The top-floor conference room of the Hokage Building in Konoha.
A solemn atmosphere surrounded the heavy round wooden table.
Unlike the tense confrontation during the Five Kage Summit, today's meeting was filled with careful deliberation over the future of the ninja world.
Chiya sat at the head of the table, dressed in his black Hokage robe. His expression had already returned to its usual calm and unfathomable state.
It was as though everything that had happened at the Valley of the End, from the life-and-death battle to the emotional turmoil, had been completely buried within his heart.
Only the occasional flicker in his eyes hinted at the extraordinary aura left behind by his newly awakened Rinnegan.
Shikaku Nara, Minato Namikaze, and Teuchi, the three cabinet advisors, sat on either side of him with equally solemn expressions.
From Chiya's brief explanation earlier, Shikaku and Teuchi had already learned that Uchiha Madara had been completely erased from existence.
After their initial shock, what remained was concern over how to handle everything that followed.
"That's the situation."
Chiya's steady voice echoed through the conference room, bringing the previous operation to its conclusion.
"Uchiha Madara is no longer a threat."
"The next matter before us is deciding our future policy toward the Land of Rain and the Akatsuki."
His gaze swept across the three men.
"The Land of Rain is not one of the Five Great Nations. Its national strength is weak, and it has suffered constant warfare."
"However, its geographical position is unique, and the Akatsuki possesses genuine influence within the country."
"After everything that's happened, Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan now share a delicate relationship with Konoha."
"I've said all I need to. Everyone, speak freely."
Shikaku lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingers before speaking first in a calm voice.
"Lord Hokage, by eliminating Uchiha Madara, you've removed one of the ninja world's greatest threats. Your achievement benefits the entire world."
"As for the Land of Rain, we must proceed cautiously."
"The country may be small, but mishandling it could easily make it the source of future instability."
"It could even be exploited by the other great nations that still harbor resentment toward Konoha, becoming a bridgehead for retaliation."
After a brief pause, he continued his analysis.
"The Akatsuki's ideals are relatively moderate. They seek to change their nation and build a bridge toward peace through communication between people."
"They're fundamentally different from Madara."
"However, Nagato's power, especially the Rinnegan, remains an enormous variable."
"In my opinion, we should adopt a policy of controlled autonomy."
"With Konoha taking the lead, we can provide limited economic assistance and material support in exchange for the Land of Rain's formal pledge of neutrality."
"We should also require them to strictly limit the scope and scale of the Akatsuki's activities."
"If necessary, Konoha can station observers there for supervision."
"This would demonstrate Konoha's benevolence while ensuring the situation remains under our control."
A sharp light flashed across Minato's blue eyes as he replied.
"Mr. Shikaku's proposal may be a little too conservative."
His voice was clear and resolute, carrying the decisiveness he had forged on countless battlefields.
"Konoha now possesses overwhelming strength."
"We ended the war and established a new order not through strategy alone, but because our strength gave us the confidence to do so."
"The Land of Rain is both a challenge and an opportunity."
He looked directly at Chiya.
"Rather than simply controlling them, we should integrate with them."
"I believe we should designate the Land of Rain as Konoha's friendly neighboring nation."
"But not merely as an ally in name."
"We should establish deep, strategic cooperation."
"Open our borders for trade."
"Send Konoha's elite to help develop their ninja forces."
"Assist in restoring vitality to the Land of Rain."
"We could even conduct joint military exercises."
"Naturally, with Konoha taking the lead."
"We must make everyone in the Land of Rain understand that only by standing with Konoha can they achieve true peace and development."
"This won't merely provide Konoha with a stable strategic buffer."
"It will also demonstrate to the entire ninja world the tangible benefits of the new order led by Konoha."
"That is the vision and confidence a victor should possess."
Listening to the debate between the two great strategists, Teuchi nervously rubbed his hands together.
He didn't understand complicated politics or military strategy.
But he understood simple truths.
He remembered the countless refugees displaced by war.
He remembered the endless rain that seemed to blanket the Land of Rain forever.
He remembered the hopeless expressions on those children's faces.
Summoning his courage, he finally spoke.
"Lord Hokage... Lord Minato... Lord Shikaku..."
"I'm just a ramen shop owner."
"I think..."
"Whether we choose control or cooperation..."
"The most important thing is making sure the people of the Land of Rain have enough to eat."
"That they have warm clothes. That their children can attend school in peace."
"That they can improve their quality of life without constantly worrying about war."
He raised his head earnestly.
