Aftermath of War and the Azure Dragon's Investiture

Konoha Village, Monument Square.

The newly risen morning sun dispelled the mist, casting golden rays upon the solemn and majestic square. The air still held the faint scent of gunpowder mixed with herbs, a reminder that though the war was nearing its end, the pain was not far behind. However, the atmosphere today carried a sense of elation and reverence, born from surviving disaster.

On the temporary high platform in the center of the square stood the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, clad in his Divine Robe, his expression dignified yet tinged with an imperceptible weariness. Beside him stood advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, while Danzo remained hidden in the shadows behind them, his face so grim it looked as if it could drip water. Below the platform, dense ranks of Konoha ninjas and civilians focused their burning gazes on the tall, upright figure on stage—Duanmu Ci.

He wore a brand-new Konoha Jonin Vest, its dark green lining accentuating his young but already composed face. Thanks to Tsunade's meticulous treatment and the immense restorative power of the Sage Body, the "injuries" he sustained while turning the tide had long since vanished. He appeared energetic and composed. Only in the depths of his seemingly calm black eyes did a flash of all-seeing insight occasionally flicker—the passive perception granted by the Rinnegan.

"...In light of Duanmu Ci's heroic performance in the Battle for Konoha's 47th Frontline Medical Base, where he, with unparalleled strength and will, crushed the Mist Village's elite, protected the lives of countless comrades, and saved crucial medical resources, his meritorious service is outstanding, truly the pillar of Konoha!" The Third Hokage's voice, amplified by ninjutsu, clearly reached every corner of the square, filled with praise and affirmation.

"Hereby, in the name of the Third Hokage, I officially confer upon Duanmu Ci the rank of Special Jonin! Furthermore, I grant him the title of 'Konoha Azure Dragon'! May he soar through the skies like an Azure Dragon, protecting Konoha and striking fear into the hearts of our enemies!"

"Konoha Azure Dragon!"

"Lord Azure Dragon!"

"Long live Lord Duanmu!"

A thunderous roar of cheers erupted instantly, sweeping across the entire square like a surging tide. The ninjas waved their arms excitedly, and the civilians' eyes welled with tears of gratitude. Duanmu Ci's name, along with the title "Konoha Azure Dragon," a symbol of strength and protection, was deeply etched into the hearts of every Konoha resident at that moment. His image, resisting the Mist Village and protecting with Wood Style, had become the brightest legend of Konoha in the post-war era.

Duanmu Ci bowed slightly, saluting the Third Hokage and acknowledging the crowd below. His expression was humble and calm, devoid of any arrogance. "Thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama, and for the village's recognition. The title of Azure Dragon, to me, is a responsibility and a vow of protection. I will continue to do my utmost to protect Konoha and every life that cherishes peace." His voice was not loud, but it possessed a peculiar penetrating quality, clearly silencing the cheers and drawing everyone's attention to listen.

This composure deepened Hiruzen Sarutobi's admiration and made Danzo's gaze in the shadows even more sinister. Wood Style… such powerful Wood Style… and that unfathomable vitality and Chakra… I must possess it! Danzo's fingers curled slightly within his sleeve.

After the award ceremony, the Third Hokage kept Duanmu Ci and Tsunade, who had been standing beside him, for a private talk. Tsunade, uncharacteristically, was not wearing her signature gambling-themed robe today but a solemn dark kimono. Her blonde hair was tied up, and when her green eyes met Duanmu Ci's, they held undisguised pride and a hint of subtle tenderness.

"Duanmu," the Third Hokage's voice softened considerably, "Tsunade has reported the 'Taoyuan Village' plan to me in detail. The village has officially allocated the area near the Forest of Death to you as your exclusive territory to establish a comprehensive medical recovery base. The initial construction resources required will be promptly allocated by the Anbu."

Duanmu Ci felt a surge of relief; this was smoother than he had anticipated. He bowed again, "Thank you for your support, Hokage-sama. Taoyuan Village will surely become a new benchmark for Konoha's medical services, contributing to post-war reconstruction and the well-being of ninjas."

"Mm, I believe in the abilities of you and Tsunade," the Third Hokage nodded, his gaze profound. "The name 'Azure Dragon' has already resounded; Taoyuan Village is your foundation. May you use this strength wisely to bring true peace and prosperity to Konoha." His words held both expectation and a subtle warning—with greater power comes greater responsibility, and greater attention.

