Konoha, Hokage Building, top-floor conference room.
The atmosphere was solemn around the heavy, solid wood round table.
Unlike the tense atmosphere during the Five Kage Summit, the air at this moment is filled with a profound consideration of the Mirai landscape.
Chiyo sat upright in the main seat, dressed in a dark-colored Kagami Robe, his expression having returned to its usual coldness and profundity.
It was as if the thrilling battle and emotional ripples of that Valley of the End had been perfectly contained within his heart.
Only in the depths of his occasionally shifting gaze did a hint of the extraordinary aura of someone who had just Rinnegan faintly appear.
Shikaku Nara, Minato Namikaze, Teuchi, the three Inner Cabinet advisors, sat on either side, their expressions extremely solemn.
Shikaku and Teuchi had learned from Chiyo's brief account that Madara Uchiha had been completely annihilated.
Beyond the shock, there is even more to ponder regarding the subsequent handling.
That's the situation.
Chiyo's calm voice echoed in the conference room, setting the tone for the previous actions.
"The threat posed by Madara Uchiha is a thing of the past."
Right now, what needs to be agreed upon is the follow-up strategy for the Land of Rain and its 'Akatsuki' organization.
His gaze swept over the three of them.
" The Land of Rain is not one of the Five Great Nations; its national strength is weak, and it is plagued by war year after year."
However, its geographical location is unique, and the Akatsuki organization has real influence within its country.
After this incident, the relationship between Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan and Konoha became complicated.
That's all I have to say. Everyone, please feel free to speak your minds.
Shikaku Nara lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, his brows slightly furrowed, and spoke first in a slow, deliberate tone.
" The Lord Hokage eliminated Madara Uchiha, removing a major threat to the Shinobi World, a great achievement for the Shinobi World."
The issue of the Land of Rain certainly requires careful consideration.
Although the country is small, if not handled properly, it could easily become a new source of instability.
"Or it could be used by other resentful major powers, becoming a bridgehead for turning against Konoha."
He paused, then continued his analysis.
"The 'Akatsuki' organization's philosophy is gentle, aims to change the country, and builds a bridge of hope to world peace through communication between people."
They are not on the same path as Ban.
However, Nagato's power, especially his Rinnegan, remains a huge variable.
In my opinion, a strategy of ' Controlled Vassalage ' might be appropriate.
Led by Konoha, the Land of Rain, and demanded that the Land of Rain strictly limit the scope and scale of Akatsuki's activities.
If necessary, Konoha may send observers to conduct surveillance.
In this way, we can both demonstrate the Konoha and keep it under control.
Upon hearing Minato Namikaze's azure eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he replied.
"Mr. Shikaku's statement may be somewhat biased."
His voice was clear and firm, carrying the decisiveness honed on the battlefield.
" Konoha now possesses absolute power. End of War and establishing a new order relies not only on strategy, but also on the confidence brought by its strength!"
The problem of the Land of Rain is both a challenge and an opportunity!
He looked at Chiyo, his gaze intense.
"Instead of 'controlling' them, let's 'integrate' them!"
I believe that the Land of Rain should be positioned as a 'friendly neighbor' of Konoha, but not just a verbal alliance; rather, it should involve deep, strategic cooperation and partnership!
Open border trade, send Konoha elites to guide its ninja development, help revitalize the Land of Rain, and even conduct joint military exercises.
Of course, Konoha was the primary leader.
We must make sure that everyone in the Land of Rain, from top to bottom, clearly understands that only by following in the footsteps of Konoha can they achieve true peace and development!
This will not only provide Konoha with a stable strategic buffer zone, but also demonstrate to the entire Shinobi World the tangible benefits of the new order led by Konoha!
This is the demeanor and vision that a victor should possess!
The Teuchi listened intently to the strategic exchange between the two important figures, nervously wringing his hands.
He didn't understand the complexities of politics and strategy, but he had the most basic and intuitive understanding.
He thought of the refugees displaced during the war years, of the seemingly endless rain in the Land of Rain, and of the despair in the eyes of those children.
He mustered his courage, his voice trembling slightly but exceptionally sincere.
" Lord Hokage, Lord Minato, Shikaku- sama..."
I'm just a ramen vendor.
I think... whether it's control or integration, at the very least... we should ensure the people of the Land of Rain have enough to eat and warm clothes to wear, that children can go to school without worry, improve their quality of life, and stop having to worry about being caught in the crossfire of war. That's the right path."
He raised his head, his eyes earnest.
"Our Konoha is strong now, with the Lord Hokage, and life is getting better every day."
