A and Darui planned to share the chakra cannon technology with Iwagakure, utilizing the Land of Earth's resources to bolster both villages' strength.
Some within Kumogakure suggested the Land of Earth supply resources for Kumogakure to construct its own chakra cannon, but this idea was promptly vetoed by the current and former Raikages, A and Darui.
Facing Konoha together, Kumogakure and Iwagakure were already in a tenuous position. Any internal discord between the two would only spell trouble for them.
After some thought, Kitsuchi agreed to the proposal; they too needed to strengthen their forces. If the chakra cannon truly possessed power comparable to a tailed beast, it would help compensate for Iwagakure's shortcomings.
The pressure from Konoha was immense. Every so often, new intel from Konoha left them on edge.
After Konoha annexed Kirigakure, Iwagakure and Kumogakure exchanged intelligence, revealing that Konoha's shinobi force now numbered at least 24,000.
Furthermore, Konoha had recruited a significant number of civilians, putting them through a 50-day training regimen in Konoha before integrating them into the newly formed police force. These recruits returned with noticeable enhancements.
Though they didn't wield ninjutsu, their taijutsu abilities were roughly on par with genin.
Based on their observations, both villages suspected Konoha had developed some form of genetic enhancement. Ordinary civilians in the police force exhibited notable improvements in strength and speed, as well as surprising resistance to genjutsu.
Kumogakure had once tried to capture two police force members and had lost three chunin and five genin in the attempt, although they ultimately succeeded.
When they tried to use genjutsu on the captured members, they discovered a peculiar resistance. Chakra would dissipate when genjutsu was applied, and a faint red glow appeared beneath their skin.
After dozens of attempts, the temperature of the Konoha police force members would suddenly spike, and they would explode like explosive tags.
This unexpected development cost Kumogakure a genjutsu user.
Though the exact method Konoha used to enhance ordinary people remained a mystery, the results piqued Kumogakure's interest.
However, acquiring the technology was challenging. The research seemed to be under Orochimaru's control, and Konoha had undergone extensive restructuring.
The village was meticulously organized into various districts: shinobi administrative areas, commercial zones, recreational spaces, and a secure zone from which no information could be gleaned.
All Kumogakure knew was that Orochimaru was connected to the genetic modifications, but they couldn't locate him. Spies dispatched into Konoha went silent within three days.
Thus, Kumogakure and Iwagakure grew increasingly anxious daily, fearing that Konoha might attack at any time, leaving them vulnerable.
After their discussion, Kitsuchi and Darui resolved to continue developing the chakra cannon and to weaponize the salamander's deadly venom.
Iwagakure had housed Hanzo's Rain shinobi for a year, and now it was time for him to contribute. If Hanzo refused, Kitsuchi was prepared to expel him.
"Hey, Kurenai, it's been a while!"
Asuma's eyes lit up upon seeing Kurenai emerging from a shop with a box of honey cakes in hand.
At twenty-one, Kurenai was in the prime of her youth, with a radiant beauty accentuated by her ruby-red eyes. As a Hokage's disciple, she was among Konoha's most admired women.
Though he'd been turned down many times, Asuma remained undeterred, convinced he was the best match for Kurenai among her suitors. He was determined to win her heart.
"Asuma, I have some things to do. I'm taking these to Yoichi-sensei, so I have to go."
Kurenai was exasperated with Asuma. Despite her clear rejections, he stubbornly insisted he would wait for her.
'Who asked you to wait? I'll always be by Yoichi-sensei's side!' Kurenai thought to herself, her feelings for her teacher only growing as the years passed, especially since he hadn't aged a day.
Asuma suddenly brought up, "Kurenai, have you heard about the Hokage selection?"
"...Yes, I know about it. Why?"
She answered resignedly. As Hokage's assistant, she was well aware of Yoichi-sensei's plans; she couldn't understand Asuma's naivety.
"I'm planning to run for the Sixth Hokage!"
Asuma declared with conviction, "I'll work hard to become Hokage, and when I do, I'd like you to be my advisor. Together, we'll build the village."
He had looked into it; with Kakashi uninterested and few others his age surpassing him, his odds seemed promising.
"You… want to run for Hokage?"
Kurenai raised her brows, incredulous. She knew exactly whom Yoichi favored, both of whom were far more capable than Asuma.
The revival of Nawaki was a village secret that even Hiruzen wouldn't reveal to avoid troubling the Second Hokage. Few were privy to this, as Nawaki remained under the Second Hokage's guidance.
However, even if some remained unaware of, Kurenai believed a competent shinobi should have access to such information.
Asuma continued, "Yes, I know it'll be difficult, but I want to try. If I succeed, will you join me as my advisor?"
"If you actually manage to do that, I might consider it."
Kurenai waved dismissively and walked away, doubtful of Asuma's chances.
The box of honey cakes was for the Hokage's office, a rare treat for Yoichi-sensei, who was actually working there today.
She hurried back, eager to spend more time with Yoichi-sensei.
Upon entering the Hokage's office, she noticed a barrier had been set up.
"A barrier? What's Yoichi-sensei up to…?"
