At the entrance of Konoha Village.

It was 10 AM. The village entrance, which should have been quite deserted, was

packed with people.

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, stood at the very front.

The smile on his face never ceased.

Flanking him were Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu.

And behind him were the heads of the major ninja clans who hadn’t participated

in the war, such as Hyuga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku.

They stood in the crowd, their expressions unchanged, but their minds were

racing.

Especially regarding Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Natsuki, the four who had

made a name for themselves in this war.

Because they were involved in the position of Hokage.

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen was in his prime, he would eventually retire.

The next Hokage would undoubtedly be one of Jiraiya, Tsunade, or Orochimaru.

Many ninjas were contemplating how to get closer to them.

If they could become a "follower of the dragon" (a close confidant of the next

leader), that would be even better.

Of course, some were also thinking about getting closer to Natsuki.

The Konoha Sannin each had their own students, but he didn’t.

"They’re back!"

Someone shouted, and the atmosphere instantly became incredibly lively.

Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya walked at the very front of the procession.

Jiraiya walked while waving to the onlookers.

Hearing the screams, the smile on his face grew even wider.

Tsunade and Orochimaru simply walked side-by-side.

Behind them were Natsuki, Nawaki, and the others.

Like Jiraiya, Nawaki excitedly interacted with the crowd.

Natsuki scanned the area but didn’t see Uzumaki Kushina.

It seemed that after becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn’t

allow her to show her face in public.

Previously, when they returned victorious after defeating Sunagakure, she had

come out to welcome them.

The cheers lasted for a long time before subsiding.

Looking at Orochimaru and the others, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn’t help but sigh

emotionally.

Previously, their fame wasn’t prominent, but now they were famous throughout the

entire ninja world.

As Hokage and their teacher, he was naturally extremely gratified and proud.

But far exceeding his three students was his grand-student, Natsuki.

The speed at which he became famous was simply unprecedented.

Less than a year after graduating, he already had a massive reputation in the

ninja world.

Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward and began making arrangements.

It was similar to when they returned after defeating Sunagakure.

The wounded were transferred to the Konoha Hospital.

Of course, the severely injured ninjas had already been sent back to Konoha

Village earlier.

The captured Amegakure ninjas were transferred to the Konoha Maximum Security

Prison to await processing.

Without Hanzo, their life and death rested entirely on Sarutobi Hiruzen’s whim.

Except for Orochimaru and the others, the rest of the Konoha Village ninjas were

dismissed to go home and rest.

As for the assessment of merits and rewards, it would be carried out

successively over the next half month.

However, unlike last time, Natsuki was asked to stay behind.

"Please tell Kushina for me."

Natsuki looked at Nawaki and the others and said.

"Don’t worry, we’ll pass the message on for you."

Nawaki promised.

Natsuki nodded and followed Tsunade and the others to the Hokage’s office.

"I won’t say much. You perfectly concluded this war."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a chuckle, "If you have any rewards you desire, you

can state them directly."

"Teacher, can you give me your crystal ball?"

Jiraiya blinked and asked.

He had been coveting this crystal ball for a long time.

Because through it, he could observe the situation in all of Konoha Village.

If he wanted to focus on a specific person, he could understand their chakra

fluctuations.

"After you become Hokage, it will belong to you."

Sarutobi Hiruzen’s smile remained unchanged.

Hearing the word "Hokage," Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu

subconsciously exchanged glances.

Could it be that Sarutobi Hiruzen plans to retire early?

"Then forget it. Being Hokage is no fun."

Jiraiya shook his head and refused.

"Lord Hokage."

Natsuki glanced at Orochimaru and said, "I want to join the Anbu."

Tsunade and Jiraiya were instantly somewhat surprised.

"Why?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked curiously.

"After joining the Anbu, I can execute more missions."

Natsuki explained, "I can serve Konoha Village and also enhance my strength

through combat."

"With your merit and strength, you could directly become the Anbu Commander."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said very satisfied, "But considering you are unfamiliar with

the Anbu, you should start as a Division Captain."

He had no reason to refuse.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage."

Natsuki said immediately.

Shimura Danzo and the others didn’t stop him.

Because Natsuki’s merit was too great.

"Which Division Captain do you want to be?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked again.

Currently, the Anbu was naturally fully staffed, and there were no vacancies

among the four Division Captains.

