Konoha, early morning.
The Ninja Academy's Training Ground had been temporarily requisitioned.
The open space where children usually played was now packed with people.
The heads of the major clans, elders who had stepped behind the scenes, and young ninjas who had emerged through the genius training program.
They stood according to their clan affiliations, clearly divided, silent as a graveyard.
At the very front of the crowd, Hiruzen Sarutobi wore plain clothes, the pipe in his hand unlit.
Beside him stood Minato Namikaze, dressed in the Hokage Robe.
His azure eyes were as clear as the sky, and a warm, sunny smile rested on his face.
He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over one youthful face after another, and said:
"Everyone!"
His voice, carried by Chakra, reached every ear clearly.
"Today, we have gathered here to witness a brand-new step toward the prosperity of the Land of Fire!"
"The Daimyo cares deeply for us ninjas. To cultivate Konoha's next generation of pillars, he has specially established a genius development program and personally allocated an enormous sum of funding!"
He paused, then turned slightly and continued, "Next, please welcome the special envoy from the Daimyo Manor's Ministry of Internal Affairs to read the Daimyo's decree and distribute the funds!"
Everyone's gaze turned in unison toward a middle-aged man dressed in the official robes of Daimyo Manor.
Only after Minato Namikaze finished speaking did he stroll forward at an unhurried pace.
Behind him stood two rows of heavily armored samurai.
Behind the samurai were more than a dozen enormous, weighty wooden chests.
The chests were locked, yet quite a few people below stretched their necks, their Adam's apples bobbing.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs official cleared his throat, lifted his chin slightly, and looked down at the crowd.
"By order of the Daimyo!"
Everyone present instinctively straightened their backs.
"Effective immediately, the Land of Fire's genius development program is officially launched!"
"All those selected are talents destined to become pillars of the Land of Fire and shall be treated as treasures of the nation!"
"The Daimyo has decreed that, to ensure the smooth growth of these geniuses, special funding shall be granted according to their talent rankings!"
"Now, the names shall be announced!"
"Shisui Uchiha, Class A+, monthly stipend of three million ryo!"
"Mitaraishi Anko, Class A, monthly stipend of two million ryo!"
"Might Guy, Class A, monthly stipend of two million ryo!"
"..."
One name after another was called out.
One young ninja after another stepped onto the platform beneath the envious gazes of the crowd.
When the cash chests filled with brand-new banknotes were placed in their hands, nearly every young person's arms trembled.
It was not merely the weight of money.
It was a ladder to a future where they could rise to the heavens in a single step!
A Civilian Ninja was so excited that his face flushed red. He dropped directly to his knees and bowed heavily in the direction of the Land of Fire Capital.
"Thank you, Lord Daimyo!"
That kneel was like a signal.
Every young ninja who received funding voluntarily dropped to their knees.
A thunderous chorus of thanks echoed above the Training Ground.
"Thank you, Lord Daimyo!"
Watching this scene, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally put the pipe in his mouth and lit it.
The smoke he exhaled concealed the loneliness on his face.
Minato Namikaze let out a long sigh, happy for these youths yet worried for the village's future.
He did not know whether such changes were right.
"Teacher, have you accepted your fate?"
A soft, eerie voice drifted over, tinged with mockery.
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not turn around. He knew who it was.
Orochimaru.
His most prized disciple had appeared behind him at some point, a playful smile hanging on his pale face.
Hiruzen Sarutobi blew out a ring of smoke.
"You can bear to leave your laboratory?"
"Hehe..." Orochimaru chuckled softly, his long tongue licking his lips, his face showing a sickly excitement. "With such a magnificent spectacle before us, would it not be a pity not to witness it personally?"
He looked toward the young ninjas who were overflowing with gratitude toward the Daimyo, his tone mocking.
"Look at them. Such pure eyes, such sincere gratitude."
"The Konoha you protected your whole life, the Will of Fire you preached your whole life—yet in the end, neither can compare to this gold."
"Teacher Hiruzen, don't you find it... tragic?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not answer. He merely took a deep drag from his pipe.
"Hehe!"
Orochimaru gave a teasing smile, shifting his gaze away from Hiruzen Sarutobi's back and returning it to the mountain of money piled atop the platform.
The mocking smile on his face gradually vanished, replaced by irritation.
Ever since Danzo had been eliminated, his greatest source of funding had been cut off.
Most of the research projects requiring massive financial support had already been suspended.
