A cave somewhere in the Land of Fire.
Uchiha Obito had not left since he was injured. There was no need to return to Hidden Mist Village, but he dared not face Nagato without healing first. After all, Nagato possessed the Rinnegan and was far stronger than him.
More importantly, Konan had always disliked him. It would be troublesome if she saw him wounded and decided to finish him off.
Obito, sitting at the cave entrance, suddenly turned his head. The ground trembled slightly, and White Zetsu emerged.
"Have you discovered the situation?" Obito asked calmly.
"Yagura, whom you placed such high hopes in, has fallen. He was defeated by Tsunade and Kitazawa," White Zetsu replied. "Now, Hidden Mist Village has proactively surrendered. The war is over."
"He's truly useless!" Obito snorted coldly.
Although he had anticipated Yagura's incompetence, the fact that he couldn't even last two and a half months still disappointed him.
"If he truly had the ability to defeat Tsunade, he wouldn't have been controlled by you," White Zetsu said with a grin. "Do you still want to go to Hidden Mist Village?"
"A place without value is not worth my visit," Obito said indifferently. "As for Konoha Village, their turn will come eventually; there's no need to rush."
Once the Eye of the Moon Plan was activated, Nagato and the others would trouble Konoha Village without him lifting a finger.
Nagato, with his Rinnegan, was incomparable to a mere Yagura Karatachi. Konoha Village would surely be destroyed.
"Destruction will usher in new life," Obito murmured, raising his head to the dim crescent moon in the sky.
"Also, one more thing — Kisame Hoshigaki, whom you valued highly, also died in last night's battle," White Zetsu said suddenly, as if recalling something.
"Kisame?" Obito paused, then said, "What a pity."
Among the Hidden Mist Village, Kisame Hoshigaki was the one he thought most highly of. At most, he might add Suikazan Fuguki.
"Who killed him?" Obito asked after a brief silence. "With Kisame's strength, not many could accomplish that."
"Someone you know very well," White Zetsu blinked. "It was Kitazawa."
"The next time I encounter him, I will tear him to shreds!" Obito clenched his fists subconsciously, his voice laced with anger.
"Then… what about Kakashi?" White Zetsu asked teasingly.
"Shut up!" Obito roared. "Get lost!"
Unfazed, White Zetsu burrowed into the ground and disappeared.
---
The night passed, and the sun rose. Konoha Village was bathed in the morning light.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had just gotten out of bed when a knock at the door startled him. Normally, no Ninja would come to him outside of working hours unless it was an urgent matter.
Walking a few steps to the door, Hiruzen opened it and saw an Anbu Ninja standing there — one he recognized.
"Haru, why have you returned to Konoha?" he asked, frowning. "Didn't I tell you to stay with Tsunade?"
"Hokage-sama," Haru said, taking a deep breath, "the war is over, and we have won."
"What?" Hiruzen's eyes widened. "Why so sudden?"
The war report he had received two days ago still indicated fierce combat between Hidden Mist and Konoha, with no end in sight.
How could a victor be determined in just two days? It seemed unreal.
"It is the credit of Lady Tsunade and Lord Kitazawa," Haru said, quickly giving a brief account of what had transpired last night.
Hiruzen froze. Even with his experience, he was astonished by the events.
First, Kitazawa's strength exceeded all expectations. Proficient in seven types of Ninjutsu — Water, Lightning, Wind, Fire, Earth, Genjutsu, and Medical Ninjutsu — and skilled in all of them, he was extraordinary.
Hiruzen felt that if he were twenty years younger, he would have taken Kitazawa as a student. But even as his grand-disciple, Kitazawa, was perfect.
Second, Tsunade had unleashed her full strength, brutally defeating Yagura. This proved she was no longer affected by hemophobia.
The combined efforts of Yakumo and Kitazawa had finally paid off, a huge boon for both Tsunade and Konoha. A Hokage could not afford such a fatal weakness.
Third, the revelation that the Fourth Mizukage was controlled by Genjutsu — leading him to declare war on Konoha — sent a chill down Hiruzen's spine.
A Kage being manipulated? If this became public knowledge, no one would believe it.
Fortunately, the Byakugan could detect Genjutsu, proving the Hyuga Clan's importance for the future.
Hiruzen considered suggesting that a Hyuga be appointed as Tsunade's personal guard.
They wouldn't normally activate their Byakugan, but if Tsunade displayed abnormal behavior, they could check her brain Chakra.
"Spread this good news!" Hiruzen declared, his voice booming with renewed energy. Everyone should know of Konoha Village's victory, despite the troubling circumstances with Yagura.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Haru replied promptly.
"When are Tsunade and the others returning?" Hiruzen asked suddenly.
"Lady Tsunade didn't inform me," Haru said, shaking his head.
"Contact the Anbu on the front lines and confirm their return time," Hiruzen instructed, smiling. "This great victory deserves a proper welcome — both for the Ninja and the villagers."
Welcoming the heroes would build momentum. While war was cruel, it was also the fastest path to fame.