If we can help our neighbors and enable them to live a better life, they will definitely be grateful to us and sincerely be good to us!
Wouldn't peace achieved in this way be more secure?
Let everyone see that following Konoha brings good fortune; that's better than anything else!
After listening quietly to the three people's statements, Chiyo lightly tapped her fingertips on the smooth tabletop.
"Despair."
A soft sound instantly silenced all the arguments.
All three eyes were fixed on him.
Chiyo spoke slowly, his voice steady yet carrying the final, decisive power. His gaze swept over Shikaku, Minato, and Teuchi in turn.
" Shikaku's concerns are reasonable, and risks do exist."
Minato's ambition aligns with Konoha's current situation, and the opportunity must be seized.
And the Teuchi's expectations...
He paused slightly, his gaze becoming distant.
"It is the ultimate destination of all these policies that is the will of the people."
He slowly stood up. His figure wasn't particularly tall, but he naturally exuded a powerful aura of control over the entire situation.
" The Land of Rain should not be a vassal of Konoha, nor should it be merely a strategic buffer."
It will be the 'model' and 'partner' that Konoha will create under the new order."
His words were clear and firm, setting the tone for the meeting.
" The Land of Rain should be positioned as a harmonious and friendly neighbor."
Since we are neighbors, we should have strategic cooperation, deep partnerships, economic assistance, and win-win outcomes.
"Starting from the wars between the Five Great Nations, the Land of Rain Land of Rain has been affected in almost every one of them, so its strategic importance is beyond doubt."
"Therefore, this time we must completely change the Land of Rain!"
His tone was filled with absolute confidence.
"This move is intended to declare to the Shinobi World that the order led by Konoha is not based on power and oppression, but on common prosperity."
Those who are willing to abide by the rules and seek cooperation will all benefit.
Those who are stubborn and unyielding are the ones to be punished.
"Yes!"
"Reconsider!"
"..."
After the meeting, Chiyo returned to the Hokage's Office and dismissed everyone around her.
He took out a specially made communication Scroll, placed it on the table, and formed a complex hand seal with his hands.
The runes on the Scroll lit up, and a subtle chakra fluctuation spread out like ripples.
Across a vast distance, it connects the direction towards Amegakure.
A moment later, several lines of clear text appeared on the Scroll, which were the core resolutions of the meeting regarding cooperation with the Land of Rain.
After a moment of contemplation, Chiyo channeled more chakra and added a personal message.
"This is a joint decision of the Konoha Inner Cabinet, and it is also my wish."
I hope you seize the opportunity and move forward steadily. If you encounter any difficulties, please feel free to contact me. --Chiyo
He knew that Konan could see it, and so could Yahiko and Nagato.
This is a formal, official notification.
It also serves as a kind of support and commitment to the budding relationship between him and Konan.
After doing all that.
Chiyo handled some urgent official business, and outside the window, the streetlights were already on.
He suddenly remembered something, got up and left the Hokage Building.
Uchiha Compound.
Compared to the bustling center of the village, it appears more tranquil and rustic.
Without disturbing anyone, Chiyo strolled towards a house on the edge of the clan's territory as if returning home as usual.
Izumi Uchiha and her mother Hatsuki Uchiha, live here.
Quan is a talented girl in the clan and one of the younger generation that Chiyo has high hopes for.
He knocked on the courtyard gate, and it was quickly opened.
A woman dressed in an elegant kimono, still possessing a graceful charm, appeared behind the door; it was Hatsuki Uchiha.
When she saw that the person standing outside the door was Chiyo other than the Fourth Hokage, Senya, who was also the Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan and wore the Kagami Robe...
He froze for a moment, then his face lit up with unbelievable excitement and pride.
"Fire... Clan Leader! You... Why have you come in person?! Quickly! Please come in!"
Hazuki's voice trembled sharply with excitement, and she practically scrambled to make way.
He bowed deeply, his posture both humble and excited.
Chiyo nodded slightly and stepped into the clean and tidy courtyard.
"No need for formalities, Madam Hatsuki. I just happened to have some free time today and thought I'd drop by to check on Izumi's training."
He tried to keep his tone as calm as possible.
However, these words made Hazuki even more excited.
The Lord Hokage is incredibly busy, yet he still remembers to care about Izumi!
What an honor!
She quickly invited Chiyo into the living room, served her the best tea, and then began to praise her daughter without restraint, her words filled with pride and even a hint of deliberate boasting.
"Thank you for your Clan Leader! Quan, that child, may not have many other merits, but he is very hardworking!"
