Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In early December of Konoha Year 47, the weather grew colder and colder, and the fighting on the front lines gradually decreased.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was quite satisfied with the current situation. Although Orochimaru was a bit aggressive, breaking the alliance in one battle truly relieved the people of Konoha.

With Iwagakure under continuous attacks from Kumogakure, the pressure on the front lines of the Land of Grass has been greatly reduced.

During the routine meeting, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado unusually praised Orochimaru, and when discussing the movements of Amegakure, they proactively inquired of Danzo:

"We've received word that there seems to be a very popular new organization in the Land of Rain?"

"The other side seems to want to engage in peace negotiations. Danzo, do you have detailed information about this organization?"

Mitokado Homura looked at Danzo, who calmly nodded and responded with narrowed eyes:

"It's just a small organization that only fantasizes and deceives young people. They did contact Orochimaru, but their ideas were too naive."

"Don't pay attention to them; this organization's influence isn't enough! If they haven't been wiped out in a few years, perhaps we can make use of them."

"If Amegakure wants to preserve its strength, we must shatter Hanzo's delusions."

Koharu Utatane stopped asking questions after hearing about the small organization. She knew that Danzo would not allow Amegakure to develop, as Root had already infiltrated the Land of Rain.

"Hiruzen, should we increase the number of spots for next year's Chunin Exams?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent again. He knew perfectly well that the current war was just an "appetizer" and that the enemy would never give up unless he handed the commission over to Sunagakure.

After exhaling smoke for a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke in a low voice:

"Let Asma and his children prepare!"

-

The front lines were far from the genin, and whenever a battle report mentioned Furukawa Osamu's name, the boys would be eager to fight. It was just a matter of killing; they were ready.

Kakashi and Might Guy, who had returned to the village ahead of time, remained silent when they heard these sounds.

There had been rumors that the battlefield offensive in Iwagakure was indiscriminate, and the two thought it was a bunch of madmen fighting each other!

The fact that several predecessors perished here demonstrates the ferocity of the battle.

Under such circumstances, Orochimaru led Furukawa in a charge and ultimately survived unscathed, meaning the battle report could not accurately reflect the situation on the battlefield.

In the tea shop in the tea district, Asuma, looking like a delinquent, leaned against the table, a bamboo skewer in his mouth, and greeted Kakashi and Might Guy at the door.

"Long time no see, Kakashi, Guy!"

"I heard you've also gone to the front lines to fight. How's it going?"

Kakashi sat down at the table, ordered two servings of five-colored dumplings, and slowly began to express his feelings:

"The front line in the Land of Grass is fine. It seems that the Hidden Cloud Village is launching a sneak attack from the rear. I didn't feel too much pressure when I left, after all, I was only responsible for protecting the supply line."

"New recruits would definitely die if they went to the battlefield of the Land of Rain. Even the supply lines were in fierce conflict. It's hard to describe the situation on the front lines."

Might Guy had frequently opened all three gates during the battle, exhausting his body and leaving him without his usual energy. Speaking of the fight, he said with some lingering fear:

"The Sand Village attacked us like madmen, and many of our predecessors sacrificed themselves on the front lines."

Asuma believed them when he saw that they both looked exhausted, but after a moment's thought, he curiously asked in return:

"Even with such difficulties, we still won?"

"Yes, we won."

Might Guy nodded in response, but when he thought about the battlefield situation in Iwagakure, he really couldn't explain how they had won.

A Pyrrhic victory is still a victory.

Kurenai brought the two dumplings to them, and noticing that all three were silent, she smiled and teased them:

"Asuma, has it been too long since we last met? Or are you a little nervous facing two Chunin?"

"Kurenai, I was just thinking that I'll definitely become a Chunin next year."

Asuma tried to save face, and Kurenai chuckled softly, looking curiously at the two opposite her and asking:

"Have you talked to Xiu about the new drug? Recently, many people have been asking Lady Tsunade to increase the supply."

When the topic of this drug came up, both Kakashi and Might Guy were a little embarrassed. In the end, they didn't hide anything and each offered a word of advice:

"Initially, I wanted to enhance neural reflexes and brain processing speed, mainly to better utilize Chidori. Inspired by this, I decided to develop a drug."

"I just want to unlock the secret technique more easily. The new drug is indeed effective, but it's best not to use it."

Might Guy, worried that the two lacked understanding of chakra points, simply suggested:

"The opening and closing gates, which involve the brain, can really kill you!"

Asuma and Kurenai were shocked. They thought it was a secret medicine with minimal side effects, but the side effects could actually kill them.

-

At the Konoha camp in the Land of Rain, Yahiko, along with Konan and several Akatsuki members, attempted to visit Orochimaru again, but were once again refused.

"Damn it! I can't do anything!"

Yahiko clutched his orange hair and muttered self-reproach. The passing Konoha ninjas ignored them, no one cared what the ninjas from the small country were thinking.

"Don't say that, Yahiko, you've already done your best."

"In this country, only you have the courage to express your demands to Orochimaru."

"It is this courage that makes us choose to follow you. Don't easily deny yourself!"

Idaten Kyusuke loudly encouraged his leader, and several members echoed his sentiments, affirming that taking the first step towards peace was a success.

Xiao Nan remained silent until she saw a familiar figure in the camp, at which point she quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Wearing Konoha's white armor and carrying a short sword, Furukawa Osamu appeared before them and said calmly:

"Lord Orochimaru will not agree to the peace request, because the Sand Village's attack is just a test."

"You've already felt the effects of fewer requests, and this situation has been going on in Sunagakure for a long time."

"Give up. No one can understand each other at this time. You can secretly gather strength and replace Hanzo. That is the best way to save this country."

Unwilling to have his leader rejected, Idaten Kusanagi immediately shouted at the top of his lungs:

"What are you talking about! The decrease in commissions is because you Konoha ninjas have taken away most of the market..."

"Stop arguing, Kyusuke!"

Seeing the hostile looks from the Konoha ninjas around her, Konan quickly tried to stop them. Furukawa Osamu, however, paid no attention and tossed out another bag of specially made soldier rations, giving a brief instruction:

"This is my last remaining stock. I will not use Konoha's resources to support you."

"These ration pills would squeeze cells twice as hard, so using them for commissioned missions would actually be a waste."

Konan carefully put it away. The only gain she had from this trip to Konoha was meeting this kind-hearted ninja. Watching his retreating figure, she subconsciously asked:

"Could you tell me your name? Thank you so much!"

Furukawa Osamu did not respond, but simply waved and quickly left.

With a displeased look, Idaten Kyūsuke muttered to himself beside Konan:

"You show-off brat! I'll give him ten times the supplies from now on!"