Chapter 217

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"I've just escorted the Suna envoys to the inn and instructed the Anbu to monitor their movements."

After Kurenai finished speaking, she noticed that Yōichi's desk was somewhat messy, so she offered, "Yōichi-sensei, should I tidy up your desk for you?"

"No need, Kurenai. I'll have to continue working on it tomorrow morning anyway."

"But... tidying it up will make it look better, right? If someone else sees it, they might think I'm not diligent..."

"Kurenai, you are certainly diligent. It's just that I prefer things to be left as they are when I leave so that it's easier for me to get back into the flow of work the next day."

As Yōichi spoke, he placed a hand on Kurenai's shoulder and gently guided her towards the door.

"Kurenai, make sure to get some rest when you get home. There's more work waiting for you tomorrow."

"Alright, Yōichi-sensei."

Kurenai felt a bit puzzled but was also pleased by Yōichi's concern. After walking with him to the outside of the Hokage Tower, she waved goodbye and headed home.

After Yōichi and Kurenai had left the office for a while, someone slowly emerged from under the desk.

Rin had an unusual blush on her face, her lips slightly swollen. She swallowed hard and then let out a deep breath, patting her chest, "Phew, that was close... Yōichi-sensei really caught me off guard."

However, thinking back on what had just happened, Rin didn't feel any discomfort. Instead, she was rather happy, "Yōichi-sensei wasn't lying last time; he really accepted me... But doing this in the office is so risky. I'm glad Kurenai didn't come over."

Having barely dared to breathe under the desk, Rin waited in the room for a while. Once her face had calmed down, she carefully left Yōichi's office.

The next day, when Yōichi arrived at his office, he noticed that the desk had been tidied up, which led him to suspect that Rin had done it.

Without thinking much of it, he started working.

The Suna envoys, still unwilling to give up, went to find Mikoto again, hoping she could sell some supplies to Sunagakure at a lower price.

Pakura did not involve herself in these matters. Although she was well-known in the village, she had no real authority, so she spent the next day continuing her tour of Konoha.

She couldn't visit the ninja clan compounds, but she did explore the newly built residential areas, completed and under-construction factories, and the commercial and entertainment streets above the Hokage Rock.

The more Pakura saw, the more she realized Konoha's strength, evident in every aspect.

In comparison, Sunagakure seemed like a sinking ship, barely holding together despite continuous patchwork, with more and more leaks appearing.

Yōichi was steadily bringing Konoha's infrastructure into the future, anticipating what the village would become by the time of Boruto's generation. In five years, this place would be the most prosperous city in the ninja world.

——————————————

In Kirigakure, a few months ago, the oppressive reign of the Third Mizukage had been overthrown.

At that time, many in the village were dissatisfied with the Mizukage, leading to a series of uprisings. The Kaguya and Yuki clans attempted successive coups to overthrow the Mizukage.

However, these two clans' rebellions were weak, and despite having the same goal, they failed to coordinate their efforts.

Had they joined forces, they could have overwhelmed the Mizukage, possibly leading to a prolonged stalemate.

But after suppressing the rebellions of the two clans, dissatisfaction with the Mizukage in Kirigakure reached a peak, resulting in a third coup that ousted the Mizukage and installed Yagura as the Fourth Mizukage.

Now, only a few months after the coup, Kirigakure had just begun to settle down.

"Bring all the information about the Three-Tails immediately, whether current or past."

This command was issued from the Mizukage's office, and the Kirigakure shinobi promptly delivered all relevant intelligence to the office.

After the Kirigakure shinobi left, Obito emerged from the Kamui dimension.

As he reviewed the information on the Three-Tails, Obito's thoughts turned to Rin, the kind, understanding, and almost perfect girl he had once known.

"Releasing the Three-Tails in Konoha to destroy the village using a tailed beast... So that's how it was. Rin must have realized Kirigakure's plan and chose to run into that blade herself."

Bam!

The chakra exploded, shredding the secret documents in his hands. Obito then cast a genjutsu on the Fourth Mizukage, before hiding in the shadows.

"Since this place is called the Village of the Bloody Mist, let's take that name to its fullest extent!"

Obito thought darkly. He wasn't worried about Yagura being overthrown. Even Kirigakure, one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, couldn't endure the overthrow of two consecutive Mizukages.