But since Natsuki wanted to join, there had to be a vacancy.

"Fourth Division."

Natsuki replied.

"The New Year is coming up, and the war just ended. You rest first, and after

the New Year, you can take up your post."

Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a moment and said.

Natsuki nodded slightly, indicating he had no objections.

"The last matter is the future handling of Amegakure."

Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "I plan to hand it over to..."

Hearing this, Shimura Danzo instinctively took a half step forward.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen was interrupted before he could finish.

"Teacher."

Orochimaru spoke up, "I think the Amegakure matter should be handled by

Natsuki."

Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly turned his head to look at him, the expression on his

face instantly freezing.

"Natsuki?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was somewhat surprised and asked, "Why?"

"Teacher, you just said Natsuki is unfamiliar with the Anbu. This matter can be

handed over to him and the Fourth Division to handle, allowing him to quickly

adapt to the Anbu."

Orochimaru ignored Shimura Danzo and said in a calm tone.

Regarding the future handling of Amegakure, it was actually about establishing

secret control.

Root was suitable, and the Anbu was also suitable.

Orochimaru’s meaning could be summed up in one sentence: people teaching people

is useless, things teaching people, they learn it once. (T/N: Experience is the

best teacher.)

"Lord Hokage, I am willing to go."

Natsuki hurriedly expressed his stance.

"I disagree!"

Shimura Danzo retorted, "Amegakure is so important, it absolutely cannot be

handed over to an inexperienced person. Only our Root can handle it!"

Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt somewhat troubled.

Although he hadn’t stated it explicitly earlier, he indeed intended to let

Shimura Danzo and his Root go to Amegakure.

However, what Orochimaru said also made sense.

Of course, the most important thing was that Orochimaru and Natsuki, as the

heroes of this war, made this request, and it was hard for him to refuse.

"Who says Natsuki is inexperienced? In terms of understanding Amegakure and the

Land of Rain, he is far superior to you."

Tsunade snorted coldly and said, "During this time, he has constantly been

executing missions around the Land of Rain and fighting Amegakure ninjas."

"This experience is not that experience. What is needed next is not combat

experience, but intelligence work experience!"

Shimura Danzo felt things were going south but still argued strongly based on

reason.

"If you don’t let young people do the work, how will young people get

experience?"

Jiraiya smiled and said, "It’s just an Amegakure. It’s perfect for young people

to practice on."

Leaving aside his decent relationship with Natsuki, just based on his

personality, he couldn’t stand Shimura Danzo’s style of doing things.

Therefore, without anyone asking, he took the initiative to help Natsuki.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged a glance.

After communicating with their eyes, they decided not to intervene in this

matter.

It was still the same saying: Amegakure had no value. Whoever was in charge was

the same to them and wouldn’t affect them.

"What do you mean ’just an Amegakure’?"

Shimura Danzo’s face darkened, and he asked, "If another Hanzo emerges, who will

take responsibility?"

"If we can kill one Hanzo, we can kill a second." Orochimaru said with a calm

face.

"You!"

Shimura Danzo was so angry he almost spat blood.

Previously, his status and position could suppress Jiraiya, Tsunade, and

Orochimaru.

But times have changed; the Konoha Sannin are famous throughout the ninja world.

And most importantly, after the Second Shinobi World War, their supporters were

spread all over Konoha Village.

War not only increases fame but also elevates status.

Especially the position of commander, which can be considered a dry run for

Hokage.

The ninja world respects strength. Whoever acts as commander and wins battles

gets the support; it’s that simple.

"Danzo, you have plenty of experience. You don’t need this one time."

Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed lightly and said, "Young people are the future of

Konoha. They should be given certain opportunities. Just make a concession this

time."

Shimura Danzo felt like he was struck by lightning.

What does that mean?

Are you despising me for being old? And planning to make me pave the way for

young people?

Damn it!

Shimura Danzo subconsciously clenched his fists, but he was angry and didn’t

dare speak.

Especially with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu not speaking up, it was one

against five. Naturally, he had no advantage.

"This matter is settled then."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Natsuki and said, "After the New Year, your division

can execute this mission."

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

Natsuki said with a serious face.

"..."

Shimura Danzo stood in place, unable to retort.

Natsuki glanced at him.

In the original work, Shimura Danzo and his Root interfered in the affairs of

the Land of Rain and Amegakure.

