In Kiyohara's mind, Toad Kiyohara's voice sounded.
"Gwah—your chakra accumulation is really fast."
"Well, my chakra reserves are way deeper than an average ninja's," Kiyohara said.
If Naruto had Sakura-level chakra control, his training speed for the Strength of a Hundred Seal would definitely be faster than Sakura's.
The larger your chakra pool, the more chakra you can pour into that "reservoir" each day.
"Tsk tsk… looks like you've inherited quite a few futures…" Toad Kiyohara shifted his posture in the mindscape, eyeing the pile of urns stacked beside his own. "So when are you going to the Land of Sea?"
Toad Kiyohara was curious too—what Kiyohara would become if he inherited his bloodline or chakra.
"After we get back to the village, I'll find a way to apply," Kiyohara said.
And there were tons of summoning beasts on Summoning Island. While he was there, he could see if he could sign a contract with a flying summon.
He could fly, sure—but it still cost chakra.
If a summon could fly on its own, that would save him chakra.
When Kiyohara left the room, Akatsuki members were busy everywhere: wounded being carried into a makeshift medical tent, weapons and supplies being recounted, defensive works being repaired.
Yahiko stood in the crowd directing things, and Konan helped with paper techniques to move materials.
Nagato had been placed deep inside the base, looked after by two medical ninjas.
Kiyohara had checked on him—his cheeks were hollow, frighteningly thin. Kiyohara guessed Nagato would have to absorb a huge amount of chakra to recover, the way he'd done with the Preta Path by absorbing Killer Bee's tailed-beast chakra and snapping from emaciated back to normal in an instant.
"Lots of people," Toad Kiyohara said.
"Yeah," Kiyohara agreed, spotting a few unfamiliar faces.
They looked like they'd joined Akatsuki today.
Thinking about it, that made sense.
Akatsuki had just repelled Salamander Hanzo head-on—hotter than the sun for a moment, riding the highest wave of momentum. It was natural that groups and independent shinobi who'd been watching from the sidelines would choose to join now.
"I wonder if that Outer Path statue fragment could be used to forge ninja tools," Kiyohara muttered.
As his opponents got stronger, his current blade was starting to lag behind.
Chakra metal was like "rare earths"—a broad category, meaning there were grades and tiers within it.
The chakra metal he'd been using could only be called low-to-mid grade.
But now that he'd learned how to handle gold dust, he could try saving up enough money to trade for rarer, more valuable chakra metals…
Maybe even get a weapon from the Kusanagi line.
"Maybe it can," Toad Kiyohara said. "Madara's Uchiha fan was a ninja tool made from a God Tree branch—it could reflect any ninjutsu."
"And the Outer Path statue is basically a kind of God Tree branch too," he continued, "just… in a different state."
The relationship between the God Tree, the Ten-Tails, and the Outer Path statue was subtle—three faces of the same existence.
Kiyohara thought to himself, I remember Takigakure has a branch God Tree too.
Every hundred years, a massive ancient tree in Takigakure produced a certain liquid.
Taki shinobi collected it and called it "Hero Water."
Rumor said drinking it could multiply chakra tenfold—terrifying.
It was also part of why a small village like Takigakure could still possess a tailed beast.
"Worth checking out someday," Toad Kiyohara said.
While the man and the toad were conversing through thought, footsteps approached behind Kiyohara.
"Kiyohara-kun."
Yahiko's voice.
Kiyohara turned.
The orange-haired young man walked up beside him, and they stood shoulder to shoulder. The rain was easing, but the sky was still heavy and gray.
"You're leaving today?" Yahiko asked.
"Tsunade-sama has received the Hokage's order. Our mission is complete—we're returning to Konoha," Kiyohara said, then added, "Akatsuki has stabilized now. Hanzo won't launch a major offensive in the short term. Konoha will send medical supplies and basic ninja tools, and officially recognize you as a legitimate political organization of the Land of Rain."
Yahiko fell silent for a moment.
Rain slid down the sharp lines of his face. In just a few days, he seemed to have matured again.
