In early March of Konoha Year 54, the Fourth Shinobi World War, which had lasted for more than two years, saw the dawn of peace once again, with Konoha poised to sign the Third Ceasefire Agreement with Iwagakure.
The previous two agreements lasted for a maximum of three months of peace. Unlike the previous situation, this ceasefire was a mutual choice by both sides.
The enormous cost was a prerequisite for a ceasefire. Iwagakure could no longer hold out, and even though several of its strongholds were destroyed again last month, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, insisted on signing the agreement.
Not only did the Third Tsuchikage pursue peace, but the village's higher-ups could no longer support the war.
Over the past two years, whenever the two sides attempted to cease hostilities, the situation would change, eventually escalating into large-scale fighting and even betraying the agreements.
Now that most of the ninja forces have been wiped out, even if Konoha betrays them again, Iwagakure will accept it. Ōnoki has to admit that Konoha's reserve ninjas are strong enough!
To demonstrate his sincerity, the Third Tsuchikage eventually sent his son to Konoha.
The arrival of Kitsuchi signifies that Iwagakure has completely abandoned its own interests. In order to facilitate the agreement, the ninjas of the Land of Grass also sent representatives. The small ninja village caught in the middle no longer wants to experience war.
Time has healed the wounds Konoha suffered. In just over two years, with the Genin and architects, the village has been completely transformed, and its overall appearance is even more prosperous than the capital.
The central commercial street has been redesigned, and the old Japanese-style wooden houses have been renovated. Although they are still made of wood, the houses have become more refined overall.
Many buildings retained their red tile roofs, and many more shops were converted into stand-alone buildings. Although this took on mortgages, the shop owners were all willing to do so.
The crater from the attack has disappeared, replaced by a more bustling central urban area. Even with ongoing wars outside, merchants still flock to the center of Konoha.
With the vigorous promotion from merchants, Konoha has entered the stage of modern urban development.
The ninjas lived around the Hokage Building, while the merchants stayed away from the "military zone." To allow ordinary people to live better lives, Konoha also established a natural park in the eastern area.
Although the park is occasionally attacked by wild animals, ordinary people still enjoy visiting and playing there, and they are happy to pay the Police Force a fee.
When the group of Iwagakure Ninja arrived at Konoha, they were stunned after entering the gate. Apart from the main road where they could see Konoha Ninja, the area on both sides was mostly commercial and residential.
"Father, is that used as a place to live?"
In a few months, Kurotsuchi, who will be 4 years old, looked at the slightly taller, more elegant Apartment building in the distance with curiosity on his little face.
The brightly colored Konoha is completely different from Iwagakure. As far as the eye can see, there are green trees and red houses. In this environment, you would never guess that it is a hidden ninja village.
Wearing a red headscarf, Kitsuchi subconsciously patted his combat uniform. Hearing his daughter's question on his back, he replied in a low voice, "Just like the intelligence said, it should be a place for ordinary people to live in."
"Lord Kitsuchi, is peace truly possible this time? We don't want to fight anymore."
The young Iwagakure Ninja beside him spoke with a hopeful look in his eyes as he finished, explaining that in the past two years, besides the ninjas who died on the battlefield, many others had "starved to death" due to requests for assistance.
High-level missions are almost monopolized by Konoha Ninja, and some clients have even moved to Konoha. The more turbulent the situation, the more people flock to safer areas.
Seeing Kitsuchi's hesitant expression, another, older Iwagakure Ninja whispered, "We really can't fight any longer, Lord Kitsuchi. Think of our Demolition Corps."
"Even the number of ninjas with Kekkei Genkai is decreasing sharply; the war must end."
The village's previous large-scale training of Kekkei Genkai ninjas and their deployment to the battlefield have resulted in heavy casualties in the past two years, rendering all the village's efforts futile. Seeking peace is the only way out.
Several Iwagakure Ninja behind them also pleaded in hushed tones. Ōnoki was a stubborn old man, and everyone just hoped that Kitsuchi could be more understanding.
"Before leaving the village, I had already gathered everyone's opinions."
"Don't worry this time, we've come with sincerity!"
Kitsuchi Tu smiled to reassure everyone, and soon the group was thoroughly inspected. The big dog sniffed them several times, making the little girl Kurotsuchi giggle.
"Come with us, Lord Hokage has been waiting for a long time."
After the Konoha Anbu appeared, they immediately called for a few others to follow. At the rear of the Kitsuchi group, the Kusagakure, walking on the smooth main road, was dumbfounded. How had the ninja village become like this?
It wasn't until they turned a corner and went straight again, seeing the Hokage Building, that they regained a sense of familiarity; the building hadn't changed much.
However, upon entering the building, Kitsuchi and his group were astonished to find the dense array of magical techniques clearly visible, indicating that the room was under tight security.
