Upon hearing Kakashi's words, Tsunade raised her eyebrows, her eyes filled with weariness.
"So the famous Copy Ninja Kakashi has time to come here and see this old lady?" She silently drank her wine.
"I am here on someone's behalf," Kakashi replied calmly.
"Is it Shizune? How is she doing?"
"She's doing very well, highly respected. In the future, she might even become the captain of Squad Four." Kakashi looked deeply at Tsunade.
Tsunade played a part in Shizune's departure. She encouraged Shizune to join the Silent Court.
Deep down, Tsunade had already acknowledged the contributions of the Silent Court. It was just a personal obstacle she couldn't overcome.
"Really? As long as she's doing well, she's talented and probably has surpassed me by now." Tsunade found some comfort in that thought.
In reality, over these years, Shizune had been persuading Tsunade to join the Shinigami Squad. With Tsunade's abilities, she could easily become the captain of the Medical Squad. The position had been kept open for her.
Currently, Shizune acted as the acting captain of the squad.
"Join the Silent Court. Don't let your talents go to waste," Kakashi suggested.
"Do you think I can join?" Tsunade asked in return, a bitter expression on her face. "I am a criminal."
Seeing this, Kakashi didn't say much, just sighed and walked towards the door.
"Take care of yourself."
After Kakashi left, the entire tavern returned to its usual silence.
Tsunade hesitated for a while before reaching out for her wine glass, only to find it empty.
"Boss, more wine," she drunkenly called out.
"Lord Hokage, I really can't do this anymore," the boss said tearfully. "The amount you've owed for these years could almost buy this whole place." Despite occasional money sent by Shizune, it wasn't enough.
If things continued like this, the tavern would go out of business.
"How much does she owe? I'll pay it off for her," a childish voice spoke from behind, causing Tsunade to freeze.
Almost ten seconds later, she slapped the table.
"Did you hear that? More wine!"
"No more drinking. I'll settle your debt, and you're coming with me," the person, holding Tsunade's wrist, said coldly.
"Go back? I'm not going back!" Tsunade shook off the person's hand, looking awkward.
"Don't cause trouble anymore. Look at how much money you've spent these years. If it wasn't for me and Grandpa secretly giving you money, you'd have been in big trouble," the person said coldly.
For years, they had tried to make Tsunade go back home, but it was futile.
"Did I ask you to pay for me? You don't have to mind me."
Upon Tsunade's refusal again, the person's eyes turned colder.
"Are you still having a hard time with yourself? Grandpa has been gone for so long; stop tormenting yourself."
The person grabbed Tsunade's hand firmly.
"Jiraiya has also become a Shinigami. He's been waiting for you."
"Even Jiraiya..." Tsunade's body trembled, struggling in her eyes.
Truthfully, she didn't know why she was resisting joining the Silent Court. Perhaps she was afraid of seeing Jiraiya's face.
Because of her, Jiraiya's closest brother died.
For Tsunade, who had been beloved by many, this was absolutely unacceptable.
"Tsunade, Grandpa doesn't blame you." Sensing Tsunade's thoughts, the person's tone softened.
"The Hyuga Clan has developed well these years, but they lack a leader. Everyone is waiting for you."
"A leader? My family doesn't need me now; they have you," Tsunade shook her head bitterly.
The current person was already vastly different. In terms of strength, they were stronger. In terms of management ability, being the captain of the Shinigami Squad made them more than capable of managing a small family.
Upon careful consideration, Tsunade realized she was redundant for the Hyuga Clan now.
"No, my aspirations don't stop at the Hyuga Clan," the person shook their head.
"As Naruto said, the world is vast. Beyond the ninja world and the Pure Land, there are many different worlds. I want to go to other worlds someday."
The person looked deeply at Tsunade, and she was visibly shocked by their aspirations.
"So for you, the Hyuga Clan is already a burden?" Tsunade felt conflicted. Her family, which she considered everything, seemed so insignificant in the eyes of the person.
The youthful, hot-blooded person she remembered was no longer there. Now, they were ambitious about the future, much like Naruto.
"Nee-chan, Grandpa and the family are waiting for you to come back. After going through this sorrow, you'll become stronger and might even become the core of the Silent Court."
"The current peace is precious. None of us want it to be disrupted. Join the Silent Court, become the squad captain, and protect the peace together."
Looking at the sincere face of the person, Tsunade suddenly realized something.
The scale of the Silent Court was vast.
Even though Tsunade was once the leader of the Ninja Allied Forces and even though the forces had killed numerous Shinigami, they were willing to let bygones be bygones. They even recruited her, promising her a high position.
And yet, she was here, wallowing in self-pity.
Tsunade sniffled, feeling a sudden sense of understanding within.
"If Grandpa was alive, he might have wanted me to join the Silent Court too."
That's what Tsunade thought.
She had seen the changes in Konoha, changes that were impossible in the past.
Now, Konoha was at peace, its residents living happily.
"Sister, become the captain of Squad Four," hearing the person's words, Tsunade felt a surge of determination within.
She had been silent for so long; it was time for redemption.
"Okay."
Hearing Tsunade's firm answer, the person broke into a smile.
"Oh, the weather has been really nice lately," within the Silent Court, Jiraiya sat on a rooftop, content.
"Dressed differently from the Shinigami in black Death Reaper attire, his clothes were red and black, with a "油" character pattern imprinted on his chest, quite flamboyant.
