(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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News of Tsunade's impending ascension to Hokage swiftly reached the Land of Wind.
Baki, Sunagakure's interim leader, immediately convened an urgent council meeting.
Even the two reclusive elders were summoned to attend the crucial gathering.
Every subtle shift in power would influence Sunagakure's strategy, necessitating a thorough analysis of Tsunade's rise to power.
As the children of the Fourth Kazekage Rasa: Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro were granted permission to attend.
Incidentally, the three siblings had recently attained the rank of Chūnin in Sunagakure.
Temari found herself lost in thought upon learning that Colt had also been promoted to Jōnin.
Although it had only been a few days since the last time she had heard his name or seen him, it felt like an eternity had passed.
Ultimately, many Sand Shinobi officials decided to acquiesce to all of Konoha's proposed terms, signing a new peace treaty.
Faced with Konoha's formidable trio of Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Colt, they lacked the capacity to resist the proposed ultimatum.
Furthermore, forging an alliance with Konoha was essential to ward off the covetous eyes of the other nations.
"Temari, Temari!"
Hearing someone call her name, Temari snapped back to reality.
Gaara gazed at his sister with concern, "Are you alright?"
Since returning from the Land of Wind, Gaara, influenced by Naruto's infectious personality, had undergone a remarkable transformation.
He had resolved to follow Naruto's example and aspire to the position of the Kazekage.
His goal was to earn everyone's recognition and respect.
The first step was to nurture his relationships with his loved ones.
"I'm fine, just pondering on some trivial matters," Temari replied with a reassuring smile.
She felt genuinely happy about the improving bond with Gaara. With their father gone, the three siblings now relied on each other more than ever.
As the meeting concluded, Temari walked out of the Main Building, her eyes drawn to the swirling sand and wind in the sky.
She sighed wistfully.
Meanwhile, in Konoha, Colt focused intently on his training.
"[Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence]!"
Colt put his hands together, and many trees emerged from the flat ground, growing rapidly under the surging vitality and the flowing of Chakra.
In a blink of an eye, the clearing turned into a forest.
"Still a bit smaller than I'd like," Colt mused, slightly dissatisfied with his creation.
Simultaneously, he employed his healing technique to gradually restore his depleted vitality.
He finally understood why Hashirama Senju had died so young.
Using this technique was akin to sacrificing one's life force to manifest ninjutsu.
The growth of these trees was entirely sustained by the caster's vitality.
Hashirama Senju had perished not long after his epic battle with Madara in the Valley of the End.
It was likely that the legendary shinobi had been drained of vitality by his ultimate Wood Style techniques.
Fortunately, Colt had now attained the rank of Jōnin. Although the [Healer's Benevolence System] hadn't upgraded, the efficacy of his healing technique had significantly improved.
The lost vitality was swiftly replenished.
In essence, he had achieved a form of alternative immortality.
Even those around him could potentially live indefinitely under his protection.
However, despite the immense cost of the Wood Style, its power remained unparalleled.
It was the bane of all other ninjutsu.
"[Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation]!"
The roaring flames engulfing the forest increased to a new height, before they suddenly diminished rapidly, extinguishing within seconds.
The charred tree trunks regenerated, as if untouched by the inferno.
Utterly formidable.
Not only did the Wood Style boast high resistance to ninjutsu, but it also absorbed the enemy's Chakra to repair itself.
Colt clicked his tongue, feeling a twinge of sympathy for Madara.
How desperate must he have felt when battling Hashirama!
But now, Colt himself was the master of the Wood Style, and that was perfectly fine.
Let the enemy experience that desperation instead.
As noon approached, Colt concluded his training for the day.
"Phew"
Hinata and Ino had likely prepared lunch at home, eagerly awaiting his return.
The two kunoichi had fully embraced their roles as Colt's devoted companions.
From clothing and food to shelter and transportation, they covered all aspects of their daily life.
Sure enough, when Colt arrived home, the table was laden with a sumptuous feast.
The two beautiful kunoichi greeted him with warm smiles.
Their expressions seemed to ask, 'Would you like to eat first, or would you rather prefer us?'
Observing Hanabi playing around in the courtyard, Colt felt a tinge of exasperation.
It hadn't taken long for that little brat to become quite the handful.
He hoped his father-in-law wouldn't come after him in desperation.
