As the group moved farther into the distance, a yin-yang face emerged on the ground, watching Kawakaze and the others intently, its expression dark. The Rinnegan meant too much to him. It wasn't until Kawakaze and the group vanished from sight that the face sank into the earth and disappeared without a trace. Kawakaze and the others remained completely unaware.
Days later, the yin-yang face reappeared in a vast cave. The cavern was expansive, with tunnels branching out in all directions. At its center stood a massive figure.
It was a giant humanoid form with nine eyes, a body the color of withered wood, and ten cylindrical protrusions on its back. It was the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, the vessel of the Ten-Tails.
"Nagato was taken by someone from Konoha," said a withered old man standing before the yin-yang face man. He wore a dark robe, and a white tubular structure connected his body to the Demonic Statue. Long white hair obscured his right eye, leaving the left one exposed—a Sharingan with three tomoe.
"Keep watching him. I can't afford to lose my eye," the old man said. His frail body left him immobile, unable to recover the Rinnegan himself. For now, he relied on Zetsu to monitor Nagato and maintain control over the Rinnegan's location.
"Understood," Zetsu replied simply before diving back into the ground and vanishing.
Meanwhile, Kawakaze had considered the old man's likely reaction after taking Nagato but knew it wasn't yet the old man's time to die. There was still time for everything to fall into place. His priority now was to return the Konoha ninja to the village for treatment.
After a grueling twenty-day journey, Kawakaze's group finally arrived at the gates of Konohagakure alongside the main force. The gates were already open, and the Third Hokage himself, along with his two advisors, was there to greet them. It was a great honor.
Koharu Utatane gave Kawakaze a small nod of acknowledgment.
"Sensei," multiple voices called out in unison.
"Third Hokage," others chimed in respectfully.
"Welcome back, everyone. This great victory is thanks to all of you," the Third Hokage said solemnly. "Konoha will never forget your efforts—or those who gave their lives on the frontlines."
Despite the victory, his expression was somber. The heavy casualties Konoha had endured weighed on him.
"Sensei, I need to begin preparing the antidote immediately. I'll head to the hospital now," Tsunade said. With the Hokage's approval, she departed toward the hospital without delay.
Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the others exchanged brief greetings with the Hokage before also departing.
Three children stood quietly behind Kawakaze, next to Nawaki and Minato. They had changed into clean clothes that fit them, their faces no longer grimy. However, signs of malnutrition still lingered in their pale complexions.
Their curious eyes turned to the Third Hokage, observing him with wonder. Was this the Kage of Konoha?
Nagato, however, could barely see through the strands of his own hair.
"This is?"
The Third Hokage noticed the curious gazes of the three children and turned to Kawakaze for an explanation.
"These are the orphans I adopted. I plan to take them back and teach them a bit," Kawakaze replied openly. Given his status, adopting a few orphans was hardly an issue. If even the orphanage director could adopt children like Kabuto, then Kawakaze, the true head of the Hatake Clan, had no reason to hesitate.
"You're a kind person," the Third Hokage said with a gentle smile toward the children. He didn't dwell on the matter. Orphans were an inevitable consequence of war, and these three were simply fortunate to have found a home. As long as they remained under the care of the Hatake Clan, they posed no threat to the village.
"Third Hokage, my brother misses the children."
"We'll be heading back as well."
"Go ahead. The wounded are being taken care of," the Third Hokage replied. True to his nature, he had already organized assistance for the injured. Now, it was just a matter of waiting for Tsunade's antidote to be ready. Following his instructions, Anbu operatives escorted the wounded into the village.
Kawakaze and Sakumo led the three children toward the Hatake residence, while Minato and Nawaki headed for the Senju estate.
"Sensei, where did Minato-senpai go?" Nagato asked curiously.
Minato had gotten along well with the three children during their travels, and Nagato in particular admired the golden-haired senior.
"He went to see his red-haired girl," Kawakaze said with a smile, patting Nagato's hair, which was the same vibrant color as Kushina's.
"I see," Nagato said thoughtfully before glancing at Konan.
Yahiko, meanwhile, chatted excitedly with Konan as they marveled at the orderly streets and cheerful faces of Konoha's residents. This village, so full of life, was to be their new home.
"Show them around. I'll go ahead," Sakumo said, eager to return. After speaking, he dashed forward, leaping onto the rooftops and vanishing in a few swift bounds.
The three children stared after him in awe. Uncle is amazing.
For children who had experienced so little of the world, such displays of skill were both inspiring and humbling.
"He was just my defeated opponent, so it's nothing," Kawakaze said smugly, taking full advantage of Sakumo's absence to bask in his own pretense.
"Sensei is amazing," Konan chimed in with perfect timing, her flattery bringing a proud smile to Kawakaze's face.
Yahiko, however, shot Kawakaze a skeptical look. If you're that great, why don't you say it to his face?
"Haha, I'll make you all very powerful," Kawakaze declared with a laugh. Konan's charm was enough to please anyone, though he thought wryly that if this girl didn't bankrupt the Hatake Clan someday, she could say whatever she wanted.
Even for him, a 600-billion-won worth in Explosive Tags is far beyond what he can handle.
Strolling leisurely with the three children, he took the time to satisfy their curiosity as they walked through the village. By the time they reached home, the kids were holding various snacks and grinning from ear to ear.
This is the life children should have, Kawakaze thought to himself, feeling a pang of regret. In the original timeline, they had been burdened with far too much.
The Hatake Clan butler greeted them at the entrance with a warm and flattering smile. He was well aware of who held authority in the household.
"Young Master, welcome back," the butler said. His gaze shifted to the children. "These must be your new disciples. They truly seem talented—excellent choices."
Flattery was always welcome, and Kawakaze, like anyone else, enjoyed hearing it, especially from someone as loyal as the family butler.
"This is the family butler," Kawakaze explained to the children as he led them inside. "If I'm not around, just tell him what you need, and he'll take care of it."
The three children, all from humble backgrounds, were awestruck by the size of the Hatake estate. They exchanged glances of amazement as they took in the grand surroundings.
So this is what Sensei meant by 'a bit of wealth'?
"What do you think? Sensei's house is OK, isn't it?" Kawakaze asked casually, enjoying their reactions.
"I like it," Konan replied without hesitation. True to her future reputation as the wealthiest woman in the Akatsuki, she had a soft spot for luxury.
"It's okay," Yahiko muttered with a hint of rebellion.
"Hm," Nagato added meekly.
"You brat, this isn't just 'okay.' This is what's called very okay!" Kawakaze said, giving Yahiko a playful smack on the back of the head. Yahiko yelped in pain, covering his head while glaring at Kawakaze.
"I'll show you my nephew and introduce you to my family," Kawakaze said, motioning for them to follow.
It was a bright, sunny day when they arrived at the dojo. Sakumo was seated at a stone table with Nayuki, entertaining Kakashi, who was in her arms. Nearby, Onimaru was playing with a growing white puppy, which already seemed on track to outsize Onimaru one day.
"Sister-in-law," Kawakaze greeted casually, walking over and sitting next to the pair.
"Welcome back," Nayuki replied warmly.
Seeing Kawakaze, Kakashi wriggled in Nayuki's arms, eager to jump into his uncle's embrace.
Kawakaze picked up Kakashi, cradling him fondly. "Oops, uncle hugs!"
Sakumo, watching this display, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. His son rarely showed such affection for him. Worse, as soon as Sakumo tried to hold Kakashi, the boy would cry without fail.