"Lord Fourth, the casualty report is ready."
In Sunagakure, inside the Kazekage Building's meeting room surrounded by the statues of past Kazekage, the ANBU quickly delivered the casualty report. The Edo Tensei corps, unafraid of injury and able to regenerate even after being shattered, had caused significant trouble for Sunagakure.
"412 civilians killed, 78 injured, 345 shinobi killed, and 94 injured. As for damaged buildings..."
As the ANBU reported the casualties and losses, even Pakura felt a pang of sorrow. The Edo Tensei's invasion had lasted less than an hour, but if they had stayed longer, these numbers could have easily doubled.
Most importantly, Sunagakure had lost its One-Tail Jinchūriki, a vital strategic asset.
Rasa, rubbing his temples in frustration, said, "Everyone, what do you think we should do next?"
His question was met with silence. No one in the hall dared to speak.
"Hahaha."
Pakura's cold laugh broke the silence. "If the wise and decisive Kazekage had listened to me earlier, we could have at least saved the One-Tail. But no, suspicion and internal strife clouded your judgment, leading to the loss of the One-Tail."
Bang!
Rasa slammed the table in anger. The village's damage, the casualties among his shinobi, and the loss of his son and the One-Tail had already fueled his rage. Pakura's mocking words were the final straw.
"Pakura, how did you know their target was the One-Tail? Could it be you're—"
"Rasa, don't spew nonsense! You failed to assassinate me with Kirigakure, and now you're framing me again?" Pakura shouted furiously, her chakra surging in a powerful wave. The force cracked the sturdy table and floor beneath her.
Rasa, equally incensed, retorted, "Do you think I'm afraid of you?"
"Both of you, now is not the time for internal conflict. We need to handle the village's situation first," a high-ranking Sunagakure official interjected, followed by others who also tried to calm the situation. However, the hall was clearly divided into two factions, with Pakura's side having fewer members.
Some neutral shinobi, such as Chiyo and Ebizō, stood in the middle. Although they were retired, the appearance of Sasori of the Red Sand had drawn them back to assess the situation.
Pakura's strength surpassed Rasa's. Once shinobi reached adulthood, their chakra capacity typically peaked, and further improvement relied on understanding ninjutsu or other secret and forbidden techniques. Rasa's abilities had not changed significantly over the past few years, with only minor improvements in his control over Gold Dust.
Pakura, however, was different. The Sage Seal on her body continually absorbed natural energy, enhancing her physical abilities and aligning her with Yoichi's will. If the duel from over a year ago were repeated today, Rasa would likely have a 70-80% chance of being defeated, possibly killed.
The high-ranking officials of Sunagakure continued to mediate, and the tension between Rasa and Pakura slowly dissipated.
A Sunagakure official then spoke up, "Lord Fourth, the compensation will be around 110 million ryo, not including the cost of repairing buildings. Should we discuss this with the Daimyō's office?"
Hearing the compensation amount, Rasa's expression darkened. While the village had some savings from his gold-mining efforts in the desert, he suspected that Pakura's ties with Konoha had led her to stop using village funds to reimburse supplies.
Even with the two billion ryo accumulated, over half would be required just for compensation, making Rasa feel as if his flesh was being carved out.
"Fine, let's proceed. Coordinate with the Finance Department," Rasa gritted his teeth. Compensation was unavoidable; failing to provide it would scatter the village's morale.
"What about those who took the One-Tail? It seemed premeditated. Should we seek information on Uchiha Fugaku from Konoha, as he and Sasori of the Red Sand were involved?"
"No need to ask; Konoha has already sent information. Unfortunately, the enemy moved too quickly," Pakura replied, placing intelligence from the Uchiha Trading Company on the table.
"The enemy infiltrated just as Konoha's intelligence arrived. I had already intended to warn our Kazekage, but someone chose to ignore it. The group was Akatsuki, and they've revived Uchiha Madara. Their goal is to collect the nine Tailed Beasts from across the Shinobi world."
