After the reopening of the ninja academy, life in the Land of Grass gradually returned to its normal rhythm. Aside from the battle at Kikyo Pass and the growing recognition of the Grass Village Leader's wisdom, the rest of the ninja world saw no significant developments.
The Mist Village, due to the sacrifices made during the war, was the first to formally declare an end to the conflict. They swiftly began the process of rebuilding their ninja forces and appointed Yagura Karatachi as their new Mizukage. Rumor had it that Yagura, although appearing young, possessed exceptional Water and Wind Release abilities that surpassed many of his peers in the Mist Village. However, Akihiko knew that the loss of the Three-Tails must have weakened his overall strength compared to Original Future.
But With Obito now attending school in the Land of Grass, it seemed unlikely that the Mist Village would revisit the dark days of the 'Bloody Mist' era, So, It can also be seen as a blessing in disguise for them.
Upon taking office, the Fourth Mizukage imposed a semi-sealed status on the Mist Village, restricting the entry of foreign ninjas. This measure was likely aimed at providing a conducive environment for the village's recovery, given the heavy toll taken by the war.
The Stone Village and Cloud Village were both in the process of reorganizing their forces, but they had yet to officially declare an end to the war. They seemed to be hoping that Konoha would seek a compromise for the sake of peace.
As for the Sand Village, the battle at Kikyo Pass raged on, though it was evident to all that it couldn't be sustained for much longer.
…
With renewed vigor, Akihiko made his way outside. Having recharged his energy the previous night, he felt remarkably spirited on this clear and crisp autumn day in the Land of Grass.
The situation in the Land of Grass appeared to be getting back on track, allowing Akihiko to take a breather. Speaking of which, It seems everyone is quite occupied during this period, tending to their respective duties and responsibilities.
Uzumaki Yoshinori is still working on improving the train system, and it seems like it won't be long before the train will be fully operational. Hanzo, on the other hand, had departed after the school's opening ceremony. His presence was needed in the Land of Rain, where he had various responsibilities to attend to.
Akihiko looked at Nagato, who had already been awake for some time and was sitting in the courtyard. He yawned and made his way over, saying, "Good morning, Nagato. I didn't expect to see you up so early again today!"
Nagato, in response, glanced up at the sun in the sky and then back at Akihiko, raising an eyebrow. "Morning? It's already noon, Akihiko-sensei!"
Akihiko chuckled, "It's already noon? I've been quite exhausted lately, so I've been sleeping in." He settled down beside Nagato, inquiring, "Where's your mother?"
"She's inside preparing lunch," Nagato answered while rolling his eyes at Akihiko's antics, but he didn't mind the company. He continued to silently contemplate the sky, savoring the gentle autumn breeze. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke again, "Could you use the door next time?"
Akihiko laughed heartily and ruffled Nagato's head. "Haha, I promise to use the door next time! By the way," he asked curiously, "Why do you always keep an eye on whether I'm climbing over the wall or not?"
Nagato found himself momentarily at a loss for words. He couldn't help but complain inwardly, 'Who's keep an eye on you?' There's no need for him to do so, After all, It was hard not to notice when Akihiko consistently stepped on the same flowers on his way over the wall. Furthermore, He's already long used to Akihiko's habitual use of 'next time'.
While Nagato shook his head in mild exasperation, a faint smile curved his lips. The two of them continued to bask in the autumn breeze, content to remain seated and enjoy the serene moment.
"Akih.." At that moment, Fusō, wearing an apron, stepped out into the courtyard and began to speak, but her words trailed off when she observed the two men sitting peacefully. A smile crept across her face as she watched the heartwarming scene. Leaning on her right hand, she rested her chin on her palm and tilted her head to appreciate the peaceful and gentle scene.
After some time, Fusō decided it was time to interrupt their peaceful moment and gently addressed Akihiko, "Akihiko-kun, you're here? It's lunchtime. What about Kana and Konan-chan?"
Akihiko turned his attention to Fusō, looking somewhat embarrassed as he replied, "Konan left early with Kakuzu to study with him. Kana is still resting. She had a late night last night."
