Three months later, the war had gradually died down.
Kazuyama Gekkō, Yahiko, and the others sat in a room, reading through the intelligence reports. His brows were tightly furrowed.
"The war suddenly stopped for no reason?"
"What the hell is going on?"
Iwagakure had halted its offensive, Sunagakure had retreated back into the desert, and Kumogakure had already withdrawn from the war after becoming a target.
As for Kirigakure, like Sunagakure, its Kage had died, so their retreat wasn't surprising.
But why had it all happened so strangely?
What exactly was going on with this war?
Over the past three months, Yahiko, Yugito, and the others had joined Takigakure. Don't ask how they got in—even Kazuyama was now officially registered with Takigakure.
Although the village didn't take part in the war, its shinobi still needed to take on missions to make money.
The Daimyō of the Land of Waterfalls didn't give much thought to the village under his rule. Being far removed from the conflict, the country didn't have much need for powerful shinobi.
These days, nothing works better than a pile of cash.
When Kazuyama used the Transformation Technique to turn himself into a handsome man and arrived at Takigakure's front desk with a thick wad of money to check in, the staff was all smiles.
Even the village chief came out to welcome them. That money meant the village could enjoy a period of peace and comfort.
"I heard Iwagakure was the first to stop its attacks, calling all its shinobi back to the Land of Earth."
"After that, they started some massive search operation. The entire village was involved."
"And Sunagakure? No need to explain. The Third Kazekage mysteriously disappeared, and their offensive on the front lines was failing. Kazuyama, if I remember correctly, you were on the Land of Rivers battlefield at the time. You should know better than anyone."
Over the past few months, Kazuyama, Yugito, and Yahiko had grown much closer.
Kazuyama had done everything he could to help Yahiko and the others find their footing in Takigakure.
In just three months, Yahiko and the others had already become Jōnin. They were strong to begin with, and with Kazuyama's support, they had quickly earned recognition in the village.
Even Yugito had become a Genin.
There was no helping it—she was too young, and the Chūnin Exams hadn't been held. For now, Genin was the best she could do.
"Just three months, and so much has happened."
"Even Kirigakure has pulled back…"
Mentioning Kirigakure, Kazuyama already had a theory. Madara had controlled the Third Mizukage and assassinated him, and now the Mizukage was dead.
He figured the successor had followed the same path as Obito in the original timeline—heading to Kirigakure to make a move.
That secluded village was the perfect place to stay hidden.
The only twist was that Nagato had also been taken to Kirigakure. Unless they left the village on their own, there really wasn't a good way to get them out.
"Yahiko, you guys focus on building yourselves up in Takigakure."
"I've been away from the village for nearly half a year—I should head back and check in."
"Who knows, maybe my sensei has already plastered missing person posters all over the world."
Thinking of his sensei, Kazuyama couldn't help but think of Yamato.
Judging by the timeline, Yamato should be around graduation age. Maybe he should take him away from Konoha…
Thinking about Yamato's Wood Release, Kazuyama was tempted. That kind of power would be a great asset.
Forget it. Better to head back first—otherwise, everything else would be meaningless.
"Huh? Heading back to Konoha?"
"Well, yeah. You're a Konoha ninja after all, and it's been a while."
"But honestly, if you end up getting expelled, that's fine too—just join Takigakure. The way things are going, I'd say…"
"Within six months, the three of us could have a firm footing here. Once that happens, we'll have people rallying behind us. Even launching a war against Amegakure wouldn't be a stretch."
Yahiko didn't like war, but after three months under Kazuyama's intense training, he'd changed quite a bit.
The process had been brutal, often filled with screams, but Kazuyama had managed to shift his mindset. At the very least, he no longer got stuck in constant internal conflict, nor did he reject the idea of war outright. After all, war was just a means to achieve true peace.
His words made Akaashi and Konan's eyes light up. After spending time with Kazuyama lately, they had a rough idea of his strength.
Even if all three of them fought together, they wouldn't stand a chance.
Throw in Yugito, and it still wouldn't help. That Crystal Release of his was terrifying—anyone who touched it would be crystallized instantly, and there was no escaping on your own.
Kazuyama shot him a sharp look.
"Don't you know what it means to lean on a big tree for shade? I'm just a laid-back outsider."
"Take care of Yugito for me. Make sure she doesn't cause any trouble."
"And you know what Takigakure is like. It's the only village outside the Five Great Nations that has a Tailed Beast. Work your way to the top."
"Until you have real standing, don't go poking around in forbidden things."
Kazuyama was leaving himself a safety net. He believed that with Yahiko and Konan's talents, they'd quickly rise to power in Takigakure.
But if they messed with the Seven-Tails, it could very well expose him.
Not that he really cared—Yahiko was now both a student and a friend, and most things could be worked out peacefully.
"Don't worry, we'll give it our all. You've already done so much for Akatsukigakure."
"While you're away, we'll raise the Akatsuki banner. Kazuyama, seriously—think about it. Don't stay in Konoha. Come work with us!"
"Let the dream of peace spread across the worl—"
"I'm out!"
Before Yahiko could finish, he leapt straight to the ceiling. Kazuyama had already taken his seat below.
That all-too-familiar One Thousand Years of Death made his eyebrow twitch—he'd dodged it by a hair's breadth.
"Not bad, quick reflexes. Looks like the training's finally paying off."
"When Yugito gets back, tell her I've left. Next time I come back, I'll show you a different kind of world."
Kazuyama thought of Turtle Island—that was the base he'd picked for himself.
With that, he vanished in front of the three of them.
Back when he first arrived in Takigakure, he'd left a technique marker just outside the village—perfect for a quick getaway now.
...
"Yahiko, aren't you coming down? What are you doing on the roof?"
Konan looked up at him, puzzled by his hesitation.
Yahiko chuckled.
"Gonna wait a bit. What if Kazuyama comes back for a surprise attack? I've taken too many hits."
"I feel like I've built up antibodies to One Thousand Years of Death. It hurts way too much."
"Konoha's White Fang too—why would anyone invent a jutsu like that? It's insane. Seriously, there's not a single normal ninja in Konoha."
"Jiraiya-sensei's like that, Kazuyama's like that… even the legendary White Fang's the same!"