At first, he disguised himself as an Iwagakure ninja to deal with Hanzo, but the

effect was poor.

Later, he noticed the newly rising Akatsuki organization and turned to cooperate

with Hanzo, sowing discord.

Ultimately, they captured Konan and forced Yahiko to his death.

But Nagato erupted, causing Hanzo’s death and the sacrifice of a large number of

Root ninjas. Only Shimura Danzō managed to flee back to Konoha Village in a

sorry state.

Now Natsuki had stolen his job and offended him.

Given his personality, he most likely wouldn’t let it go easily and might cause

trouble in the Land of Rain and Amegakure.

But now, Natsuki actually wasn’t afraid of him.

The brief meeting ended.

Natsuki, Tsunade, and the others left the Hokage’s office.

"Haha!"

Jiraiya laughed loudly, "Seeing Shimura Danzo’s ugly expression makes me feel

happy too!"

He didn’t hide his disgust for Shimura Danzo at all.

"Root acts ruthlessly and mercilessly, completely ruining Konoha Village’s

reputation."

Tsunade snorted coldly and said.

Like Jiraiya, she hated Shimura Danzo.

After all, given their personalities, Shimura Danzo and Root’s actions were

entirely dancing on their landmines.

"Teacher has his own calculations."

Orochimaru said casually.

He could understand why Sarutobi Hiruzen did this.

It was nothing more than treating Shimura Danzo as a tool, making him do the

difficult things.

As Hokage, having this kind of operation was indeed normal.

"But today’s matter turned out quite satisfactorily."

Tsunade paused and said, "Natsuki and I are heading back. See you next time."

Hearing this, Natsuki also said goodbye to Orochimaru and Jiraiya and followed

Tsunade away.

The two quickly returned to the Senju clan compound.

Before Natsuki could react, he felt a flash of red crash into his embrace.

Followed by a faint fragrance and a petite, soft sensation. He looked down and

saw Uzumaki Kushina in his arms.

"You’re finally back!"

Uzumaki Kushina said, both happy and slightly dissatisfied.

"It seems I’ve been completely ignored."

Tsunade couldn’t help but laugh and tease.

"Lady Tsunade."

Uzumaki Kushina let go of Natsuki and called out somewhat embarrassedly.

"Natsuki, you’re finally back!"

Nawaki poked his head out and said, "Lunch today is on you!"

During the war, they ate ready-made meals.

Although the taste wasn’t bad, it ultimately wasn’t as atmospheric as everyone

gathering around the dining table to eat.

"No, I’ll cook lunch today!"

Uzumaki Kushina suddenly said, "I’ve been constantly improving my culinary

skills recently. I guarantee you’ll be surprised!"

"Ah?"

Nawaki was stunned, his eyes darting around, and said, "It’s too slow for you to

cook alone. Let Natsuki help you."

He was worried Uzumaki Kushina would mess up. If her cooking was like his

sister’s, wouldn’t that be deadly?

With Natsuki helping, it wouldn’t be too unpalatable.

Uzumaki Kushina originally wanted to refuse, but on second thought, she agreed.

After all, it was a rare chance for the two of them to spend time alone.

"The troublesome war is over. We should indeed enjoy some good food."

Tsunade said with a beaming face, "I’m looking forward to it."

"Then we’ll go cook now!"

Uzumaki Kushina grabbed Natsuki’s wrist and walked towards the kitchen.

After reaching the kitchen, she let go.

"Here."

Uzumaki Kushina picked up an apron and held it out in front of Natsuki.

"Thank you."

After taking the apron, Natsuki smiled and asked, "Do you need me to help you

tie your apron?"

Uzumaki Kushina’s eyes lit up. Without saying a word, she turned around and

raised her arms, the meaning self-evident.

Natsuki stepped forward, first extending his right hand, spreading the apron

with his left hand, and finally grasping the apron strings with both hands.

He tied a knot, and the strings hugged Uzumaki Kushina’s slender waist tightly.

Natsuki took a couple of glances.

The current Uzumaki Kushina’s waist perfectly fit the description of being

slender enough to be wrapped by one arm.

"I’ll help you tie yours too."

Uzumaki Kushina picked up another apron.

"Thank you."

Natsuki chuckled softly and spread his arms.

"Defeating Amegakure, is the war completely over?"

Uzumaki Kushina looked up at him.

"Mhm."

Natsuki said casually, "At least there won’t be any more wars for the next few

years."