Now, if the current Kirigakure leadership followed through with his plans, the village would likely collapse, with many shinobi fleeing, leading to its complete destruction.

So Obito could issue orders in Yagura's name without hesitation.

"Let's start by having only one graduate per year in each class. Then, we'll initiate a war with Konoha using an elite force. That way, we can weaken two villages at once."

This world, filled with war and without Rin, didn't need to exist! Under his mask, Obito's Sharingan gleamed with hatred and violence.

...

In Konoha, on the third day, the Suna envoys finalized all the details of the Chūnin Exam.

The Chūnin Exam would be held in two months, with several villages, including Amegakure, Kusagakure, and Takigakure, participating alongside Sunagakure. Inviting Kusagakure and Takigakure was also a means of intimidating them.

Small villages like these tend to forget their place, so they need to be reminded from time to time to keep them in check.

Although the Suna envoys finalized the Chūnin Exam details, they didn't plan to leave yet, as there was still another important matter to discuss—one that was crucial for the survival of Sunagakure.

It wasn't that the issue couldn't be negotiated, but Yōichi was waiting for Pakura to agree. Since expressing his intentions to her, Pakura had been wandering around Konoha, visiting various places, and spending an entire day at the Ninja Park.

Only when Pakura agreed to side with him would Yōichi relent, allowing her to return to Sunagakure as a hero, bringing back affordable supplies to save the village.

Otherwise, Sunagakure would have to choose between starvation and war, and they'd need the courage to fight without their Jinchūriki.

Yōichi didn't pressure Pakura. With a strong-willed woman like her, it was best to let her make the decision on her own.

However, he had another matter to address urgently.

Mina had no leads regarding the clones, especially ones that required genetic fusion. She had tried for a long time but had not yet succeeded.

Mina had told Yōichi about her difficulties in a dejected tone, admitting that her medical knowledge was still lacking. Although she had managed to improve the Edo Tensei control seal and integrate Hashirama's cells, it was only after many experiments.

In the dream space, at least a thousand experimental subjects had died. For each one that perished, she had conjured another until she achieved two successes.

In the real world, Mina didn't have nearly as many test subjects available, and she also had to care for Karin and teach students medical ninjutsu.

After handling some matters, Yōichi went to see Tsunade.

"You troublesome brat, you really know how to keep me busy. Just when the Extremis Virus was starting to show progress, you bring me another big problem."

Tsunade emerged from the lab, her eyes narrowed as she glared at Yōichi.

She still had to research the genetic potential as well, and at this rate, she'd have no time to rest.

"Tsunade-sama, you're the only one who can help me with this."

Yōichi lowered his stance, pleading with her as he embraced her after she removed her lab coat, revealing her shapely figure.

"After much thought, I realized only Tsunade-sama could accomplish this."

"No matter how sweet you talk, it won't work, you troublesome brat. I haven't even had time to drink lately."

"I'll have someone buy the best sake from all over the ninja world."

As Yōichi spoke, he started massaging Tsunade. Though his technique was rough, Tsunade closed her eyes and enjoyed it.

Because it was the troublesome brat who was doing it.

However, after a short while, Tsunade felt his warm hands start to roam all over her body.

"You troublesome brat, what are you doing~"

"Tsunade-sama has had a tiring day, so you need a massage inside too. Can't neglect one part over the other."

"You're just making excuses, hmm."

The room soon echoed with unusual sounds, growing more intense. If anyone had passed by, they would have certainly heard what was going on inside.

Yōichi made sure Tsunade reached her peak and, while she rested and regained her strength, finally got her to agree to help. She even promised to use her Shadow Clones to expedite the research.

Satisfied, Yōichi left, though he had planned to leave with Tsunade. But she still had some 'loose' ends to tie up; besides, with Nawaki and Shizune away on missions, she didn't need to return home early, so she sent Yōichi off.

As he left the hospital, Yōichi was suddenly stopped by Rin, who had just come out of a room.

"Yōichi-sensei, you came to see Tsunade-sama again today?"

"Yes, I had some matters to discuss. Rin, you haven't gone home yet?"

Rin shook her head, "Lately, I've been going home late. I'm now Mina-sensei's assistant, responsible for teaching the medical ninjutsu course to the upcoming students at the Academy. Yōichi-sensei, come inside."