"Please thank Tsunade-sama for me… and thank you," Yahiko said solemnly. "If it weren't for you, Akatsuki probably wouldn't exist after yesterday."
Kiyohara nodded.
In a sense, Yahiko was right.
If the original timeline had played out, Akatsuki wouldn't exist anymore.
The Akatsuki Nagato later led didn't just change in ideology—it changed in members, even in uniform, shifting from a neutral mercenary group into a transnational S-rank rogue organization filled with missing-nin.
"But you're strong too," Kiyohara said.
Yahiko gave a bitter smile. "Without Tsunade-sama's Katsuyu healing support, I don't even want to imagine how bad our casualties would've been. By the way… as a Konoha ninja, what do you think of an organization like ours? Do you really believe we can change this country through peace?"
It was a blunt question.
Kiyohara thought for a moment, then answered slowly:
"I believe it's possible. Peace in shinobi history has never been achieved by one person or one organization. It's the result of countless people pushing in the same direction. What you're doing at least gives the Land of Rain another option."
He paused, then continued:
"But Yahiko—be prepared. The path of peace is often harder than the path of war. Hanzo is only your first enemy. There will be more: pressure from great nations, betrayal from within, and the clash between ideals and reality."
Kiyohara put it gently.
Honestly, Yahiko and Nagato's beliefs weren't the same.
Even if Kiyohara had changed the outcome and kept Yahiko alive, Black Zetsu and Obito would still keep trying to seduce Nagato.
Whether Nagato could resist… was still unknown.
Kiyohara didn't have Naruto's absurdly powerful "talk-no-jutsu," after all.
They fell into brief silence.
Konan's voice called Yahiko from the distance—he needed to make decisions about the wounded.
"Go," Kiyohara said. "I hope that when we meet again, the Land of Rain will already be different."
Yahiko extended his hand, and they gripped firmly.
"It will," Yahiko said.
…
At 10 a.m., Tsunade's group prepared to depart.
Akatsuki members gathered at the base entrance to see them off.
Many were injured, wrapped in bandages, but their eyes were full of respect.
Konan stepped forward and handed Kiyohara a paper-folded crane.
"It's made from specially treated paper. I sealed a bit of my chakra inside. If you ever need to contact me, pour chakra into it—it'll carry a message to me."
Kiyohara accepted the crane. It was feather-light.
"Thanks."
Nearby, Shizune and Kurenai were exchanging experiences with Akatsuki's medical ninjas.
Shizune wrote down a few simple antidote recipes, and Kurenai shared some genjutsu applications tailored for Rain's environment.
Tsunade stood at the front, watching Kiyohara. For a heartbeat, she seemed to see her younger self—Nawaki, Dan…
"Tsunade-sama," Yahiko stepped up and bowed deeply. "Akatsuki will never forget Konoha's help."
Tsunade waved him off.
"Get up. Real peace isn't sustained by gratitude—it's sustained by strength and brains. Grow, survive, and live well. Jiraiya will be happy too."
"Yes," Yahiko said, nodding.
After final goodbyes, the four turned and left.
In the curtain of rain, their silhouettes blurred, then vanished around a bend in the mountain path.
Akatsuki members remained standing for a long time.
"Boss… can we really succeed?" Idaten asked quietly.
Yahiko stared at the distant mountains, rain soaking his hair and shoulders.
"I don't know," he said. "But we'll do everything we can to try. That's the point of our existence."
…
The return trip to Konoha took several days.
The mood was lighter along the way. Away from blood and tension, Kurenai and Shizune talked more, discussing what they'd do once they got back:
Hot springs, shopping, and finally eating a proper meal.
At last, Konoha's gate appeared in the distance.
Passing through the heavy doors, familiar streets, shops, and the hum of people hit them like warmth.
"Finally back," Shizune let out a long breath.
Kurenai's eyes lit up at the dango shop on the corner.
"I really want three-color dango…"
Tsunade rolled her shoulders.
"First we report at the Hokage Tower. Tonight, everyone comes to my place for dinner."
"Teacher, aren't you helping?" Kiyohara asked.
