"Shimura Kizaru?"
Sitting on the stone platform, Uchiha Madara slowly opened his eyes.
"Yes. That man is quite powerful. He defeated the Raikage and the Kazekage, and the shinobi world has already started calling him the next Senju Hashirama… the new God of Shinobi."
White Zetsu, who had returned from the Land of Rain, reported everything he had gathered there to Madara without hiding anything.
"Tch."
Madara snorted in disdain.
"A group of frogs at the bottom of a well."
As Senju Hashirama's lifelong rival—and his closest friend—Uchiha Madara did not believe anyone in the current shinobi world could reach Hashirama's height.
"Madara-sama, Konoha's shinobi are approaching Nagato. Should we move him?"
"No."
Madara rejected the idea immediately.
"Konoha's shinobi only discovered the blood of the Uzumaki clan in Nagato. They want to bring his family back to the village."
"But if we let Konoha take him…"
"Konoha alone cannot interfere with my plan."
Madara's voice remained calm, filled with absolute confidence.
"Let Nagato go to Konoha. Let him absorb their nutrients and grow stronger. In the end, he will still walk the path I prepared for him."
"Understood."
"Go back. Stay near Nagato and watch him carefully."
"Yes, Madara-sama."
After saying that, White Zetsu slowly sank into the ground in front of Madara.
Watching him disappear, Madara slowly stood up and looked toward the direction of Konoha, an unreadable light flashing in his eyes.
The next Senju Hashirama?
The new God of Shinobi?
What a joke.
Then let me show you what true strength really means.
One point two billion ryō in cash.
Compensation divided over five years.
Twenty percent of Sunagakure's mission quota for the next eight years, with Konoha holding the right of first refusal.
On top of that, Konoha and Sunagakure would form an alliance, with Konoha taking the leading position in the shinobi world.
These were the armistice terms Danzo had negotiated with Ebizō on behalf of the village.
After the meeting ended, with Danzo's permission, Ebizō was allowed to see Chiyo, who was still severely injured and unconscious.
"I want to bring Elder Chiyo back with me."
Looking at his sister, wrapped in bandages like a mummy on the hospital bed, a flash of pain crossed Ebizō's eyes. Then he turned to Danzo beside him.
"No."
Danzo refused without the slightest hesitation.
"We have already reached an armistice and alliance agreement, Elder Danzo," Ebizō said heavily.
"When Sunagakure sends an envoy to Konoha, formally signs the agreement, and delivers the first payment, I will naturally release her."
Danzo's tone left no room for negotiation.
Ebizō fell silent for a moment.
He knew there was no way to bring his sister back this time.
So he lowered his demand.
"Then Konoha must guarantee that Elder Chiyo receives proper treatment in time."
"Do not worry."
Danzo's expression remained cold.
"Your village's Elder Chiyo will receive the same treatment as Kumogakure's Raikage."
His tone carried a clear warning, especially when he mentioned Kumogakure's Raikage.
Ebizō's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…I hope so."
He had no choice but to accept it.
After visiting Chiyo, Ebizō did not stay in Amegakure for long. Worried about Sunagakure's situation, he quickly left with two of his men.
With Ebizō's departure, Danzo's mission in the Land of Rain had successfully come to an end.
Now that the armistice agreement with Sunagakure had been settled, he had no intention of remaining in the Land of Rain any longer.
Returning to the village, strengthening Kizaru's reputation, and accelerating Kizaru's path toward becoming Hokage—
Those were the matters Danzo cared about most right now.
So after Ebizō left, Danzo gave the order.
Konoha's shinobi would evacuate early tomorrow morning.
After hearing Danzo's order, Tsunade, who was standing beside Kizaru, lightly nudged him with her elbow.
Kizaru glanced at her.
Tsunade tilted her chin toward Danzo, silently urging him to speak.
Kizaru curled his lips, scratched his head, and lazily stepped forward until he stood in front of Danzo.
"Uncle… I've got something I need to talk to you about. Alone."
Danzo looked at him.
He said nothing, then turned and walked out of the room.
Seeing this, Kizaru followed him into a separate room.