"Captain, please refrain from casually standing on other people's rooftops." Below, Fuu, with a blank expression, adjusted her glasses and spoke.
"Ah, Fuu, can't you stop being so strict with me?" Jiraiya's face instantly drooped.
"According to the 271st Shinigami Code of Conduct, Captain-level Shinigami cannot disturb ordinary residents."
"Fine, fine, I'll come down." Jiraiya suddenly became disheartened and used Shunshin to descend from the rooftop.
Seeing Fuu's rational expression, he felt pained.
"Fuu, could you crack a smile? You being like this doesn't suit me at all."
Fuu adjusted her glasses expressionlessly and remained silent.
"Ah, fine." Jiraiya helplessly covered his face.
Ever since becoming a member of the captain's team, he had been with Fuu as his vice-captain. Fuu was very competent, handling almost all affairs perfectly, while he, as the captain, seemed more like an exhibit.
Jiraiya sighed, glanced at the deep blue sky, but couldn't help smiling.
In just a few short years, both the Silent Court and the Ninja World had developed rapidly. Especially the free enlightenment education had given the new generation a new understanding of the world.
Even without the Infinite Tsukuyomi, peace had still arrived. The present Ninja World was much better than the past.
Naruto had indeed accomplished what he promised.
Thinking back to the start of the Ninja World War, Jiraiya felt guilty. The truth proved that the Silent Court was right, Naruto was right.
"I wonder when Tsunade will be able to move on." Jiraiya sighed. Among the casualties of that war, Tsunade was the most injured.
He looked forward to the transformed Tsunade after she came to terms with everything—a tremendous change was certain to come.
"Click." At this moment, footsteps sounded. Jiraiya turned around and saw someone he had been longing for.
In a long robe, with dazzling golden hair and delicate features, the robe bore a large "gamble" character.
"You're here."
Jiraiya's lips trembled, tears shimmering in his eyes.
"Yeah, I'm here." Tsunade nodded.
The two smiled at each other, everything understood without words.
"Is this the Land of Sand? It's completely different." Walking through a lush green field, Kakashi couldn't help but marvel.
"It's said that this is the result of Orochimaru altering the terrain through technology. Now, the land of the Sand is fertile, rich in resources." Gaara stood by, smiling.
"Is it the first or the second?"
"Of course, it's both together." Father and son glanced at each other, smiling.
A few years ago, after everything was settled, the Orochimarus from other realms came to this world. The two Orochimarus working together significantly advanced the technology level of the entire Silent Court. They also jointly served as the heads of the Technological Research Bureau.
Now, as representatives of the Silent Court, Gaara and Kakashi had initiated inspections in each area. The purpose was to ensure the normal operation of each region and prevent any abuse of power.
Of course, given the current management situation, the likelihood of abuse was minimal, so this task was more like a vacation.
A year ago, Gaara stepped down and handed over the captain's position to Kakashi, retiring early to spend time happily chatting with his wife.
This time, Kakashi was "on a business trip," and Gaara, concerned about an old friend, followed, preparing to visit friends in other areas.
After the environment was altered, the development of the Land of Sand showed a linear rise. In just a few years, the land became fertile, and the people prosperous. Of course, subsidies from the Silent Court played a significant role.
As Kakashi and Gaara walked into the village, they saw a red-haired teenager leading a group of diaper-wearing kids running around the streets.
"Shukaku." Kakashi called out to the red-haired teenager.
"It's you guys, why are you here?" Hearing a familiar voice, Shukaku stopped and approached Kakashi and Gaara.
Since the war ended, Shukaku, one of the Jinchuriki, settled in the Land of Sand and guarded it together with Gaara.
Three years ago, Gaara became the area's leader.
Although a Shinigami himself, Gaara didn't join the Shinigami Squad but was directly subordinate to the head captain, Sasuke.
"We're here for an inspection," Kakashi said.
"Inspection? Gaara should be around. You can find him." Shukaku quickly directed them and then ran off to the kids.
After experiencing education, even the cultural level of farmers far surpassed the past.
There were many cultural figures emerging, writing poetry and appreciating flowers and moonlight every day.
Of course, the Shinigami Academy, as the highest institute, was the dream college for all children. However, the difficulty of admission was high, so most children could only choose the secondary institutes.
"It seems the decisions to introduce robots and education over the years were indeed correct." Gaara breathed a sigh of relief.
He had faced quite a bit of pressure in recent years.
After accepting the new changes, other ninja villages had undergone drastic changes. Naturally, their Sand Village couldn't fall behind.
Fortunately, their hard work paid off, and their village was named the area showing the greatest progress this year.
"Gaara." Kakashi beckoned to Gaara.
"Have the inspectors arrived so quickly?" Gaara nodded to the farmer and walked towards Kakashi.
"How's everything recently?" Kakashi asked.
"Not bad. This way." Gaara proficiently led the way.
In the office of the area leader, Gaara handed the records for the year to Kakashi and Gaara for scrutiny.
After a detailed examination, Kakashi nodded.
"No issues. The Land of Sand has developed well this year."
"This is also thanks to the care from the Silent Court." Gaara showed a gentle smile.
In the Ninja War, his wise choices had made him the most influential "Kazekage" in the Land of Sand.
"Then, the next stop is..." Gaara looked at Kakashi oddly. "I remember you and her seemed to..."
"Don't say that, father, I'm about to marry Red Bean." Mentioning that woman, Kakashi couldn't help feeling a bit awkward.
Actually, that night was just an accident.