He'd noticed Tsunade really was lazy—ever since he'd moved in, cooking was usually his job.
Her excuse was always the same: Kiyohara cooked better.
"Ahem. Kiyohara—Shizune will help you," Tsunade said, looking momentarily guilty… then immediately righteous again.
"Isn't a student cooking for the teacher only natural? And anyway, the more the merrier."
Kurenai blushed slightly.
"O-okay… sorry to trouble you, Tsunade-sama."
Shizune covered her mouth, smiling.
…
Hokage Tower, Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen sat behind the broad desk, pipe smoking.
"I've already read your mission report," he said, setting down the scroll as his gaze swept across the four. "Well done—better than expected."
"Old man, spare the pleasantries," Tsunade plopped down. "Where's the reward? My student did major work."
Hiruzen gave a helpless smile.
"I knew you'd say that."
He took three scrolls out of a drawer.
The first went to Shizune.
"Shizune, your medical ninjutsu and poison work are already at the level of a Special Jōnin. Effective today, you're officially promoted. This is your appointment letter and new headband."
Shizune accepted it with both hands, startled and thrilled.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
The second scroll went to Kurenai.
"Kurenai, your genjutsu talent and overall combat competence meet the jōnin standard. You're young, but in wartime we must promote exceptional talent. This is your appointment letter."
Kurenai inhaled and accepted solemnly.
"I won't disappoint your trust, Hokage-sama."
Finally, Hiruzen looked to Kiyohara.
Tsunade sat up straighter. Shizune and Kurenai held their breath.
Everyone knew Kiyohara's performance had been the most dazzling—and his reward would be the most anticipated.
Hiruzen didn't immediately produce a scroll. He paused.
"Kiyohara," he said slowly, "money, rank, ordinary jutsu… those don't mean much to you. What you showed in Rain has already surpassed the level of a typical jōnin."
"…" Actually, it means a lot, Kiyohara wanted to say.
Promotion and money? He wanted those badly.
But saying that would clash with his "perfect Will of Fire heir" image.
"So I've decided to give you this."
Hiruzen took out a scroll sealed with the Hokage's personal mark.
"This is a technique I created: Five Release Great Combo Technique."
Tsunade's eyes widened slightly.
Five Release Great Combo Technique was one of Hiruzen's signature techniques—requiring mastery of all five nature transformations, extremely hard to learn, but devastating.
"Old man, you're surprisingly generous," Tsunade said, not sounding very shocked, as if she'd expected it.
Kiyohara accepted the scroll with both hands.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"Hold on," Tsunade suddenly cut in.
"Just one jutsu? My student nearly killed Hanzo and helped Konoha lock down a major strategic position in Rain. Old man—can you quit being so stingy?"
Hiruzen's old face twitched.
"Tsunade, you—"
"What, me what?" Tsunade folded her arms. "Kiyohara needs systematic guidance and top-tier jutsu. That Five Release technique is great, but it'll take forever to learn. Give him something more immediately practical."
The office fell quiet.
Shizune and Kurenai lowered their heads, trying not to laugh. Kiyohara looked at his teacher. Only Tsunade could turn a reward ceremony into marketplace haggling.
And he loved it.
If he could get a stack of teachers like this, he would.
Hiruzen rubbed his temples and sighed.
"Fine, fine… Kiyohara, besides Five Release Great Combo Technique, I'll give you one more technique."
He drew out a smaller scroll.
"This is Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. It's forbidden for ordinary people, but for someone with your chakra reserves, the limitations are far smaller."
This time, even Kiyohara was genuinely surprised.
Shadow Clone Jutsu was B-rank, but Multiple Shadow Clone was classified as A-rank forbidden.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
Hiruzen waved a hand.
"That's enough. Go. Train well—Konoha's future needs young people like you."
The four left the office.
In the corridor, Tsunade patted Kiyohara's shoulder smugly.
"Well? Teacher got you something good, didn't I?"
"Teacher is wise," Kiyohara said smoothly.
Shizune laughed.
"Tsunade-sama only haggles with the Hokage like that at times like this."