"Survivors of the Uzumaki clan?"
After listening to Kizaru's simple explanation, Danzo's single visible eye narrowed with interest.
The Uzumaki clan was a distant blood relative of the Senju clan.
If that child was used for experiments involving the First Hokage's cells, perhaps—
Kizaru looked at Danzo's expression and immediately understood.
His dear uncle had started thinking of dangerous things again.
"The Nagato family," Kizaru said slowly, still wearing that faint, lazy smile, "I already promised to protect them."
His tone remained light, but there was a weight beneath it.
"So… don't make things difficult for me, Uncle."
Danzo's face stiffened slightly.
Kizaru had clearly guessed what he was thinking.
But for the sake of his pride, Danzo still denied it without hesitation.
"What kind of person do you take me for?"
Kizaru only smiled.
Danzo snorted and continued coldly, "The Uzumaki clan was a close ally of Konoha. Taking care of their survivors is the village's responsibility."
"Oooh… is that so?"
Kizaru's smile became even more irritating.
"That's good to hear, my dear uncle."
Danzo's forehead twitched.
"Go. Inform them."
His voice had already turned impatient.
"Ohoho… how scary."
Kizaru raised both hands slightly in surrender, but the smile on his face did not disappear.
"My uncle really does have a cute side sometimes."
"Kizaru."
Danzo's voice dropped.
Kizaru laughed softly, turned around, and left the room before Danzo could lose his temper.
A trace of anger flashed across Danzo's face as he watched Kizaru leave, but in the end, he could only shake his head helplessly.
He understood this nephew of his too well.
Kizaru was usually lazy, careless, and flexible with his bottom line.
But once he truly made up his mind about something—
He could become terrifyingly stubborn.
After leaving the room and settling things with Danzo, Kizaru went to find Tsunade.
Together, they went to inform Nagato's family.
Early the next morning, Konoha's shinobi gathered at the gates of Amegakure.
Everyone already knew—today was the day they would return home.
Excited smiles filled the crowd.
In less than half a month, they had fought two wars and won both of them… with casualties barely reaching double digits.
A victory like this was unheard of.
And now, with the thought of returning to Konoha—to their friends, their families—
The mood was impossibly light.
"Kizaru! Go say a few words to everyone."
Danzo spoke deliberately as he stepped out of the village, walking alongside Kizaru and the Sannin, with Hanzō accompanying them.
"Me? That sounds troublesome…" Kizaru scratched his head, smiling lazily.
"Without you, this war wouldn't have ended this quickly." Tsunade stepped closer, looking up at him with clear confidence. "You're Konoha's hero. Go on."
"Everyone's waiting for you, Kizaru!" Jiraiya added, giving him a light push, his grin wide and carefree.
"Go." Orochimaru, standing in front of him, showed a rare, faint smile.
Kizaru glanced at each of them in turn.
Then he looked at Danzo, who was watching him with a calm, knowing expression.
"…How troublesome."
But the smile on his face widened.
Sunlight broke through the clouds, falling over him.
Hands in his pockets, Kizaru stepped forward, walking beneath the massive gates of Amegakure and stopping in front of the gathered shinobi.
Hundreds of Konoha ninja looked at him—
Their eyes filled with excitement, admiration, and something close to awe.
"Golden Flash!"
Someone shouted.
And just like that, the atmosphere exploded.
"Golden Flash!"
"Kizaru-sama!"
"Hero of Konoha—Shimura Kizaru!"
The cheers surged one after another.
Every shinobi who had witnessed Kizaru's power on the battlefield looked at him with pure respect.
In less than a month, he had ended the war.
He had become the hero of Konoha… and a name that shook the entire shinobi world.
Watching him from the side, the Sannin stood shoulder to shoulder.
Their expressions were filled with genuine smiles.
Kizaru would become an exceptional Hokage someday.
That belief wasn't just theirs.
It was Danzo's as well.
Looking at his nephew, Danzo allowed himself a satisfied smile.
Even Hanzō, standing nearby to see them off, let out a quiet laugh.
"…Seems my judgment wasn't wrong."
