The team of Kirigakure returned triumphantly, bringing back not only the news of victory and necessary loot, but also an unexpected non-staff member, Kakuzu.
This Takigakure Rogue Ninja, who was a contemporary of First Hokage Hashirama Senju and had tried to assassinate Hashirama, was now wearing a brand new Konoha Jonin uniform, mixed in the crowd, looking at the prosperous and peaceful Konohagakure in front of him with a complicated expression.
His green eyes swept across the huge Hokage Rock, and stayed for a moment on the latest young face.
All of this starts with Naruto conquering Kumogakure and then Akatsuki.
Naruto once sent a clone to take Kakuzu to Land of Hot Water and other places to perform a special mission.
Kakuzu, the veteran S-class Rogue Ninja, takes action to create chaos in those Small Country or target specific targets, and then Naruto's clone takes action to stop Kakuzu. It is logical to intervene in the country's affairs and eventually bring Small Country under the influence or control of Konoha. At the same time, it can also obtain the "Earth Grudge Fear" heart and additional funds that Kakuzu needs from the target.
The first target is Land of Hot Water.
The two people cooperated and the efficiency was extremely high. Kakuzu felt that working as a clone of Naruto made money much faster than working alone, and the risks were controllable.
However, plans cannot keep up with changes.
When the main body of Naruto was accidentally brought to Another Timeline by "Takami Musubi" of Otohime, Shadow Clone, which was closely connected to the main body, naturally dissipated instantly due to the supply interruption of Chakra.
Naruto's clone suddenly turned into white smoke with a "pop" and disappeared. Kakuzu was stunned, thinking that Naruto had encountered something unexpected.
He didn't take much pleasure in his misfortune, but rather felt a little disappointed.
After all, the time he followed Naruto's clone was a rare "efficient cooperation period" in his long career. No one was yelling at him, and he could still make money and collect hearts happily.
After the clone disappeared, Kakuzu did not run away immediately.
Maybe it's because I still have some expectations for Naruto, or I simply feel that there's no better place to go now that I'm free.
He continued to follow the previous "business scope" activities, making money while moving slowly in the direction of Konoha, wanting to see the situation.
As a result, on the way, he met a group of Kisame Hoshigaki who were also "recruited" by Naruto and were escorting some Kirigakure prisoners and supplies back to Konoha. Kisame recognized Kakuzu, and after some exchanges, Kakuzu followed Kisame's team back to Konoha, and accepted the initial "placement".
"Having assassinated First Hokage, I never thought that one day I would be able to wear Jonin uniform of Konoha and walk on the streets of Konoha."
When Kakuzu was on the street, he touched the fine uniform fabric on his body, and his tone contained a sense of absurdity and emotion that spanned a long time.
The Konoha Ninja around him cast curious, wary or scrutinizing glances at him, but he didn't care. Having lived for more than ninety years, he had long been accustomed to all kinds of gazes.
Naruto met Kakuzu, Kisame Hoshigaki, and two other acquaintances at Hokage's Office, Zabuza Momochi and Bai.
Zabuza and Shiro are dressed in samurai attire, and they really look like wandering Ronin samurai.
Seeing Blond-Haired Boy sitting on Hokage Position, Zabuza had complicated eyes.
The previous Land of Waves, this Young Naruto is already very powerful.
Who would have thought that in just a year or so, he not only became Sixth Hokage of Konoha, but also swept across Shinobi World with thunderous means, and even Five Great Nations had to succumb to the power of Konoha.
Nothing in the world is more unpredictable than this.
Naruto's current condition is not considered good.
He seemed to be sitting calmly behind his desk, but his brows were slightly furrowed, and there was a trace of unnoticeable fatigue and irritability hidden deep in his eyes.
In Kamui Dimension, thousands of Shadow Clone are constantly making dangerous Kekkei Mōra fusion attempts. The backlash of failure is like a continuous stream of tiny needle pricks, constantly impacting his spirit and body through the memory feedback when Shadow Clone dissipates.