Fusō's cheeks took on a faint rosy hue as she seemed to grasp the situation. She exchanged an embarrassing look with Akihiko and said, "In that case, let's eat first. I'll save some for Kana and Konan-chan."
Akihiko, who had been awakened from his sleep by his growling stomach, was equally hungry. He affectionately ruffled Nagato's head and declared, "Time to eat!"
Nagato, though feeling somewhat resigned to Akihiko's constant head-ruffling, met his sensei's gaze with a hint of helplessness. "I've grown up, Akihiko-sensei!" He muttered these words, before a small smile appeared on his lips, and then quietly followed Akihiko and his mother to the dining room.
…
The three of them savored Fusō's delectable meal, which left Akihiko feeling thoroughly satiated. Once they had all eaten their fill, they settled in the courtyard with Nagato. Nagato appeared to be relishing the gentle breeze, his expression radiating contentment.
After some time, Fusō returned with three cups of tea, and they all gathered in the courtyard, sipping the warm tea while enjoying the tranquil autumn afternoon.
Yet, just as they were peacefully sipping tea and basking in the calmness of the afternoon, a familiar voice abruptly disrupted the silence. "Hahaha, Leader-sama, indeed, you are here!"
Akihiko momentarily paused, tilting his head slightly, and spotted a cunning middle-aged man making his way in, accompanied by a child. Akihiko's eyes widened in astonishment.
Mubuki? Has this fellow finally returned after all this time? Akihiko glanced at Mubuki and then at the child, asking, "It's been a long time since you returned. I thought you were assassinated out there!"
"Leader, never underestimate the evasion skills of a seasoned Grass Ninja!" Mubuki boasted, placing his hands on his hips. "I'm gone long before the danger even gets close!"
Akihiko couldn't help but purse his lips at this show of pride from a high-level ninja who seemed pleased with his ability to flee. "It appears you're doing well. I didn't expect you to return with a child. Aren't you worried about incurring the wrath of your wife and Asui?"
As soon as Akihiko uttered these words, Mubuki's expression stiffened. He glanced at Fusō, who was regarding him with a mix of curiosity and disdain, as well as Nagato. Mubuki's lips twitched, and he hastily clarified, "Don't talk nonsense. He's just like Yahiko!"
Pausing, Mubuki patted the child standing behind him, who was quietly observing the group. A proud expression on Mubuki's face as he added, "This is my child. Not bad, huh?" Then, he pointed to Akihiko and introduced him to the child. "Kabuto, this is our leader."
Kabuto? The survivor from the Battle of Kikyo Pass? Kabuto Yakushi, The spy who shocked the ninja world in the original future? Akihiko was taken aback as he looked at Mubuki before him, recalling the mission he had entrusted to him. Unbelievably, Mubuki had actually brought Kabuto back.
Akihiko stared silently at the child, pondering how this mission had led to the adoption of a child. Was Mubuki becoming the Edward Newgate of the ninja world, gathering children as his own son?
Mubuki continued, "I plan to have him enroll in the school for training soon, but Yahiko isn't here. He's gone to the Land of Rain to assist. Otherwise, I would have introduced him to his two older brothers."
Then, with a look of realization, Mubuki gazed seriously at Akihiko. "Oh, by the way, there's some important information I almost forgot to mention. The Battle of Kikyo Pass has concluded. The Sand Village... has surrendered!"
Akihiko was momentarily shocked by the news. The Battle of Kikyo Pass has ended?
…
Soon after, news of the end of the Battle of Kikyo Pass and the surrender of the Sand Village spread throughout the entire ninja world, marking the conclusion of this long-lasting and impactful conflict.
At that moment, people across the ninja world collectively breathed a sigh of relief. It appeared that the era of war was finally drawing to a close, and hopes for a lasting peace emerged.
However, the calm was soon disrupted. The demigod leader of the Land of Rain, Hanzo, declared a complete blockade of the entire Land of Rain to the rest of the ninja world. This decree mandated that any ninja entering the Land of Rain must report their presence, or they would be treated as invading forces from another nation.
This sudden announcement left the entire ninja world in a state of shock and confusion. It raised questions about the intentions of the Rain Village and whether they were looking for further conflict.
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