Under everyone's gaze, Kizaru finally spoke.
"The war's over."
His voice was relaxed, almost casual.
"So… let's go home, shall we?"
For a brief moment—
Silence.
Then—
"GO HOME!"
The entire force roared in unison, fists raised high.
Back in Konohagakure, preparations were already underway.
To welcome the returning heroes, the village leadership had planned a grand celebration.
This victory meant everything.
Not only had Konoha once again proven itself as the strongest hidden village—
It had also shaken the other nations, forcing them to reconsider any hostile intentions.
And at the center of it all—
Was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
This was the first war he had fully commanded since becoming Hokage.
And now, with victory in hand, his prestige had only grown stronger.
On top of that, nearly every key figure in the war belonged to the Hokage's faction.
Naturally—
There would be celebration.
By six in the evening, word had already reached the village.
Danzo and his forces were returning.
At the gates, Hiruzen stood waiting alongside the two advisors and the heads of Konoha's major clans.
Behind them, villagers gathered in growing numbers.
Everyone was waiting.
Watching the distant road.
Waiting for their heroes to return.
"They're here."
Hands clasped behind his back, Hiruzen smiled faintly as he saw the figures appearing on the horizon.
The others followed his gaze—
And soon, the crowd erupted.
Cheers filled the air.
"It's lively today…" Kizaru muttered as he walked at the front of the formation.
"They're all here to welcome us," Tsunade said, smiling as she spotted her younger brother Nawaki jumping excitedly in the crowd.
"The war's over…" Jiraiya stretched lazily. "I think I'll head out and continue my travels. Maybe write a book or two."
"I'm going to travel too," Tsunade said without hesitation. "And this time, I'm winning every single bet."
Jiraiya paused.
"…That's impossible."
"Say that again?" Tsunade's smile turned dangerous, her fist already clenched.
Jiraiya immediately raised both hands.
"I'm just saying it for your own good!"
"Hmph." Tsunade folded her arms. "Try writing something that actually sells first before giving me advice."
Kizaru didn't interrupt.
Instead, he turned his gaze toward Orochimaru walking nearby.
Orochimaru noticed—and met his eyes.
"Orochimaru-senpai…" Kizaru drifted closer, voice light. "What are your plans after we return?"
"Research." Orochimaru answered simply.
He hadn't yet experienced the losses that would push him toward obsession.
Right now, his curiosity still outweighed everything else.
"That's perfect." Kizaru smiled faintly. "I've been getting interested in that myself. Maybe we can talk when we get back."
Orochimaru's eyes sharpened slightly.
Kizaru… interested in research?
"Tell me," Kizaru continued casually, "what do you know about natural energy… and senjutsu?"
Orochimaru understood immediately.
As someone connected to Ryūchi Cave, he wasn't unfamiliar with it.
But senjutsu wasn't easy.
The requirements alone eliminated most people.
"If you want to learn that," Orochimaru said calmly, "you should speak with Jiraiya. He's preparing for it."
Kizaru shook his head lightly.
"That's not what I mean."
He looked ahead, his tone still relaxed.
"I'm thinking… maybe we could develop something more suitable for shinobi."
"Something that doesn't rely on harsh conditions."
He paused for a moment.
"I've heard the sages of the three sacred lands have lived for thousands of years."
"…Natural energy must play a role in that, don't you think?"
Orochimaru's gaze deepened.
So that was it.
Kizaru… was also chasing immortality.
"When we return," Kizaru went on, "I plan to propose something to the old man."
"A dedicated research division."
"The village provides resources."
"We provide results."
Orochimaru didn't answer immediately.
Then—
"That would require enormous resources," he said plainly. "It won't be easy to convince Hiruzen-sensei."
Kizaru smiled.
"He'll agree."
Orochimaru turned to him.
"…And why are you so sure?"
Kizaru's smile didn't change.
"Because it'll be you… me…"
He tilted his head slightly.
"And Tsunade."
"I don't think the old man would want to see all his students walk away from the village, would he?"
For a second even Orochimaru fell silent.
Then he laughed softly.
"…As expected of you, Kizaru."
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