Three days had passed since the joint Chūnin Exams ended.
In those three days, Konoha Village released a series of announcements that shook the entire shinobi world.
Namikaze Minato had officially returned as Hokage.
At the same time, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru returned to the village and took up the positions of Konoha's three elders.
As for the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and Elder Shimura Danzō—their actions over the years had caused irreparable damage to the village.
Both were stripped of their authority, and on Hokage Rock, Sarutobi Hiruzen's stone face was shattered, erased from its place of honor.
Minato publicly stated that he had spent the past years recovering from severe injuries and had only recently returned to full strength.
Soon after, Sunagakure declared a formal alliance with Konoha.
Gaara, Temari, and Kankurō remained in the village, officially becoming disciples under Jōnin Namikaze Kirito.
What had occurred during the exam was no longer a secret.
The news spread rapidly—and the impact was immediate.
Both Kumogakure and Iwagakure raised their village security levels to the highest alert. At the same time, a large number of spies were dispatched toward Konoha.
Kumogakure — Raikage's Office
Inside the Raikage's office, several high-ranking officials were gathered, discussing everything that had happened in Konoha three days earlier.
"The Yellow Flash is back. The Sannin are back. And that useless bastard Rasa actually declared an alliance just like that?"
Bang!
The table was slammed hard, cracking down the center.
The Fourth Raikage, A, was clearly furious. Konoha—once weakened—had once again re-established itself as the strongest ninja village on the surface.
"Raikage-sama," Mabui said calmly, adjusting her glasses. "That table was replaced just last week."
"Hmph!"
A snorted, clearly in no mood to listen.
At that moment, a tall, blonde woman stepped forward. Her figure was striking, her expression cold and composed.
"Raikage-sama," Samui, a jōnin of Kumogakure, said evenly. "Why not let me go to Konoha? I've wanted to see it for myself for a long time. Leaving everything to subordinates isn't very… satisfying."
Her presence alone drew attention—calm, intelligent, and carrying a pressure that proved why she was trusted to stand in this room.
"No need," Mabui replied immediately. "We are not at war yet."
She glanced at Samui. "Spies are one thing. Sending a main-force jōnin into another village without justification would be taken as provocation."
"That would only push us into an unnecessary conflict."
"Tch."
A clicked his tongue, rubbing his temples.
"That kid… Namikaze Kirito. What exactly is he planning?"
He felt his head ache.
As a warrior, fighting came naturally to him. But this kind of situation—schemes within schemes—was something he hated most.
"Rasa was captured and then forced into an alliance," Mabui said calmly. "That alone tells us Kirito has ambitions far greater than they appear."
"We need to prepare early."
A's eyes hardened.
"Inform all operatives. Any movement from Konoha—report it immediately."
He slammed his fist into his palm.
"If they dare provoke Kumogakure, we won't hesitate to go to war."
At that moment, a guard entered.
"Raikage-sama, an envoy from Iwagakure has arrived. Would you like to meet him?"
A fell silent for a moment, then sneered.
"Let me guess—Ōnoki wants an alliance."
He folded his arms.
"With Konoha and Sunagakure allied, Iwagakure is completely boxed in. The Land of Earth borders both the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. That old man won't sit still."
He waved his hand.
"Let him in."
"Yes!"
Amegakure — High Platform
On a towering platform, Pain (Tendō) stood with Konan and Uchiha Obito, discussing recent events.
"That brat really has grown up," Obito said darkly, his voice filled with resentment. "Far faster than I expected."
"If pain is not felt," Tendō said coldly, "then no one truly awakens."
His Rinnegan stared into the distance.
"I am a god. And I will bring true pain to Konoha—along with Namikaze Kirito."
Nagato's personality had changed completely over the years. He no longer saw himself as human.
Konan frowned slightly.
"Why don't we wait?" she said softly. "The tailed beast plan hasn't officially begun yet. I—"
"Konan," Pain interrupted. "There is no avoiding this."
He continued calmly, "According to our intelligence, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is Kirito's younger brother."
"If we want the Nine-Tails," his voice hardened, "we must confront him."
"Then let me gather more information first," Konan said quickly. "If possible, I want to avoid direct contact."
She didn't truly care about the plan itself.
What she cared about was Nagato's body.
Facing Namikaze Kirito—someone who carved his reputation through sheer strength—was not something she could ignore.
Before Nagato could respond, Obito spoke first.
"That's fine," he said. "Go."
If it were possible, he wanted to avoid facing Kirito as well. Standing in front of him felt like being completely seen through—an unbearable sensation.
"Alright."
Konan nodded, her expression calm and unreadable.
"I'll finish my preparations and head to Konoha."
Konoha Village
With Minato's return, the Hokage's Office was once again filled with constant activity.
Minato had seamlessly resumed his role—just like years ago.
Meanwhile, Uzumaki Kushina devoted herself to being a proper mother once more, spending her days with Kirito and Naruto.
Naruto did not change his surname.
Minato agreed without hesitation.
One son bore the name Namikaze.
The other carried Uzumaki.
Both were meaningful.
Kushina, however, seemed determined to make up for lost time. She rarely let either of her sons leave the house.
Kirito could only sigh.
Three students—Gaara, Temari, and Kankurō—were technically waiting for him.
Yet three whole days passed, and he hadn't even shown his face.
Four meals a day at home nearly wore him down.
Naruto, on the other hand, was ecstatic.
A family.
Parents.
A big brother.
And a father who was the Fourth Hokage.
Coupled with the guilt of the villagers, people came every day to apologize.
Naruto was completely overwhelmed.
"Kirito~ where are you going?"
Just as Kirito cautiously reached the door, Kushina's voice rang out.
He froze.
"…Mom. Weren't you taking a nap?"
"A mother doesn't sleep when her precious son is trying to run away."
She grabbed his ear and pulled him back without mercy.
"Now that you've grown up and gained some ability, you think you can escape your mother?"
"No!"
Kirito was dragged straight to the living room and forced into a chair.
"Mom, I'm a jōnin. My students are waiting for me."
Kushina tilted her head, smiling faintly. "Students? I thought Tsunade-sama and Kurenai-chan were the ones you should be answering to."
--------------------------------------
Support me at patreon.com/Arthorain and read upto 50 Advanced Chapters and R-18 Content!
--------------------------------------
Update schedule: 7 chapters/week
Every 300 power stones = 1 Extra Chapter
By voting with [power stones], you can easily get double the number of chapters.