章 81: Sweet Home

Just when it seemed that the Blood Eagle's sealing technique was about to consume everything, Chen's voice sounded.

"Spatial exile!"

Whoosh!

Suddenly, the air around the Blood Eagle began to distort, as if reality itself was bending.

Crack!

A sound like breaking glass resonated in the place, and in an instant, a black hole materialized in front of the Blood Eagle.

"What the hell...?" The Blood Eagle's exclamation was abruptly cut off.

Slurp!

With a sucking sound, the black hole began to suck in the Blood Eagle. In a matter of seconds, his body was stretched and distorted, as if absorbed by an invisible vortex.

"AAAAARGH!" The Blood Eagle's scream of terror quickly faded as he was engulfed by the void.

Pop!

As quickly as it appeared, the black hole closed in on itself, taking with it the Blood Eagle and its sealing technique.

"....."

The silence that followed was deafening. Where the Blood Eagle had been before, now only empty air remained. There was no trace of the black blood or the activated seals. Everything had disappeared along with him.

Chen remained impassive, his hand still extended towards the place where his enemy had been. His eyes, faintly glowing, slowly returned to normal.

The control over space he had just exhibited went beyond anything they had seen before in the world.

Even among the most powerful users of space techniques, like Obito with his Kamui, the level of control Chen possessed was incomparable. The ability to instantly exile someone to a different dimension was something that bordered on the divine.

As for his manipulation of time, for example, it was restricted to accelerating time in a radius of 100 meters for a maximum of one year, and the chakra cost was astronomical, making it impractical.

A collective sigh of relief ran through the group as the imminent sealing jutsu vanished along with the Blood Eagle.

Nawaki, his face still pale, was the first to break the silence, "That... that was close," he muttered, his voice still shaky. "For a moment I thought we were done for."

The others nodded silently. After a moment of tension, Chen, with his usual calmness, stepped forward,

"Well, I think we've had enough excitement for today. How about we continue on our way? Konoha awaits us."

His casual tone served to lighten the mood. Slowly, the group began to move.

However, Shikaku approached Chen. In a low voice, so only Chen could hear him, he asked.

"Chen, do you have any idea who those guys were? They didn't seem like ordinary ninjas."

Chen looked at Shikaku for a moment, "Shikaku, sometimes it's better to be ignorant."

Shikaku's frown revealed his dissatisfaction with Chen's evasive answer. However, as a member of the Nara clan, known for their intelligence, Shikaku didn't need to be explained the implications of Chen's words.

As the group continued on their way to Konoha, Shikaku sank into his thoughts.

The Four Symbols Inverted Sealing Jutsu, a forbidden technique of the Uzumaki clan, mentioned by Kushina, was a crucial detail. The Uzumaki clan, now extinct, had been a close ally of Konoha. This connection led Shikaku to a disturbing conclusion: their attackers probably came from the ranks of their own village.

The landscape around them gradually changed. The dense forests surrounding Konoha began to become visible. The air became fresher and charged with the familiar scent.

After more than a day of travel, the imposing gates of Konoha finally appeared on the horizon. The group, tired but relieved, presented their credentials to the Chūnin guard.

Following direct orders from the Hokage, they were immediately escorted to the Hokage mansion.

The streets of Konoha were bustling with activity, with civilians and ninjas alike coming and going.

Upon arriving at the Hokage mansion, they were greeted by Hiruzen himself. With lines of concern marked on his face, he quickly scanned the group. His eyes stopped on Tomo, the Kyubi Jinchūriki, and a smile of relief spread across his face.

The tension he had accumulated for days seemed to vanish from Hiruzen's shoulders. Seeing Tomo safe and sound was what mattered.

The atmosphere in the Hokage's office filled with relief.

Looking at the group of young people with relief and paternal affection, Hiruzen said, "You are the future of Konoha, our new branches and leaves," His eyes scanning the faces of each one. "Seeing you return safe and sound... you have no idea of the weight that has been lifted from my shoulders."

