More than a year had passed since the Shinobi World's last encounter with the Golden Grape.
It had been two and a half years since Senyo left the Shinobi World.
More than a year had also passed since Izuna arrived.
During this time, the Shinobi World developed steadily. National highways throughout the regions were gradually repaired, while commerce and trade became more prosperous.
Overseas trade gradually emerged, and professional ninja found work one after another.
The various regions of the Shinobi World were unified under coordinated planning, each responsible for different sectors.
The entire Shinobi World had begun entering an era of prosperity.
At the same time, Naruto's generation had all turned twenty.
Already exceptionally gifted, they received Orochimaru's help.
They had seals carved onto their bodies and all learned Sage Mode. However, their differing talents meant their progress varied.
In Sage Mode alone, Naruto, Hotaru, Kimimaro, and Haku formed the first tier.
The rest of the younger generation belonged to the second tier.
Among the previous generation, Minato and Madara were the strongest fighters, followed by Hashirama, Itachi, and the others.
The Chakra Refinement Technique had now been fully distributed to every citizen of the Shinobi World.
Although more people had cultivated Chakra, most could only ever reach the level of a Genin.
It was enough to assist with daily life and work, but they still fell short of becoming professional ninja.
Of course, with such a vast foundation in numbers, it was only a matter of time before masters emerged.
But how many could reach the very top remained unclear.
Konoha.
As the capital and center of the Shinobi World.
Konoha's territory expanded once again.
But that was hardly good news for the Barrier Division.
After all, every expansion of Konoha gave the Barrier Division much to consider.