Duanmu Ci understood perfectly, "I will remember your teachings, Hokage-sama."

Leaving the Hokage's office and walking on the road back to the temporary camp, the surrounding noise gradually faded. Tsunade walked beside Duanmu Ci, glancing at his well-defined profile. Suddenly, she chuckled, "Hey, you little rascal, you're now the famous 'Konoha Azure Dragon,' how does it feel?"

Duanmu Ci gave her a helpless look. "Please don't tease me, Lady Tsunade. The title is just a name; the trouble is likely real." He glanced meaningfully in the direction of the Hokage's office, knowing Danzo would not let this matter rest.

"What are you afraid of!" Tsunade clapped him heartily on the shoulder (with enough force to make Duanmu Ci's Sage Body tremble slightly), "With me here, if that old geezer Danzo dares to make a move, I'll chop off his hand! Taoyuan Village… Hmph, sounds good. Let's go plan it properly. I'm going to build a medical center even more magnificent than the Senju compound!" A long-lost, energetic light flashed in her eyes, as if she had found a new purpose.

Seeing Tsunade's spirited demeanor, Duanmu Ci's lips curved into a smile. The awarding ceremony was just the beginning, and Taoyuan Village was the true start of his journey to change this world and build his ideal home. The name Konoha Azure Dragon, along with the rise of Taoyuan Village, would echo throughout the Ninja World.

The land allocated to Taoyuan Village was located on the outskirts of Konoha, adjacent to the vast and dangerous Forest of Death. It was far from the village center, somewhat desolate, yet the terrain was relatively flat and open, with a clear stream winding nearby. Standing on a small hill, Duanmu Ci, Tsunade, and Shizune gazed upon this land that held their future.

"The place is big enough, and remote enough, perfect," Tsunade said, hands on her hips, nodding with satisfaction. "Away from all those annoying people, nice and quiet! The water source is good too, just a bit too wild. It'll probably take some effort to build."

"Desolation is only temporary, Lady Tsunade," Duanmu Ci's gaze swept across the land. The enhanced vision granted by the Rinnegan allowed him to see every detail clearly, and his mind had already sketched out the future blueprint. "Look," he pointed in several directions, "the core medical area will be built upstream near the stream, ensuring water purity. The downstream can be planned for residential areas and experimental agricultural fields to try growing some special medicinal herbs. The area behind, closer to the forest edge, with higher terrain, is suitable for building training grounds and defensive watchtowers. This largest flat area in the middle can house the main building, integrating medical, research, and administrative functions..."

He spoke eloquently, his ideas clear and his zoning precise, even considering future expansion directions and defensive depth. Shizune, standing beside him, recorded quickly, her eyes filled with admiration. Tsunade's eyes brightened as she listened. What Duanmu Ci described was not just a large medical station, but more like a fully functional, self-sufficient small community, a true "village."

"Good kid! You've thought it through thoroughly!" Tsunade patted Duanmu Ci's back forcefully, this time moderating her strength. "You've thought it through more meticulously than I did! Let's do it! Shizune, later, according to his plan, create a detailed blueprint!"

"Yes, Lady Tsunade!" Shizune quickly responded.

"Houses can't be built with just blueprints," Duanmu Ci said with a slight smile, walking to a patch of overgrown ground. He took a deep breath, slowly formed hand seals, and channeled the surging Chakra within him, especially the Wood Style power originating from the First's cells. This time, he no longer needed to unleash it wildly as in battle, but pursued precise control.

"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence - Modified!"

There was no earth-shattering roar, only countless tenacious vines and straight logs that, as if possessing life, grew gently yet firmly from the soil. The vines quickly intertwined, forming a sturdy, net-like foundation; the logs were arranged neatly, forming the rudimentary frame and support pillars of the houses. In just a few minutes, a simple but structurally sound wooden house frame, exuding a fresh woody aroma, had sprung up.

"This…?!" Shizune covered her mouth. Although she knew Duanmu Ci possessed Wood Style, witnessing this miraculous transformation of barren land into dwellings firsthand was still incredibly shocking. This was more astonishing than mere destructive power; it was filled with the vitality of creation.

