Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In mid-July of Konoha 46, the members of Jiraiya's squad, who had successfully returned to the outskirts of Konoha Village, breathed a sigh of relief.

Having stopped, Choza Akimichi patted his stomach and exclaimed loudly:

"I'm going to have a big meal when I get back to the village. I'm sure I'll be able to return unscathed this time, so I need to build up my energy!"

Jiraiya, at the forefront, laughed heartily upon hearing this. Despite failing to achieve the expected goal and encountering a minor mishap in the mission, he remained in high spirits.

"Want to have a few drinks? The sake in the Land of Grass can't compare to that in Konoha, and the snacks to go with it aren't as plentiful!"

"But the girl is unexpectedly beautiful..."

"Jiraiya-sensei! We're not old enough to drink."

Minato Namikaze interrupted Jiraiya, turning to look at the group behind him with an apologetic smile.

"What does it matter! Minato, don't underestimate kids!"

"Kakashi, you'll definitely agree with me. The Toad Sage needs more inspiration to create more interesting stories!"

Seeing Jiraiya winking and making faces, Kakashi turned his head away embarrassedly, but in his heart he did agree with what he had said.

Having read the Toad Sage's manuscript, Furukawa Osamu couldn't comment on the author's creative talent, but some of the plot descriptions were indeed very impactful:

"Captain Shikaku, is the scar on your face alright? You should stay single!"

Furukawa Osamu's change of topic made everyone laugh; Nara Shikaku was "disfigured" during this mission.

"A man should always have some scars! It also reminds me not to underestimate any opponent."

"It's a bit of a mess, really. I was only able to get back to the village thanks to you all. I can't let my guard down now."

Both injuries occurred on his face, but Nara Shikaku smiled and put his arms behind his head, seemingly unbothered by the facial scars.

"Don't let your guard down, Shikaku. This is a lesson learned!"

"If it weren't for the outstanding abilities of Shu, Kakashi, and Shuichi, you would have had a hard time dealing with this situation."

"Ninjas need excellent minds, but their actual strength must also be taken seriously."

Yamanaka Inoichi gave a series of resolute instructions, reminding his friend that not every team has outstanding members and he didn't want his friend to slack off and encounter misfortune.

"I understand. Even if cultivation is the most troublesome thing, I will persevere!"

Nara Shikaku responded solemnly, recalling the night they were besieged, saying that if Furukawa Osamu and Kakashi had been a little slower, the outcome would have been completely different.

"Forget about the mission, go back and finish your report, then relax!"

"Even ninjas need to balance work and rest. Leave the rest of the work to me."

Jiraiya smiled confidently and made a loud promise. Minato's two teammates cheered. Although high-level missions were rewarding, they were also really tiring.

When the group arrived at the village gate, they happened to run into the Inuzuka Claw team, who were returning from outside the village.

"Kuromaru! You're disobedient again!"

Inuzuka Tsurugi, sporting an afro, loudly complained as his dog ran madly to Furukawa Osamu's side, while Kuromaru, now several sizes larger, immediately responded with a shout:

"I just wanted to ask if Xiu still has any of those soldier ration pills."

"This is also helping you improve your skills!"

The big dog looked somewhat fierce, completely different from Kakashi's little ninja dog. Furukawa Osamu chuckled, patted the dog's head, and gave the remaining soldier rations from his bag to Kuro-maru, instructing him:

"That's all left. Remember, don't eat too much at once; there's a risk of mutation. You don't want to turn into a monster, do you?"

These specially made soldier rations contain natural energy, making them more effective than the Inuzuka clan's secret medicine. They can even strengthen the dog's body...

"The claws are still too fierce..."

Blackball Dog looked regretful. It wanted to introduce Inuzuka Claw to the family so that they could become a family and expand the clan.

Ignoring its owner chasing after it, Kuromaru ran away, not forgetting to remind Kakashi as it left:

"Kid, next time have Parker bring Akino over. I'm going to give him a good talking to!"

Looking at the large, imposing dog, Kakashi looked on with envy; his own ninja dog could only make sarcastic remarks...

The group expanded again, and they walked into the gates of Konoha chatting and laughing. At the back of the group, Hyuga Shuichi had mixed feelings.

He truly envied his free companions, while he was merely a tool of his family.

-

Inside the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and his two advisors were present. Danzo sat on the other side of the room, his eyes narrowed, listening quietly to Jiraiya's report.

"Based on the latest intelligence, we have basically identified the Jinchūriki of Iwagakure."

"As for the grudge between Onoki and the Jinchuriki mentioned in the intelligence report, it is still uncertain. I am confident that I can test the extent of the other party's Jinchuriki development next time."

As soon as Jiraiya finished speaking, Danzo, who had been silent until now, immediately added:

"I currently have two more intelligence lines on my side, and we will need to send more intelligence personnel later."

Everyone in the room understood Danzo's meaning: after completing their work, the Root intelligence agents would only face death.

No one objected; with the five major powers infiltrating each other, sacrifices for the village were inevitable.

"How did Hyuga Shuichi perform?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't talk about intelligence work; Danzo was an expert in that area. He was more concerned about the Hyuga clan's attitude.

"Hyuga Shuichi contributed greatly to the fact that Shikaku's team was able to bring back information this time."

"The integrated offensive and defensive 'Return to Heaven' is of great help in battle."

Jiraiya reported truthfully, and upon hearing "Return to Heaven," the others in the room nodded in agreement. With this secret technique combined with the Byakugan, the Hyuga could truly be called the strongest clan in Konoha.

Whenever war breaks out, the Hyuga clan always sends its elites to contribute to the village. The people in the room don't care about their status; their attitude is more important.

"Next time we might face their Jinchūriki, Jiraiya, don't let your guard down!"

"Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique must be further refined. That child's talent is beyond imagination; he is the future of the village."

Hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's cheerful praise, Danzo narrowed his eyes and spoke up to remind him:

"I don't want Minato Namikaze to associate too closely with the Jinchūriki, because it would bring great risks to the village."

"That's Minato's freedom, and as his teacher, I have no right to interfere."

"That's enough, old man, I need to go have a drink."

Jiraiya responded with a few words of dissatisfaction, then turned and left without glancing at Danzo.

"Bang..."

The door closed, and Danzo opened his eyes to look at the others. For a moment, no one spoke, until Koharu Utatane finally broke the silence:

"Lord Mito mentioned this matter. I support Danzo's position. We all know what the consequences would be if things got out of control."

"There's no need to discuss this. Kushina's chakra is very special. We just need to trust Lady Mito's arrangements."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, as always, believed in his "family." Homura Mitokado remained silent with his head bowed, while Danzo stood up abruptly and said in a deep voice:

"Hiruzen, you'll regret this."

"..."