After all, Minato Namikaze had become Hokage largely due to the reputation he gained during the Third Shinobi World War.
Although the scale of this war between Konoha Village and Hidden Mist Village could not compare to the Third Shinobi World War, such a decisive victory was worthy of grand celebration.
Especially since this triumph was primarily the result of Tsunade and Kitazawa's efforts. Kitazawa was also Tsunade's student, and together, their fame would complement each other perfectly.
Now, with Sarutobi Hiruzen ensuring that the entire Konoha Village would welcome them, their renown would reach its peak.
Even if he announced Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage on the spot, no one would object.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Haru turned and left.
News of Hidden Mist Village's surrender and Konoha Village's decisive victory spread throughout the village with incredible speed. Many Ninja and villagers immediately began celebrating.
In the residential area of the Shimura Clan, Danzo stared blankly at the water in front of him. The liveliness of Konoha Village seemed to exist without his influence.
"Hidden Mist Village is truly a lost cause!" Danzo snapped, returning to reality with visible frustration.
He had already sent people to inform the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, in advance. And what was the result? Instead of ambushing them, Tsunade and Kitazawa had decisively defeated them.
Not only were they beaten, but they also surrendered, handing Konoha Village a remarkable victory without much effort.
Danzo sighed. The war was over, and all of his strategies had failed.
He had originally planned multiple intelligence transmissions to Hidden Mist Village, but now he only had one remaining chance. His sole hope rested on Kotoamatsukami.
---
Meanwhile, at the Ninja Academy, the new semester had begun, and the Genius Class students were training. Kosuke and Kakashi observed from the sidelines, each focusing on different students.
Kosuke's primary attention was on Sakura.
He now treated her as his true student, meticulously teaching her Water Release. Sakura was performing exceptionally well, with only a slight lack of Chakra.
Kakashi, on the other hand, concentrated on Sasuke, who was already learning Lightning Release: Chidori.
"Good news! Great news!" Iruka suddenly rushed over, drawing everyone's attention.
"Hidden Mist Village has surrendered! We won!" he shouted, gasping for breath.
Kosuke and Kakashi exchanged surprised glances.
Wars typically lasted half a year or even longer, yet the conflict between Konoha and Hidden Mist Village had only lasted two and a half months—a remarkably swift victory.
"That's great!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly. "As expected, it's a victory for our Konoha Village!"
"Our Konoha Village is still too strong," Kiba said, patting his shoulder regretfully. "It's a pity I didn't get to participate in the war."
"How many years would it have taken if you had participated?" Shikamaru retorted. "That's unrealistic."
"In my opinion, it's best not to fight if you don't have to," Ino added, shaking her head. "The battlefield is far too dangerous."
"Then… when will Teacher Kitazawa return?" Hinata asked immediately, eyes lighting up at the thought.
"Oh, right!" Naruto quickly followed. "Iruka-sensei, when will Kitazawa-sensei be back?"
Hinata, Ino, Sasuke, and the others looked at Iruka expectantly.
"I don't know exactly," Iruka admitted, thinking for a moment. "Considering travel time, plus post-war cleanup, I estimate he'll return within this week."
"Yay!" Ino exclaimed, breaking into a bright smile.
Hinata's lips curved, and her heart swelled with anticipation. "I haven't seen Kitazawa-sensei in a long time. He'll be surprised at how much stronger I've become!"
"That's not guaranteed," Iruka said with a smile. "During this war, Kitazawa-sensei, along with Lady Tsunade, defeated the Fourth Mizukage."
"What?!" Naruto and the others' eyes widened.
Naturally, they knew the significance of the Mizukage. The Kage of Hidden Mist Village was on par with the Hokage of Konoha.
Even if Fourth Mizukage Yagura wasn't as strong as Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, the difference was minimal.
"Kitazawa-sensei is amazing!" Naruto exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.
"This is the youth I've been waiting for!" Rock Lee said, giving a thumbs-up.
"Hahaha!" Kiba laughed heartily. "We have a teacher who can defeat the Fourth Mizukage! Everyone will be envious when they hear this!"
"I must learn more Ninjutsu from Kitazawa-sensei!" Ino added, raising her small fists.
Since Fourth Mizukage Yagura excelled in Water Release, and Sakura was also training in it, Ino felt confident that with Kitazawa's guidance, she could always stay ahead.
Hinata unconsciously clutched the corner of her clothes, quietly thrilled.
"The Fourth Mizukage, huh?" Sasuke said, gripping his Ninjato with a sense of awe.
The battle between such powerful individuals must have been spectacular. Though he hadn't witnessed it firsthand, he knew one day he would reach that level himself.
"Kitazawa's strength has unknowingly reached the level of the Fourth Mizukage?" Kakashi murmured, surprised.
"The younger generation is truly formidable," Kosuke added, admiration in his voice.
---
By noon, Kitazawa opened his eyes, feeling refreshed as the fatigue from battle completely dissipated. He sat up, noticing that Kurenai was no longer by his side.
Stretching, he stepped out of the tent.
