"Natsuki, you always manage to surprise us."

After finishing her work, Tsunade walked over to Natsuki, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru.

As the person in charge, her duties included not only cleaning up the battlefield but also assessing merits for rewards.

However, distributing rewards was mainly Sarutobi Hiruzen’s responsibility. Her task was to assess merits and report them.

Because of this, she knew about Natsuki killing Akebino Jinin and helping Orochimaru capture Suikazan Fuguki alive.

"I originally thought you brought Natsuki along to broaden his horizons. I didn’t expect this result."

Jiraiya echoed.

"I didn’t expect it either."

A smile appeared on Tsunade’s face. "But thankfully we brought him along. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have achieved such results."

"Your current strength is already close to Jonin level—but only when the enemy doesn’t know your abilities."

Orochimaru looked at Natsuki. "Don’t become arrogant."

"Natsuki is still young."

Before Natsuki could respond, Tsunade interjected. "And given his personality, I don’t believe he’ll get carried away."

"Why does it feel like you’re acting as his teacher too?"

Jiraiya was slightly taken aback.

"I can indeed be considered his second teacher."

Tsunade’s lips curled slightly.

"How about I be his third teacher?"

Jiraiya blinked.

"What can you teach him?"

Orochimaru glanced at him. "Whatever you can teach, I can teach too."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

Jiraiya got irritated. "Come on—let’s fight and see who’s stronger!"

"Enough. Now is not the time to argue."

Tsunade stopped them. "I have a suggestion: try to slow down the spread of Natsuki’s fame as much as possible."

"You’re worried that excessive fame will make him a target for other villages?"

Jiraiya immediately understood.

"I agree."

Orochimaru nodded.

He had previously said something similar to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Natsuki, what do you think?"

Tsunade looked at him.

"I have no objections. Fame is useless to me."

Natsuki paused. "Speaking of ideas—I do have one, but it concerns you three."

"Us?"

Tsunade and the others looked confused.

"Although I contributed to this battle, it’s far less than what you three accomplished."

Natsuki smiled. "Why not promote the three of you as the ’Konoha Sannin’? That way, the attention on me will naturally diminish."

In the original story, "Konoha Sannin" was indeed their title—but it had been given by Hanzo.

In a sense, it carried humiliating connotations.

Because they had received the title after failing to defeat him in a three-on-one fight.

Natsuki had thought of this idea on a flash of inspiration.

Because this battle was impactful enough.

Not only did it involve the Uzumaki clan, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure—they had also achieved an unexpectedly great victory.

"Konoha Sannin?"

Jiraiya’s eyes lit up. "I like that!"

Compared to Orochimaru and Tsunade, he cared more about fame.

In the original story, he had even created a flashy self-introduction catchphrase.

Besides, he was currently in his youth. If he could make a name for himself, he naturally wouldn’t miss the chance.

"I don’t care."

Orochimaru said indifferently.

"This idea isn’t bad. I’ll mention it to Teacher when we return."

Tsunade nodded.

She was indifferent to the concept.

After all, as the granddaughter of the God of Shinobi, Senju Hashirama, she was already famous enough.

Combined with her exclusive title as the most outstanding medical ninja.

"Let’s go. We’re heading back to the Uzumaki clan."

Tsunade said with a smile. "Clan Head Keisuke is probably getting impatient."

"Let me see the spoils from this battle."

Jiraiya took the scroll from her hands.

The contents were divided into two parts.

One was the merit assessment.

For example, under Natsuki’s name, it noted that he had killed Akebino Jinin.

The other part was the spoils of war.

For example, the captured ninjas.

This was the section Jiraiya was examining.

"Three of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen came this time."

Tsunade noticed Natsuki’s expression. "One was killed. Two were captured."

Besides Suikazan Fuguki, Kushimaru Kuriarare had also been captured.

His strength was inferior to Fuguki’s. Since he had faced Jiraiya, he was taken alive.

"Can I examine their three ninja swords?"

Natsuki asked. "I’ve long heard of Kirigakure’s Seven Ninja Swordsmen. I’m very curious."

His true goal was projecting these three swords to unlock his newly acquired EMIYA template.

"Once we return to the Uzumaki clan, you can take your time examining them."

Tsunade said casually.

"Thank you, Teacher Tsunade."

What a pity.

Natsuki thought to himself.

If all Seven Ninja Swordsmen had come, he could have projected seven swords at once.

He suddenly thought of another question.

Did projecting the Sword of the Thunder God count?

Judging from the unlock condition, it most likely did.

In that case, the Kusanagi Sword and the White Light Chakra Sabre should also qualify.

Speaking of which, he hadn’t met Hatake Sakumo yet.

This way, he could project six swords—leaving only one more.

"Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya—thank you so much for your support."

Seeing them, Uzumaki Keisuke hurried forward to greet them.

Although he hadn’t participated in the battle, he had watched the entire process through the Mind’s Eye of the Kagura.

The number and strength of the ninjas Kirigakure and Kumogakure had assembled this time had shocked him.

He could imagine that without Konoha’s support, the Uzumaki clan would have undoubtedly suffered heavy losses—perhaps even been wiped from the ninja world.

"The Uzumaki clan will bear all of Konoha’s losses in this battle."

Keisuke added immediately.

"You’re too polite, Clan Head Keisuke."

Tsunade nodded. "On behalf of Teacher, I have one more matter to discuss with you."

What she was going to propose was exactly Sarutobi Hiruzen’s previous suggestion.

Konoha would help the Uzumaki clan fortify their barriers and defenses. In exchange, the Uzumaki clan would send some members to Konoha for exchange and learning. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Then let’s proceed to the main hall."

Keisuke raised his hand. "Please."

"Natsuki, this is for you."

Tsunade handed him a storage scroll. "These are the spoils from this battle."

Natsuki nodded.

He didn’t follow them to the main hall. Given his age and status, he would just be standing off to the side anyway.

Natsuki opened the storage scroll. As expected, inside were the three ninja swords of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

Each sword had a seal on it—because Kirigakure possessed a scroll that could summon the seven blades. Without a seal, they would be recalled.

Since he hadn’t unlocked the EMIYA template’s Projection Magecraft yet, he could only use the Emiya Shirou template’s version.

Moreover, Natsuki was very curious whether the Greatsword Samehada could be projected.

Conceptually, it was indeed a ninja tool.

Just a living one.

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