Konoha Village, Monument Square.
The rising sun dispelled the thin mist, casting golden light across the solemn square. The air still carried the faint mixed scent of gunpowder and medicinal herbs, reminding everyone that though the war was nearing its end, the pain had not yet faded. Yet today's atmosphere also carried the fervor and reverence of those who had survived a catastrophe.
On the temporary platform at the center of the square stood Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in his Divine Robe. Beneath his imposing expression lay a trace of fatigue that was difficult to detect. At his side stood advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, while Shimura Danzō remained hidden in the shadows behind them, his face so dark it seemed ready to drip water. Below the platform stood a dense crowd of Konoha Ninja and civilians, their burning gazes focused on the upright figure onstage—Duanmu Ci.
He wore a brand-new Konoha Jonin Vest, its dark green lining accentuating his youthful yet already steady features. After Tsunade's careful treatment and the formidable recovery of his Sage Body, the "injuries" he had sustained while turning the tide had long since vanished. He was full of vigor, carrying himself with quiet composure. Only deep within those seemingly calm black eyes did an occasional glimmer of all-seeing insight flash—a transcendent perception passively granted by the Rinnegan.
"...In light of Duanmu Ci's heroic performance in the defense of Konoha's Forty-Seventh Frontline Medical Base, where he used incomparable strength and will to defeat Kirigakure's elite forces, protect the lives of countless comrades, and save vital medical resources, his merit is outstanding. He is truly a pillar of Konoha!" The Third Hokage's voice spread clearly to every corner of the square through an amplification ninjutsu, filled with praise and affirmation.
"Hereby, in the name of the Third Hokage, I formally confer upon Duanmu Ci the rank of Special Jonin! At the same time, I grant him the title of 'Konoha Azure Dragon'! May he soar through the heavens like an azure dragon, protect Konoha, and strike fear into the hearts of its enemies!"
"Konoha Azure Dragon!"
"Lord Azure Dragon!"
"Long live Lord Duanmu!"
Cheers erupted in an instant, like a roaring tide sweeping across the entire square. The ninja waved their arms excitedly, while the civilians' eyes brimmed with tears and gratitude. Duanmu Ci's name, along with the title "Konoha Azure Dragon," a symbol of strength and protection, was deeply engraved in every Konoha resident's heart at that moment. His figure, standing against Kirigakure and sheltering all with the forest, had become Konoha's brightest postwar legend.
Duanmu Ci bowed slightly, saluting the Third Hokage and acknowledging the crowd below. His expression was humble and calm, without the slightest arrogance over his achievements. "Thank you for your trust, Lord Hokage, and thank you to the village for its recognition. To me, the name Azure Dragon is a responsibility, and even more, an oath to protect. I will continue to do everything in my power to protect Konoha and every life that cherishes peace." His voice was not loud, yet it carried a peculiar penetrating force, clearly suppressing the cheers and bringing everyone to silence as they listened.
His composure deepened the admiration in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, but it also made Danzo's gaze in the shadows grow more sinister. Wood Release... such powerful Wood Release... and that bottomless life force and Chakra... I must obtain them! Danzo's fingers curled slightly within his sleeves.
After the investiture ceremony ended, the Third Hokage kept only Duanmu Ci and Tsunade, who had been standing at his side. Rarely, Tsunade was not wearing her signature robe with the gambling character today. Instead, she wore a solemn dark kimono, her blonde hair pinned up. When her green eyes looked at Duanmu Ci, they held undisguised pride and a trace of tenderness difficult to notice.
"Duanmu," the Third Hokage said in a much gentler voice, "Tsunade has already given me a detailed report on the Taoyuan Village plan. The village has officially allocated the area near the Forest of Death to you as exclusive territory for establishing a comprehensive medical recovery base. ANBU will arrange the necessary initial construction resources as soon as possible."
Duanmu Ci's heart settled. This had gone even more smoothly than he had expected. He bowed again. "Thank you for your support, Lord Hokage. Taoyuan Village will surely become Konoha's new standard for medical care, contributing to postwar reconstruction and the well-being of ninja."
"Mm. I believe in your and Tsunade's abilities." The Third Hokage nodded, his gaze profound. "The name 'Azure Dragon' has already become known. Taoyuan Village will be your foundation. I hope you will make good use of this power and bring true peace and prosperity to Konoha." His words carried both expectation and an implicit warning—greater power meant greater responsibility, and greater attention.
