After realizing the gap between her strength and Karin's, Ryūran decisively conceded.
Karin said nothing and released her Adamantine Sealing Chains.
These days, even without the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan in her eyes, she could easily overpower an ordinary Jonin with just Wood Release and the various secret techniques of the Uzumaki Clan.
Ryūran was no weakling. Even a Jonin from Konoha or another major shinobi village would have struggled against Karin without enough information.
After loosening up a little, Ryūran watched Karin with a complicated expression and fell into thought.
He knew Karin's age. To defeat him so easily at her age meant her future was limitless. Besides, she really was a shinobi of Kusagakure, and according to Misawa, the Elders had deliberately sent her to Konoha to receive special training. So letting her take over as the village's leader made sense both morally and legally.
"Ah..." Ryūran let out a soft sigh. "Karin, I... I'm willing to recommend you as the village's next leader."
Karin nodded slightly. "Thank you."
Misawa let out a long breath of relief.
When the noodle shop owner had suggested that he vie for the position of leader, he had thought the man was crazy. He hadn't expected that, after everything they'd done, they would actually succeed!
Ryūran suggested, "In that case, Karin, come back to the village with us."
Karin shook her head. "For now, I still need to stay in Konoha."
"What!?"
Ryūran furrowed his brow.
If the newly chosen leader didn't live in their own village, Kusagakure would become a laughingstock throughout the Shinobi World.
Karin explained, "There's still a lot I need to learn. If I return to the village right away, my growth will stagnate."
"But..."
Ryūran hesitated.
But after giving it some thought, he realized Karin had a point.