"Of course," Tsunade snorted. "That old man hoards the good stuff. If you don't squeeze him, he won't let it go."
She stretched lazily.
"Come on—my place."
…
On Konoha's streets, the sun had fully set and the lamps flickered on one by one.
Kiyohara split off to buy ingredients—he knew everyone's tastes.
Tsunade liked tender chicken dishes and sake. Shizune preferred lighter rice dishes. Kurenai loved octopus. TonTon needed special feed.
As for himself, he didn't care much—but if he was cooking, he'd make it a feast.
Market aunties spotted him and greeted him enthusiastically.
"Kiyohara-kun, you're back from the mission? Today's saury is super fresh!"
"Want some matsutake? Best for soup!"
"These eggplants are homegrown—I'll give you a discount!"
Kiyohara's reputation in the village was good.
He responded politely, selecting ingredients while planning the menu: salt-grilled chicken and chicken stew, octopus sashimi and charcoal-grilled octopus, a mix of stir-fried and cold vegetables, premium rice, and miso soup…
…
Elsewhere, Tsunade's group arrived home first.
"I'm back…" Tsunade drawled as she pushed the door open, kicked off her shoes, and wandered inside.
Her pale soles flashed briefly in the air.
"Shizune, run a bath. Kurenai, sit wherever—don't be shy."
Kurenai stepped in a little stiffly.
Shizune set down their packs and carried TonTon to the kitchen to make its dinner.
The little piglet squealed happily and bounced at Shizune's feet.
Kiyohara soon returned too—his body flicker was fast, so he didn't take long.
From the bathroom came the sound of a door closing, then running water.
After feeding TonTon, Shizune joined Kurenai in the living room. The two spoke softly, occasionally laughing.
Kiyohara focused on preparing the meal: seasoning chicken, cleaning octopus, slicing ingredients…
…
In the bathroom, steam billowed.
Tsunade sank into the tub and sighed as heat wrapped around her skin.
The fatigue of days of running and fighting began to melt away.
But in her mind, Rain still played—especially Kiyohara's performance.
"Only in his teens…" she murmured.
Most shinobi that age struggled at chūnin level; the talented might reach special jōnin.
Yet Kiyohara had traded blows with Hanzo—an old monster. Even with allies, that level of strength was undeniable.
As his teacher, she was proud… and uneasy.
Fast growth came with risk.
How many geniuses had burned bright and died young?
Tsunade lifted an arm from the water and watched droplets trace the curve down.
Her skin remained tight and smooth, maintained by medical ninjutsu and the Strength of a Hundred method—time barely left marks on her.
"Birthday present…" she suddenly remembered.
She pressed fingers to her forehead, troubled.
Gift-giving had never been her strong suit. For Nawaki and Dan's birthdays, she'd either asked what they wanted… or just shoved money at them.
After thinking, she rose.
Water slid down her body in a rush, rippling the bathwater.
She wrapped herself in a towel and padded out barefoot. Mist clung to her as wet hair hung over her shoulders.
She dried off, pulled on loose clothes, and—towel on head—walked toward the kitchen.
"Smells good."
She leaned on the doorframe, watching Kiyohara's busy back.
Kiyohara wore a deep-blue apron, sleeves rolled up, forearms smooth and strong.
"Almost done, Teacher. Go sit in the living room," he said without turning.
"I'm checking what you made," Tsunade said, leaning in over his shoulder.
In the pot was chicken-and-mushroom stew, rich and fragrant.
Her breath brushed his ear—warm, still carrying the scent of soap and steam.
Kiyohara also realized she wasn't wearing any "padding"… and could make out certain "highlights."
"Also making soup. The charcoal octopus is almost ready," he said.
"I'll taste-test," Tsunade announced, then pinched a piece of freshly roasted chicken off the tray.
"Mmm… good. Crispy outside, tender inside."
"That was for plating."
"Plating comes after tasting. That's a chef's duty," Tsunade said, completely shameless, and stole another piece before strolling away.
Kiyohara sighed and kept cooking.
…
Twenty minutes later, dinner was served.
The low table was packed with dishes.