When he met the Hokage, Kitsuchi Tu noticed the vortex markings on the ground and the barrier around the room.
Thinking of the rumors circulating outside, Kitsuchi began to believe that Konoha was on high alert against a formidable enemy, and that just setting up these techniques would require the strength of many ninjas.
"I never thought the Third Tsuchikage would compromise. It seems the Iwagakure Ninja finally believe us."
"Here's some intelligence we've gathered. This is a summary of the conflict; for over two years, someone has been maliciously manipulating things."
As Tsunade spoke, she tossed out a scroll. Kitsuchi, who had been bowing his head, caught it and then noticed the Fourth Hokage's increasingly youthful face. He composed himself, read it carefully, and soon annoyance appeared on his face.
" Lord Hokage, is this true? All those missing supplies and ninjas were the work of someone else?"
" Space-Time Ninjutsu? What exactly is this guy trying to do?"
Kitsuchi clenched his fist as he thought about the resources and manpower that the village had invested in over the past two years. According to the intelligence on the scroll, the war should have ended as early as March 1952.
Not only did the Iwagakure Ninja's supplies disappear, but the Konoha also suffered the same fate, leading to mutual accusations and numerous conflicts.
"Their goal should be to weaken the ninja village's strength, and their target should be the Tailed Beast!"
With a solemn reply, Tsunade took out another document and explained, " The Kumogakure Village has also noticed this. For the past two years, you have consistently disbelieved Konoha's words. If you had sat down and talked earlier, things wouldn't have come to this predicament."
"If you could get your father to persuade the Fourth Raikage, the war could end by the end of the year."
"If the fighting continues indefinitely, hatred will only accumulate and eventually lead to an irreconcilable situation."
Tsunade sighed at the end, a look of melancholy appearing on her fair face. After the recent completion of the barrier, Shu Furukawa went to the Land of Frost, and she had been separated from her disciple for half a year.
The thought of her several meetings being rejected made Tsunade's eyes twitch a few more times, until Tonton huddled fearfully at her feet, and she finally composed herself.
Kitsuchi read it carefully again, and a look of humiliation appeared on his face. The Three Great Shinobi Villages had all been tricked.
I will try my best to persuade my father!
"I want to apologize again for our reckless actions at the beginning of the year. Han meant no harm; he was simply deceived."
Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, remained on the front lines. At the beginning of the year, his disciple was killed, which caused the Tailed Beast to go berserk, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The more the power of the Tailed Beast is used, the more the Jinchuriki's body will be eroded. Han has already begun to lose control, and Kitsuchi felt a pang of pain in his heart when he thought of this change.
Tsunade; she had already received the relevant information, all thanks to Minato Namikaze.
Jinchuriki want to contend with the speed of the ninja, they can only rely on the power of the Tailed Beast. If the war lasts too long, it is inevitable that it will get out of control.
"Let's not dwell on the past; the key now is to end the conflict."
"Even the ninjas of Kusagakure can't hold on much longer. There's been a rebellion by escaped convicts in the last two years. Everyone's been completely outmaneuvered."
Seeing the self-deprecating look on Tsunade's face, Kitsuchi lowered his head again, remembering his father's stubborn insistence. Finally, he knelt on the ground and solemnly promised, "I guarantee with my life that the Iwagakure Ninja will immediately stop fighting."
" Lord Hokage, please give me half a month. My father will sign this peace agreement by early March at the latest."
Tsunade nodded, offering no further explanation. Ōnoki didn't truly yearn for peace; he had simply squandered all his resources in the past two years.
At the beginning of the year, Iwagakure even defaulted on part of the bounty, which caused a huge uproar in the underground black market. The fact that Five Great Nations ninja villages defaulted on its debts is enough to show how bad the other party's situation was.
As Kitsuchi left, Sarutobi Hiruzen open a hidden door. Frequent participation in battles, coupled with advancing age, had aged the former Third Hokage considerably. "Ahem... that Uchiha member who mastered Space-Time Ninjutsu was indeed plotting an even bigger conspiracy!"
"Unfortunately, we couldn't track his movements. The closest we got, Minato couldn't complete the marking; he was very familiar with the Flying Thunder God."
"If the goal is to target the Tailed Beast, he has already succeeded more than halfway; the war is still ending too late."
After saying this, Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed weakly a few times. Seeing her teacher like this, Tsunade gently comforted him, "Don't be stubborn, Old Man. These barriers are all complete now. As long as the other side invades and causes spatial fluctuations, we will be able to detect it."
"The improved Reverse Four-Symbols Seal is specifically designed for enemies. As long as the village is safe, it's only a matter of time before we concentrate our efforts to confirm his identity."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled with satisfaction; these Sealing Jutsu were all orchestrated by Kushina.
