeated her together.
He hadn't expected them to state the truth now, which Torifu found quite admirable.
"There's nothing to be surprised about; that's just how it is," the two Kage said calmly, showing no intention of hiding the matter.
The ninja present were actually able to accept this, as the Hokage's power was witnessed by the entire ninja world and was not a rare occurrence.
"Right, Hokage, didn't you also want to talk about the aquaculture plan and establishing a farming department? Tell us about the details."
Ōnoki remembered the matter and immediately steered the topic back to it.
Torifu nodded directly, preparing to begin his explanation.
But this left everyone else confused again. What was aquaculture? And what was a farming department?
Torifu repeated the details he had discussed with the two Kage on the road.
"The basic situation is this: we need to utilize the water resources of Amegakure rationally. It would be a great pity to waste such a natural breeding ground."
After his explanation, everyone understood what aquaculture was and had a favorable view of the venture.
After all, it could boost the villages' economic development, and the three administrators of the Central City paid even closer attention after hearing this.
They immediately grasped the importance of the matter.
Kakuzu opened his mouth at the right time. "Hokage-sama, the three of us can indeed take charge of the farming department; it's not difficult. However, where will the fish we cultivate come from? Surely we can't just catch fish now to cultivate fry, can we?"
This was indeed the most critical issue, but Torifu had long since found a solution: the system store.
Torifu dared to have this idea precisely because the system store provided him with a product that could produce fish fry in large quantities. Otherwise, no matter how many lakes Amegakure had, Torifu would not have entertained the idea of raising fish even for a second.
Because just cultivating the fish fry would take a massive amount of time and couldn't be widely promoted at all.
"Don't worry, I can solve the issue of the fish fry. It will be enough to supply all the fry needed by the three countries."
Naori, who was beside him, did not show too much surprise when Torifu said this.
She had long noticed that Torifu had a way of acquiring strange things, but she never thought to dig into it.
This was Torifu's own secret, and it was not a secret concerning principles, so Naori had no intention of probing.
She had also benefited greatly from it, so she was even less inclined to question it.
Perhaps one day Torifu would tell her.
"The Hokage had already planned this out? He has even cultivated the fish fry? Then I'm giving the nod right now—Iwagakure is definitely in!"
The Kazekage quickly followed suit. "Sunagakure is in too. Let's make money together; the three of our nations are an alliance."
Torifu smiled faintly upon hearing this. "In that case, I will have my secretary write down the detailed follow-up procedures once we return to the village and mail them to the two of you. The two of you can begin implementation directly according to the tasks outlined."
The Tsuchikage and the Kazekage nodded. "Naturally."
Everyone chatted for a while longer, discussing the future development of the Central City and the growth of the aquaculture industry in Amegakure. They felt that the prospects were very promising.
And when they thought of the significant income each village would gain, their smiles were practically tearing the roof off the room.
When the excitement gradually settled, the victory banquet ended.
Everyone said their goodbyes. They would be setting off to leave here tomorrow morning.
Jiraiya and Minato should have returned to the village before the battle started, as Torifu was afraid something might happen to them.
But Minato had found a sliver of feeling while training and decided to capitalize on the momentum to successfully master Sage Jutsu.
Jiraiya pondered for a long time before deciding to take a risk and help Minato.
This young one's talent for Sage Jutsu wasn't particularly high, and finding the feeling was a rare opportunity that couldn't be wasted.
So, he took him to a place near the Central City rich in natural energy to train for a day.
Fortunately, Minato did not let Jiraiya's risk be in vain, successfully absorbing natural energy into his body and entering Sage Mode!
However, he only maintained it for a brief moment before it instantly disappeared, and he did not succeed in fusing with his summoned beasts to enter Special Sage Mode.
But this still counted as a success. He just needed more practice later. At only a teenager's age, it was already very impressive for him to achieve this.
After training, when they returned to the city, preparing to leave the next day, the city gates had already been sealed. They were forced to stay.
However, the reason for their original early return was the fear of danger. Now that things were safe, they could just go home together tomorrow morning.
Torifu didn't blame them for anything. After all, he was overjoyed that Minato had successfully mastered Sage Jutsu.
After the victory banquet, Torifu and Naori returned to the apartment and began tidying it up.
"I didn't bring much, so we can set off with nothing but the clothes on our backs tomorrow morning."
Torifu nodded. Even if he had brought things, they could just be stored in his ring and he could leave immediately.
"We've quelled another war and brought peace to the ninja world again. I just wonder how long this peace will last."
Naori leaned against Torifu's side. "I hope this time brings a long period of peace. But even if it doesn't, we are never afraid of war."
"Indeed, we are never afraid of war."
The couple leaned on each other, clearly feeling each other's heartbeat. For Naori, this felt incredibly safe.
"Hey, do you think my achievements have surpassed Master?" Torifu suddenly asked playfully.
Naori didn't even think before answering, "Of course. You have absolutely surpassed all previous Hokage. Although Master was the founder of Konoha, his achievements are far less impactful than yours. Konoha's prosperity is clear for all to see."
"And the peace of the ninja world—that was all fought for by you. Master's achievements are brilliant and undeniable, but what you have done has absolutely surpassed Master. I don't think anyone in the future will be able to surpass you, unless they save the entire world."
This praise left Torifu feeling a little giddy, but no matter what, Torifu felt proud and enjoyed hearing it coming from his wife.
If an outsider praised him like this, Torifu would probably be so embarrassed that his toes would curl up and drill a two-bedroom apartment into the ground.