A new day arrived.
After yesterday's excitement, Konoha Village had returned to peace.
The streets were quiet again, shops reopened, and the atmosphere seemed steady.
But beneath that surface, the Ninja World had grown even more turbulent.
For the other Ninja villages, they would rather the Akatsuki Organization defeat Konoha Village than Konoha Village defeat the Akatsuki Organization.
If the former had happened, the Five Great Ninja Villages would have been placed in the same situation.
They would share a common enemy. They could unite.
But the latter outcome meant something entirely different. Konoha Village now stood as the sole dominant power.
The other Ninja villages immediately felt an overwhelming threat.
9:00 AM.
Kitazawa walked into the Hokage Office on time.
As soon as he pushed open the door, he saw Konan standing inside. She was dressed in Anbu attire and wore an Anbu mask.
No one would be able to tell that she had been a member of the Akatsuki Organization just yesterday.
"Ki… Hokage-sama." Konan removed her mask and stepped forward.
"When did you arrive?" Kitazawa asked, slightly surprised.
"Half an hour ago," Konan replied calmly.
"From now on, you can clock in at nine." Kitazawa paused briefly. "Your responsibility is to follow me and convey my orders."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Konan answered in a composed, cold tone.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. He had initially wanted to correct the way she addressed him.
But after thinking it over, as an Anbu member, calling him Hokage-sama was appropriate.
If others overheard her calling him by name, it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings.
"Are there any important documents today?" Kitazawa walked toward the Hokage desk.
"Yes." Konan followed him.
"The Hidden Cloud Village, Iwagakure, Hidden Sand Village, and Hidden Mist Village have all sent requests."
She stopped and picked up four documents from the desk.
A faint smile appeared on Kitazawa's face. After sitting down, he casually opened the document sent by the Hidden Cloud Village.
There was a great deal of content.
But it could be summarized in one sentence: they were willing to pay a price in exchange for the return of the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails.
Kitazawa then opened the documents from Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and the Hidden Mist Village.
As expected, each of them requested the return of their respective Tailed Beasts.
"Go call Shikaku here." Kitazawa closed the documents.
"Okay." Konan put on her mask again and left the Hokage Office.
The Hokage Secretariat was next door.
Within a minute, Nara Shikaku knocked and entered.
"Have you seen these four documents?" Kitazawa asked directly.
Nara Shikaku glanced at the documents on the desk and nodded.
Under the current system in Konoha Village, all documents were first reviewed by the Hokage Secretariat.
Important matters were then selected and forwarded to the Hokage.
"Good. Help me draft replies." Kitazawa handed the four documents to him.
"Hokage-sama," Nara Shikaku accepted them. "Should I prepare the transaction terms?"
"Exactly." Kitazawa paused slightly, then smiled. "But draft transaction terms that they will not agree to."
"…?" Shikaku's brows furrowed in confusion.
"You're a smart man. You should understand what I mean." Kitazawa spoke casually.
"Konoha Village no longer needs to stand on equal footing with them."
Nara Shikaku's pupils contracted instantly.
In that moment, he understood. Kitazawa had no intention of returning the Tailed Beasts.
He intended to trigger the Fourth Great Ninja War. This was unprecedented.
Since the establishment of the Five Great Ninja Villages, there had never been a case of one village declaring war against the other four simultaneously.
"I will ensure the task is completed." Nara Shikaku quickly steadied himself and responded.
From the perspective of a Ninja clan, war was not necessarily disadvantageous.
War reshaped the structure. War redistributed power.
If the Five Great Ninja Villages were unified, the influence of the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance would multiply many times over.
More importantly, in his view, this was a war that could be won.
The Akatsuki Organization had managed to seize Tailed Beasts from four major villages.
Why could Konoha, which was now even stronger than the Akatsuki Organization, not defeat them?
Especially when the Akatsuki Organization itself had now joined Konoha.
At present, Konoha Village could truly be described as invincible within the Ninja World.
Nara Shikaku bowed and left.
The door closed.