For more than two years, in addition to taking care of her son, Kushina cooperated with the Barrier Division to set up a super-large barrier during the village's reconstruction.
Critical infrastructure is protected, and in the event of an attack, at most some less important commercial areas will be destroyed.
"I hope everything goes well; I don't want to see any more old friends leave."
Thinking of the sacrifices of Torifu Akimichi and others, Sarutobi Hiruzen's wrinkles seemed to deepen. In just over two years, most of Konoha's older generation of ninjas had died or been injured.
"Get some rest, Teacher Sarutobi!"
"At your age, don't try to be as reckless as Jiraiya. Your body can't be fully activated anymore."
"If you have any documents, please process them for me. I'll go to the hospital to see Jiraiya; his injuries can be healed thanks to his Sage Senjutsu."
After giving Tsunade instructions, Tsunade immediately stood up. Sarutobi Hiruzen watched his disciple's retreating figure, feeling that something was amiss. He inexplicably sensed an intimate tone in the latter part of her words: "Old people just like to overthink things."
Sarutobi Hiruzen mentally berated himself, then looked out the window at the bustling scene bathed in the setting sun, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. He had made the right choice.
Konoha Hospital has completed its expansion, introducing more advanced equipment and improving its environment.
Good evening Lord Hokage!
" Lord Hokage..."
The nurses greeted Tsunade with smiles. With its excellent working environment and high salary, medical-nin have become the top choice for many graduates in the past two years.
The little girls of yesteryear have all grown into young women. Tsunade, with a constant smile, responds to them, her heart filled with joy as she witnesses their growth.
Shizune, dressed in Jonin's blue casual outfit, had just finished her examination. The girl, carrying documents, noticed Tsunade and immediately went to greet her, reporting energetically, "Sensei, Lord Jiraiya's injuries have completely stabilized."
"There will be no more dangerous situations, and the alien Chakra has all disappeared."
Tsunade nodded, a hint of embarrassment rising in her eyes as she saw the girl hesitate. She finally said softly, "Don't worry about Xiu. Iwagakure is willing to sign the agreement, and on Kumogakure's side, the war will be completely over in a few months at most."
Shizune's face lit up with joy. She would be 17 by the end of the year, and the girl was becoming increasingly infatuated with Shu Furukawa. Even though she had some doubts in her heart, she insisted on the belief that true love could change everything.
"Thank you, Tsunade- sensei."
Recalling Shizune's words, Tsunade slightly. Not wanting to delve into the matter, she changed the subject, saying, "I'll go check on Jiraiya. After work, I'll go home and rest early."
Shizune nodded, looking at the teacher's increasingly impressive chest, and couldn't help but show an envious look.
She's just developing normally; she's a bit flat-chested for her age and can't compare to the teacher's charm at all.
In the intensive care unit, Jiraiya was completely wrapped in bandages, his chest pierced by a " Lightning-Style Heat Blade," nearly shattering his internal organs in his Tailed Beast Transformation Killer B.
The battle at the end of last year was extremely fierce, Torifu Akimichi and others died in battle at that time. It wasn't until the village's barrier was completed that Shu Furukawa went to provide support.
"It seems being injured isn't such a bad thing after all; at least I get to see you every few days."
" Orochimaru is such a cold-blooded guy; he's only come once since he was injured!"
" Tsunade, I'm so sorry, I couldn't protect everyone."
Jiraiya the first time, Jiraiya, bound like a mummy, clearly expressed his emotions. He was so badly injured that he could only speak fluently recently.
Tsunade sighed helplessly. Seeing the apology in Jiraiya's eyes, she said softly, " Jiraiya, you don't need to force yourself. No one in the village will blame you if you retreat to the border."
"I understand the feelings of my seniors, but I would much rather see them come back alive. Teacher Sarutobi feels the same way."
Tsunade spoke with her head down. Her Senjutsu training had altered her figure and demeanor, leaving Jiraiya somewhat dazed. Overwhelmed with emotion, he instinctively stammered, " Tsunade, I..."
"There's no need to apologize anymore, Jiraiya. You've already done your best."
"Youxiu is in the Land of Frost. In a few months, the war will be over. You should rest well during this time!"
When Tsunade spoke of her disciple, her tone was filled with pride and anticipation. The smile that returned to her face stunned Jiraiya, and he didn't hear a word his old friend said afterward.
It wasn't until Tsunade left that Jiraiya finally came to his senses. He turned his head with difficulty to look at the setting sun outside the window, and muttered with a bitter smile, "I'm such an idiot..."
" Tsunade, I will definitely protect you and the village."
" Nagato, I'll find you soon, Akatsuki. You're still here after all."