The mention of Uchiha Madara's name stunned everyone. Even Chiyo couldn't remain seated. She had lived through the era of the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara, aware of the legendary reputation of these two shinobi during the Warring States Period.
Among the five founding Kage, only Hashirama was called the "God of Shinobi," and Uchiha Madara was the only one capable of standing against him.
As the intelligence was passed around and its contents absorbed, many were at a loss for what to do. Some in Sunagakure, unfamiliar with Madara's power, believed he couldn't be stronger than an entire village.
Chiyo quickly silenced such foolish remarks. Madara's power aside, today's Edo Tensei had already caused enough trouble for Sunagakure. Moreover, Akatsuki surely had other powerful members.
"We should seek aid from Konoha. It's our only option now," Chiyo suggested. Her words found support among many; Sunagakure was too weak at the moment, and relying on Konoha was the best choice.
As for the Daimyō's office, anyone still hoping for aid from them was a fool. The earlier suggestion of requesting aid from the Daimyō's office was merely procedural.
"Konoha won't help us unconditionally. Instead of begging them, why not merge with Konoha? This way, Sunagakure's civilians and shinobi can live comfortably without worrying about basic necessities…"
Bang!
"Pakura, do you know what you're saying?" Chiyo's angry shout interrupted Pakura. Rasa and others, including Rasa, were shocked and incredulous. Rasa immediately followed up, "Pakura, so you've indeed colluded with Konoha and betrayed Sunagakure!"
"Idiots! Take a look at what Sunagakure and the Land of Wind have become! The ones betraying Sunagakure are you so-called 'Sunagakure leaders'!" Pakura retorted coldly, standing up and turning to leave.
She had spoken her mind in a moment of frustration but did not regret it. After she left, five more Sunagakure shinobi stood up and followed her.
During her nearly two-year association with Yoichi, Pakura had worked to gather support and followers. While not half, at least 40% of the village's shinobi were aligned with her.
Thus, even Rasa hesitated to have the ANBU apprehend her, fearing that doing so might plunge Sunagakure into greater chaos.
Pakura, unconcerned with the consequences, instructed the shinobi who followed her out of the Kazekage Building, "Enyamamaru, tell Hisaburō, Ryūji, and Masato to meet me."
"Yes, Lady Pakura."
...
At Mount Myōboku, Jiraiya, suddenly reverse-summoned, protested, "Gamabunta , I was in the middle of discussing something important! Why'd you summon me?"
"How should I know? Master Fukasaku asked for you, and it seems the Great Elder is looking for you," Gamabunta replied, blowing a puff of smoke. "By the way, Jiraiya, the Shinobi world has been pretty quiet lately."
"Well, the wars are over, and there haven't been any particularly dangerous missions. I promise to summon you if something comes up," Jiraiya said as he waved goodbye and headed deeper into Mount Myōboku, familiar with the way to Fukasaku's place.
He knocked on the door of a toad-shaped house, and Fukasaku opened it, leaping onto Jiraiya's shoulder. "You're here, little Jiraiya. Come with me to see the Great Elder."
"Master Fukasaku, what does the Great Elder want with me?"
"I'm not sure, but the Great Elder seemed pretty anxious to see you. This might be the first time, actually."
As they conversed, they soon arrived at the Great Toad Sage's dwelling. However, the Great Toad Sage was napping when they arrived, prompting Fukasaku to call out loudly, "Great Elder! Great Elder! Little Jiraiya is here!"
After a few calls, just as Fukasaku was about to resort to other means, the Great Toad Sage finally woke up.
"Hmm... Fukasaku? What's going on?" The Great Toad Sage asked groggily.
Used to the Great Toad Sage's confusion, Fukasaku reminded him, "Great Elder, you asked me to call little Jiraiya here. Now that he's here, tell him what you need."
"Little Jiraiya…" The Great Toad Sage fell silent, prompting Jiraiya and Fukasaku to brace for more confusion. They had encountered this situation many times before.
But this time, the Great Toad Sage spoke clearly, "That's right, I do have something important to discuss with you, little Jiraiya. By the way, have you found the Child of Prophecy?"