Duanmu Ci understood. "I will remember your teachings, Lord Hokage."
After leaving the Hokage Office, the clamor gradually faded as they walked back toward the temporary camp. Tsunade walked beside Duanmu Ci, turning to look at the sharply defined profile of his face. Suddenly, she burst into laughter. "Hey, you little brat, you're the famous 'Konoha Azure Dragon' now. How does it feel?"
Duanmu Ci gave her a helpless look. "Please don't tease me, Lord Tsunade. A title is just empty prestige. The trouble it brings is probably what's real." He glanced meaningfully toward the Hokage Office, knowing Danzo would never let this go.
"What are you afraid of?" Tsunade slapped his shoulder boldly, the force making even Duanmu Ci's Sage Body sway slightly. "With me here, if that old bastard Danzo dares to reach out his claws, I'll chop them off! Taoyuan Village... hmph, that sounds pretty good. Come on, let's head back and plan it properly. I'm going to build a medical center grander than the Senju Clan Compound!" Her eyes shone with a long-lost, energetic light, as though she had found a new purpose.
Seeing Tsunade so high-spirited, Duanmu Ci smiled as well. The investiture was only the beginning. Taoyuan Village would be the true starting point for him to change this world and build his ideal home. Along with the rise of Taoyuan Village, the name Konoha Azure Dragon would resound throughout the Shinobi World.
The land allocated to Taoyuan Village lay at the edge of Konoha, bordering the vast and dangerous Forest of Death. Far from the center of the village, it was somewhat desolate, but the terrain was relatively flat and open. A clear stream also wound its way past not far away. Standing atop a small hill, Duanmu Ci, Tsunade, and Shizune looked out over this land that carried their future.
"This place is big enough, and remote enough. Perfect." Tsunade put her hands on her hips and nodded in satisfaction. "It's far from all those annoying people. Nice and quiet! The water source is good too, though it's a little too barren. Building this place will probably take some effort."
"The desolation is only temporary, Lord Tsunade." Duanmu Ci swept his gaze over the land. The Rinnegan's extraordinary vision allowed him to see every detail clearly, and a blueprint of the future had already formed in his mind. "Look." He pointed in several directions. "The core medical district can be built upstream near the creek to ensure clean water. Downstream, we can plan residential areas and agricultural test fields, where we can try growing special medicinal herbs. In the rear, near the forest's edge where the terrain is higher, we can establish training grounds and defensive watchtowers. On that largest stretch of flat land in the middle, we can build the main building, integrating medical care, research, and administration..."
He spoke fluently, his thoughts clear and the divisions distinct. He had even considered future expansion and defensive depth. Shizune recorded everything rapidly at the side, her eyes filled with admiration. The more Tsunade listened, the brighter her eyes became. What Duanmu Ci described was not merely a large medical station, but more like a fully functional, self-sufficient small community—a true "village."
"Good kid! You've really thought this through!" Tsunade gave Duanmu Ci's back a firm pat, though she held back her strength this time. "You've considered things more carefully than I did! We'll do it exactly like that! Shizune, when we get back, make a detailed planning map based on what he said!"
"Yes, Lord Tsunade!" Shizune hurriedly replied.
"Drawings alone can't build houses." Duanmu Ci smiled faintly and walked to an open patch overgrown with weeds. He drew a deep breath and slowly formed hand seals, mobilizing the surging Chakra within him, especially the power of Wood Release derived from the First Hokage Cells. This time, he no longer needed to unleash it violently as he did in battle. Instead, he pursued precise control.
"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence - Modified!"
There was no earth-shaking roar. Instead, countless tough vines and straight logs emerged from the soil with gentle determination, as though they possessed life. The vines quickly intertwined, forming a solid net-like foundation. The logs arranged themselves neatly, creating the rough frame and supporting pillars of a house. In only a few minutes, a simple yet structurally stable wooden house frame rose from the ground, filled with a fresh woody fragrance.
"Th-This?!" Shizune covered her mouth. She knew Duanmu Ci could use Wood Release, but witnessing this miraculous sight of turning wasteland into shelter still left her deeply shaken. It was even more astonishing than sheer destructive power, brimming with the vitality of creation.