"Wah…" Kurenai's eyes shone. "It all looks so good."
Shizune had arranged bowls and chopsticks.
"Kiyohara-kun, you worked hard. You made so much."
"Not a big deal. Everyone, sit," Kiyohara said, taking off the apron and sitting across from Tsunade.
Tsunade poured herself a cup of sake, glanced at him.
"You want some too?"
"I'm not old enough."
"So stiff. Boring," she huffed, and drank anyway.
Kurenai praised the vegetables; Shizune complimented the soup; even TonTon ate happily from its bowl.
…
At the same time, Sunagakure.
Wind-blown sand rattled the windows.
The elders' chamber was brightly lit and heavy with tension.
Chiyo sat in the main seat, face grim.
"You've all read the Konoha reports," she said. "Rain's incident—Hanzo was repelled by Akatsuki with a Konoha squad. Kiyohara's performance was especially notable."
The scrolls detailed: senjutsu, tanking Hanzo's iaijutsu, large-scale gold dust techniques.
"This growth rate is terrifying."
"And worse—he captured Pakura," another elder said coldly. "That's a massive blow to morale."
In the corner, a young Sand kunoichi clenched her fists—Pakura's student, Maki, about sixteen, short light-brown hair.
Hearing "Kiyohara," her face flashed with anger.
That bastard took Sensei.
Chiyo's voice continued.
"We should form an envoy and go to Konoha. I'll lead personally: diplomatic advisors, jōnin escorts, and…"
Her gaze settled on Maki.
"Maki. You're coming too."
Maki looked up. "Me?"
"You're Pakura's student."
"I understand, Chiyo-sama," she said, nodding.
…
Deep beneath Konoha, in Root's base.
The hidden chamber was cold and damp, lit by a few wall lamps.
The light stretched Danzō's shadow long and twisted across stone.
He had barely returned before receiving Hiruzen's order: starting next quarter, Root's budget would be cut by twenty percent.
Crack.
He crushed a teacup in his hand. Hot tea mixed with blood dripped through his fingers, but his expression didn't change.
"Hiruzen…" Danzō seethed.
A budget cut was punishment and warning.
For his unauthorized Rain operation, for his plan's failure, for Kiyohara shining so brightly that Root looked incompetent by comparison.
Danzō closed his eye, Kiyohara's face surfacing again and again.
The Uchiha brat who refused recruitment. The one who ruined plans. The one who attacked a Root training base. The one now making headlines in Rain…
"That innately evil Uchiha blood…" Danzō murmured. "It must be controlled… or erased."
But Kiyohara was no longer some shinobi Danzō could casually squeeze.
Behind him stood Tsunade. The village leadership. Even Hiruzen's favor.
If Danzō struck openly, the risk was huge.
"Kinoe," Danzō called.
A shinobi in a face guard knelt.
"How is your Wood Release training today?" Danzō asked.
Kinoe was the only survivor of the old Wood Release experiments.
He had Wood Release, but compared to the First Hokage it was laughable.
Even so, Danzō had pinned hopes on him.
If Kinoe truly mastered Wood Release, no one could object when the next Hokage was chosen.
And that power would ultimately surpass the Sharingan.
…
Over the next two days, Kiyohara trained nonstop.
Mornings were advanced medical ninjutsu and difficult surgical techniques under Tsunade.
Afternoons were self-training.
He went to a remote training ground outside Konoha—far from homes, perfect for high-output jutsu.
He practiced Multiple Shadow Clone, producing multiple clones at once.
When dispelled, their memories and experience surged back into the original.
Too much data at once could cause dizziness or headaches… but Kiyohara's growth speed still jumped sharply.
He also trained Five Release Great Combo Technique.
It was essentially five jutsu in one—a composite technique combining five nature transformations.
You made four shadow clones, and together with the original, each of you breathed out one element: wind, lightning, fire, water, earth.
That made it perfect for wide-area clearing—dropping large groups of enemies at once.
Kiyohara formed three clones and breathed different elements together.
BOOM.
A huge boulder ahead exploded into fragments.
~~~
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