"Not yet, Great Toad Sage. I haven't had much time to roam the Shinobi world lately," Jiraiya replied, scratching his head. Recently, Konoha had tightened its regulations, requiring all missions to be completed within a month. Unfinished missions had to be reported back to the village, leaving Jiraiya feeling restricted.
"If you haven't found him, then so be it. You probably won't find the Child of Prophecy in the future either," the Great Toad Sage said, shifting the conversation to Hagoromo. He sensed that something had happened to Asura's chakra.
Without Asura's chakra, no one could quell the malice and hatred within the Nine-Tails, and the Child of Prophecy, who would unify the Nine-Tails, would not exist. The Great Toad Sage had never imagined his prophecy could be wrong.
"There's another matter I need your help with, little Jiraiya."
"What is it, Great Toad Sage?" Jiraiya asked eagerly.
"At a critical moment, you will need to step forward to save the Shinobi world." As the Great Toad Sage spoke, he took a box from beneath his seat and handed it to Jiraiya.
Opening the box, Jiraiya found a pill and a talisman inside. He asked, "Great Toad Sage, what are these?"
"The Sage Pill can be taken now. When the time comes for you to step forward, its effects will manifest. As for the Sage Talisman, keep it with you, and its purpose will become clear when the time comes," the Great Toad Sage explained.
"Should I take it now…?" Jiraiya looked at the dark pill, hesitating but, trusting in Mount Myōboku, swallowed it whole.
After waiting a while, Jiraiya felt no different, as if he had just eaten a piece of sushi.
"Great Toad Sage, this Sage Pill…" Jiraiya began.
"Don't worry, you'll understand when the time comes. Take the Sage Talisman with you, and you'll know what to do," the Great Toad Sage interrupted.
"I understand, Great Toad Sage. Is there anything else?" Jiraiya asked.
"No, little Jiraiya, you may leave now," the Great Toad Sage paused before adding, "Thank you for your efforts, little Jiraiya."
"Haha, it's no problem! I'm the white-haired sage, after all!" Jiraiya laughed heartily before bidding farewell to the Great Toad Sage and Fukasaku. This time, Fukasaku didn't see him out, knowing Jiraiya was familiar with the way.
After Jiraiya left, Fukasaku asked the Great Toad Sage, "Great Elder, what exactly is this Sage Pill?"
Fukasaku knew about the Sage Talisman, which contained strong healing powers and could even bring someone back to life.
However, it wasn't something Mount Myōboku could produce. Centuries ago, Fukasaku had asked the Great Toad Sage about the talisman, who had said they were limited in number and couldn't be casually given to summoners.
"The Sage Pill and the Sage Talisman come from the same source, but the Sage Pill is even rarer. This is the only one Mount Myōboku has," the Great Toad Sage revealed.
"What does the Sage Pill do?" Fukasaku asked.
"You'll understand in time, Fukasaku. It poses no harm to Mount Myōboku or the Shinobi world," the Great Toad Sage replied, signaling the end of the conversation. Fukasaku, though concerned, left quietly.
Among all the summoners, Jiraiya was the one Fukasaku favored most, which was why he and Shima would assist him in battle, even though Jiraiya's Sage Mode was incomplete. If it were any other summoner, failing to master Sage Jutsu would result in being turned into a stone statue.
'Sorry, little Jiraiya,' Fukasaku thought, ultimately deciding to stand by Mount Myōboku. The Great Toad Sage's arrangements had never been wrong. If he hadn't explained it, there must have been a reason.
...
On the outskirts of Konoha, two figures approached slowly—a man and a woman, identified as Nagato and Konan, wanted by Konoha.
Konan's chakra was nearly depleted, but she still struggled to support Nagato as they moved toward Konoha. Nagato was barely alive, and Konan didn't know what had happened to him, but his red hair had begun to turn white, and his breathing was weakening. If this continued, Nagato would surely die, and only Konoha might be able to save him.
