Chapter 166: War Epilogue

"Yuto-kun, your collar is crooked."

"Oh? Sigh... This formal attire is really difficult to wear, five layers from inside to out."

"You'll get used to it," Minato's blue eyes sparkled with amusement. "In the future, we might have to wear these often."

"Minato-senpai, next time, you should take Kakashi instead. I'd rather fight on the battlefield with an enemy."

"That won't do," Minato paused, his tone very serious. "Kakashi-kun is excellent, but Yuto-kun, I want the person standing by my side in the future to always be you."

Yuto chuckled awkwardly, not responding.

Over half a month ago, Yuto had removed the crystal pendant given to him by his teacher and put in great effort to save Kushina. Since then, he had noticeably felt a change in Minato's attitude towards him.

Previously, their relationship was more of a close superior and subordinate. Now, it was increasingly leaning towards friendship. Minato had become more approachable, often putting an arm around Yuto's shoulder in certain situations, expressing genuine emotion without any pretense. His attitude almost screamed, "Yuto, lifelong friend."

Publicly, Yuto was the strongest of the younger generation, capable of sharing immense pressure in the future. Privately, he had saved Minato's beloved girl, and in the war across both eastern and western fronts, they had saved each other's lives multiple times, making him the most trustworthy companion.

Now, Minato's fondness for Yuto had grown. These days, whenever he felt like it, he would invite Yuto for late-night tea chats, to the point where Kushina sometimes jokingly said, "Why don't you and Yuto-kun just live together? I'll cook and do the laundry for you two."

"All dressed, this damn formal wear is really troublesome," Yuto said, putting on the last cloak. "Minato-senpai, should we visit Jiraiya-sama before we depart?"

"Sure."

The two arrived at the field hospital and saw the tall white-haired man sitting in a wheelchair, writing a novel in the sunlight.

Yuto glanced at the title and almost laughed out loud. "Icha Icha Violence," it seemed the future popular Icha Icha series hadn't been cut short despite the severe setbacks.

"Yo, Minato, Yuto," Jiraiya put down his pen and paper, greeting them cheerfully. "Konoha's traditional five-piece suit, all dressed up for a formal occasion?"

"Yes, sensei," Minato's words were clearly well thought out. "Today, the Fire, Earth, Wind, and Rain nations are meeting to sign a preliminary ceasefire agreement and... discuss how to assist the Rain Country."

"To clean up the mess I left, huh?" Jiraiya sighed. "Sorry for the trouble I've caused the village."

Minato opened his mouth, but he ultimately said nothing.

They didn't talk about official matters anymore, instead chatting about daily life for a long time. Jiraiya, who had lost his legs, didn't plan to return to the village but intended to travel and see sights he had never seen before.

He now had a sense of "mission accomplished," having taught the Child of Prophecy and corrected his path when it strayed, even at the cost of his legs. Jiraiya felt he had not let down the Toad Sage's prophecy, and his mind was at ease.

Minato and Yuto said goodbye to Jiraiya, gathered their subordinates, and set off for Amegakure.

The boy took a special look at Kakashi Hatake in the team. At this time, Kakashi had not yet recovered from the grief of losing his best friend and seemed particularly depressed, not reacting even when others prodded him.

The Konoha squad moved quickly, arriving at the temporary platform outside Amegakure in half an hour.

Four large chairs were placed in the four cardinal directions. Although the Rain Country was not one of the Five Great Nations, this was their territory, and it was only right for them to sit on equal footing.

Representing the Earth and Wind countries were the Tsuchikage and Kazekage themselves, each with a deputy. Only the Fire country was represented by Minato and Yuto.

Onoki and Rasa had no objections, and there was a flash of envy in their eyes.

Konoha had successors, and the younger generation could already shoulder responsibilities, intimidating other powers without needing the old Hiruzen to show up.

Despite losing two prominent figures, Orochimaru and Jiraiya, Konoha still had more talent than the Earth and Wind countries combined, proving its exceptional foundation.

The six leaders of the powerful shinobi villages were all present, and the atmosphere was fairly cordial.

Their goal today was to discuss a "peace treaty." After Minato thwarted Onoki's plans to invade the Grass Country, their casualties had nearly reached their limits, and they all knew they couldn't continue fighting. Thus, they converged on the Rain Country, using the Amegakure incident as an opportunity to achieve peace.

In fact, when the news that the Akatsuki had regained control of Amegakure reached the various nations, many shinobi villages breathed a sigh of relief.

Although the Rain Country was centrally located, it bordered three major nations. Any one of the Fire, Earth, or Wind countries completely occupying it would face pressure from the other two.

Thus, they could only nibble at benefits bit by bit. Completely consuming Amegakure would not only be unprofitable but also plant the seeds of disaster for future generations.

Konoha originally planned a "slow assimilation, supporting puppet leaders," but Yuto's interference had derailed that plan—said to have been devised by Danzo Shimura.

In the cordial atmosphere, the Rain Country representatives arrived.

Naturally, Konan and Kitsu were the ones who ascended the platform.

Environment can change people. Though Konan had only been the leader for half a month, she already had a broad perspective. Even when facing Konoha shinobi with whom she had deep grudges, she could greet them coldly without turning hostile on the spot.

"Onoki-sama, Rasa-sama, Minato-sama," Konan, as the host, was the first to speak. "Thank you for coming here. Amegakure will always remember your efforts for peace. Now, onto the first matter, the withdrawal of Konoha, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure troops..."

Yuto looked up at the sky, knowing this negotiation would last a long time.

Although the process was unknown, he could imagine the outcome. The Fire, Earth, and Wind nations would take this opportunity to leave the Amegakure meat grinder. Though Konoha had captured Amegakure, they would probably compensate with promises to help rebuild, offering no substantial reparations.

The boy felt a sense of relief. The war in the Rain Country was ending, leaving only Kirigakure as Konoha's remaining enemy. The Third Great Ninja War was finally nearing its end.

It was time for him to return to Konoha.

(End of Chapter)