Regrettably, this path seemed fraught with too much risk, prompting Nono's decline, and forcing Akihiko to temporarily set it aside.
Akihiko sighed with disappointment lingering in his heart. However, it didn't occupy his thoughts for long—it was merely a minor setback.
The ongoing three-year war was also approaching its conclusion. During this period, it appeared that Konoha, Iwa, and Kumo had initiated the process of signing a peace agreement. It wouldn't be long before news of this pact spread throughout the entire shinobi world.
Following that, the shinobi world would once again transition into an era of peace. The major villages would dedicate themselves to recovery and development until the next opportune moment emerged, ushering in another conflict.
However, the next confrontation might likely involve the Grass Village. Misunderstandings had arisen among the five major villages regarding Grass Village's intentions. They failed to comprehend that Grass Village had no intention of recruiting rogue or wandering ninjas; their aim was to provide a home for these unfortunate individuals. Unfortunately, this noble intent remained misunderstood by the others.
What adds to the regrettable circumstances is that Madara transmitted his will and departed. Due to a minor mishap, Black Zetsu, now attending school, has found himself repeating the same grade for three years due to subpar performance.
As for Obito, perhaps in accordance with the agreement with Madara and a desire to avoid seeing Rin as his future teacher, he diligently applied himself despite not securing top grades. Overall, his efforts were commendable, sparing him from the fate of repeating a grade.
The three central figures of the Eye of the Moon Plan took divergent paths—some graduated, some faced setbacks, and others continued their studies. Consequently, the plan could be deemed a failure.
In an alternate scenario, they could have steered Grass Village towards joining the Shinobi Alliance, collaboratively resisting the darkness of the shinobi world. Alas, the reality now stands as a truly 'tragic fate.'
Certainly, with the educational efforts over the years and the ongoing literacy classes, the number of ninjas in Grass and Rain countries has witnessed a significant surge.
The rise of worker ninjas, along with the bolstering of traditional ninja prowess, has resulted in a specially trained workforce playing pivotal roles in specific production and living domains. In recent years, Grass Village has quietly consolidated its strength.
Simultaneously, not just Grass Village, but the entire shinobi world's film industry has experienced rapid growth, with Grass Films emerging as the predominant force in cinema. Numerous outstanding works have graced the screen, earning deep affection from people across the shinobi world.
Take, for instance, the movie 'Fake World: Infinite Tsukuyomi,' featuring Uchiha Obito. It narrates the tale of a young genjutsu genius ninja named 'Nao,' who uncovers that the seemingly ordinary world is, in fact, a virtual world controlled by someone named 'Tsukuyomi.' In the end, he embarks on a journey to resist the 'Infinite Tsukuyomi.''
Upon its release, it swiftly became a sensation, propelling Obito to newfound fame. Presently, in the shinobi world, he enjoys even greater renown than when he stood as a hero in Konoha.
However, for reasons unknown, Black Zetsu's countenance has taken a darker turn.
At this moment, Akihiko stands before a house—Fuso's home. He knocks on the door, and soon after, a young girl emerges. Akihiko, upon seeing her, is momentarily stunned before breaking into a smile. "Rin, you're here too!"
As Rin opens the door, a gentle smile graces her face. She speaks softly, "Lord Akihiko, I'm off today, so I came to see Kushina-nee. Are you here to pick up Karin?"
Nohara Rin graduated with exceptional grades two years ago. Given her older age during her time in school, coupled with outstanding academic performance and non-participation in battles, she was granted an early graduation.
During her academy days, the Medical Department recognized her excellence and solid professional knowledge, leading to her recruitment. Consequently, after graduation, she directly joined the Medical Department, where she now works.
Akihiko nodded and inquired, "Yes, is Karin behaving today?"
Karin, his and Kana's daughter, inherits the Uzumaki clan's lineage and Kana's unique abilities. When Kana is occupied, the responsibility of caring for her falls upon Fuso and Kushina.
Indeed, Kushina resides here as well. Though her return to Konoha has been delayed due to the need for physical recuperation, three.. actually almost four years have elapsed since then. Her body has significantly healed by now. It is anticipated that with another six months to a year of continuous treatment, she will fully recover.
Approximately two years ago, as her recovery progressed, she applied for discharge. However, being unfamiliar with the area presented a challenge. After all, In Konoha, She have been brought there at a young age. Now, Here though, she found herself in an unfamiliar ninja village. Therefore, She had no idea where to stay, especially considering her financial constraints.
Even though Obito offered to provide funds for her to rent a house, she declined. It wasn't that she had nowhere to stay—she could reside in Rin's dormitory, or arrangements could be made for a dormitory for her. Alternatively, she could even live with her Uzumaki clan.
Later on, Fuso extended an invitation for Kushina to reside with her. Nagato, having grown up and becoming occupied with his own affairs, was frequently away from home, leading Fuso to occasionally stay next door. However, the solitude at home left her feeling lonely at times. Hence, she welcomed Kushina to stay with her.
Upon witnessing Kushina's hesitation, Kana, too, extended an invitation. She conveyed that her body had not fully recuperated and that having someone care for her would put her at ease. Additionally, she hoped that Kushina could impart sealing jutsu teachings to her daughter.
Kushina's prowess in sealing jutsu, coupled with her tutelage under the sealing master—Uzumaki Mito—made Kana confident in her instructional abilities.