Tsunade's eyes also gleamed with excitement. "Good kid! Using Wood Style for construction? That's really something! This efficiency is equivalent to a hundred craftsmen!" She walked around the wooden frame, tapping the solid wooden pillars. "Sturdy enough! Saves time, effort, and materials! It seems I need to re-evaluate the value of your Kekkei Genkai; not only can you fight, but you can also build houses!"

Duanmu Ci retracted his hands, his breathing steady. "This is just a preliminary attempt; it still needs to be reinforced and perfected by combining it with traditional craftsmanship. However, the speed of basic construction can indeed be greatly accelerated." Using Wood Style for construction consumed far less Chakra than in combat, and it was an excellent exercise for his control over Wood Style.

As the sun began to set, its golden rays cast upon the nascent wooden frame and the three figures, filled with the glow of hope. Duanmu Ci felt a surge of ambition to establish his enterprise; Taoyuan Village would rise from this very spot.

That night, to celebrate the awarding of the title and the official launch of Taoyuan Village, Tsunade, uncharacteristically, cooked herself in her temporary camp residence (though it was just simple grilled meat and miso soup), and even brought out her treasured good wine. Shizune was also pulled in to join them.

After a few cups of sake, Tsunade's boisterous nature emerged. She slapped the table and laughed loudly, recounting embarrassing stories from her youth with Jiraiya and Orochimaru. Shizune sipped her wine, her face flushed, listening quietly. Duanmu Ci remained sober, occasionally chiming in, but mostly watching Tsunade with a gentle smile.

As the drinks and food progressed, Tsunade's chatter gradually subsided. She propped her chin on her hand, gazing at the flickering lamplight. Her green eyes were tinged with a hazy drunkenness, and a rare weariness and deeply buried sadness appeared. The camp was quiet, only the crackling of the bonfire could be heard.

"Nawaki… when he left, he also said he wanted to build a village without war…" Tsunade's voice was thick with a nasal tone, deepening. "Dan… that idiot, he said the duty of a medical ninja was to stand in front of their comrades… and then they both…" She didn't finish, merely tilting her head back and taking another large gulp of wine. The spicy liquid seemed unable to dispel the bitterness in her heart or the ingrained fear—the fear of loss, the fear of blood. Even with Duanmu Ci's help, the shadow remained profound.

The atmosphere instantly became heavy. Shizune looked at Tsunade worriedly, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Duanmu Ci put down his wine cup, not uttering any empty words of comfort. He stood up and sat beside Tsunade. A gentle, pure, and life-affirming Chakra, like the warm sun of spring, silently flowed from his palm to Tsunade's slightly cool shoulder. This was not medical ninjutsu, but the natural outpouring of the vast life force inherent in the Sage Body, carrying the soothing aura unique to Wood Style.

Tsunade's body trembled slightly. In her drunken haze, she felt the warm, vital energy slowly seep in, like the gentlest of comforts, strangely dispelling the chill in her body and the gloom in her heart. It wasn't a healing power, but more like a silent companionship and support.

"Carrying the regrets of the departed forward is a heavy burden," Duanmu Ci's voice was soft, yet remarkably clear in the quiet night. "But I believe they would prefer to see those who are alive find their own 'jewel' and then… protect it with a smile." He didn't mention Taoyuan Village, but the implication was clear. He had also experienced loss in his past life and knew that dwelling on the past would only drag the living down with it.

Tsunade turned her head, looking at Duanmu Ci with her hazy, drunken eyes. The flickering firelight cast shifting shadows on his young yet composed face, and those black eyes were deep and resolute, seeming to encompass everything. The alcohol and the warm Chakra blurred the lines, and an unprecedented sense of security and the touch of being understood spread within her. She suddenly felt that this little rascal, whom she had "picked up" and personally witnessed creating miracles, appeared exceptionally reliable in the firelight.

She didn't speak, but her body unconsciously leaned slightly towards Duanmu Ci, as if drawing warmth and strength from him. Shizune quietly lowered her head, a knowing smile appearing on her lips. The moonlight, like water, shone upon the three of them through the window. The bonfire crackled, and the air was filled with the faint scent of alcohol, charcoal, and a subtle, elusive freshness of new wood. At this moment, there were no grand pronouncements, only silent understanding and budding emotions growing quietly in the tranquil night.