Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

At the end of December, Konoha Village was once again covered in snow.

With the New Year approaching, the commercial street is becoming increasingly bustling, forcing the Uchiha Guards to increase their workload.

Kushina, who was rarely allowed to leave the barrier, was jumping around Minato Namikaze, wanting to go into every shop she could find.

"It's said that Mikoto plans to have a child in two years, so it seems she's not planning to continue her ninja career."

In the kimono shop, Kushina whispered about the gossip she had overheard.

Minato Namikaze, standing to the side, felt that the girl was subtly hinting at something in this scene. A little embarrassed, he scratched his head and subconsciously replied:

"This means they are very happy!"

"I actually really enjoy the ninja life; I wish we could go on missions together..."

Kushina, yearning for a free life, looked at her beloved and muttered a complaint. Minato Namikaze knew he couldn't change her situation, and could only softly comfort her:

"That day will come! Ah, I think this red one suits you very well!"

"Yeah?..."

Knowing what exchanging kimonos meant, Kushina also showed a shy expression. In the New Year, she wanted to take their relationship to the next level.

"Really? Why come here on your rare holiday?"

"Kakashi, you always make your seniors go back to school to repeat a year. A lot of people at school are complaining about you."

Obito Uchiha's loud and boisterous voice ruined the delicate atmosphere between the two. Kushina clenched her fist in annoyance, but soon the girl's gentle voice rang out again:

"Obito, I told you to keep your voice down!"

"I'm so sorry, he just wasn't paying attention to his surroundings."

Nohara Rin approached the two and bowed slightly. The girl's understanding demeanor brought a smile back to Kushina's face. She pushed aside Minato and leaned closer, sighing in admiration:

"What a lovely girl!"

Most of the couples in the store smiled, and everyone liked the polite and thoughtful girl.

Kakashi, dressed in a blue long-sleeved training uniform, didn't pay attention to his surroundings, but looked at Minato Namikaze with a solemn expression.

"Kakashi? Our last meeting was too rushed. The Hokage has been praising your talent lately."

"I hope I haven't caused any trouble for the village."

Upon hearing Minato's words, Kakashi bowed slightly in response, and the latter immediately flashed a sunny smile, wanting to continue chatting, but Kushina returned to his side.

See you next time!

As Minato was being led away, he simply waved goodbye. After leaving the kimono shop, Kushina asked in a low voice:

"That's Kakashi? The kid who refused to team up with you not long ago?"

Minato Namikaze smiled with relief, showing no resentment at being rejected, but instead offering high praise:

"Don't treat him like a child, Kakashi is already a Chunin."

"Although he is young, he is already able to lead a team independently."

"The Hokage is troubled by the issue of leading the team, but I think he's doing a good job. Returning to the Ninja Academy isn't a bad thing."

"You know my techniques aren't really suited for team battles, so don't be prejudiced against Kakashi."

In Kushina's mind, Minato Namikaze was an omnipotent and universally loved genius ninja. She was furious when she heard that he had been rejected not long ago.

"Honestly, he's just a pretentious brat!"

Kushina, who was about to complain, realized that she had already grabbed Minato's hand and was momentarily speechless.

Both of them had slightly flushed faces, their fingers intertwined. The kimono hadn't been delivered yet, but this outcome wasn't bad...

Inside the kimono shop, Obito Uchiha felt a pang of jealousy seeing Rin Nohara helping Kakashi choose clothes, and deliberately changed the subject, saying:

"Who were those 'tomato and egg stir-fry' guys just now? Are they some kind of amazing guys?"

"A genius Jonin who has mastered the ultimate technique! It's hard for the Uchiha's underdog to comprehend that kind of talent."

Kakashi responded calmly, which angered Obito, who yelled loudly. In the end, the three of them were escorted to the door by the shop owner, and Rin Nohara apologized repeatedly.

"Honestly, I was thinking of picking one out for you!"

"Obito, it's rare that Kakashi has time, so let's not always be arguing."

Rin Nohara gave a gentle complaint, the latter half of which was automatically ignored. Obito, embarrassed, scratched his head and stammered in response:

"Did Rin choose this kimono for me? Actually, I..."

"idiot!"

"Kakashi, it's all your fault that Rin couldn't choose a good outfit!"

Obito, jumping up and down, started attacking the expressionless Kakashi again. Seeing this, Rin Nohara smiled happily. She really didn't want a war to happen; she just wanted to live a loving life.

-

On the last day of December, Konoha Hospital also temporarily closed for the holiday.

The genin in the medical team bowed to Furukawa Osamu to show their respect before waving goodbye.

Osamu Furukawa has mastered a wide range of medical ninjutsu, including Palm Healing Technique, Chakra Scalpel, Minor Ailment Extraction Technique, and Healing Technique.

Although he lacks some experience, if he continues to grow, Osamu Furukawa will most likely become an outstanding medical ninja like Tsunade.

"Life-oriented" ninjas enjoy their current lives, and the medical ninjas are a prime example. They have good salaries and their work is very safe.

No one here wants war, and they even despise the current local conflicts.

Although she doesn't have much say in the village, the medical ninjas all hope that Tsunade can become Hokage, as they believe that this is the future of the village.

"Is Tsunade-sensei still troubled by those things?"

"This is just one way the medical ninjas show their respect."

Inside the office, Furukawa Osamu, who brought out hot tea, jokingly teased Tsunade, whose brows were furrowed. Tsunade glanced at him irritably, took the cup, and said helplessly:

"I understand everyone's feelings, but I'm not suitable for that position."

"The old man isn't old enough to retire yet, so there's no need to start arguing about these things now."

"Moreover, we are facing the threat of war, and at this time we should unite as one."

Arguing over the title of "Hokage" and advocating war for profit, Osamu Furukawa didn't know what the situation was like in other ninja villages, but he figured it wouldn't be any better than here.

"Isn't Tsunade-sensei still worried about the war? She hasn't even started practicing the Hundred Healings Technique yet."

"If this continues, I might be the first to condense the Hundred Healings Seal. If a war really breaks out, I will protect you."

Upon hearing Furukawa Osamu's words, Tsunade simply flicked her forehead, then narrowed her eyes, rested her chin on her hand, and retorted:

"Don't think you can surpass me just because you cultivate immortal arts!"

"No wonder Shizune keeps calling your name in her dreams..."

-

On January 1st, Konoha Year 46, the first day of the new year, Osamu Furukawa, who got up early, immersed himself in refining Sage Mode chakra.

The slug, perched on the shoulder, sensed something and, seeing Furukawa Osamu open his eyes, immediately exclaimed with delight:

"Master Xiu, progress is going very smoothly!"

"I'm certain that natural energy is already modifying your cells, which reminds me of Tsunade's grandfather, Hashirama Senju."

"In the future, Master Xiu will also be able to utilize Sage Chakra at the cellular level."

Furukawa Osamu nodded. [Gathering] to change the body is like gaining [Spiritual Roots]:

"Live Slug, war is my chance. I want to test your chakra theory."

"..."