"Mizukage-sama and the Three-Tails are a perfect match. She is already becoming an excellent Jinchūriki, and the Three-Tails has begun to develop a sense of belonging to the Hidden Mist Village. My only concern is that the Akatsuki Organization may target it too soon..."
Mei Terumī's eyes were filled with determination.
"No! Before the Three-Tails is reborn, the Hidden Mist Village will have already regained its former glory!"
A pleased smile appeared on Genshi's aged face.
"Excellent. Then the future of the village will depend on the younger generation."
"Yes, Genshi-sama!"
---
The reforms within the Hidden Mist Village progressed at an astonishing pace.
Although the truth surrounding Yagura Karatachi's death was officially concealed, far too many people had witnessed the events of that day for the matter to be completely hidden.
Fortunately, Genshi personally stepped forward and stabilized the situation.
He publicly announced that the Fourth Mizukage was gravely ill and that he would temporarily oversee village affairs as regent. In reality, however, authority had already been handed over to the younger generation led by Mei Terumī.
Mei wasted no time.
Following the plans she had prepared long ago, she launched a series of bold reforms.
Within a short period, the entire Hidden Mist Village underwent earth-shaking changes.
Meanwhile, Suigetsu Hōzuki departed for the Land of Waves alongside several Hidden Mist shinobi to retrieve the Executioner's Blade.
Before leaving, he personally thanked Team 7, especially Naruto.
Team 7 remained in the Hidden Mist Village for more than ten days.
By then, the village had largely stabilized, and Kakashi's recovery had become the highest priority.
After all, using the Mangekyō Sharingan even once left him bedridden for nearly half a month.
Fortunately, his injuries eventually healed, and his strength gradually returned.
At last, Team 7 was ready to return to Konoha.
---
Mei Terumī and a group of Hidden Mist shinobi personally escorted them to the harbor.
"Kakashi, Naruto, Hinata..."
"The Hidden Mist Village will never forget the kindness you've shown us."
"Once everything has stabilized, the Hidden Mist Village will answer Konoha's call and stand together against the Akatsuki Organization."
"They captured the Six-Tails Jinchūriki and caused the death of Mizukage-sama. We will not let this go unanswered."
Kakashi smiled.
"We'll be waiting for that day."
Standing on the ship, Naruto waved enthusiastically.
"Everyone! See you again!"
Mei looked at him and smiled warmly.
"Naruto-kun, I hope you become Hokage soon."
"I don't think that day is very far away."
Naruto immediately grinned.
"Hahaha! I think so too!"
"Maybe the next time we meet, I'll already be Hokage!"
Mei chuckled softly.
"Hmm. I believe you."
---
The mission to the Hidden Mist Village had turned out to be far more complicated than anyone expected.
Originally, Team 7's objective had simply been to escort Suigetsu Hōzuki.
Instead, they uncovered the truth behind Yagura Karatachi and became involved in a battle that shook the entire Hidden Mist Village.
Fortunately, everything ended well.
The Bloody Mist era had finally come to an end.
For both Naruto and Konoha, the Hidden Mist Village now owed a tremendous debt of gratitude.
Someday, that debt would surely be repaid.
Including the sea voyage and the time spent in the village, the mission had lasted well over a month.
"I didn't expect it to take this long..."
Naruto crossed his arms thoughtfully.
"I wonder how Sasuke is doing."
He suddenly frowned.
"That old pervy sage actually stole Sasuke away from Team 7 for special training!"
Hinata giggled softly.
"Naruto-kun, even while on this mission, you never skipped a single day of training."
Kakashi nodded with a bitter smile.
Compared to Naruto's relentless dedication, he sometimes felt lazy.
Even after his life-and-death battle against Yagura, Naruto had resumed training the very next day without showing the slightest sign of relaxation.
Such determination explained why he had become so strong.
Naruto rubbed his chin.
"Hmm... that's true."
"But I'm really curious about what kind of new jutsu Sasuke is learning."
The thought of Sasuke training under Jiraiya made him even more impatient.
As soon as they arrived in Konoha, Naruto practically sprinted toward the village.
---
After returning, Team 7 immediately reported their mission to Tsunade.
Upon hearing the truth about Yagura and the Hidden Mist Village, Tsunade was visibly shocked.
Fortunately, Team 7 had handled everything perfectly.
She smiled proudly.
"Excellent work, Team 7."
"Kakashi, Naruto, Hinata—you all performed brilliantly."
Shizune nodded in agreement.
"Not only did you slow down the Akatsuki Organization's plans, but you've also strengthened Konoha's relationship with the Hidden Mist Village."
Just then, laughter echoed through the open window.
"Hahaha! I doubt the Akatsuki Organization will be making any major moves anytime soon."
Naruto's eyes lit up.
"Pervy Sage!"