Konan reappeared shortly after.
Kitazawa stroked his chin thoughtfully. Konoha's strength was clear to everyone. The issue now was different.
Even if Konoha refused to return the Tailed Beasts, the other four villages might not dare to initiate the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Kitazawa fell into contemplation. It seemed he would have to influence a few key figures personally.
In truth, if it came to open conflict, he alone could flatten the Ninja World.
But that approach would not maximize the benefits. More importantly, system missions would be fewer.
He had taught at the Ninja Academy for nearly six years. His students needed a stage.
[Current Mission: Trigger the Fourth Great Ninja War and become the mastermind behind the scenes of the Ninja World.]
[Mission Reward: Otsutsuki Clan bloodline concentration increases by 30%.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa let out a faint sound of surprise. His Otsutsuki Clan bloodline had already reached 100%.
What did an additional 30% concentration signify?
He considered the possibilities. Most likely, it meant evolving from the level of Otsutsuki Hamura toward Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
After all, the Otsutsuki Clan on the moon differed slightly from the Otsutsuki Clan in the greater universe.
The difference was not enormous, but it existed.
Judging from the mission difficulty, with his current strength, triggering the Fourth Great Ninja War would not be difficult.
Under normal conditions, the reward should have been only 5% or 10%.
The fact that it was 30% suggested deeper implications. The exact details would only be known after completion.
Kitazawa picked up a pen.
Generally speaking, turning someone against their will was not easy.
Even if possible, it is usually applied only to lower ranks such as Genin or Chunin. Turning a Jonin was far more difficult.
But for Kitazawa, even turning a Kage would not be hard. He possessed the Rinnegan.
Uchiha Obito had used his Mangekyo Sharingan to control the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi.
Naturally, Kitazawa could do the same. As he pondered, he wrote down several key figures from the other four villages onto a scroll.
He planned to select a few among them. Using the Rinnegan, he would implant subtle Genjutsu suggestions.
They would take the initiative to trigger the Fourth Great Ninja War. In this way, Konoha would possess a legitimate justification.
Kitazawa did not particularly care about reputation. But Sarutobi Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and the others did.
Providing them with a reason would settle internal concerns. It was, in essence, a plan to kill two birds with one stone.
"Konan." Kitazawa rolled up the scroll. "Have White Zetsu determine the locations of these individuals."
"Mhm." Konan accepted the scroll. "Also, go and call Kakashi over."
Kitazawa added.
Konan nodded and left the Hokage Office.
"Hokage-sama."
Not long after, Kakashi stepped into the office.
"Do you know about cloning technology?" Kitazawa looked at him and asked directly.
"I've heard of it," Kakashi replied honestly.
"If I were to clone a Sharingan for you, would you be willing?" Kitazawa asked, half-serious, half-testing.
Kakashi froze. He had never expected Kitazawa to suggest something like cloning a Sharingan.
"This Sharingan was entrusted to me by Obito." After thinking for a long time, Kakashi declined.
"If I were to clone another one, it would go against his entrustment."
"What was Obito's purpose in giving you the Sharingan?" Kitazawa asked calmly.
"It was to protect Rin… and protect Konoha," Kakashi sighed inwardly before answering.
"If you possessed two Sharingan, your strength would increase significantly," Kitazawa spoke evenly. "You would be able to protect Konoha even better."
"I am not a member of the Uchiha Clan. Two Sharingan may not necessarily increase my strength," Kakashi said after a moment of hesitation.
"This problem ultimately comes down to your lack of Chakra." Kitazawa paused. "I can make you a Jinchuriki."
"Huh?" Kakashi's visible eye widened in astonishment. Wasn't Konoha's Jinchuriki Uzumaki Naruto? How could he possibly become one?
"The Akatsuki Organization captured seven Tailed Beasts. You may choose one." Kitazawa stated it plainly.
Kakashi's heart trembled.
Not return the Tailed Beasts to the other villages? This was… audacious.
Yet when he thought of Kitazawa's current strength—comparable to Senju Hashirama—he gradually steadied himself.
