Changes

Although Shiraishi Yoshijo had tried every possible way to amass wealth over the years, Peach Country had more and more places where money needed to be spent.

Land reclamation alone required at least tens of billions every year. They had forcibly expanded a small island with money into a country that now ranked fourth in the world by land area.

Free healthcare and education had become a burden on Peach Country as the population grew. Although citizens now paid social security contributions on time, the reforms had not been in place for long, and their effects were not yet apparent.

Other expenses, such as technological research and development and maintaining the military, were all major drains on the national treasury.

Whenever he thought of all this, Shiraishi Yoshijo felt a considerable headache coming on.

"We still have a long road ahead."

******

Land of Rain.

When the two men emerged from the gate, Konan could not help bursting into tears.

After so many years, finally...

"Konan!"

Although Konan was no longer young and beautiful, and her familiar face now bore the marks of time, Yahiko recognized his former companion at a glance.

"Yahiko!"

Konan tightly embraced Yahiko, holding him so hard that he felt as if he might suffocate.

Nagato watched quietly from the side, a faint smile on his lips. Then he suddenly turned to look at the man behind him and fell silent for a moment. "Mr. Sangzhi, as far as I know, only one person in the world possesses the ability to bring back the dead."

"Don't dwell on such trivial matters, Nagato. How does it feel to return from the dead?"

"It feels strange. My last memory is fighting Naruto... Right, how is Naruto?"

"That guy is doing great now. He's the savior who saved the