The War Ends

The news of Sunagakure's defeat spread quickly, leaving Iwagakure and Kirigakure stunned. Was it really that fast? They knew Sunagakure was weak, but surely they could have held out for a while longer.

To think, Kirigakure had only just sent people through layers of defenses to the Land of Rain to rescue their trapped comrades; they hadn't even managed to pull them out yet, and already, the village had been defeated?

On the battlefield in the Land of Hot Water, the Third Raikage had taken to the field himself. Although Danzo possessed Kage-level strength and his sealing techniques and Wind Release were peerless, he was naturally no match for the Third Raikage and remained suppressed. However, once news of Sunagakure's defeat arrived, Danzo was invigorated. Now, would Kumogakure still dare to continue acting so recklessly?

Having lost so many experts, the Third Raikage sighed. It was impossible to win when your teammates were useless. He had originally counted on Sunagakure to hold out for another two years, but—heh—was this really all they had?

With no other choice, the Third Raikage had to retreat; otherwise, if the Konoha ninja joined forces, he would be in trouble.

In particular, Konoha still had Li Yi. That brat was still a very thorny problem.

For a time, all parties began to restrain themselves. On the original timeline, in Year 13 of Konoha, Senju Hashirama died, Senju Tobirama became the Second Hokage, and the First Shinobi World War broke out.

In Year 14 of Konoha, due to the sabotage of Kinkaku and Ginkaku, Senju Tobirama and the Second Raikage were killed, though Li Yi's intervention had allowed Senju Tobirama to hold on for a few more months.

Because of this, the First Shinobi World War saw unexpected developments, causing it to drag on; otherwise, it should have been settled long ago when the Third Hokage took office.

It certainly wouldn't have escalated into the subsequent wars.

Thus, five years had passed, and it was now Year 20 of Konoha.

This war had lasted too long, and every village was already exhausted. Now that Sunagakure had been defeated and Konoha had freed up its hands, Kumogakure had no intention of continuing the war with Konoha and chose to withdraw. It wasn't a matter of admitting defeat or not; they simply didn't want to fight anymore.

Konoha was also sensible enough not to show any intention of continuing the war. If they kept fighting, it would be bad for everyone.

Therefore, after the news of the ceasefire between Kumogakure and Konoha spread, Iwagakure and Kirigakure also silently retreated back to their respective countries.

It could be said that the First Shinobi World War ended just like that, without a sound.

Each village began to recuperate. As for Sunagakure, as the defeated party, Konoha made many demands, but Sunagakure had no intention of entertaining them at all, even going so far as to put out the word: "If you have the ability, come and invade."

This made the expressions of those in Konoha very ugly, but since it really wasn't the time to continue the war, the Third Hokage could only choose to turn a blind eye.

Li Yi also returned to long-lost Konoha. Kosuke's house felt a bit crowded with the addition of Kato Taka, so Li Yi bought a house nearby. Having spent these years on the battlefield, Li Yi had saved up quite a bit of wealth, so buying a house was quite easy.

"Lord Li Yi, the Hokage requests your presence!" At that moment, an Anbu appeared before Li Yi and said respectfully.

One had to know that Li Yi was now an Anbu squad leader, and internal news suggested that because of his brilliant military achievements this time, he was very likely to become the captain of the Anbu Third Division. Thus, this Anbu's attitude was extremely humble.

Li Yi nodded. Now that the war had stopped, it was time to sit down and divide the spoils.

Upon entering the Hokage's office, the "F4" of Konoha were all there. Seeing Li Yi enter, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and said, "Li Yi, come, sit!"

Li Yi acknowledged him, greeted the F4, and then sat down.

Sarutobi Hiruzen said, "Li Yi, you performed great meritorious service on the battlefield this time. If not for you, the war wouldn't have ended so quickly. After discussing it with the Council of Elders, we have decided to appoint you as the captain of the Anbu Third Division. What do you think?"

There were three total divisions in the Anbu, with no subordinate relationship between them; they were all organizations that only took orders from the Hokage. If he remembered correctly, the future Anbu Second Division would become Root and eventually be erased from Konoha's records, while the Third Division would likely disappear as Konoha developed.

However, now that Li Yi was the captain of the Third Division, he naturally wouldn't let this power slip from his hands easily. There was no helping it; in Konoha, without power, even if your strength was high, you would be targeted by the F4. That was reality. Who told the people here to be generally brainwashed by the flawed Will of Fire?

"I will follow the Hokage's instructions!" Li Yi said immediately.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and then said, "Li Yi, you have performed distinguished service this time. Is there anything you want?"

Hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen say this, Li Yi immediately replied, "Hokage-sama, I would like to learn some sealing techniques. Is that possible?"

Hearing "sealing techniques," Sarutobi Hiruzen was stunned, then smiled. "That is certainly possible. I will have someone send some sealing techniques to you later."

Li Yi was overjoyed. There was no helping it; sealing techniques were his weakness, and he needed to look into them. Moreover, the Flying Thunder God Slash also required an understanding of sealing techniques and the like; otherwise, the current Li Yi was truly at a loss.

Having been promoted and having obtained the sealing techniques he had been longing for, Li Yi retreated in satisfaction.

After returning to Konoha, Danzo also established his Root, beginning to bury it deep underground, struggling and striving to become the "Pot Kage" in the future.

Konoha began to enter a period of peaceful development.

Two years ago, the Third Hokage took on three disciples: Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya.

Now, the three little ones, already 11 years old, had been Genin for two years. During these two years, Sarutobi Hiruzen would also teach them from time to time.

Because it was the first year of peace in the shinobi world, Iwagakure proposed holding a joint Chunin Exam, but there was a dispute over the location. In the end, everyone decided to hold it in the Land of Iron; this was also a way to demonstrate the strength of the shinobi villages.

The Third Hokage attached great importance to this Chunin Exam, even having his three disciples sign up. As for the team-leading Jonin, after the Third Hokage made the final decision, Li Yi was chosen to lead the team.

Upon receiving the mission, Li Yi naturally had nothing to say.

On Konoha's side, a total of nine Genin were participating, and there were three team-leading Jonin: Li Yi, Akimichi Kufū, and Uchiha En!

These nine Genin were the ones Li Yi was leading—Senju Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya—as well as the new generation of Ino-Shika-Cho led by Akimichi Kufū: Nara Luqin, Akimichi Maru, and Yamanaka Men; and the three little ones from the Uchiha clan led by Uchiha En: Uchiha Mei, Uchiha Sui, and Uchiha Song!

Among them, Tsunade and the others were the youngest at only eleven, while Nara Luqin and the others were fifteen, and the Uchiha clan members were thirteen.