The superimposed pain and pressure were a bit unbearable even with his tenacious will.
If it weren't for Hokage's identity and responsibility, he would have wanted to leave here immediately and find a quiet place to deal with the difficulties of cultivation, or at least concentrate on relieving his discomfort.
"Okay, let's get down to business."
Naruto tapped his knuckles on the smooth tabletop, and the crisp sound made the slightly subtle atmosphere inside Office become solemn.
He forcibly pulled his attention away from the subtle pain in his body and glanced at the four powerful men in front of him who had different origins and experiences, but were all related to Konoha in some form.
"Now, the overall situation for Shinobi World has been decided, and Five Great Nations and its Shinobi Village have voluntarily accepted the management and protection of Konoha."
Naruto Gate of Opening came to the point, his tone was calm but with an unquestionable meaning, "However, there are still many independent Small Country and Small Shinobi Village who are still outside this system.
How can this be allowed?
Peace and order must cover the entire Shinobi World."
He paused and looked at the four people. "I called you here because I hope you and Deidara can serve as deputies and follow the four Konohas. Jonin will lead four capable teams to these areas that have not yet surrendered.
Your task is to 'protect' those countries and villages and help them realize the necessity and benefits of joining the new order led by Konoha."
If we attack, we will attack, and there is no protection...
This thought flashed through Zabuza, Bai and Kisame Hoshigaki's minds almost at the same time, but they didn't say it out loud.
This kind of high-sounding statement was not unfamiliar to them, but they didn't expect this young Hokage to use it so calmly.
On the contrary, Kakuzu, whose green eyes lit up slightly, seemed to be very interested in this task.
He took a step forward and said in a hoarse voice, "Sixth Hokage, it would be great if you could leave Takigakure to me."
He licked his lips as if recalling something, "The location of Takigakure is extremely hidden. It is hidden behind a huge waterfall. It is easy to defend and difficult to attack. It is difficult for outsiders to find the entrance.
And I happen to be from Takigakure, so I am very familiar with the terrain and defense there.
By my intervention, perhaps we can get twice the result with half the effort and reduce unnecessary casualties and losses."
Naruto glanced at Kakuzu and nodded. "Okay. Takigakure will leave it to you."
He added with a reminder in his tone, "In addition, there is Seven-Tails Jinchuriki inside Takigakure, a Girl named Fu.
Be careful and try to catch them alive and don't kill them.
Jinchūriki is a very important strategic resource."
"Understood."
Kakuzu nodded, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes. Returning to his hometown as a conqueror, this feeling was quite new to him.
As for Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, he will naturally pay attention to propriety.
Naruto leaned back and placed his hands casually on the armrests of the large chair. Although his posture was relaxed, the pressure emanating from him made the people in front of him unconsciously straighten their backs.
"I look forward to good news from you."
Naruto glanced at Zabuza, Bai and Kisame, "Shikamaru will communicate with you in detail about the specific goals and staffing later. As for you two," he looked at Zabuza and Bai, "Kirigakure may need you in the future."
Zabuza nodded silently, while Bai bowed respectfully. "Yes, Master Sixth."
Finally, Naruto seemed to have remembered something and added, "By the way, Land of Snow and Land of Demons don't move for the time being.
After I finish taking care of some things at hand, I will go there myself."
After the explanation was completed, Naruto waved his hand, indicating that they could leave.
Kakuzu and others bowed and then exited Office.
The moment the door closed, Naruto's tense nerves relaxed slightly, but a new round of failure pain from Shadow Clone happened to come back, making him groan uncontrollably and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
He rubbed Temples, looked at the mountains of documents awaiting approval on the table, and thought of the endless practice in Forest outside the village, the irritability in his heart rose again.
"I really don't have a moment to spare."
He whispered to himself, forced himself to sit up straight again, and picked up the top report.
After just one glance, Naruto threw the report on the table.
"Hokage's Office is given all kinds of work, do I want him to work hard?"
"ANBU, bring him here."
There's nothing I can do about it, he's very angry now.