In just five days, Senju Tobirama had already returned from the second parallel world's Konoha.
Alongside him was Namikaze Minato.
Kaoru stood by the Dragon Vein with Kyusei, Nao, and a group of Konoha's top fighters, welcoming their return.
"Tobirama-sama, how did it go?"
Since Tobirama acknowledged Kaoru as the Fourth Hokage, there was no power struggle.
"Mission accomplished."
Before Tobirama could speak, Minato answered first, a genuine smile on his face.
The two Konoha had reached an agreement. They would cooperate on the Dragon Vein plan, and Menma's crimes had been pardoned under this unprecedented alliance.
For someone who valued family above all else, Minato couldn't be happier.
"It's settled. Three days from now, both sides will sign the alliance treaty in their Konoha."
"We'll take the leading role."
Tobirama added calmly.
"Good!"
Kaoru let out a breath of relief.
The Dragon Vein plan had finally taken its first real step.
"Let's discuss the details inside."
Tobirama glanced at the gathered elites behind her, feeling reassured.
The plan was like a snowball.
Once they absorbed the strength of a few worlds—
Their advantage would grow exponentially.
As long as no abnormal, overwhelming force appeared, Konoha would be able to handle anything.
And such forces—
Were as rare as Hashirama.
Inside the main tent, Kaoru sat at the head.
Kyusei and Tobirama sat on either side.
No one objected.
Tobirama's prestige was unmatched.
Kyusei's strength spoke for itself.
The entire room was filled with Konoha's strongest, including Tsunade despite her pregnancy.
As representatives of the allied Konoha, Sasuke and Sakura were also present.
Minato stood among them.
Looking at this force capable of sweeping the shinobi world, a sharp smile appeared on Kaoru's face.
"Everyone."
She spoke calmly, yet with undeniable authority.
"The Dragon Vein plan has taken its first step."
"In three days, we will formalize our alliance with the parallel Konoha."
Kyusei watched her quietly.
The girl who once followed him around—
Had grown.
Now, she stood as Hokage.
Eight years had passed since she was forced to train under him.
The world had changed.
Konoha—
Now stood on the brink of devouring everything.
"…Kyusei?"
"…Kyusei?"
"…Kyusei!"
He snapped out of his thoughts.
"I'm here."
Kaoru smiled at him.
"Then I'll leave the diplomatic mission to you."
"…Wait, what?"
Kyusei blinked.
He was Konoha's strongest fighter.
Leaving now—
Was risky.
But Kaoru seemed to read his thoughts.
"With Tobirama-sama, myself, Orochimaru, and Nao, the village will be fine."
"This alliance is important. As Hokage, I must remain here."
"We need someone equally important to represent us."
"And that's you."
Tobirama nodded in agreement.
Kyusei considered it.
With Orochimaru present—
There was no real danger.
"…Alright."
Three days passed quickly.
The delegation was finalized.
Kyusei.
Mitokado Homura.
Kato Dan.
Terumi Mei.
And several assistants.
Mei, as Kaoru's disciple, represented her will.
Kato Dan—
Was Kaoru's personal touch.
After all, the Fifth Hokage there was Tsunade.
Emotions mattered.
Standing before the Dragon Vein, Kyusei felt a hint of excitement.
This would be his first traversal.
Menma, Sasuke, Sakura, and Minato were already familiar with it.
"Don't worry."
Minato reassured Mei, who clung nervously to Kyusei.
"It'll feel like a tunnel of light."
"…Okay…"
Mei nodded, still anxious.
Kyusei grinned.
"Let's go."
They joined hands—
And jumped.
Purple light engulfed them.
Kyusei found himself inside an endless tunnel filled with flowing colors.
"Kyusei-sama…"
Mei gripped his hand tightly.
"Stay close."
Minato led the way.
"These lights might be different worlds."
"If we drift off, it could be troublesome."
Soon—
He stopped.
They stepped into the light—
And everything went white.
When it cleared—
They stood in ruins.
"This is…"
"Rōran."
Kyusei recognized it instantly.
"Correct."
Minato nodded.
"The Dragon Vein here is still in the Land of Wind."
Kyusei activated his sensory ability.
Fifty kilometers east—
Sunagakure stood intact.
Different world.
No doubt.
"Let's move."
Homura urged.
Minato activated Flying Thunder God.
In an instant—
They vanished.
When Kyusei regained his vision, it was already evening.
They stood in a quiet area.
"This is…"
"The Senju clan compound?"
"Correct."
Minato smiled.
"Let's go meet the Fifth Hokage."
They moved quickly.
Soon—
The Hokage Building came into view.
A crowd stood outside.
A red banner fluttered:
"Welcome our comrades from another world."
At the front—
A blonde woman in a Hokage robe stood.
Tsunade.
To Read 60+ ahead advanced Chapters, head over to P@treon
patreon.com/DarkVerse146