Ray and Gaia

Just as Nangō Kumoi picked up a scroll, ready to throw himself into an endless sea of paperwork, a sudden change occurred.

Both his shoulders sank slightly—not from any real weight, but from a strange energy sensation carrying a faint numbness and warmth.

Then, two soft halos lit up on his shoulders, swiftly condensing into two lifelike holographic figures.

On the left stood a spirited figure with golden, spiky hedgehog-like hair. His predominantly white body was sleek and agile, tiny arcs of electricity flickering around him—it was Ray.

On the right was a harder-edged figure, his red, white, and black design visually striking. His dark crimson eyes were sharp as blades, while the lines of his muscles and armor radiated explosive strength—it was Gaia.

"Yo, Kumoi kid, finally alone?" Gaia folded his arms, his voice entering Kumoi's mind directly with a teasing edge. "You were wound so tight up there just now, I was exhausted for you."

Ray appeared far steadier. He gave a slight nod, and his clear yet emotional electronic voice sounded. "The speech was excellent. Your direction is clear. But the true challenge is only beginning now. You need not worry too much about combat or deterrence. Gaia and I will be your final line of defense."

Nangō Kumoi paused in surprise, then relaxed, a sincere smile appearing on his face. "Thanks, you two. With you here, I really do feel much more at ease."

"What are you being polite for?" Gaia waved a hand, making his holographic image sway. "If you hadn't been sharp enough and kind enough back then, who knew what laboratory we'd be getting taken apart in and studied as components.

Even though all we have left now are these energy forms, and we still need your mental strength and chakra to nourish us, taking down a few fools who don't know their place won't be a problem!"

Ray nodded as well and added, "Gaia is right. We are symbiotic partners.

However, Kumoi, your own growth is crucial. Our power can only be used to its fullest when it synchronizes with you. This world's chakra system differs from the energy we originally used, but there seems to be potential for fusion and evolution. As the bridge between them, you must grow stronger as quickly as possible."

"I understand." Nangō Kumoi spoke solemnly, his gaze sweeping across the pile of official documents before him. "I won't neglect combat training.

But right now, the most urgent task is dealing with this paperwork war. The village needs to stabilize first before I have the time and resources to improve myself."

"Tch, troublesome politics." Gaia curled his lip. "Whenever someone needs physical persuasion, call me."

Ray looked toward the documents on the desk, thoughtful. "Relief payments, resettlement, development... The path you have chosen may require even more wisdom and perseverance than simple conquest through force. We will support you, whether on the battlefield or here."

He pointed at Kumoi's head. "When your thoughts are clear, our connection will be smoother as well."

"Then it's settled." Nangō Kumoi felt a warm current and a strange confidence flow from where his two companions rested. "You two are the experts when it comes to fighting. As for construction... I'll have to lead the way and figure it out.

But if we ever need to split mountains, break rocks, or carry out special projects like 'lightning welding' or 'earthquake compaction'..."

Gaia grinned. "Call anytime! I guarantee it'll be sturdier than your Earth Release!"

A smile flickered in Ray's eyes as well. "Reasonable applications of energy can be discussed."

Just then, there was a soft knock on the office door.

"Lord Hokage, all Jonin and the heads of the relevant departments have arrived. The meeting can begin at any time." The voice of the clerical Jonin came from outside.

"Understood. I'll be there shortly." Nangō Kumoi answered, then said to Ray and Gaia on his shoulders, "I'll go first, then." Ray and Gaia nodded knowingly before fading back into his body, though that close sense of connection and support remained.

He adjusted his Divine Robe, took a deep breath, and suppressed every stray thought—and every complaint. His eyes became sharp and focused once more.

"The first hard battle is here." He muttered to himself, rose to his feet, and headed for the door.

Conference Room

Nangō Kumoi pushed open the conference room's heavy wooden doors. The low murmur of conversation inside stopped abruptly, as though cut off by a blade. Every gaze turned toward him.

He walked steadily toward the main seat. The hem of his Divine Robe stirred lightly, and by the time he sat down, his gaze had already swept across the room like that of a hawk.

"Everyone," his voice was not loud, yet it pierced the silence with unquestionable clarity, "the mourning is over. Life and duty cannot wait.

To address the current crisis and efficiently advance reconstruction, I will make temporary adjustments to the village's decision-making and execution structure."

"The first priority is to establish a core decision-making body. I will form the Temporary Postwar Coordination Elder Council as the highest advisory and executive body."

He paused briefly, his gaze passing over several people one by one. "Its members will be Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shimura Danzō, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Torifu Akimichi."

As his words fell, faint gasps and the rustle of clothing filled the conference room. The list was unsurprising—all of them were direct followers of the Second Hokage.

"The Council of Elders needs someone to oversee daily affairs." Nangō Kumoi looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, his tone solemn. "Senior Brother Hiruzen, you have always been steady, thorough, and highly respected.

I ask that you serve as Hokage Assistant, coordinating all departments and, when necessary, acting in the Hokage's stead."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath. Meeting Kumoi's trusting gaze, his heart burned with emotion.

He rose from his seat and gave a solemn bow. "With the Hokage's trust, Hiruzen will do everything in his power to assist the Hokage and will not fail this charge!" His voice was steady and powerful as it echoed through the room, setting the tone for support and loyalty.

Nangō Kumoi turned toward the three Ino-Shika-Cho clans. "Since Konoha's founding, you have been its pillars. Wisdom, perception, and strength are all indispensable.

Under this new structure, the unique talents of your three clans will receive more systematic reliance.

I will discuss the detailed plans with the three clan leaders and Elder Torifu later. For now, the reconstruction effort needs the full support of your clans."

The Nara Clan Leader's eyes flashed with contemplation as he exchanged glances with the Yamanaka and Akimichi clan leaders beside him.

The new Hokage's words conveyed not only respect, but also an intention to elevate the three clans from merely useful to strategically indispensable.

Torifu slightly bowed on behalf of the three. "We obey the Hokage's command. Ino-Shika-Cho will not shrink from its duty." His declaration was brief, but the weight of their support was unmistakable.