Tsunade's eyes glittered as well. "Good kid! Using Wood Release for construction? You really are something! With that kind of efficiency, you're worth a hundred craftsmen!" She circled the wooden house frame and knocked on one of the sturdy pillars. "Solid enough! It saves time, effort, and materials! Looks like I need to reevaluate the value of your Kekkei Genkai. Not only can it fight, it can build houses too!"
Duanmu Ci withdrew his hands, his breathing steady. "This is only a preliminary attempt. It will still need traditional techniques for reinforcement and finishing. But the speed of basic construction can indeed be greatly increased." Using Wood Release for construction consumed far less than using it in battle, and it was also excellent training for his fine control over Wood Release.
As the sun set, golden afterglow spilled over the newly formed wooden house frame and over the three of them, shining with hope. Duanmu Ci's heart surged with the ambition of founding something great. Taoyuan Village would rise from this place.
That night, to celebrate the investiture and Taoyuan Village's official launch, Tsunade unusually cooked in person at the temporary camp residence—though it was only simple grilled meat and miso soup. She also brought out some treasured liquor. Shizune was pulled in to join them.
After several cups of sake, Tsunade's forthright nature emerged in full force. She slapped the table as she laughed and talked loudly, recounting embarrassing stories from her youth with Jiraiya and Orochimaru. Shizune took small sips of her drink, a blush on her face as she listened quietly. Duanmu Ci remained sober, occasionally joining the conversation, but more often watching Tsunade with a gentle smile.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Tsunade gradually spoke less. Propping up her chin, she stared at the flickering firelight. A hazy drunkenness colored her green eyes, along with exhaustion rarely seen in her and deeply buried sorrow. The camp was very quiet, with only the crackling of the bonfire.
"Nawaki... when he left, he also said he wanted to build a village without war..." Tsunade's voice became low and thick with emotion. "Dan... that idiot said a medical ninja's duty was to stand before their comrades... and in the end, they both..." She did not continue. Instead, she suddenly threw back her head and swallowed another large mouthful of liquor. Even the burning liquid seemed unable to dispel the bitterness in her heart and that bone-deep fear—fear of loss, fear of blood. Even though it had eased somewhat with Duanmu Ci's help, that shadow still ran deep.
The atmosphere instantly became heavy. Shizune looked at Tsunade worriedly, wanting to speak but stopping herself.
Duanmu Ci set down his cup without offering any hollow comfort. He stood and walked over to sit beside Tsunade. A gentle, pure Chakra brimming with vitality flowed silently from his palm to Tsunade's slightly cool shoulder and back, like warm spring sunlight. This was not Medical Ninjutsu, but the natural outpouring of the immense life force contained within his Sage Body, carrying the soothing presence unique to Wood Release.
Tsunade's body trembled faintly. Through her drunken haze, she felt that warm, life-filled power slowly seep into her, like the gentlest comfort. Strangely, it dispelled the chill in her body and some of the gloom in her heart. It was not a healing power, but more like silent companionship and support.
"Moving forward while carrying the regrets of the dead is heavy," Duanmu Ci said softly, yet his voice was exceptionally clear in the silent night. "But I think they would rather see the living find their own 'jewel' and then... protect it with a smile." He did not mention Taoyuan Village, but the meaning behind his words was self-evident. He had experienced loss in his previous life as well, and knew that dwelling on the past would only drag the living down with it.
Tsunade turned her head and looked at Duanmu Ci through drunken eyes. The dancing firelight cast shifting shadows across his youthful yet composed face. Those black eyes were deep and steadfast, as if they could embrace everything. Alcohol and that warm Chakra blurred the boundaries, and an unprecedented sense of peace and the feeling of being understood spread through her heart. She suddenly felt that this little brat whom she had personally "picked up," and then watched create miracle after miracle, appeared extraordinarily dependable in the firelight.
She said nothing, only unconsciously leaned a little toward Duanmu Ci, as though drawing warmth and strength from him. Shizune quietly lowered her head, a knowing smile appearing on her lips. Moonlight flowed through the window like water, falling over the three of them. The bonfire crackled, and the air was filled with the faint scent of liquor, charcoal, and the subtle freshness of new wood. At that moment, there were no grand declarations—only silent understanding and budding affection quietly growing in the tranquil night.
Before you continue