Chapter 212

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Year 51 of Konoha.

A year passed peacefully in the ninja world. Although there were border skirmishes, they were nothing like the large-scale conflicts of the Third Shinobi World War. Even these skirmishes rarely involved Konoha ninjas or the caravans they escorted.

With the Fourth Hokage, Sakumo, and his assistant, Yoichi, combined with their victory in the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha's overall strength was rapidly increasing.

No other ninja village dared to provoke Konoha's ninjas openly. Even in private skirmishes, unless they could completely erase all traces, Konoha would investigate and retaliate.

Konoha's approach had changed. They no longer tolerated minor provocations. Every incident involving the loss of a Genin or Chunin would be thoroughly investigated, with appropriate retribution following.

Within this year, Konoha's village area doubled, and its barrier extended by half, as many people sought to live in Konoha. The population grew from 70,000 to over 140,000 in just two years.

Many came seeking work or residency, hoping their children could become ninjas. To enroll in the Ninja Academy, families needed to reside in Konoha for at least three years.

The popularity of ninja games spurred this desire. The games promoted positive views of ninjas—leaping across rooftops, protecting the country, and more.

These ideas spread among the people of the Land of Fire, making them realize that ninjas were their protectors. In times of disaster or attack, only ninjas could defend them.

Kushina and Mikoto both gave birth to sons, Naruto and Sasuke. Kushina's childbirth was uneventful, aided by Mina, whose sealing techniques were on par with Kushina's.

Mina's Adamantine Sealing Chains were stronger due to her Senju cells. During childbirth, these chains bound the Kyubi, preventing any outburst and ensuring Kushina's safe delivery of Naruto.

Naruto was named after his mother's Uzumaki surname to avoid constant reminders of his father, Minato. Yoichi visited Kushina and Naruto, confirming the presence of Ashura's chakra in Naruto.

This special yang chakra greatly attracted him, but he decided to wait until Naruto grew older to extract a portion.

Two months later, Mikoto gave birth to Sasuke. Holding Sasuke, she felt her life was complete, though she wished there wasn't a subtle tension between Yoichi and Itachi. Despite this, Yoichi treated Sasuke equally and continued to ensure Itachi received proper upbring.

In this year, Yoichi's presence in the village ensured stability, deterring any threats, including from White Zetsu.

"Hey, Kurenai! Got a moment?" Asuma eagerly approached Kurenai and Rumi near the Hokage building. He pretended to have just run into them, hoping to celebrate Kurenai's promotion to Jonin.

"I heard you're taking the Jonin exam. With your skills, you should pass easily. How about I treat you and Rumi to celebrate?" Asuma smiled, trying to be charming.

"We've already passed. We're Jonin starting tomorrow," Rumi announced, smiling. They had just updated their ninja records at the Hokage building.

"Jonin already... How about we celebrate then?" Asuma suggested, though feeling slightly dejected. He had just become a Chunin, thinking it would bring him closer to Kurenai, only to find she was now a Jonin.

"Sorry, Asuma. There's still a lot to do, and I plan to apply for an office job to get some experience. Maybe another time," Kurenai replied.

"An office job? Why?" Asuma asked, puzzled. Such jobs were usually for Chunin or Genin, not Jonin, who were village elites involved in decision-making.

"I need the experience," Kurenai said vaguely. "Another time, Asuma." She left, followed by Rumi.

Asuma sighed, watching them go.

Rumi caught up with Kurenai. "Are you going to Yoichi-sensei's office?" she asked quietly.

"What's wrong with helping sensei? He taught us so much," Kurenai replied defensively.

"You just want to be where he is," Rimi teased.

"I do not!" Kurenai snapped, though her face betrayed her embarrassment.

Rumi laughed. "Well, I think I'll join you. I want to help Yoichi-sensei too."

"Really? But doesn't your family…" Kurenai trailed off, knowing Rumi's clan often wanted her back as a guardian.

"My family can't control me. If they try to use the Caged Bird Seal on me, I'll ask Yoichi-sensei for help!" Rumi declared, her expression hardening.

"Rumi…" Kurenai looked at her friend, feeling a mix of sympathy and suspicion. Was Rumi also…

Rumi's face remained calm. "What is it?"

"Nothing. See you tomorrow, Rumi," Kurenai said, walking away.

Yoichi returned home for lunch after handling morning affairs, including energy absorption from Roran and discussions about building a railway. He found Itachi holding Sasuke, smiling.

"Itachi, skipping school again?" Yoichi asked.

"I have a clone there, Father. I won't miss any lessons," Itachi replied, looking apologetic.

"As long as you're managing, I suppose. Just remember your responsibilities," Yoichi said, letting it go. He had bigger issues to deal with, like refining medicines and managing the Uchiha clan's expansion.

With the construction of a new factory nearby, the clan produced more secret medicines, primarily for internal use, with limited supplies sold to the village. The effectiveness of these medicines garnered high praise, making them highly sought after.

Back home, Yoichi found Mikoto and Sasuke, feeling his life was finally falling into place, despite the lingering tension with Itachi.

(End of Chapter)