(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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The two talked extensively, and Shion roughly grasped the situation.
It turned out that Onoki's earlier assertive behavior, constantly confronting Colt, had all been part of a planned act, designed by the two of them.
Their aim was to stage a show of power.
As for why Onoki was so cooperative?
"Colt-sama, since you seem pleased with this cooperation, what about the promise you made earlier…?" Onoki asked tentatively.
Colt nodded without hesitation.
"No problem. I'll help you train a Kage-level ninja. The choice is yours."
The terms they had agreed upon beforehand would, of course, be honored.
After all, a single Kage-level warrior wouldn't make much of a difference in the current ninja world.
Relieved by Colt's confirmation, Onoki sighed in relief.
"I'll have Kurotsuchi, my granddaughter, be the one. She didn't inherit my Dust Release but she has potential, so please help guide her to your best ability."
It was clear that Onoki had already chosen Kurotsuchi.
In Iwagakure, aside from Onoki, only one person could be reluctantly considered Kage-level.
However, Onoki knew this guy to be too rigid, someone who followed orders without flexibility. Such a person couldn't lead the village effectively.
In contrast, Kurotsuchi, though young and somewhat impetuous, possessed quick wit and energy—qualities more suitable for the role of Tsuchikage.
Onoki cast a brief glance toward Colt, subtly revealing his own deeper thoughts.
Colt noticed the glance but didn't comment, merely smiling in response.
"Alright then, once I return to Konoha, send Kurotsuchi over to serve as my assistant."
Onoki was visibly pleased.
Now, Iwagakure had secured a solid future.
After Onoki departed, Colt turned to his companion, who had been quietly observing.
She gently took his arm and examined him thoughtfully.
"What's on your mind?" Colt asked.
"It's just… the way you handled this. I didn't expect it," she replied.
In her heart, Colt had always been a fierce and commanding presence.
But this exchange with Onoki revealed a more cunning side to him.
Colt teasingly lifted her chin.
"There's much more about me you don't know."
She wasn't fazed, meeting his gaze with her pale eyes.
"Is that so? I think I know you better than you think."
'Cheeky,' Colt thought.
Her words stirred something in him, and with a mischievous grin, he activated the Flying Thunder God, transporting them instantly back to their bedroom.
Koyuki, who had been napping, was startled by their sudden appearance. Before she could say anything, she let out a small shriek.
"You idiot!"
*Two Days Later*
Konoha's team was preparing to return to the village and ready themselves to allocate territory to the other four great ninja villages. Additionally, they would be building a new council hall for future use.
"Are you really not coming back with us? I'm feeling a bit uneasy…" Kakashi, now wearing the Hokage's cloak, said, his tone laced with worry.
"Why be uneasy? You're the Hokage now. Just go ahead and handle things confidently," Colt said, smiling and patting Kakashi on the shoulder like a seasoned elder.
Just the day before, Colt had used the excuse of needing to oversee the entire ninja world impartially, handing the position of Hokage to Kakashi in record time.
Thus, his own tenure had become the shortest in history.
Glancing past Kakashi, Colt saw Uchiha Madara bickering with Hashirama.
"Madara-senpai, I'm leaving the security of Konoha in your hands. Hashirama and Naruto are far too soft-hearted. If anyone tries anything shady…" Colt's eyes flashed dangerously, "Send them straight to the Sage of Six Paths."
Madara, now with his full strength restored in his eternal Mangekyō state, was more than capable of keeping the peace.
"Don't worry, no one will jeopardize the future of this world," Madara replied, initially surprised that Colt had entrusted him with such a task, but quickly accepted it.
"Hey, Colt! I can handle that too!" Hashirama said, a little annoyed, always competitive with Madara.
"Alright, then you can work with Madara," Colt replied, humoring him.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the Konoha team departed.
Colt, however, remained behind to spend a few more days with Shion and Koyuki.
That Evening
On the busiest street of the Land of Demons, Colt walked leisurely with Shion and Koyuki by his side. The people who saw them greeted them respectfully before going about their business.
Neither Colt nor the girls were surprised by this treatment. After all, Colt had saved the Land of Demons, and Koyuki was a person of high status.
"How are things going with the Land of Demons?" Colt asked.
"It's almost taken care of. The remaining tasks will be handled by my aides, and the ninjas you've assigned will arrive soon," she replied calmly.
Colt nodded. The burden of protecting the land had eased with his presence, and she seemed more relaxed because of it.
"Let's return to Konoha in a few days. The Land of Demons is nice, but it's still too small."
"Sure. Let's go back tomorrow," she said, glancing at the leash in her hand.
"He ran away…" Koyuki also noticed that.
When they had first come out, their dog had been tied to a leash.
Now, after wandering for a bit, the dog had vanished.
Colt glanced back, seeing only a leash left on the ground.
He sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.
"Guess we'll have to find it," Shion said, looking around for their lost companion.
"No need. I'll just call him. He's probably nearby," Colt said, not even bothering to use the summoning technique.
With its hearing, the dog would hear him for sure.
"Ichibi! Come here, now!" Colt called out.
For a moment, the surroundings fell silent.
Then, the space split open, revealing a figure dressed in white robes with his hair tied back.
He stepped out from the void, his expression calm.
"I didn't expect someone in this world to know my name," the figure said, his tone steady.
"But since it's you, Colt, I suppose I'm not too surprised."
With those words…
"Woof!" came a joyful bark as their dog ran up to Shion.
"Ichibi, you can't just run off like that," she said, crouching to pet the dog with a smile.
Colt looked at the Otsutsuki standing in the rift, then back at the dog.
An awkward silence filled the air.
Finally, Colt broke it.
"That… we weren't calling for you. It's not Ishiki, it's Ichibi!"