Just because Senju Hashirama once distributed the Tailed Beasts did not mean Kitazawa would follow the same path.
A subtle thought surfaced in Kakashi's mind.
He might be witnessing the beginning of a new era—Perhaps even the unification of the Five Great Ninja Villages.
Kakashi fell silent.
There was no doubt that, as Hokage, Kitazawa was treating him with exceptional trust.
Cloning a Sharingan, granting him a Tailed Beast.
Although Jinchuriki historically bore a poor reputation, their strategic value was unquestionable.
"I also intend to establish a Hokage Guard," Kitazawa spoke again.
Kakashi looked at him, puzzled.
"The Hidden Mist has the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist." Kitazawa smiled faintly. "I plan to establish Konoha's own Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
"But instead of ninja swords as symbols… they will be Tailed Beasts."
Jinchuriki had a poor reputation for two primary reasons.
First, villages traditionally kept them hidden, treating them as secrets and isolating them from society.
Second, Jinchuriki sometimes lost control, causing casualties and destruction. But both issues could be resolved.
Kitazawa intended to form a Hokage Guard composed exclusively of Jinchuriki.
This would elevate their status. At the same time, the public would be informed that these Jinchuriki would not lose control.
The Tailed Beasts would be framed as protectors of Konoha—symbols of strength passed down through generations.
Over time, becoming a Jinchuriki would no longer be feared. It would be sought after.
After all, becoming a Jinchuriki meant both strength and status would rise dramatically. Why would anyone refuse?
There was also another reason.
Aside from Kakashi, the other candidates were all his students. Raising their status was only natural.
"I understand." Kakashi took a slow breath.
Kitazawa was far more decisive than Hokage such as Sarutobi Hiruzen or Tsunade.
Nine Jinchuriki forming a Hokage Guard, the thought alone was overwhelming.
"I choose the Three-Tails," Kakashi spoke slowly.
Kitazawa was slightly surprised. The Three-Tails was, in a sense, connected to Rin Nohara's death.
During the Third Shinobi World War, Rin had been captured by the Hidden Mist and had the Three-Tails sealed within her.
They had planned to send her back to Konoha, triggering its rampage inside the village.
To prevent that outcome, Rin had willingly died by Kakashi's hand.
"Very well." Kitazawa nodded. "Go to the Science Department today and cooperate with them on the cloning."
Of course, that was only a formality. In reality, there was no need for cloning.
When the time came, he would simply transplant Uchiha Obito's other Sharingan into Kakashi.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Kakashi bowed slightly and left.
Kitazawa rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Of the nine Tailed Beasts, four Jinchuriki had already been decided—Kakashi, Uzumaki Naruto, Sasuke, and Fū.
He intended to give the Eight-Tails—second only to the Nine-Tails—to Sasuke.
Now, the issue was how to distribute the remaining five.
There were not enough. His students outnumbered the Tailed Beasts.
At that moment, Konan stepped behind him and gently began massaging his temples. She had noticed him rubbing his brow earlier.
"Thank you." Kitazawa smiled faintly.
As expected of his personal Anbu, she was attentive.
He resumed considering the candidates.
First, he excluded Hinata and Neji.
Both possessed the Moon Chasing Bow and the Fate-Breaking Bow.
Each bow contained a Yin Release monster sealed within it—effectively equivalent to half a Tailed Beast.
In the future, they would also awaken the Tenseigan. There was no need for them to become Jinchuriki.
Kitazawa then thought of the seven squads that had graduated from the Genius Class.
Ideally, each squad should have at least one Jinchuriki.
Team 1 consisted of Kurama Yakumo, Karin, and Inuzuka Kiba.
Yakumo did not need a Tailed Beast. Her Chakra reserves already rivaled half a Tailed Beast.
She almost never ran dry. In the original story, a Yin Release entity named Ido had even manifested within her.
Combined with her Genjutsu Kekkei Genkai—comparable to the Mangekyo Sharingan—few in the Ninja World could oppose her.