He paused, his gaze becoming more serious. "These times are not peaceful, and every mission outside the village carries an enormous risk. The idea of losing the next generation of Konoha... is something that keeps me up at night."

Hiruzen's words, full of sincerity and genuine concern, had an immediate effect on the group. Nawaki and Minato, in particular, looked visibly moved, their eyes shining with contained tears.

However, Chen observed him with a more reserved expression. A slight smile played on his lips.

'Old bastard,' he thought, though without real grudge. His opinion of the Third Hokage was complicated: he didn't feel great affection for him, but neither strong dislike.

Hiruzen represented a contradictory figure. On one hand, the affection and concern he showed for the village and its inhabitants were undeniable. On the other, there were crucial weaknesses in Hiruzen's leadership.

Hiruzen's indecision at critical moments and his tendency to be influenced by Danzo were problematic aspects. Even at this moment, which many consider the peak of Hiruzen's mandate, Chen couldn't help but see the cracks in the facade of the "Shinobi God".

The mention of Danzo in his thoughts brought with it a wave of contempt. Chen was clear that Danzo was not a good person, but he also recognized that Hiruzen was not exempt from blame in Konoha's turbid events.

Chen was aware of the irony of his judgments. He didn't consider himself a morally impeccable person, and recognized that perhaps he wasn't in the best position to judge others. However, this didn't prevent him from feeling frustration and disapproval towards these people.

Hiruzen, noticing something strange, finally addressed the small figure clinging to Kushina.

"And this little one, who is she? I don't remember seeing her before."

"She's Konan, my sister," Chen, without hesitation, replied.

Hiruzen's eyes fixed on Chen, studying him intensely. The Hyuga maintained his composure, his expression imperturbable under the Hokage's scrutiny. It was a silent duel of wills, each evaluating the other.

After what seemed like an eternity, Hiruzen broke the silence. "Well, Chen Hyuga. If this is the sister you recognize, then let's do things properly. We'll request a village certificate for her. She'll be an official member of Konoha."

Internally, he was already planning. Konan was young, too young to be considered an immediate threat or a spy. However, he would have ANBU discreetly investigate the child's past, just to be sure.

The conversation then turned to the details of the mission. The boys recounted the events, carefully omitting certain crucial details. They didn't mention the pursuit, the assassination attempts, or Chen's abnormal display of power.

Instead, they talked about hiding in the Land of Rain, thus explaining their prolonged absence.

Listening attentively, Hiruzen had a mask of neutrality. His experience told him there was more to the story than they were sharing. However, he chose not to press. The full truth would have to wait, he would send ANBU to investigate discreetly.

For him, the most important thing was that Tomo had returned safe and sound. This fact alone was enough to alleviate much of his concern. The remaining details, though intriguing, were secondary.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Hiruzen personally handed Konan her village entry certificate.

With the formalities concluded, Chen and his group were dismissed.

At the Hyuga residence, Chen and Kushina were discussing their future plans.

"Tomorrow we'll move to a bigger house. We have the means now, so why not?" Chen, with a gleam of determination in his eyes, announced.

Kushina, asked curiously: "And what will we do with this house? Sell it?"

Chen let out a small laugh and gave a light tap on Kushina's head.

"Sell it? What are you thinking, Kushina? Property prices are rock bottom now. Selling it would be throwing money away. And it's not like we're short on cash, right?"

He paused, his expression becoming more illuminated. "In fact, not only are we not going to sell, but we should buy more properties."

Kushina looked at him in surprise, but Chen continued.

"Think about it. We're in the middle of a war. The real estate market is at its lowest point. If we buy now, when prices are on the floor, and sell after the war is over, when everything has stabilized..."

His eyes shone with anticipation as he concluded: "We could become the richest in the village. And believe me, when you have that much money, you don't worry about it anymore."