Neither Iwa nor Kumo would offer help. If they learned that Nagato's Rinnegan had been taken, they would likely dissect him to extract information.
Given their identities, entering Konoha meant almost certain death. But with nowhere else to go, Konan was willing to gamble, hoping Konoha would save them.
"Who goes there?"
A patrol team spotted Nagato and Konan. As they approached, they realized the two were in a weakened state.
"Who are you? Why have you come to Konoha?"
The patrol captain began to question them, but as he observed their clothing, he realized they resembled the wanted criminals Konoha was searching for.
Konan spoke first, "We are from the Akatsuki organization. I wish to meet with the Hokage. We have important information—information that only Nagato knows."
Konan lied, hoping Konoha's desire for intelligence would prompt them to save Nagato.
(End of Chapter)
The arrival of Akatsuki members surrendering themselves was a major event in Konoha. One of them was on the brink of death and was taken directly to the hospital.
The other, determined to remain silent, was subjected to interrogation after consultation with Sakumo.
Initially, Sakumo instinctively thought to have ANBU report to Yoichi, the Fifth Hokage, but upon learning that Yoichi was out of the village, he had no choice but to stop his training and head to the Hokage building to handle the matter.
At this moment, Jiraiya had just returned from Mount Myōboku. Hearing that Konan and Nagato had come to Konoha themselves, he was so shocked that he hurried over.
Jiraiya first headed to Konoha Hospital, where he had learned Nagato had been taken. After making some inquiries, he went up to the third floor, greeted the ANBU at the staircase, and was allowed entry. As he approached the operating room, he saw Tsunade, Mina, and Rin coming out.
Jiraiya couldn't help but ask, "Tsunade, how is Nagato?"
"Not well. It seems like he used some kind of forbidden jutsu. His life force is continuously draining, and even sealing techniques can't stop it. Also, the Rinnegan is gone. It seems Uchiha Madara forced him to use a Six Paths forbidden technique to bring him back to life," Tsunade replied, shaking her head. She had been called over by Mina, but upon arriving, she found that Nagato's condition was beyond her capabilities.
This wasn't a disease or injury; it was his life force constantly fading away.
"Tsunade, is there really no way to help him?" Jiraiya asked again. Although Nagato's fate seemed sealed, he wanted to speak with him one last time before he died.
"No, ordinary medical methods won't save him. It's fortunate his life force is so strong; otherwise, he wouldn't have lasted this long. Even with our best efforts, he won't live more than a month," Tsunade said, giving her expert assessment. After a pause, she thought of Yoichi and continued, "Maybe Yoichi could have a way. He should be back this afternoon or evening, but even if he does have a method, it's unlikely he'll use it to save him."
"If it's information you want, you could get it from his mind, couldn't you?" Tsunade shook her head. Hearing from ANBU what Konan had said, she almost laughed. That little girl was too naive, thinking she could use information as leverage against Konoha.
She didn't know that the Yamanaka clan of Konoha could extract information directly from the brain.
Moreover, Konoha had already pieced together much of Akatsuki's intel from conversations with the First and Second Hokage.
Jiraiya shook his head and said, "So only Yoichi can save Nagato? Sigh, forget it."
"Don't worry about him. After killing so many Konoha shinobi, we've already done all we can," Tsunade said before walking away. If it hadn't been for Mina's concern and calling her over, she wouldn't have bothered to treat Nagato.
After Tsunade left, Jiraiya looked at Nagato inside. His life was being maintained by a series of machines, with an ANBU stationed inside to monitor him. Jiraiya sighed and left. Since he couldn't speak with Nagato, he decided to check on Konan. He still felt uncomfortable, wondering why his good disciple had come to this.
Yoichi was unaware of the situation in the village. To gather enough life energy to revive Hashirama, he had found a forest teeming with wildlife, turning more than half of it into a lifeless area. No life could survive his eye technique.
The more Yoichi used this technique, the more he realized it might be the ability of the God Tree itself, or perhaps even more terrifying.