Between Karin and Kiba, Kitazawa chose Karin.
As a Medical Ninja and sealing specialist, her support abilities were already excellent.
A Tailed Beast would enhance her combat strength. Moreover, as a member of the Uzumaki Clan, she was naturally suited to become a Jinchuriki.
The remaining five Tailed Beasts were One-Tails. Two-Tails. Four-Tails. Five-Tails. Six-Tails.
After brief consideration, Kitazawa decided to give the One-Tails to Karin. The Ichibi possessed Wind Release and sealing abilities.
It complemented her skill set.
Team 3 consisted of Nara Shikamaru, Ino, and Akimichi Choji. He skipped Team 2 since that was Kakashi's squad.
With Kakashi already becoming the Three-Tails Jinchuriki, adding another would be redundant.
Kitazawa decided to give the Two-Tails to Ino. The Two-Tails—Matatabi—resembled a blue cat.
The reasoning was simple. The partial transformation's cat ears and tail suited her better.
Team 4 consisted of Kimimaro, Tayuya, and Jugo. Any of them would benefit.
After a moment of thought, he chose Kimimaro. Granting him the Five-Tails would raise his upper limit.
Team 5 consisted of Rock Lee, Hotaru, and Haku.
The greatest benefit of becoming a Jinchuriki was nearly infinite Chakra.
But Rock Lee was unsuitable.
The Eight Gates already generated immense Chakra. Furthermore, he had no talent for Ninjutsu. Excess Chakra would be wasted.
Kitazawa chose Haku instead.
He assigned the Six-Tails to him.
Now, only one remained. The Four-Tails.
Team 6 had Hyuga Neji, and as for Team 7, there was no need to mention them.
After thinking it over repeatedly, Kitazawa decided to choose from among Kabuto, Uchiha Izumi, and Torune Aburame.
After all, the three of them were also his students.
In the end, Kitazawa selected Kabuto. The reason was similar to Kimimaro's—it would raise his power ceiling.
With the Four-Tails as a Jinchuriki and Sage Mode stacked on top of that, Kabuto's strength would instantly place him among the top experts of the Ninja World.
"Done." Kitazawa stretched subconsciously.
But since Konan was standing behind him, his movement brushed against her soft body.
Without hesitation, Kitazawa pulled her into his arms. His gaze lowered to her rosy lips.
"Are you thirsty?" Kitazawa asked calmly.
Konan paused for a moment before understanding his meaning, then nodded gently.
"Change your clothes first."
Kitazawa glanced at her Anbu uniform and took out a black secretary suit along with a pair of black stockings.
Konan removed her Anbu attire, leaving only her undergarments. She stepped back and began changing.
Soon, a trace of appreciation flashed across Kitazawa's eyes. Her cold and aloof temperament suited the secretary uniform perfectly.
Especially her long legs wrapped in black stockings, which accentuated her tall and elegant figure.
Kitazawa extended his hand. Through the thin fabric of the stockings, he gently squeezed her supple leg.
Konan walked over and knelt before him.
As she moved, the collar of her suit shifted slightly, revealing the white shirt beneath and a glimpse of fair skin.
She rested her chin lightly against his thigh and looked up at him.
Kitazawa gave a slight nod.
Konan lowered her gaze.
Kitazawa's attention drifted toward the Hokage's desk. He exhaled and casually picked up a document.
Other than the four documents from the Four Great Ninja Villages, he had not yet reviewed the remaining files.
Now was as good a time as any.
The document was from the Engineering Department.
They had already restored the terrain that had been altered during the battle between him and Nagato.
Konan felt her breathing grow uneven. A faint flush spread across her composed face.
Kitazawa frowned slightly.
He tapped the armrest of the Hokage's chair. Sometimes, this chair felt too narrow.
Kitazawa shook his head and continued reviewing the documents. For now, nothing major was happening within Konoha Village.
He finished reading everything in less than an hour.
Leaning back against the Hokage's chair, Kitazawa closed his eyes briefly, feeling a trace of fatigue.
