Fourth Raikage A: "Well, damn… looks like this is aimed straight at us."
Third Raikage A: "Enough. Nagi saved your lives. Even if he wanted the entire Kumogakure, it would still be justified."
Dodai: "Still… it seems Nagi already knows about the Chakra Cannon we've been researching."
C: "But why didn't he recruit our scientists earlier?"
Mabui: "Have you considered the possibility that Nagi intentionally let us develop the Chakra Cannon first?"
Darui: "…So we basically got our achievements stolen?"
Mabui shook her head.
"Not exactly. In the future, Nagi intends to unify the shinobi world and fight the Ōtsutsuki Clan."
"In that sense, we're also developing this technology for ourselves."
Yugito Nii nodded.
"That's right. Considering the relationship Samui will have with Nagi in the future, we can probably count as family anyway."
Mabui smiled.
"Exactly."
The Screen Continues…
After packing up their equipment, Nagi led everyone away.
Some time later—
Gaara and the others stood in the devastated desert, staring at the chaotic landscape in silence.
Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village)
Tsunade and Kakashi convened a meeting.
They explained everything regarding the Five Kage Summit, the Fourth Shinobi World War, and the formation of the Allied Shinobi Forces.
The clan heads and jōnin present fell into silence.
At that moment, someone raised a hand.
"Um… Lady Hokage… the Nagi you mentioned… is he my cousin?"
Tsunade froze for a moment before realizing something.
Good grief, Nagi… you even kept this secret from your own cousin? Was that really necessary?
"Yes," she replied.
"It's your cousin—Nagi Shiranui."
"His strength… is likely no weaker than my grandfather, the First Hokage."
Everyone was stunned.
Until now, they had only heard that Nagi held the position of Hokage Advisor and had been recommended by three Kage to serve as Supreme Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces.
But they had no idea how strong he actually was.
Most people assumed he was probably just somewhat stronger than the Third Hokage.
But Tsunade had just said—
Comparable to the First Hokage.
Everyone was dumbfounded.
When did Konoha gain such a terrifying powerhouse?
And how thorough was this secrecy?!
Genma Shiranui was also stunned.
So all these years… I've been worrying about this brat's safety for nothing.
At the same time, many people's expressions changed.
Various thoughts began forming in their minds.
After all, the title "God of Shinobi" still carried enormous weight.
Hiruzen Sarutobi noticed everyone's reactions and slowly spoke.
"One more thing."
"Nagi prefers peace and quiet."
"If anyone disturbs him… the consequences will be your own responsibility."
Hearing that, the crowd quickly suppressed some of the thoughts forming in their minds.
Tsunade added,
"There's also another matter."
"This war involves an enemy even more troublesome than Madara Uchiha."
"Nagi needs to focus on dealing with that threat."
"So during this Fourth Shinobi World War, he will not participate in the battlefield."
"Remember that."
Many people frowned slightly, but no one dared object.
In the shinobi world—
Strength decided everything.
If Nagi said he wouldn't fight, no one dared challenge that decision.
Soon After
The news spread throughout Konoha.
Many ninja began suspending their missions and returning to the village to be reorganized into the Allied Shinobi Forces.
A Training Field in Konoha
The Rookie Nine gathered together.
Chōji spoke nervously,
"So… a war is really going to happen?"
Shikamaru nodded.
"Yeah."
"But unlike before, this time the Five Great Nations are fighting together against a single enemy."
Kiba grinned excitedly.
"The enemy of all five great nations at once? They must be insanely strong!"
"But if I perform well in this war, I might get promoted to jōnin, and then eventually become Hokage!"
"Hahaha! When that happens, everyone in Konoha will have to raise dogs!"
Shino adjusted his glasses, his expression serious.
"This war… will probably be extremely difficult."
"Hey—everyone!"
Naruto and Sakura walked over.
Because Tsunade had become the Supreme Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces, and Naruto had already mastered Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, there was no longer a reason to hide things from him.
More importantly—
Nagi had approved letting the three Jinchūriki—Naruto, Killer B, and Gaara—participate in the war.
"Yo, Naruto, perfect timing."
Kiba walked over with a grin.
"Hehe. Since the enemy's target is you this time, I'll make protecting you my top priority."
Naruto laughed loudly.
"Haha! It's fine!"
"Even if Madara's target is me, I'll still protect everyone!"
Then Naruto asked,
"Oh right, we're having a dinner gathering later, right?"
Shikamaru nodded.
"Yeah."
"It'll probably be our last group dinner before the war."
"After that, we'll all be busy."
Chōji asked Naruto eagerly,
"By the way, where are Nagi and Sasuke?"
"Didn't you go look for them?"
Chōji hadn't forgotten the smell of Nagi's barbecue last time.
Unfortunately—
He hadn't managed to eat a single piece.
Shikamaru remembered that barbecue too.
He subconsciously swallowed.
He exchanged a glance with Chōji.
Both nodded silently.
This time, we're sitting at Nagi's table.
Naruto nodded.
"Yeah, they'll be here soon."
Then he grinned mischievously.
"But when they arrive…"
"Better hold your jaws in place so they don't drop."
"Huh?" Kiba asked.
"What do you mean?"
Naruto laughed.
"Hehehe… you'll see."
He deliberately kept the secret.
Ino quietly asked Sakura,
"Sakura… what's going on?"
Sakura glanced at her best friend seriously.
"Ino… when you see him later…"
"You must stay calm. Understand?"
"Uh… what do you mean?"
Ino was puzzled by Sakura's unusually serious expression.
Just then—
"Sorry, something came up. I'm late."
Kiba turned around.
"Hehe, it's fine, Nagi. I just got here too—uh…"
Chōji, Shikamaru, Shino, Kiba, and the other boys all froze.
Their eyes widened.
"So beautiful—wait, no…"
"Who are you?"
"…Nagi?"
"No way."
Sakura was also stunned.
"…Why does he feel even more handsome than the last time we saw him in Sunagakure?"
"It's like his aura leveled up again."
But then she noticed something alarming.
Ino's eyes had turned into pink hearts, and she was slowly drooling as she walked toward Nagi.
Seriously?! I literally just warned you!
Sakura quickly grabbed her.
"Ino! Control yourself!"
"Our target is Sasuke, remember?!"
Ino waved her hand casually.
"Hehe, Sakura… you can have Sasuke."
"Just look at Nagi…"
"…Uh."
Sakura froze.
Your loyalty lasted five seconds.
And I treated you like my second biggest rival.
As for her true rival—
Karin suddenly slapped herself.
"Karin! Your target is Sasuke!"
"You are NOT such a shallow woman!"
Sakura nodded in approval.
As expected of my real rival.
Then she turned to Ino and whispered,
"Ino… stop it. Nagi already has a girlfriend."
(Actually three.)
Crack—
The moment she heard that—
Ino turned to stone.
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