Worse still, without Root's cover, he could barely obtain any experimental materials.
Ten days ago, he had risked infiltrating Konoha Prison and taken out several death-row inmates.
The guards there were far stricter than before. The slightest disturbance would draw swarms of Anbu.
Just yesterday, he had nearly been exposed.
Perhaps sensing Orochimaru's agitation and resentment.
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly turned around and faced his disciple's pale face.
"Orochimaru, put those thoughts away."
"The times have changed."
"This is no longer an era where you can do as you please."
Orochimaru's smile became increasingly strange.
"Do as I please?"
"Teacher, don't you think this is the true era where one can do as they please?"
"As long as... one can gain that person's favor."
His words made Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart sink sharply.
The two said nothing more.
Only after the ceremony ended and the crowd dispersed did the Ministry of Internal Affairs official slowly approach.
He walked straight up to Minato Namikaze and gave a slight bow.
His posture was humble, yet his words were impeccably guarded.
"Lord Minato, the Daimyo has one more verbal order that requires your personal supervision."
Minato Namikaze replied politely, "Please, go ahead."
The official's tone remained equally courteous. "The Daimyo says that all those selected for the Guardians of the Twelve must depart at once and report to the Land of Fire Capital without delay."
"I'll have to trouble the Fourth Hokage with arranging this matter."
Minato Namikaze nodded. "I understand."
At that moment.
A lazy yet remarkably penetrating female voice rang out.
"What are you all making such a racket for?"
"Are you holding a funeral for the village? The display is certainly grand enough."
Her voice was not loud, yet it instantly drowned out the clamor of the entire area.
Everyone turned to look in unison.
A woman was slowly approaching.
Her face carried the weariness of a hangover. Her tall figure was draped in a loose green robe, yet the baggy clothing could not conceal the lush curves beneath.
With every step she took, her ample chest swayed along with her.
Her slender waist stood in stark contrast to her full hips.
As she walked, her round, pert backside swayed enticingly.
It was Tsunade!
One of the legendary Three Ninja, the First Hokage's granddaughter, and the pinnacle of Medical Ninjutsu!
She had returned.
Time had left no traces on that face. She still possessed the flawless beauty of a woman in her twenties.
Yet her beautiful eyes held an exhaustion that could not be dispelled.
A young girl followed behind her.
The girl wore a dark blue kimono and held a little pig in her arms.
Her figure was still somewhat immature, but her chest had already begun to develop.
Her short black hair framed her cheeks, making her skin appear even fairer.
Her delicate little face was filled with confusion and unease.
Her name was Shizune.
She curiously surveyed the scene before her, completely unable to understand what was happening.
Why were both the Third Hokage and the Fourth Hokage here?
Why was Lord Orochimaru here as well?
The girl's innocence and naivety formed a stark contrast with the mature, alluring, and imposing Tsunade in front of her.
"Tsunade..."
When Hiruzen Sarutobi saw his other disciple, the expression on his face became even more complicated.
Since the Battle of Kannabi Bridge ended in the first half of the year, there had been no more fighting in the west of the Land of Fire.
At the same time, civil unrest had broken out in the Hidden Mist in the east.
Only the Land of Lightning refused to let matters rest, continuously provoking trouble along the border.
However, with the strategic advantage accumulated by the Land of Fire during the Third Shinobi World War, the Land of Lightning alone no longer posed a threat.
Thus, Tsunade had left Konoha with Shizune to travel around and enjoy themselves.
Hiruzen Sarutobi also knew that Tsunade held grievances against him, so he tacitly allowed it.
Seeing Tsunade return, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and spoke in a sinister tone. "So you still remembered to come back?"
Tsunade shot back without the slightest courtesy, "Try talking to me in that tone again, and see if I don't beat you up!"
Then, without even sparing Orochimaru a glance, she walked straight up to the Third Hokage, frowning.
"Old man, how did the village end up like this?"
Her tone was harsh, as if she did not care about anyone present.
Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "We'll talk later."
The Ministry of Internal Affairs official had noticed Tsunade the moment she appeared.
His gaze did not linger long before returning to Minato Namikaze. With a perfunctory smile, he said, "Lord Minato, today's business is concluded. I shall not remain any longer."
"Very well. Thank you for your efforts, sir." Minato Namikaze replied politely, then gestured to Shikaku Nara. "Shikaku, see the gentleman out for me."
The official bowed slightly once more, then turned and left with his guard.
Before you continue