The Konoha Main Camp was already bustling. Though they weren't taking or giving missions, they were dismantling tents and packing supplies, preparing to return to Konoha Village.
The war was over, and after two and a half months of relentless fighting, everyone longed to finally go home.
[Current Mission: Help Fourth Mizukage Yagura Karatachi break free from control.]
[Mission Reward: 30% Senju Bloodline and 20% Byakugan purity.]
[Host has completed the mission, rewards issued.]
Here it comes!
Kitazawa stared at the three lines of text that suddenly appeared before him, feeling a surge of excitement.
The next second, he noticed a significant change in his body.
The most intuitive was the increase in his Chakra limit—roughly three-fifths of a card. His total Chakra now exceeded five cards.
[Current Senju Bloodline has reached 100%, an additional card of Chakra will be added.]
Kitazawa blinked in mild surprise. This was an unexpected bonus.
In total, the 100% Senju Bloodline had granted him nearly three additional cards of Chakra. It might not sound like much, but in reality, it has already far surpassed the majority of Jonin.
Kakashi's Chakra itself was not weak, but it seemed limited due to the burden of his Sharingan.
Meanwhile, the Senju Bloodline rewarded by the system referred to an ordinary Senju Clan Ninja, not Senju Hashirama.
For a regular Senju Ninja, three cards of Chakra were already astonishing. This amount alone could allow them to contend with the Uchiha Clan, who relied on the Sharingan.
[Activate the special ability of the Senju Clan: Impromptu Healing.]
[Impromptu Healing: Automatically recovers from injuries without hand seals. Recovery speed depends on Chakra reserves.]
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow as he read the text.
Impromptu Healing was one of Senju Hashirama's signature abilities. Much of the reason his cells retained such terrifying vitality even after death was due to this ability.
Kitazawa hadn't expected he would inherit it, though the system clarified that recovery speed depended on Chakra.
Since Senju Hashirama's Chakra reserves were immense, this version would naturally be weaker—but from another perspective, Impromptu Healing, like Senju Chakra Mode, could be upgraded.
As his own Chakra increased, this ability could grow, and perhaps one day, he could even surpass Hashirama himself.
Thinking this through, Kitazawa returned to his tent.
Casually, he picked up a kunai and cut his arm. Watching the wound rapidly heal, a smile spread across his face.
Judging by its effect, this Impromptu Healing could rival B-rank Medical Ninjutsu. In other words, Kitazawa effectively carried a personal Medical Ninja, continuously using B-rank Medical Ninjutsu on him—ordinary injuries were now negligible.
Against strong opponents, he could even employ a strategy of trading blows, gaining an advantage with his formidable recovery.
[Current Byakugan purity has reached 50%, activating special ability: Byakugan: Puppet Control.]
[Byakugan: Puppet Control: Can control inanimate puppets, and can also control living targets.]
[Note: The strength and mental resistance of living targets determine control success rate.]
Another reward? Kitazawa had assumed the system rewards had stopped, yet another one appeared. This gain came from reaching 50% Byakugan purity.
Immediately, Kitazawa thought of Ōtsutsuki Toneri on the moon.
In the movie, Toneri used the Tenseigan to control countless puppets and even manipulate Hinata.
Byakugan: Puppet Control undoubtedly shared the same origin—or rather, was a weakened version. Even so, it was extremely powerful.
While its effect on strong opponents might be limited, controlling living targets was invaluable for dealing with weaker foes.
As for puppets, Kitazawa considered the possibilities. In the Ninja World, Puppet Masters specialized in controlling puppets, with Sunagakure boasting the strongest: Chiyo and her grandson Sasori.
Konoha had no Puppet Masters, but now, with this ability, Kitazawa could consider creating one.
The question was who could make it—Chiyo or Sasori. Sasori likely already belonged to Akatsuki, but as a mercenary organization, hiring him to craft a puppet was feasible.
"Kitazawa-sama."
A voice from outside the tent drew his attention. "Tsunade-sama requests your presence in the main tent."
Snapping out of his thoughts, Kitazawa walked out. An Anbu Ninja delivered the message, and after a brief expression of thanks, he headed to the main tent.
The moment he entered, Kitazawa sensed something off. Tsunade's expression was unusually stern.
"Lady Tsunade," he said, stepping forward, puzzled. "What happened?"
Now that Hidden Mist Village had surrendered, what could have provoked her anger?
"The Fourth Mizukage just came by," Tsunade said, handing him a scroll. "This is what he gave me."
Kitazawa opened it and found a portrait of an unfamiliar Ninja wearing a mask.
"The Fourth Mizukage said that the reason he could ambush you earlier was because this person tipped him off," Tsunade explained, taking a deep breath. "Clearly, he's a Ninja from Konoha Village."
"I see," Kitazawa murmured, studying the portrait. "I suggest investigating the Root Ninja who joined the Anbu."
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Tsunade said, slightly surprised.
Kitazawa couldn't help but smile—so, naturally, all suspicions pointed to Danzo.
--
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)