The moment they returned to Konoha, Kaoru immediately arranged for the Dragon Vein outside the village to be heavily sealed. Without explicit orders, no one was allowed to approach it.
At the same time, she convened a meeting, summoning Tsunade, Jiraiya, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu to announce the next phase of their plans.
Looking at the people seated before her, a trace of fatigue flashed in Kaoru's eyes.
After fighting through the entire night, even a body of steel would falter. Though Kyusei could restore her chakra, mental exhaustion was another matter entirely.
Even so, she forced herself to focus, tapping the table lightly as she spoke.
"Uchiha Hikari, Uchiha Yugen, and Uzumaki Nagato of Akatsuki have all been eliminated."
"The Akatsuki threat has been completely resolved."
Jiraiya's expression dimmed slightly.
No matter what, Nagato had been his student. Now one of his students had killed another—it left a bitter weight in his heart.
Tsunade, resting a hand on her slightly swollen belly, nodded in satisfaction. This battle had determined everything. The shinobi world now had no equal to Konoha.
Homura and Koharu, however, trembled faintly.
Hiruzen had established the dual-polar structure of the shinobi world.
Kaoru had destroyed Konoha's greatest enemy.
Two generations of Hokage had completed their work in one decisive stroke, forging Konoha's dominance.
They could already see the brilliance of Konoha's future.
"Next, the Dragon Vein."
"Our immediate priority is to evacuate all villagers from Konoha and expand the village to make space for it."
Everyone waited quietly for her to continue.
Even though she had not yet officially assumed the title of Fourth Hokage, her achievement in destroying Akatsuki had already secured her position beyond doubt.
"Come in."
At her signal, a thin, balding middle-aged man stepped forward cautiously.
Mukade.
"Uh… h-hello, everyone…"
He rubbed his hands together, smiling ingratiatingly at the high-ranking figures of Konoha.
"Who is this guy?"
Tsunade frowned, clearly unimpressed.
"I am Mukade. The expansion blueprint for Konoha was designed by me."
He bowed quickly.
"…Well…"
Kaoru hesitated briefly.
"…His appearance may be lacking, but his abilities are solid."
Kyusei stepped in to support him.
Mukade had transformed Rōran into a futuristic city in just a few years. His capability was unquestionable. With puppet construction methods and the Ōtsutsuki research from the moon, the future of Konoha was something Kyusei genuinely looked forward to.
"…Fine."
Tsunade sighed, reluctantly accepting him.
"The evacuation will be handled by Jiraiya-sensei."
"Within five days, all villagers must be relocated. Work with Elder Koharu and Elder Homura to ensure proper arrangements."
The two elders might be conservative, but they were experienced.
Jiraiya gave a distracted nod.
"Pay special attention to the major clans. If anyone refuses to move…"
Kaoru paused briefly, then her gaze turned cold.
"I'll personally move them."
Homura and Koharu stiffened.
This girl—
Was no harmless child.
"That's settled."
"As for the remnants—Wind, Lightning, and Earth…"
Kaoru turned to Kyusei and Nao.
"I'll leave that to you two."
"Our priority is still the Dragon Vein and Konoha's expansion."
"If they behave, we leave them be."
"But if they don't…"
"Then we'll merge them into the Land of Fire ahead of schedule."
Kyusei nodded calmly.
For now, the Dragon Vein came first.
Conquering the other nations could wait until everything was stabilized.
"Meeting adjourned."
"Everyone, get some rest."
Nao winked at Kyusei before leaving, her scent lingering in the air. One by one, the others departed.
Only Orochimaru remained, his expression unchanged.
He was already eager to begin studying Uchiha Yugen.
Yin-Yang Release—
A second such existence after the Sage of Six Paths.
The moment the room emptied, Kaoru threw herself into Kyusei's arms.
Breathing in his familiar scent, her body finally relaxed completely.
"Are you tired?" Kyusei asked softly, holding her by the waist.
"Mm…"
"Being Hokage is more exhausting than I thought."
Kaoru muttered against his chest.
"Then don't do it."
"Let Tsunade take over after she gives birth."
Kyusei teased.
"If Tsunade-sama hears that, she'll beat you to death."
Kaoru laughed, her blue eyes sparkling.
"Still calling her Tsunade-sama?"
Kyusei lifted her into his arms, smiling.
"Shouldn't you change that soon?"
Kaoru froze, then her face flushed red.
"Kaoru…"
"Once we're of age…"
"Let's get married."
Kyusei spoke seriously.
—
After a deep, restful sleep, Kyusei stepped out of his room, stretching his waist.
"You're awake?"
Kushina glanced at the slightly open door behind him. A strand of golden hair was faintly visible on the white sheets.
"…Kushina-nee, what are you doing here?"
"Where's Minato?"
Kyusei calmly shut the door, showing no sign of embarrassment.
Kushina flicked his forehead.
"He and Karin went to send Deidara and Sasori back."
"He also needs to return early to handle things there."
"Once everything settles, I'll go back too."
Kyusei rubbed his forehead, smiling.
"That's good, isn't it?"
"With their Fifth Hokage, they'll definitely agree to cooperation."
Kushina had already heard Kyusei's plan from Minato.
A complicated conflict—
Now had a perfect solution.
But seeing Kyusei disappear into a room with Kaoru for an entire day…
Still annoyed her.
"Sorry, sorry…"
"I shouldn't have ignored you all day."
Kyusei grinned.
"You brat…"
Kushina sighed, ruffling his hair.
She could feel it.
Kyusei truly saw her as family.
Looking at his face so similar to hers, her expression softened.
If they walked together—
People might think they were siblings.
…Or mother and son.
Just as she was lost in thought—
"Don't overthink things."
"You're pregnant."
Kyusei said casually.
Kushina laughed.
"You should worry more about your little wife."
She pointed behind him.
Kaoru had stepped out, wearing a loose nightdress, her face flushed.
"Kushina-nee…"
—
Five days later, Jiraiya successfully evacuated all of Konoha's residents.
Despite some minor issues, everything went smoothly.
Kyusei stood atop the Hokage Rock.
Beside him stood Tobirama.
"Based on my calculations…"
"Demolishing everything manually would be inefficient."
"Controlled demolition is faster."
"Even if materials are wasted, Konoha can afford it."
"Reconstruction can be handled by Earth Release users."
Tobirama clicked his tongue.
"If only Hashirama were here."
Kyusei chuckled.
"He has his reasons."
"But if the time comes…"
"He won't refuse."
Tobirama glanced at him, smiling faintly.
"…You're thinking the same as me."
"If we can bring him back—why not?"
Kyusei grinned.
"…Maybe we should bring Mito back too."
"That way he won't be lonely."
Tobirama laughed.
"Not a bad idea."
"But first…"
"Let's flatten the village."
Kyusei formed a Tailed Beast Ball.
After confirming no one remained—
He released it.
A blinding light erupted.
The earth trembled.
Konoha—
Was reduced to ruins.
Kyusei watched calmly.
For a moment, even he hadn't expected—
That one day, he would destroy Konoha himself.
But this—
Was necessary.
Not far away, Sakura watched silently.
Sasuke draped a coat over her shoulders.
"What are you thinking about?"
"The Fifth Hokage…"
"Do you think she'll agree?"
Sasuke replied simply.
"No matter what…"
"I'll stand with you."
Sakura sighed.
"…You say that to every girl."
Sasuke held her shoulders firmly.
"This time—I mean it."
She avoided his gaze, cheeks flushing.
"…I'll believe you. Just this once."
To Read 60+ ahead advanced Chapters, head over to P@treon
patreon.com/DarkVerse146