Jiraiya casually climbed through the window and sat on the sill.
He flashed Naruto a grin.
"You did an excellent job, Naruto."
"Hehehe."
Naruto scratched the back of his head proudly.
Tsunade folded her arms.
"And what makes you so certain about that conclusion, Jiraiya?"
Jiraiya's expression became serious.
"The Three-Tails is dead. Nobody knows when or where it will be reborn."
"Although I don't know Akatsuki's ultimate goal, it's obvious they want to gather all the Tailed Beasts."
"If even one is missing, their plan is likely incomplete."
He continued,
"In other words, until the Three-Tails is reborn, they can't achieve their objective."
Tsunade quickly understood.
"So they'll temporarily lie low instead?"
"Exactly."
Jiraiya nodded.
"Furthermore, the remaining Tailed Beasts are heavily protected."
"The One-Tail, Seven-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Nine-Tails are all under the watch of major villages."
"Akatsuki knows capturing them won't be easy."
"Their previous operations succeeded because they caught the ninja world off guard."
"But they simply don't have enough manpower to directly confront the Five Great Nations."
He paused before concluding,
"My guess is that they'll suspend large-scale operations for the next one or two years."
"Of course, they'll still be plotting behind the scenes."
Tsunade nodded.
"That makes sense."
A look of relief crossed her face.
"This gives us valuable time to recover and strengthen ourselves."
She turned toward Naruto.
"And you can use this opportunity to become even stronger."
Naruto clenched his fists excitedly.
"Awesome! More time for training!"
Then he immediately looked at Jiraiya.
"Pervy Sage! How's Sasuke doing?"
Jiraiya laughed.
"That kid?"
"He's practically become your clone."
"He's training so hard that it's honestly terrifying."
Naruto blinked.
"Seriously?"
"Then I definitely can't fall behind!"
"What exactly are you teaching him?"
Jiraiya grinned.
"A jutsu perfectly suited for him."
"A method to counter the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Naruto's eyes widened.
"So he's still determined to get revenge?"
Jiraiya nodded.
"Yes."
"That obsession remains Sasuke's greatest motivation."
He then turned toward Kakashi.
"Your Mangekyō Sharingan has awakened as well, hasn't it?"
Kakashi nodded.
Jiraiya smiled.
"I have a favor to ask."
Kakashi instantly understood.
"You want me to teach Sasuke how to fight against the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"Jiraiya-sama, there's no need to ask. I'm Sasuke's teacher too."
"Hahaha! Fair enough."
Naruto crossed his arms and puffed out his cheeks.
"This is unfair."
"Both Pervy Sage and Kakashi-sensei are giving Sasuke special training."
Jiraiya laughed and ruffled his hair.
"Don't worry, Naruto."
"Over the next year or two, I'll do everything possible to help both of you reach the highest level."
Naruto's eyes sparkled.
"Really?!"
"That's amazing, Pervy Sage!"
Kakashi smiled bitterly.
"Naruto is already incredibly strong."
"He may have already surpassed me."
Naruto immediately shook his head.
"No way."
"Kakashi-sensei's Kamui is terrifying."
"Other than avoiding it, I can't think of any way to defend against it."
Kakashi's expression stiffened slightly.
The memory of his warped space suddenly being neutralized resurfaced in his mind.
Even now, the thought sent chills down his spine.
Somehow, he had a very ominous feeling about it.
But he didn't dare dwell on it too much.
Jiraiya patted his shoulder.
"You should keep improving too, Kakashi."
"Just like Naruto and the others, you still have plenty of room to grow."
"Yes, Jiraiya-sama."
Tsunade smiled and looked toward Hinata.
"The future of Konoha rests on all of your shoulders."
"Hinata, as my student, you can't afford to lose to Naruto and the others."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama!"
Tsunade rarely showed such a sincere smile.
"Your Hyūga Heavenly Light Palm possesses limitless potential."
"If perfected, it could become one of the strongest taijutsu techniques in existence."
"It combines both softness and overwhelming power."
"You've already grasped its essence."
"All you lack now is more chakra, strength, and battle experience."
"In the future, I'll personally help train you whenever I have time."
"Your growth will be rapid, and you'll become one of Konoha's pillars."
Hinata blushed.
"Y-Yes! Thank you very much, Tsunade-sama!"
Suddenly, a mischievous gleam appeared in Tsunade's eyes.
"Oh, Naruto..."
"I just thought of a wonderful idea."
Naruto froze.
"Huh?"
"What kind of idea, Grandma Tsunade?"
A devilish smile spread across her face.
Naruto immediately felt a chill run down his spine.
"G-Grandma Tsunade..."
"What exactly are you planning?"
Tsunade chuckled.
"Naruto..."
"Working hard by yourself isn't particularly impressive."
"The true skill lies in getting everyone around you to work hard as well."
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)