As he accumulated more life energy, he felt a deep craving. The sensation life energy gave him was purer than that of genetic potential, and consuming it would undoubtedly benefit him greatly.
Yoichi thought that if he indulged this hunger, he might end up consuming the entire planet.
However, he didn't dwell on it. Once he had gathered enough life energy to revive Hashirama, he returned to the village. If it wasn't enough, he could use his Yama no Yama no Mi technique to supplement it.
Upon returning to the village, Yoichi went directly to the Senju clan compound. Today, Nawaki wasn't on a mission, and when Yoichi arrived, Hashirama was sparring with Nawaki.
"Ah, it's brother-in-law!" Nawaki shouted.
Before he could finish his sentence, Hashirama, unable to hold back, punched Nawaki, sending him flying over ten meters and leaving his face swollen.
"Nawaki, you fool! Never get distracted during a battle!" Tsunade scolded, making her way over to Yoichi, her pregnant belly leading the way. She smiled and asked, "Is it done?"
"Yeah, this should be enough. But the cost of reviving someone is no small thing. The village will need to start managing reforestation. Otherwise, the Land of Fire will end up like the Land of Wind," Yoichi said, revealing a glowing green sphere of life energy in his hand.
Hashirama, Tobirama, and even Nawaki, who was lying on the ground, stood up and walked over, instinctively drawn to the pure life energy in Yoichi's hand. This was a biological instinct, especially strong for Hashirama and Tobirama, whose Edo Tensei bodies craved life more than others.
Hashirama quickly regained his composure and said in shock, "To think even I could feel greed... This is remarkable."
"It's only natural. Even I couldn't help but consider absorbing this life energy on my way back," Yoichi said, noticing Nawaki's expression and cautioning him, "Nawaki, don't be reckless on missions just because you can be revived."
Nawaki, about to protest, saw Tsunade raise her fist and quickly changed his tone, "I know, brother-in-law. I'm not careless anymore."
"Well then, First Hokage, let's proceed with your revival," Yoichi said, signaling Tsunade and the others to step back. He then infused the life energy into Hashirama's body.
Sss!
In an instant, Hashirama's Edo Tensei body began emitting steam. The potent life energy triggered a transformation, turning parts of his body into living flesh and releasing hot vapor.
Powerful chakra surged from Hashirama, so potent that anyone with a sense of chakra in Konoha could detect it. Yoichi watched with his Sharingan until Hashirama was fully revived before deactivating his eye technique.
Joining his hands, Yoichi used his chakra to disperse the mist, revealing the fully revived Hashirama to Tsunade and the others. His eyes were no longer those of an Edo Tensei, and his body bore no cracks of the reincarnation technique.
"Congratulations on your revival, Grandfather," Tsunade said with a smile as she approached.
"Thank you, Fifth Hokage. Without you, this impossible feat would never have happened. Oh, and thank you, Tsunade. Although you often lose at gambling, you have good judgment," Hashirama laughed.
"Grandfather!" Tsunade blushed, cutting him off, though she couldn't help but feel a bit pleased. After all, it was Yoichi who had pursued her, proving her charm was still strong.
"Since I'm alive again, I no longer need this," Hashirama said, forming a hand seal and gathering a powerful chakra in his hands. "This chakra came from the Sage of Six Paths, but I believe the Sage's feelings were misguided. So, I entrust it to you, Fifth Hokage. Tobirama's share is included as well."
"Thank you, First Hokage, Second Hokage," Yoichi said with a smile, accepting the chakra. He hadn't expected Tobirama to give his chakra too. As the Six Paths chakra flowed into him, Yoichi sensed its unique nature, realizing it would benefit him even more than Asura's chakra.
After transferring the chakra, Hashirama smiled and said, "Well, now that I'm revived, I'm once again a shinobi of Konoha. Fifth Hokage, do you have any tasks for me?"
"Not at the moment, First Hokage. Take some time to rest. There will be many tasks suited to your skills in the future, and we'll notify you then," Yoichi replied. Tsunade then filled him in on the day's events in the village, including the Akatsuki members who had surrendered.
