Seeing Mifune's eager expression, Kazuyama Gekkō found himself at a loss for words. After all, how was he supposed to explain the abstract concept of peace? In any case, Amegakure was about to be taken over by Takigakure, and all existing regulations would be overturned and rewritten. Combined with the increased mission volume and business exchanges between the two villages, improving both communities was undoubtedly achievable.
"Hehehe, as long as you don't mind, Mifune."
"Maintaining good relations with the Land of Iron is certainly ideal—after all, my brewery is still operating there, hahaha."
"I'll instruct Yahiko to oversee future exchanges between the three nations. Rest assured, only the finest goods will be sent to the Land of Iron!"
Since they'd already decided on the alliance, he had no grounds to refuse. He accepted the alliance between the Land of Iron and Takigakure Village with composure. After all, the Land of Iron's samurai possessed formidable strength and considerable numbers—a powerful force indeed.
Once the Land of Iron's samurai departed, only Takigakure's ninja remained in Amegakure, following Yahiko's orders to take over every aspect of the village. With Hanzō of the Salamander dead, Amegakure was now leaderless.
"Konan, Amegakure is yours from now on."
"I have complete faith in your abilities. If you encounter problems, don't shoulder them alone—after all, Amegakure's situation is unique."
"That old bastard Hanzō secretly maintained ties with other villages—Konoha, Iwa, for instance. So if anyone from either side approaches, you must inform me immediately."
"Especially Konoha..."
Kazuyama Gekkō instructed Konan with grave seriousness. If anyone from Konoha came, it would undoubtedly be Root Division operatives. After all, if Minato sent someone, he'd almost certainly be notified. So if it wasn't him, it must be that old geezer Danzō sending people secretly.
"You mean... Danzō?"
"Right. You mentioned before that Danzō and Hanzō teamed up to target you."
Yahiko suddenly darted out from the side. He was in high spirits after the battle, a smile still plastered on his face. Kazuyama Gekkō nodded. With Hanzō dead, Danzō was the only one left. The man hailed as the shadow of the ninja world—he had to be eliminated. Otherwise, he wouldn't be satisfied.
"That old geezer Danzō. Since I started out, he's tripped me up countless times. But since we're from the same village, he hasn't gone too far."
"But recently? He actually tried to kill me outright. Even his Root Division ninjas were deployed to Amegakure. If I don't take him out, I've wasted my entire career."
"So, the moment anyone from Konoha arrives, notify me immediately. I'll lure him out of the village and finish him."
This time, Kazuyama Gekkō wasted no time. He had to eliminate this threat swiftly. That old geezer Danzō—better to take him out sooner rather than later. Who knew what dirty tricks he'd pull next? Add to that the Kumogakure attack on his child, and Kazuyama Gekkō understood one truth: passive defense won't cut it. He had to strike first.
"Leave the rest to you lot."
"I've got business in Kumogakure. Oh, and Konan—in a few days, I might bring two people to assist you."
"Haha, they're quite exceptional individuals."
With that parting remark, Kazuyama Gekkō departed via Flying Thunder God Technique. Konan's expression flickered with curiosity—after all, every recruit Kazuyama Gekkō brought back proved exceptionally gifted.
"Ugh, that jerk of a teacher. Probably spotted another prodigy somewhere. In his words, 'Talent like this must be taken under my wing!'"
"Sigh, look at me, look at Terumi-chan. We were both snatched away like this."
Yugito gazed at her teacher, now vanished from sight, and sighed from the bottom of her heart. Her words drew nods of agreement from Terumi. Yet neither harbored any resentment toward Kazuyama Gekkō. After all, their lives now were good, filled with happiness. Their power was even rising rapidly. During their earlier battle against Hanzō of the Salamander, both had displayed their most formidable abilities. Whether it was Yugito's close-quarters combat prowess or Terumi's mastery of her Kekkei Genkai—neither possessed such capabilities before. A broader stage truly allowed them to grow stronger.
Back on the eastern coast of Kumogakure, Kazuyama Gekkō resumed his role as the fishing enthusiast, biding his time by the sea—fishing and enjoying the breeze—awaiting the arrival of Killer Bee and his team.
"Hey, Chōmei, do you think that jerk got lost?"
"It should only take two days at full speed from Kumogakure to here. How come they're not here yet?"
Kazuyama Gekkō was utterly exasperated by the team's sluggish pace. He'd already dashed off to Amegakure and taken out Hanzō of the Salamander, yet here he was! That damn rapping bastard still hadn't shown up! He hated waiting for others! He liked others waiting for him!
"Hmm, probably that Jinchūriki's fault. That Gyūki guy's temperamental as hell. If he sets his mind on something, he'll go all out to finish it." "You know, that Jinchūriki's got something going for him—that cheesy rap."
Chōmei and Kazuyama Gekkō discussed Killer Bee, and eventually both man and insect reached a unified conclusion. Namely: Killer Bee is unreliable!
And indeed, that was the case. Team Killer Bee hadn't even covered half their journey yet. The moment Killer Bee left the village, he completely let loose. Even with Motoi there, he couldn't keep him in check. They stopped at nearly every town they passed through—exploring, eating, and spending.
"Killer Bee sensei, you must have a lot saved up?"
"If I recall correctly, shouldn't all your money have been confiscated by Lord Raikage?"
Watching her sensei splurge so freely, Samui couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity. After all, from what she understood, for the sake of the village's finances, her sensei's personal stash should have been completely depleted by now.
"Pfft, Konoa Road, blegh! Can't this big shot keep a little nest egg?"
"Samui, you don't need to tell my big brother about this! Got it?"
Killer Bee, one hand clutching a giant squid and the other a cotton candy, was happily munching away, completely ignoring Samui's warning. He was already outside the village anyway—his big brother couldn't control him here. Ever since he'd been stuck in the Valley of Clouds and Lightning, every single day had been unbearably boring. Now that he finally had a chance to leave the village, he was determined to have a blast.
"Bee! Cut it out! We've got a mission to complete!"
"Can we hurry up and get moving?"
Motoi's urging rang out again, but Killer Bee paid no attention, continuing to do as he pleased. Finally, only after he'd had his fill of fun did he happily continue onward. By the time they reached the east coast, several days had already passed.