One daughter had been taken, and the other was turning into a troublemaker.
If he were Hiashi, he'd likely seek divine intervention from the sage of six paths.
Perhaps the gods couldn't bear to see him so at ease, because an ANBU arrived before he had taken more than two bites of his meal.
"Colt-san, Hokage-sama requests your presence at the Hokage building..."
Noticing the ANBU kneeling respectfully, a flicker of annoyance crossed Colt's face.
"In the future, no ANBUs are permitted to enter my home without my explicit permission."
"Understood!" Cold sweat appeared on the ANBU's forehead.
"You may leave. I'll go after I finish eating," Colt said impatiently, dismissing the messenger.
The ANBU grumbled inwardly but obeyed the order and retreated.
Most people would immediately drop everything upon receiving a summons from the Hokage, rushing to arrive as quickly as possible, no matter the difficulty.
However, for Colt, even a meal took precedence over the Hokage's orders.
Yet, the ANBU dared not complain aloud.
Who in Konoha wasn't aware of Colt's close relationship with Tsunade?
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that he was the future Hokage in the making.
Why would he annoy him for no reason?
"Colt, is this really alright? Won't Tsunade-sama be angry?" Hinata, ever respectful, worried about the potential consequences of disregarding Tsunade's summons.
"Don't worry. If it were truly urgent, she wouldn't have sent an ANBU," Colt said nonchalantly, well-versed in Tsunade's temperament.
After lunch, he leisurely sipped a glass of juice before making his way to the Hokage building.
"What's the matter?" he inquired upon arrival.
Seeing Tsunade working at her desk, Colt felt a twinge of nostalgia.
Just a month ago, the Third Hokage had occupied that very seat.
Without looking up, Tsunade tossed him a scroll.
"After so many days off, it's time you got back to work. This is your next mission."
Colt found it strange and glanced around before casually asking, "What about Kakashi and the others? Shouldn't they be called for missions too?"
Tsunade sighed wearily.
"The village has acquired 30% of Sunagakure's missions, and with our previous losses, we're severely short on ninjas."
"Now that you're a Jōnin, teaming you up with Squad Seven would be a waste of resources. From now on, you'll be operating solo."
Colt eyed Tsunade skeptically.
Sending him on solo missions? Wouldn't that make him work more when he wanted to slack off with team seven?
This ruthless capitalist mindset!
She'd only been Hokage for a few days, and she was already thinking from the village's perspective...
(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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"Is this the mission?"
After reviewing all the information, a flicker of interest flashed in Colt's eyes.
The mission level was only B-rank.
The specific content was to act as Fujikaze Yukie's bodyguard for the foreseeable future, ensuring her safety.
Fujikaze Yukie was currently the hottest actress in the ninja world.
Her film "The Adventures of Princess Gale" had already set a historic record and was now in production for a sequel.
She also had another identity – the princess of the Land of Snow. Kazahana Koyuki.
Though the Land of Snow was only a small country, it was still a legitimate nation.
It was not just some self-proclaimed state.
"This task can't be that simple, right? It seems wasteful to send me on a B rank, otherwise."
Colt tossed the scroll back and asked casually.
"Not bad," Tsunade gave him an admiring look.
Strength and keen observation – he was truly reassuring.
If only she knew that her facade was completely transparent to him.
"This is your mission on the surface. In reality, Fujikaze Yukie's, whose true name is Kazahana Koyuki, and her retainer, Asama Sandayū..."
Tsunade soon revealed the truth.
"So, your actual mission is to help Kazahana Koyuki reclaim her country. The mission rank has been elevated to S-class."
Any mission involving national interests automatically qualified as an S-rank.
Colt wasn't surprised at all.
There was just one thing he didn't understand.
"Based on what you've said, the Land of Snow should be quite impoverished. What conditions made you accept this mission?"
Tsunade smiled, "There's a chakra-conductive metal ore buried beneath the glaciers in the Land of Snow. Though the exact yield is unknown, it's certainly enough to cover the costs."
Indeed, his guess was correct.
He knew that the Hokage wouldn't engage in unprofitable ventures.
"I'll take this mission, but I want 10% of the chakra metal we obtain as a reward."
As the first movie arc of the series, Colt had some vague impressions, but not many.