Beyond that, she knew little else.
...
Upon hearing Konan's request, Yoichi could only find it amusing. Akatsuki no longer held any valuable information, so he didn't bother with it. Nagato's worth now lay in being a research subject for Konoha, much like Obito.
The differences between White Zetsu cells and Hashirama's cells held significant research value, especially since White Zetsu cells were more suitable for transplantation. Orochimaru had gained a lot of insights from studying Obito.
...
The next day.
Today was a joyous occasion for Konoha. Nearly every citizen came out to watch, joined by the Fire Daimyō, other lords, and nobles, as well as daimyō from several neighboring small countries.
The ceremony for the Hokage succession was straightforward. However, the Uchiha Trading Company organized a festival to celebrate, prompting other merchants to join in, leading to a village-wide celebration.
From the morning, the patrol units took their duties very seriously. Even members of the Hyūga branch within the patrol teams used their Byakugan every few minutes to scan for disturbances, preventing even a dogfight.
After all, the Fifth Hokage had once served as the patrol unit captain.
The ceremony itself was simple: the previous Hokage would pass the Hokage hat to the next on the Hokage building.
At the appointed time, nearly the entire village gathered in front of the Hokage building, putting considerable pressure on the patrol units. However, with the patrol unit's recent expansion, it had become Konoha's largest department, capable of handling the crowd.
Sakumo walked up to Yoichi, holding the Hokage hat. As he handed it over, he said with a sense of relief, "Finally, it's yours, Yoichi-kun."
"Don't think you can relax that easily, Sakumo-senpai. As the Fourth Hokage, you'll still have to help me as an advisor. That's an order from the Fifth Hokage," Yoichi said with a smile, making Sakumo widen his eyes in surprise.
Fortunately, this exchange wasn't broadcast on the large projection screen outside the Hokage building; otherwise, it might have been reported as a story about the Fifth Hokage threatening the Fourth into retirement.
Yoichi then turned to face the gathered villagers and guests. Putting on the Hokage hat, he declared loudly, "From today onward, I am the Fifth Hokage. Konoha will become the most perfect place in the Shinobi world, the sanctuary everyone aspires to!"
The villagers and shinobi erupted into cheers, waves of applause and shouts echoing one after another. Even after Yoichi returned to the Hokage office, the celebrations outside showed no sign of stopping.
Yoichi turned to Uchiha Masato and said, "Masato-kun, have Nono start the trading company's celebration early. We need to disperse the crowd from in front of the Hokage building."
"Yes, Fifth Hokage," Masato replied, leaving the office to relay the orders.
Yoichi then assigned tasks to the other people present, one by one, until only Shisui remained. "Shisui, you've done a lot these past days. You can return to the village for now. Once you can use your eye technique, go and hypnotize the remaining two councilors."
"Yes, Fifth Hokage-sama," Shisui said, kneeling on one knee. After witnessing the Hokage succession ceremony, he felt confident that his actions had been correct. By following the clan leader's orders, both Konoha and the Uchiha clan could prosper.
"What are your plans next? Where would you like to be assigned? The ANBU, a jōnin squad leader, or the patrol unit?" Yoichi asked.
After some thought, Shisui shook his head. "I don't have any preferences. Wherever you need me, I'll go."
"Then, for now, you'll become a jōnin squad leader. The ninja academy has expanded significantly, and we'll need more and more jōnin leaders in the future," Yoichi advised before dismissing Shisui.
Currently, Konoha had raised its standards for graduating shinobi. Those who became genin at twelve needed two to three years of experience to mature mentally and prove themselves before becoming full-fledged shinobi. Otherwise, they would be assigned to other positions.
Konoha was implementing an elite education system, unlike Kirigakure and Sunagakure, where failing genin were killed. It wasn't because of financial constraints but rather to ensure the best candidates became elite shinobi.
After Shisui left, Kurenai knocked on the door and entered to report that Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Chōza were requesting an audience with Yoichi.
(End of Chapter)
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