Although it sounded like an invitation, Rin directly pulled Yōichi inside.

This was the office that Rin and Mina shared, although Mina only visited once a week, leaving the office mostly to Rin. However, Rin made sure Mina's desk was cleaned daily.

After locking the door, Rin flashed a sweet smile, but Yōichi felt something was off and asked, "Rin, what's wrong?"

"Yōichi-sensei, are you also involved with Tsunade-sama? You were doing that, weren't you?"

"..."

Yōichi fell silent, but Rin immediately knelt in front of him, reaching to undo his pants.

"Rin, wait."

"No, Yōichi-sensei clearly enjoyed it last time. Please don't refuse me."

"Another time, Rin. It's getting late."

"No... If Yōichi-sensei goes home like this, you'll be found out. I'm helping you."

Yōichi, who initially wanted to stop Rin, slowly rested his hand on her reddish-brown hair, gently stroking it as he had in the underground lab before.

——————————

On the seventh day after the Suna envoys arrived in Konoha, Pakura once again visited the Hokage Tower.

Over the past week, she had almost entirely explored Konoha, visiting everywhere except the restricted areas. The place she spent the most time in during the last few days was the notice board at the Konoha Police Force headquarters, where she stood for hours each day.

"Well, have you made up your mind?"

When Yōichi saw Pakura again, he directly asked. He noticed that her spirit had changed significantly in just a few days.

Pakura took a deep breath and then asked, "If... If I lead the villagers of Sunagakure to join Konoha, how would you treat us?"

"Just like any other Konoha villagers. Once you join, you're part of the family. If you contribute, you'll be rewarded; if you make mistakes, you'll be punished. If anyone discriminates against you because of your surrender, the police force will punish them according to the rules."

Yōichi spoke calmly, "I have no reason to target the shinobi and civilians of Sunagakure. The ninja world is vast, and you're the first to join. There will definitely be more opportunities to prove yourselves in the future."

Upon hearing Yōichi's words, Pakura realized that his goal wasn't just Sunagakure; the other major villages would likely follow the same fate.

Reflecting on the strong stance of Konoha's Thunder Fang and his military achievements, Pakura began to believe it was possible.

"I've decided."

Pakura took a deep breath and spoke. After saying those words, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders, her entire body telling her that she had made the best decision.

"What should I do?"

"Take the signed agreement back with you and continue being the hero of Sunagakure. From now on, you'll be the one supplying the village with resources. Whoever you decide to feed will get to eat!"

"With Konoha's support behind you, all you need to do is win over the hearts of the people. When you have the support of over half the village, lead them to join Konoha."

This was the method with the fewest casualties. If Pakura managed to lead half of Sunagakure's population away, with Konoha's army waiting outside, those who remained would only have the option to fight or surrender.

Yōichi then discussed some details with Pakura, primarily teaching her how to use supplies to win people's loyalty or control other shinobi.

In this situation, even if Rasa could extract gold, it wouldn't help. Gold couldn't be eaten, and now they couldn't even buy supplies with money.

The Uchiha Merchant Alliance would soon purchase supplies from the Land of Tea, the Land of Bears, and the Land of Demons, completely isolating the Land of Wind.

Unless Rasa turned into a bandit and raided for supplies, there was no way for him to procure anything.

After the discussion, Yōichi called the Suna envoys and Sakumo to sign a new agreement.

Sakumo arrived, glanced at the agreement, and signed it in the name of the Fourth Hokage, then left. The whole process took less than two minutes.

However, the Suna representative was very unhappy. Even though they had agreed to lower the requirements for purchasing supplies, the negotiations should have been with the Fourth Kazekage. What did Pakura have besides the title of Jonin?

"Yōichi-sama, this isn't right. Why should Pakura handle this?"

"We've heard some rumors about your village. To be honest, I don't trust the Fourth Kazekage. But for the sake of peace and the innocent villagers of Sunagakure, the Fourth Hokage and I agreed to your requests despite our reservations."

Yōichi interrupted the representative with a calm tone, "If you can't accept these conditions, then think of something else. Remember, Konoha isn't begging you; you're the ones begging Konoha!"

"But..."