Konan rose, picked up a glass of water from the desk, and drank half of it.
After setting it down, she looked at him quietly.
Kitazawa patted his thigh.
Konan understood and sat lightly on his lap.
Kitazawa rested his head against her chest for a moment, remaining silent.
Konan gently ran her fingers through his hair, her expression softening.
"Let's go take a nap." After a moment, Kitazawa lifted her in his arms and headed toward her Anbu dormitory.
Meanwhile, Nara Shikaku had already finalized the trade terms for the other Four Great Ninja Villages and dispatched messengers to deliver them overnight.
---
The next morning arrived.
Inside the Raikage's Office of the Hidden Cloud Village—
Boom!
The Raikage's desk split cleanly in two.
"This is truly going too far!" The Fourth Raikage's face was filled with fury.
Mabui, Dodai, and the others wore grim expressions. They had just received Konoha's proposed trade terms.
Every clause was outrageous. There was not the slightest hint of sincerity.
"Why would Konoha propose conditions we could never accept?" Samui asked in confusion.
"Konoha probably has no intention of returning the Tailed Beasts," Mabui answered gravely.
"Are they trying to provoke the Fourth Great Ninja War?" Samui's eyes widened.
"Then we fight!" The Fourth Raikage said instinctively.
"Raikage-sama, please calm down," Mabui spoke solemnly. "The priority is to contact the other villages and confirm whether they received similar terms."
"And if they did?" The Fourth Raikage asked.
"Then we invite the other Kage and hold a Five Kage Summit," Mabui replied after a moment's thought.
The Raikage hesitated.
Ordinarily, he would never tolerate such humiliation. But remembering Kitazawa's strength, he forced himself to endure.
"I'll leave it to you." The Raikage said unhappily.
"Yes, Raikage-sama." Mabui turned and left.
Messengers were immediately dispatched to Iwagakure, the Hidden Mist Village, and the Hidden Sand Village.
By the next day, replies arrived.
The trade terms received by all four villages were nearly identical. Every one of them was unacceptable.
Even the Hidden Mist Village, which had an alliance with Konoha, was treated the same.
"Kitazawa is truly tyrannical." Mabui clenched her fist, then slowly relaxed it.
She did not wish for war. Their chances of victory were not high. But without their Tailed Beasts, their future resistance would only weaken further.
"The Five Kage Summit is our last chance." Mabui sighed.
If Kitazawa agreed to attend, there might still be room for negotiation.
If he refused, it would mean he had already resolved not to return the Tailed Beasts.
On a plain in the northern outskirts of Konoha—
Kakashi, Sasuke, Karin, Kimimaro, Kabuto, Ino, and Haku stood gathered together.
"Kakashi-sensei," Ino asked curiously. "What are we doing here?"
"Didn't Hokage-sama inform you?" Kakashi asked in return.
"No." Ino shook her head. "I received an Anbu notice this morning telling me to gather here at nine."
"Same here," Karin added.
"I met with Kitazawa-sensei yesterday. He plans for us to become Jinchuriki." Kabuto adjusted his glasses.
"Jinchuriki?" Ino's eyes widened.
"Like Naruto?" Sasuke felt his heart stir.
More than half of Naruto's strength came from the Nine-Tails. If he too became a Jinchuriki, perhaps the gap between them would narrow once more.
Perhaps he would finally have a chance to surpass Naruto.
"That's right." Kakashi nodded. "The Akatsuki captured seven Tailed Beasts. Hokage-sama selected the seven of us."
"What about Hinata and the others?" Haku asked in surprise.
In his view, many from the Genius Class were stronger than him. It seemed unlikely that it would be his turn.
Ino felt the same. But following that thought came excitement.
"Kitazawa-sensei must have his reasons." Kabuto smiled calmly. "There's no need to overthink it. Once we become Jinchuriki, we simply repay Kitazawa-sensei."
--
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Read the complete novel on P@treon: P@treon / Arvinstorm
Check out my other novels:
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