"That’s good."

Uzumaki Kushina breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Every time there’s a war,

you guys leave for too long. Waiting alone is very boring."

"Sorry."

Natsuki thought of the Flying Thunder God Technique.

With the Flying Thunder God Technique, even during a war, he could rush back to

Konoha Village.

Besides that, he could also travel back and forth to the Land of Rain very

conveniently.

Regarding the Flying Thunder God Technique, he currently had two options.

One was to learn it himself.

With the reaction speed brought by the Kirigaya Kazuto template, he might be

able to learn it.

The second was to wait until Namikaze Minato learned it, then figure out a way

to trigger the relevant character template.

For example, through sparring.

Natsuki thought for a moment and decided to wait until Namikaze Minato learned

it first.

After all, he should be learning it soon.

"What’s there to apologize for?"

Uzumaki Kushina said understandingly, "As ninjas, executing missions is

inevitable."

Natsuki looked at her pretty little face, reached out, and pinched it.

"We’ll start cooking now."

Uzumaki Kushina blinked and said.

She turned around, let out a breath, rolled up her sleeves, revealing snow-white

arms.

Sunlight filtered through the window, falling on her long hair, sparkling with a

ruby-like brilliance.

Natsuki retracted his gaze and walked towards the refrigerator.

Working together, the two made a table full of dishes.

"Kushina, your culinary skills have indeed improved a lot."

Nawaki tasted the tempura Uzumaki Kushina made and said in surprise.

"I’m very smart!"

Uzumaki Kushina raised her head and said proudly.

"Study for a while longer, and maybe you can catch up to me."

Natsuki couldn’t help but say, looking at her happy appearance.

"I still know my own limits."

Uzumaki Kushina waved her hand and said, "To catch up to your culinary skills, a

short time probably won’t be enough."

In the wonderful atmosphere of a long-awaited reunion, lunch came to an end.

Nawaki couldn’t sit still. After eating, he said he was going to train.

Natsuki, Uzumaki Kushina, and Yakushi Nonou had nothing to do, so they followed

along. Only Tsunade was the laziest, returning to her room to take a nap.

Waking up from her sleep, she walked out of her room with sleepy eyes.

At the entrance to the living room, she stopped and looked at the four people

training.

Nawaki and Yakushi Nonou had already learned Soru, Geppo, and Shigan, and were

currently learning Tekkai.

Uzumaki Kushina, as always, was learning sealing jutsu.

But when she looked at Natsuki, she couldn’t help but be stunned.

He created two shadow clones, simultaneously learning Lightning Release, Wind

Release, and Fire Release.

Tsunade remembered that he had also learned Water Release and Earth Release

before.

What’s going on here?

Is he preparing to master all five elemental ninjutsu like Sarutobi Hiruzen?

But Tsunade could see that his speed in learning Lightning Release and Wind

Release was very slow, his talent average.

On the other hand, he learned Fire Release very quickly, looking very talented.

This was also a bit strange.

His innate chakra nature was clearly Earth.

But Tsunade didn’t ask further.

The current Natsuki’s combat strength was already above hers; she had no need to

disturb his training.

"Teacher Tsunade."

Natsuki, acting as the main body, stopped training and walked up to her.

"Do you need me for something?"

Tsunade asked.

"The Konoha Rokushiki currently only has four techniques, which you have already

learned."

Natsuki found an excuse and said, "When I was researching Tekkai earlier, I

created another taijutsu called Armament Haki."

"What a weird name."

Tsunade asked in confusion, "What effect does it have?"

"It can enhance the body’s defense like Tekkai, but it’s freer; you can move

while using it."

Natsuki paused and said, "Moreover, it can also be used to strengthen ninja

tools."

Tsunade subconsciously stood up straight.

She was just leaning against the door frame with her body slightly turned.

Following her movement, her slender legs tensed, her buttocks quivered, but her

eyes stared intently at Natsuki.

"An incredible taijutsu."

Tsunade calmed down and evaluated.

"If you want to learn it, I can teach you."

Natsuki said casually.

"Mhm."

Tsunade nodded, then sighed emotionally, "Although you call me Teacher, what I

teach you is far less than what you teach me."

"Then you call me Teacher?"

Natsuki raised an eyebrow and asked.

"No respect for your elders."

Hearing this, Tsunade immediately glared at him and said.

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