Chen's gaze shone with an intensity that Kushina had never seen in him before. His vision went beyond simple tactics; now Chen aspired to conquer the business world, specifically the real estate sector.

His plan was based on a deep understanding of economic and demographic cycles. Knowing the current situation: the ongoing world war had caused a drastic reduction in population, which in turn had caused a significant fall in property prices.

Houses, previously considered safe investments, were now selling at ridiculous prices, and the downward trend seemed to continue.

However, Chen looked beyond. He anticipated the end of the war and the consequences this would bring. Based on this, he predicted that after the cessation of hostilities, there would be a period of rapid population growth. Families, free from the constant fear of war, would dedicate themselves to having children, initiating an era of demographic expansion.

This foresight formed the basis of his strategy. By hoarding properties now, when prices were at their lowest, he would position himself to obtain substantial gains in the future. When the population began to grow and the demand for housing increased, property prices would inevitably skyrocket.

It was a plan that promised not only profits, but long-term financial security. In a world where physical strength and ninja skills determined power, Chen was charting a different path.

"But... Chen, why do we need so much money? What would we do with all that?" With an expression of genuine curiosity, Kushina looked at Chen.

Chen, caught off guard by the question, scratched his head, "Uh... well... the truth is I hadn't thought it through completely."

He fell silent for a moment, reflecting. It was true that he didn't lead any organization or was the patriarch of a clan. His current needs and those of his immediate family were more than covered. In the shinobi world, strength and skills had always been the most valuable currency. Why accumulate so much wealth?

Kushina, interpreting Chen's silence as the end of the conversation, let out a sigh. "Well, while you dream of mountains of money, I'll go prepare Konan's room." She cast a glance at Chen before taking little Konan's hand. "Mikoto, could you take care of dinner?"

Mikoto, who had been observing the exchange with a smile, nodded. "Sure, I'll get to it right now." With a final amused look at Chen, she headed to the kitchen.

Alone, still immersed in his thoughts. Just when he was about to abandon the idea, a memory crossed his mind, making his determination rekindle.

"No, no, no," he muttered. "That money... we're going to need it. Especially with someone like Tsunade in the family."

The image of Tsunade, with her infamous luck in gambling, vividly formed in his mind. Chen felt a shiver run down his spine as he imagined the financial consequences of Tsunade's bets.

"Even tens of billions of ryo wouldn't be enough to cover her losses," he reflected with concern.

Suddenly, his plan to accumulate wealth through the real estate market no longer seemed like a simple business ambition. It had become a strategic necessity for the future well-being of his family.

'If we don't make sure we have a solid financial cushion,' he thought, 'We could end up on the street thanks to Tsunade's 'skills' in gambling.'

He settled on the sofa and turned on the television, finding himself with the raw and visceral images of the ongoing World War. The scenes unfolding on the screen were shocking, showing the brutality of the conflict.

He couldn't help but wonder about the identity and bravery of the cameraman who dared to venture into the heart of the battlefield to capture these images.

Although he recognized that much of what was broadcast could be propaganda or manipulated information, he also appreciated the value of having direct access to news and images from the battle front.

Konoha's position was precarious, to say the least. The village was under the coordinated siege of an alliance: Amegakure, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure had joined forces against Konoha.

The motivation behind this alliance was clear: the territory of the Land of Fire was rich and strategically valuable. Any portion of land they could snatch from Konoha would represent a significant gain, both in resources and geopolitical influence.

What was more alarming was the presence of high-level leaders on the battlefield. The Tsuchikage Ōnoki and the Third Kazekage. This demonstrated the seriousness with which the allied villages were approaching this offensive.

But perhaps the most worrying piece of the puzzle was the appearance of Hanzō of the Salamander. The infamous leader of Amegakure had emerged from his usual isolation to join the offensive.

The result of this alliance and coordinated assault had been devastating for Konoha. The Leaf forces, taken by surprise, had been forced to retreat hundreds of kilometers and casualties were numerous.

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