The representative wanted to argue but, seeing Yōichi's expression, swallowed his words.

He knew he had no room to negotiate and could only return to the village to report the situation to the Kazekage.

"...I understand."

As he left Yōichi's office, the representative suddenly thought, "This must be Pakura's scheme. No wonder she volunteered to come to Konoha, seeking external support."

Pakura noticed the representative's gaze but didn't care. Everyone in Sunagakure knew about her conflict with Rasa; it was no secret.

Besides, she was the one who brought back the supplies, not Rasa. So what if she sought external support? Rasa wouldn't have any proof, and what could he do against a hero who secured the village's resources?

The new agreement between Suna and Konoha was signed, including provisions for the Chūnin Exam, material aid, and more. Once this news spread, Amegakure would likely be the first to panic.

Hanzō had always believed that Amegakure's assistance helped Konoha defeat Sunagakure, which was true. But Hanzō's attitude had grown increasingly arrogant. Although he had gained benefits from the war, he still wanted to be recognized as Konoha's "benefactor."

Amegakure was also part of Konoha's plan for domination. Once the Lands of Fire, Wind, Rivers, and Rain were united, the first great nation of the ninja world would be born.

——————————————

Boom!

A puff of smoke from a Summoning Jutsu appeared but quickly dispersed.

A tall figure emerged from the smoke.

"Jiraiya, it's been a while since you've come to Mount Myōboku. What brings you here this time?"

Gamabunta asked, as it was Jiraiya who had asked Gamatatsu to summon him.

"No battles lately?"

"None. This time, I'm here to see the boss and big sister. If there's a fight, I'll call you."

After greeting Gamabunta, Jiraiya headed deeper into Mount Myōboku; he had been there many times and knew where Fukasaku and Shima lived.

After Jiraiya left, Gamabunta shook his massive head, "Jiraiya, it seems the death of Minato hit you hard. You still haven't recovered."

Gamabunta hadn't participated in the last battle, as large summon creatures weren't much help against the Rinnegan.

After walking for a while, Jiraiya arrived at the home of the two Great Sages.

"Boss, big sister."

"Jiraiya? It's rare for you to come on your own. What's the matter?"

"Jiraiya, you're just in time. I just made a big lunch. Join us."

Jiraiya, looking downcast, waved his hand, "No need, big sister. Can I see the Great Toad Sage?"

"Why do you want to see that old toad? If it's sleeping, no one can wake it up."

Shima said, explaining that the Great Toad Sage usually called them when it had dreams, as it often saw the future in its sleep, making it impossible to wake.

"I have some questions..."

Fukasaku thought for a moment and then said, "Come with me, but my wife is right. If the Great Sage is asleep, there's no point in seeing it."

Still, Fukasaku led Jiraiya to the Great Toad Sage's chamber. He could see that Jiraiya was lost, but unlike the Great Sage, Fukasaku couldn't see the future to guide him.

However, to their surprise, as soon as they arrived, the Great Toad Sage woke up before they could call out.

"Fukasaku, is this the new summoner?"

The Great Toad Sage seemed confused as soon as it awoke, prompting Fukasaku to speak up loudly, "Great Sage, this is Jiraiya. He's come to see you."

"Jiraiya?"

The Great Toad Sage paused, trying to recall, and then slowly asked, "Who's Jiraiya?"

After several reminders from Fukasaku, the Great Toad Sage finally remembered, "Oh, right, Jiraiya. I was just about to find you."

Jiraiya was surprised and asked, "What do you need from me, Great Sage?"

"Jiraiya, I saw Hagoromo in my dream just now. He said the Six Paths' chakra had stirred again, and there might be another pair of Rinnegan soon."

"Great Sage, I already know about this. The Rinnegan belongs to my student, Nagato. He's currently..."

Jiraiya stopped mid-sentence as he realized what the Great Toad Sage had just said. He quickly asked, "Great Sage, did you say another pair of Rinnegan? A new Rinnegan? And who is this Hagoromo?"

"Hagoromo... is the one you call the Sage of Six Paths. The Rinnegan is his ability."

The Great Toad Sage spoke slowly, as if trying to remember.

"As for the Rinnegan, that's what Hagoromo told me. He wouldn't be wrong."

(End of Chapter)