Though Karin was still young and didn't require a teacher at present, Kana, perhaps sensing Kushina's maternal longing, empathized with her. In her own way, she sought to aid this clan member.
Thus, Akihiko didn't decline the arrangement. It's possible that, due to having experienced the loss of a child, Kushina harbored a deep affection for Karin, perhaps seeking to express her maternal love in this manner.
"Akihiko, you're back?" "Dad~" Akihiko scooped up the adorable black-haired little girl, Karin, before him. Her eyes sparkled, and she boasted a charming appearance. Karin appeared to have inherited the gentle traits of both Kana and him, lacking the fiery and obstinate nature of the original Karin.
It's understandable—both Fuso and Kana are compassionate individuals. Moreover, Under Kushina's guidance, Karin also developed an optimistic and self-assured demeanor.
Akihiko smiled warmly at Kushina, "Thank you for looking after her."
"No need to thank me. If anything, I might be the one causing inconvenience. After all, I'm being paid for this," Kushina smiled and gently shook her head. Then she turned her gaze to Karin, remarking, "And Karin is just so delightful. Incredibly lovable. Sometimes, I wish I had a daughter of my own."
As she spoke, a tinge of melancholy and anger flickered in her eyes. Over the years, she had learned about the events in Konoha. She understood that Minato, the savior of the village, was misunderstood, and Naruto... his life hadn't unfolded as she had imagined; it had been quite harsh.
Initially, her anger surged, and she contemplated returning to Konoha, perhaps even exacting revenge. However, upon reflection, she realized it wasn't a simple journey back. Despite no longer being a Jinchuriki, she was now the mother of one, and by all rights, she should have perished.
Presently, Naruto was viewed as a monster, the son of a traitor, in the eyes of the village. If she were to return, would the village permit this aggrieved mother to intervene in the Jinchuriki's upbringing?
Even if she did appear, the darkness of Konoha might find her, orchestrating her silent disappearance. As the former Fourth Hokage's wife, she was privy to some of Konoha's dark secrets.
Had she returned three years prior, there might have been an opportunity to care for Naruto. But now... Naruto was nearing four years old. The window of intervention had seemingly closed.
"Don't worry. While Naruto's life may not be as rosy as you'd hope, he's not in immediate danger." Akihiko paused briefly before adding, "And just a few days ago, Elder Yoshinori went to Konoha. He should be returning soon. I'm sure he'll bring back photos, and once he's back, you can inquire about Naruto's well-being."
Over the past three years, Yoshinori had intermittently journeyed to Konoha. The reason? Well, it was to negotiate with the Third Hokage. After all, the Will of Fire held considerable sway, especially for a young child facing discrimination. Receiving affection from an elderly figure is an effective strategy—one that few children can resist.
This holds even truer for four-year-old age childrens in the ninja world where one of them could even be contemplating about the peace of the ninja world. Who knows, a moment of inattention, and he could easily be swayed. Thus, they had to employ the Spirit of Grass to counteract it, reassuring Naruto that he still had family and that there were still people who cared for him—planting a seed of connection in his heart.
However, Konoha grew increasingly irritated with this. In front of Yoshinori, they asserted that Naruto was Konoha's Jinchuriki, expressing their desire for the Uzumaki clan and Grass Shinobi not to interfere. Yet, Yoshinori paid them no heed.
As an elder of the clan, he considered it perfectly reasonable to occasionally check in on his clan member. Was that so strange? Or could it be that Konoha was such an inhumane and cold ninja village? Yoshinori consistently portrayed Konoha as morally lacking.
This stance angered Konoha, but they hesitated to take action against Uzumaki Yoshinori. He was not just a Grass Ninja; he was also an elder of the Uzumaki clan. If Konoha were to attack a Uzumaki elder at this point, it could potentially strain the relationship between Konoha and the Uzumaki clan. While there were some covert attempts, they were all skillfully evaded.
Observing Kushina, gently pinching Karin's face with a smile as if contemplating something, Akihiko sighed helplessly. After a brief moment of thought, he began, "Perhaps it won't be long before you can..."
However, before he could complete his sentence, a distinct knocking sound echoed, and Rin's voice rang out from inside, "Lord Akihiko, A Grass Shinobi is here... claiming to have some important information."
Akihiko was puzzled. Important information? Could it be... Elder Yoshinori and the others returning? Considering the timeframe, that seemed plausible.
He was also taken aback and promptly called out, "Come in!"
Passing Karin into Fuso's care, Akihiko turned his attention to the visibly anxious Grass Shinobi. "Don't worry, just tell me. What information do you have? Is it possible that Elder Yoshinori and the others have returned?"
"Yes, But..." The Grass Shinobi hesitated, clearly grappling with something.
"Is it really that? Any trouble?" Akihiko reassured, trying to calm the Shinobi's evident distress. "Even if there is, relax. We've faced trouble before, and Grass Village isn't the small village it once was. There's no need to worry excessively. Why are you still so anxious?" Akihiko added with a wry smile, attempting to lighten the mood. "Could it be that Elder Yoshinori brought the Jinchuriki back from Konoha?"
As soon as he uttered those words, the Grass Shinobi before him fell into a stunned silence. The entire room followed suit, their attention focused on the Shinobi's reaction.
After approximately three seconds, the Grass Shinobi lifted his head in shock, an incredulous gaze fixed on the leader. "Lord Akihiko, you already know?"
Stunned expressions adorned everyone, Akihiko included. What? What did he just say? I know what?