"Konoha is strong now. Ever since Lord Hokage took office, life has only gotten better."
"If we can lend our neighbors a hand and help them live better lives too, they'll naturally be grateful."
"They'll sincerely want to stand with us."
"Wouldn't that kind of peace be even more lasting?"
"If everyone sees that following Konoha means a better life... That would be stronger than anything else."
After listening to all three opinions, Chiya gently tapped the polished tabletop with his finger.
Tap.
The single sound instantly silenced the room.
All eyes turned toward him.
Chiya slowly began to speak, his calm voice carrying the weight of the final decision as his gaze moved from Shikaku to Minato and finally to Teuchi.
"Shikaku's concerns are valid."
"The risks do exist."
"Minato's initiative matches Konoha's current position."
"We must seize opportunities when they appear."
"As for Teuchi's hopes..."
He paused slightly, his eyes becoming distant.
"They represent the ultimate destination of every policy we create."
"The hearts of the people."
He slowly rose to his feet.
Though his figure wasn't especially imposing, he naturally radiated the overwhelming presence of someone who commanded the entire situation.
"The Land of Rain should not become Konoha's vassal."
"Nor should it exist merely as a strategic buffer."
"It will become Konoha's model nation and partner under the new order."
His voice was clear and decisive.
"The Land of Rain will be recognized as a friendly neighboring nation."
"And since neighbors should help one another, we will pursue strategic cooperation, deep integration, economic assistance, and mutual prosperity."
"Since the era of the Five Great Nations began, nearly every war has affected the Land of Rain."
"Its strategic importance is beyond question."
"So this time..."
"We will completely transform the Land of Rain."
Absolute confidence filled his voice.
"This policy will declare to the ninja world that the order led by Konoha is not one of oppression through strength."
"It is one of shared prosperity."
"Those willing to follow the rules and cooperate will benefit."
"Only those who stubbornly resist will face judgment."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
"I agree."
"..."
After the meeting concluded, Chiya returned to the Hokage's office and dismissed everyone.
He took out a specially made communication scroll and placed it upon his desk before forming a complicated series of hand seals.
The runes on the scroll glowed.
A faint pulse of chakra spread outward like ripples across water.
It crossed an immense distance toward Amegakure.
Moments later, several lines of text appeared upon the scroll.
They contained the core resolutions from the meeting regarding cooperation with the Land of Rain.
After a brief moment of thought, Chiya infused another stream of chakra into the scroll and added a personal message.
"This is the unanimous decision of Konoha's cabinet, and also my own wish.
I hope you'll seize this opportunity and move forward steadily.
If you encounter any difficulties, contact me directly.
— Chiya"
He knew Konan would see it.
Yahiko and Nagato would as well.
It was both an official notice...
And a quiet promise supporting the newly blossoming relationship between him and Konan.
After finishing everything, Chiya dealt with several urgent matters.
By the time he looked outside, night had already fallen, and the village lights filled the streets.
Suddenly remembering something, he stood and left the Hokage Building.
The Uchiha Clan District.
Compared to the bustling center of Konoha, it was far quieter and more traditional.
Without notifying anyone, Chiya walked through the district as naturally as though he were simply returning home before stopping at a residence near its edge.
This was the home of Uchiha Izumi and her mother, Uchiha Hazuki.
Izumi was one of the more talented girls in the clan and also one of the younger generation Chiya held in particularly high regard.
He knocked on the door.
A moment later, it opened.
A graceful woman wearing a simple kimono stood inside.
It was Uchiha Hazuki.
The moment she realized that the man standing outside was none other than the Fourth Hokage, clad in his ceremonial robe, and simultaneously the head of the Uchiha Clan...
She froze.
Then her face exploded with disbelief, excitement, and pride.
"L-Lord Hokage! Clan Head! W-Why have you come personally?! Please, come in!"
Hazuki's voice trembled so much from excitement that it almost became shrill.
She hurriedly stepped aside, bowing deeply with both humility and excitement.
Chiya nodded before entering the spotless courtyard.
"No need to be so formal, Lady Hazuki."
"I happened to have some free time today, so I stopped by to see how Izumi's training has been progressing."
He deliberately kept his tone relaxed.
Yet those words only made Hazuki even more excited.
The Hokage, burdened with countless responsibilities, still remembered her daughter's training.
What an incredible honor!
She hurriedly welcomed Chiya into the living room, served him her finest tea, and couldn't stop praising her daughter.
Every word overflowed with pride, along with a faint hint of showing off.
"Thank you for thinking of her, Lord Clan Head!"