He gets up Tenten to practice shuriken and Fire Style, ignoring all advice, saying he can't let down his family and village!
"This child is a bit slow, but he's really lucky. In the last clan competition, he actually managed to get third place among the younger generation. It's quite an achievement for you, adults!"
"Her biggest idol is you, Lord Hokage! Your room is covered in posters..."
"Uh, I mean, she's always looked up to you and dreams of becoming a powerful ninja like you, bringing glory to Konoha and the Uchiha!"
"..."
Hazuki talked on and on, her face flushed with excitement, her eyes fixed intently on Chiyo.
It was as if they hoped to hear a word of affirmation from this important figure about his daughter.
Even a single approving glance is enough to make her feel honored for a long time.
Chiyo listened quietly, occasionally picking up her teacup to take a sip, her gaze calm.
He could understand Hazuki's feelings as a mother, especially for someone from a single-parent family like the Uchiha Hatsuki Uchiha, which values honor and power.
Just then, light footsteps and a girl's clear humming came from outside the courtyard.
"Mother, I'm back! Today I finally mastered the transformation of the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
Before the words were even finished, a petite figure skipped and hopped into the living room.
The newcomer was none other than Izumi Uchiha, wearing the dark blue training uniform commonly seen on Uchiha, with slightly messy short black hair.
Fine beads of sweat clung to her forehead, her cheeks were rosy, and her large, dark eyes were clear and bright, brimming with youthful energy.
As soon as she entered the room, she saw Chiyo sitting upright in the main seat, and the smile on her face instantly froze.
Her eyes were wide open, her mouth slightly agape, and she stood frozen in place like a startled little rabbit.
"H... Hero- Lord Hokage?! Clan... Clan Leader?!"
Quan's voice instantly dropped eight octaves, becoming stammering, and his face flushed red to the roots of his ears.
She instinctively stood at attention, unsure of what to do with her hands, a stark contrast to her lively demeanor just moments before.
Seeing this, Hazuki quickly got up, feeling both distressed and anxious, and pulled her daughter over.
"Oh dear, you clumsy child! Can't you see the Lord Hokage is here? Hurry up and bow!"
Quan then seemed to wake from a dream, hurriedly bowing in greeting, his voice barely audible.
"Greetings... Greetings, Hokage - Clan Leader!"
Chiyo looked at the mother and daughter in front of him, both of whom were very emotional.
I couldn't help but feel a little ashamed.
Chiyo's gaze lingered for a moment, especially on Izumi Uchiha's energetic yet youthful and shy face.
I couldn't help but feel a little emotional.
Little girl, compared to before.
He seems to have grown taller again!
Just then, the cold System Notification sounded again abruptly.
[Triggering Mission: Intercept Izumi Uchiha.]
[ Mission Reward: One random Mangekyo Dōjutsu, Kekkei Genkai, or Secret Technique.]
Chiyo's hand, which was holding the teacup, paused almost imperceptibly, and a faint, unseen glint flashed in the depths of his eyes.
This system!
I thought things had changed, but they haven't.
Still so Xing!
Chiyo's gaze fell on Izumi Uchiha once again.
Then I was drawn to the somewhat worn books in her hands.
" The Uchiha Clan History?"
Upon hearing Chiyo's words, Izumi Uchiha lowered her head to look at the book in her hands.
His eyes turned into crescent moons as he earnestly explained to Chiyo Uchiha.
"Yes, this was given to me by Lord Shisui. He said that being a member of the Uchiha, one must understand our Uchiha's past!!"
Knowing the hardships of the past helps us understand the present!
Only in this way can we help the Clan Leader in the future and carry on the glory of the Uchiha Clan!
Chiyo nodded upon hearing this.
That kid Shisui has captured some of his essence.
They actually know how to manipulate people's thoughts!
No, no, I won't!
Chiyo then reached out to Izumi Uchiha Izumi Uchiha quickly handed the book to Chiyo.
He casually flipped through them.
When I saw that there were quite a few missing pages.
Chiyo was slightly taken aback.
The content before and after the missing page is set against the backdrop of the Clan War Era.
It seems to revolve around one person.
An unnamed Uchiha clansman.
He possessed special abilities and was trained by his clan.
Considered to be from the Uchiha...
weapon!
[bite!]
A system Prompt Tone sounded in Chiyo's mind.
[Congratulations, host, you have triggered the mission: Find and unseal the Uchiha 'weapon'.]
[ Mission Reward: One Mangekyo Dōjutsu or Kekkei Genkai.]