In his memory, the princess of this Snow Country was a beautiful woman with a rather unpleasant temperament.
Beyond that, he recalled little else.
Tsunade nodded and then looked at him seriously.
Seeing his casual attitude, although she had the utmost confidence in his abilities, Tsunade still felt compelled to warn him:
"Don't underestimate the ninjas of the Snow Country. While not particularly strong individually, they possess strange armor that even Kakashi struggled to fight against."
Colt nodded, expressing his understanding.
Well, it seemed like Kakashi was used as a benchmark for everyone these days.
Heading home directly with the Flying Thunder God technique, Colt made some simple preparations before setting out.
As he was walking towards Konoha's gate, he accidentally bumped into Team Seven returning from a mission.
"Oh, hey Colt!"
Naruto was as energetic as ever, showing no signs of fatigue from their travels.
Kakashi and the others also greeted Colt.
It was at that moment when he who noticed that Sasuke's face had grown colder.
After the brief encounter, Colt continued on his way without putting thought to the problem.
"Sigh…"
"Come out, Sasuke."
Shortly after leaving Konoha, he suddenly stopped and spoke seemingly to no one.
Swish!
Sasuke jumped down from a tree and appeared before Colt.
Since encountering Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke had changed significantly, becoming more and more obsessed with power.
"I want to ask, what can you do to help me defeat Itachi Uchiha?"
The surging killing intent released was undisguised.
Sasuke knew the gap between him and Itachi was widening, and this couldn't be bridged by simply completing a few missions with Kakashi.
If anyone could give him the power to kill Itachi, in all of Konoha it might only be Colt.
He was willing to pay any price for that power.
Colt pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
In truth, he understood Sasuke quite well.
Looking at the bigger picture in Konoha, Colt found that Sasuke's worldview was actually the most normal.
Well, except for the part where he forgave Itachi later on.
That felt like a forced redemption, and Colt couldn't accept it.
Other than that, Sasuke's actions were understandable given the murder of his parents.
"By the way, would you mind being a spy for me?"
Noticing Sasuke's disappointment at his refusal, Colt asked softly.
Suddenly, he had some new ideas to try.
"You're already considering defecting to Orochimaru, aren't you?"
Faced with Sasuke's suspicious gaze, Colt said something that shocked him.
"W-what?"
"Don't rush to deny it. Your eyes have already revealed that you're tired of Konoha."
"My proposal is for you to go to Orochimaru and act as a spy for me. In return, I can tell you part of the truth about that night."
After speaking, he ignored Sasuke's reaction and continued walking on his way.
Sasuke's expression changed drastically.
The truth? Was it information about the massacre that occurred that night?
What did Colt know?!
Sasuke was about to chase after him but was blocked by a raging wind current.
"Go back. You can inject chakra into this feather when you've made your decision. You're still too weak now; knowing too much would do you no good."
Colt's figure drifted away, and Sasuke found a silver feather engraved with a certain pattern in his hand.
"Damn it!"
**********
Colt continued walking slowly towards the agreed-upon city.
The incident with Sasuke was just a minor episode, not affecting his journey.
If Sasuke agreed, Colt wouldn't mind revealing some truths to him, using carefully chosen words to ensure Sasuke would never forgive Itachi.
After all, that kind of filial son didn't need redemption.
Colt simply disliked the guy. Because while he understood the driving factor for him to do that, it just didn't justify killing your family to him.
If Sasuke didn't agree, Colt had nothing to lose.
Orochimaru deserved his attention, if only for the perfected Impure World Reincarnation technique.
If he couldn't obtain it, he could always use his system points to exchange for it.
Right now, the task at hand was more important.
According to the intelligence reports, Kazahana Koyuki was filming a movie in a small town in the Land of Fire at this time.
In fact, the technology in the ninja world was quite strange.
Biotechnology, led by Orochimaru and Sasori, was highly developed.
When those two worked alone, they achieved soul reincarnation and a sort of immortality.
And civilian technology had also developed to a certain extent, as evidenced by the current film production, as well as the radio transceivers in the Konoha Village.
Even trains had emerged.
In terms of weapons, there hadn't been much progress for a long time, with the focus still on cold weapons and ninjutsu.
After one day of travel, Colt finally arrived at the town where his target was located.
Just as he was about to head to the filming location, he heard a rush of hooves approaching.
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