"My Izumi may not have many strengths, but she's incredibly hardworking!"
"She's up before sunrise every single day practicing shuriken and Fire Release."
"No matter how much I tell her to rest, she refuses."
"She says she can't let down the expectations of the clan and the village!"
"She's a little slow sometimes, but she's surprisingly lucky."
"During the last clan tournament, she somehow managed to place third among the younger generation."
"I'm sure it's nothing worth mentioning before someone like you."
"And she absolutely admires you, Lord Hokage!"
"She even has..."
"I mean..."
"She's always treated you as her role model."
"She dreams of becoming a powerful ninja like you and bringing honor to both Konoha and the Uchiha Clan."
"..."
Hazuki continued enthusiastically, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she looked at Chiya with hopeful eyes.
She longed to hear even a single word of praise for her daughter.
Even the smallest acknowledgment from someone like him would be enough for her to treasure for years.
Chiya quietly listened, occasionally taking a sip of tea.
He understood Hazuki's feelings as a mother.
Especially as a single parent within a clan like the Uchiha, where strength and family honor were held in the highest regard.
Just then, cheerful footsteps echoed from outside the courtyard, accompanied by a young girl's bright humming.
"Mom, I'm home! I finally mastered the shape transformation of the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique today!"
Before the sentence had even finished, a petite girl bounced happily into the living room.
It was Uchiha Izumi.
She wore the Uchiha Clan's usual dark blue training outfit.
Her short black hair was slightly messy.
Tiny beads of sweat covered her forehead.
Her flushed little face and bright black eyes radiated youthful energy.
The moment she entered and saw Chiya sitting in the seat of honor...
The smile on her face froze instantly.
Her eyes widened.
Her lips parted slightly.
She stood rooted to the spot like a frightened rabbit.
"L-L-Lord Hokage?! C-Clan Head?!"
Her voice dropped several octaves as she began stammering.
Her face instantly turned bright red all the way to her ears.
She instinctively stood at attention, completely unsure where to put her hands.
She looked nothing like the lively girl who had just rushed inside.
Seeing this, Hazuki quickly stood up and pulled her daughter over, both worried and exasperated.
"You silly girl!"
"Can't you see Lord Hokage is here?"
"Hurry and greet him properly!"
Only then did Izumi snap out of her daze.
She hurriedly bowed, her voice barely louder than a whisper.
"G-Greetings... Lord Hokage... Lord Clan Head..."
Looking at the mother and daughter standing before him with such excitement...
Chiya couldn't help feeling slightly embarrassed.
His gaze lingered briefly on Izumi's youthful face, full of energy yet also innocent and shy.
A sigh escaped his heart.
The little girl...
Compared to before... She seemed to have grown a little taller.
Just then, the cold mechanical voice of the system suddenly echoed in his mind once again.
[Mission Triggered: Steal Uchiha Izumi's Fate.]
[Mission Reward: Random Mangekyō Sharingan Ability, Kekkei Genkai, or Secret Technique.]
Chiya's hand paused almost imperceptibly as he held his teacup.
A faint glimmer flashed deep within his eyes.
This system... He had thought it had changed.
Apparently not.
It was still as shameless as ever.
His gaze returned to Izumi.
Then it was drawn toward the old, worn book she was holding.
"The History of the Uchiha Clan?"
Hearing his question, Izumi lowered her head to look at the book in her hands.
Her eyes curved into crescents as she answered earnestly.
"Yes."
"Lord Shisui gave it to me."
"He said that since we're members of the Uchiha Clan, we have to understand our past."
"We have to know how difficult those times were before we can truly appreciate the present."
"Only then can we help Lord Clan Head preserve the glory of the Uchiha Clan in the future."
Chiya nodded.
Shisui had truly learned a thing or two from him.
The boy even knew how to shape people's thinking.
Not bad.
Not bad at all.
Chiya extended his hand toward Izumi. She immediately handed him the book.
He casually flipped through it.
When he noticed that several pages were missing...
He paused.
The surrounding pages described the era of constant conflict among ninja clans.
The missing section appeared to revolve around a single individual.
An unnamed member of the Uchiha Clan.
Someone with unique abilities.
Someone specially nurtured by the clan.
Someone regarded as the Uchiha Clan's...
Weapon.
[Ding!]
The system's notification sounded again inside Chiya's mind.
[Congratulations! Mission Triggered: Find and Unseal the Uchiha Clan's Weapon.]
[Mission Reward: One Random Mangekyō Sharingan Ability or Kekkei Genkai.]