Before Kurenai could think further, she froze at the sight before her.
Her beloved Yoichi-sensei was with Rumi from the Hyūga clan.
"Yoichi-sensei, faster…"
When Yoichi noticed Kurenai standing there in shock, he realized this could be troublesome.
'Didn't Rumi lock the door? And with a soundproof barrier, how did Kurenai walk in?'
"Hold on, Rumi, Kurenai is here…"
Yet, rather than stopping, Rumi tightened her grip on him, wrapping her legs around his waist and continuing on her own.
Gasping softly, Rumi called out, "Kurenai, d-don't just stand there. Close the door."
Fury and indignation welled up in Kurenai as she shouted, "What's going on, Yoichi-sensei? I thought… I thought I was first!"
Creak!
Rumi closed the door, locking it with her Tenseigan.
If Yoichi couldn't tell this was Rumi's mischief, he would have failed as a teacher. Slightly annoyed, he smacked her playfully, "Always causing trouble for sensei…"
Rumi whimpered slightly before giving a sweet, teasing smile, "I'm just helping you, sensei!"
But Kurenai, who felt betrayed, had tears brimming in her eyes. How could Yoichi-sensei do this with Rumi?
Yoichi picked Rumi up and approached Kurenai. He intended to let Rumi down, but she clung to him tightly.
"Kurenai, I'm sorry. Sensei cares for you deeply too."
"But…"
"Kurenai, I won't let anyone else have you. Come with me."
Taking her hand firmly, Yoichi led Kurenai to the adjacent resting room.
Caught off-guard, Kurenai followed him in a daze.
But when both she and Rumi were placed on the bed, a blush spread across Kurenai's cheeks as she protested softly, "Yoichi-sensei, this isn't…"
"But I don't want you to leave me, Kurenai!"
With those words, Yoichi leaned in, casting a barrier around the room to prevent any intrusions.
Soon, the room was filled with quiet murmurs, though the barrier ensured no sound escaped.
As she grew exhausted, Kurenai found her earlier grievances replaced by warmth as she nestled beside Yoichi, savoring the moment.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After a few hours, Kurenai remembered something and asked, "Yoichi-sensei, who are you considering for the Sixth Hokage?"
"The Sixth Hokage… it'll be either Nawaki or Shisui, depending on how they perform. If Kakashi shows interest, it would be a tight race between the three."
Yoichi had no plans to interfere in this matter. Either of them would make an excellent Hokage, with Nawaki's enthusiasm balanced by Shisui's steady demeanor.
If one became Hokage, the other could serve as the Hokage's advisor. Kakashi, on the other hand, had inherited Sakumo's tendency to avoid responsibility; once financially secure, he spent his days training or fishing, preferring novels over missions.
When Yoichi had asked if he wanted to become Hokage, Kakashi had declined without hesitation.
Kurenai sighed, "Asuma wants to become Hokage too. He doesn't seem to understand rejection and even said he'd make me his advisor."
Yoichi chuckled and kissed her cheek. He had considered her lips but decided against it.
"Asuma has little chance. Based on his record and abilities, he's far behind Nawaki and Shisui. Don't worry about it."
If Hiruzen Sarutobi learned of Asuma's ambitions, he would surely dissuade him. With so many Kage-level shinobi in the village, there was no justification for an ordinary jōnin to assume the Hokage role, especially one with Asuma's meager battlefield record.
After spending some time together in the office, Yoichi returned home.
Once he left, Rumi approached Kurenai, playfully smacking her. When Kurenai yelped in surprise and turned to face her, Rumi grinned, "Aren't you going to thank me, Kurenai?"
"Hmph, thank you? You butted in and got to Yoichi-sensei before me! When did this start?"
Kurenai was exasperated, recalling how closed-off Rimi had once been.
"A year ago. If I hadn't felt sorry for you, you'd still be clueless. Besides, your approach was far too tame. Tea, snacks, a bit of company? Please, Kurenai, I had to help you!"
Rumi laughed, giving her another playful smack. "Anyway, you owe me one. You can tidy up the office today!"
"Hey, Rumi…"
Before Kurenai could finish, Rumi dashed out of the room, leaving her to chase her, only to find her legs weaken slightly.
"That… troublesome girl…"
Resigned, Kurenai stayed behind to tidy up the office. Fortunately, there wasn't much, and she finished quickly.
...
"Itachi, aren't you training today?"
On his way home, Yoichi ran into Itachi and decided to walk with him.
"Father."
Itachi smiled and greeted him. "Sasuke and Naruto aren't too keen on sparring with me, so I thought I'd check if Mother needed help at home."
Not long ago, Itachi became a host for a rare beast—the Hell Raven, an entity with strong genjutsu abilities. Only Karin's light dragon abilities could resist it; any other opponent would simply fall asleep in a match with him.
"We have hired help at home, Itachi; no need to trouble yourself."
Yoichi suddenly thought of the time-traveling relic, and an idea surfaced. "By the way, Itachi, I'm planning a trip soon. Would you like to accompany me?"
End of Chapter
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