Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha

"Now that things have turned out this way, Sarutobi-sensei can only shift all the blame onto Root. Even without evidence, the Uchiha clan will become suspicious."

Orochimaru remained nonchalant, speaking casually:

"Even if you doubt me, I don't care. The village needs to unite its strength now."

"War will break out again in the future, and we need to be prepared."

The two soon started arguing because of their differences, which made Jiraiya's head spin. Their pessimistic views on the war made him feel even heavier.

Why not try to believe the Great Toad Sage's prophecy?

“Nagato is not the child of prophecy. There will be another person to resolve all the conflicts in the ninja world. All we need to do is find him and let him grow up.”

Upon hearing Jiraiya's words, Tsunade and Orochimaru fell silent for a moment. The former sighed and rested her chin on her hand, while the latter simply scoffed.

"Can the Child of Prophecy get the current Sand Village, Stone Village, Cloud Village, and Kirigakure Village to hand over their Tailed Beasts to us?"

"Even the First Hokage couldn't accomplish this, yet you still believe in a nonexistent, ethereal being."

"As long as ninjas exist, the accumulated hatred will not disappear. Even if someone can unify the ninja world, internal strife will eventually occur."

"You've traveled the ninja world for so long, you should know that what I'm saying is true. We just need to control our own destiny."

In the past, Jiraiya wouldn't have replied, but recalling the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, he suddenly raised his head and solemnly said:

“It is precisely because I know that what you are saying is true, and that we cannot change anything, that I believe in the Child of Prophecy.”

Only the power of miracles can resolve all these conflicts!

"What we cannot do does not mean that the Child of Prophecy cannot do it. True peace must exist in the ninja world!"

"This world, which breaks out into war every few years, must end. I will not give up. This is the true path to salvation."

Tsunade was completely speechless, and Orochimaru stopped responding. The three of them had been arguing about this topic since their youth, and now their differences were growing.

As night fell, Tsunade, having finished processing the documents, looked exhausted. She was powerless to change the standoff between the nations, nor could she deal with the mysterious and unpredictable enemy.

The prosperity of the village put Tsunade under immense pressure, and the trust placed in her by the Konoha ninja made her feel even heavier.

"Teacher, you're worrying too much. No one can solve the problem of war. It's not wrong for Jiraiya-sama to believe in the power of miracles."

"It's hard for people to understand each other, and there will always be conflicts. As the Hokage, it's enough for me to just take care of the village."

Furukawa Osamu appeared behind Tsunade and gently comforted her. She let out a long sigh and murmured helplessly:

"I always feel that it's irresponsible to be unable to solve these problems."

"Perhaps Sarutobi-sensei was also troubled by this, which is why he indulged Danzo and thus created Root. Now I can understand him."

"The teacher has done a great job; at least the lives of the Konoha ninja are getting better and better."

Hearing Furukawa's praise, Tsunade recalled the situation in the shopping district, and her mood improved considerably. As she stood up, she leaned her head against her disciple's chest.

"Thank you for listening to me ramble on about these worries every day."

When Tsunade realized she was being held tightly, she subconsciously looked up. The room lights suddenly went out, and she vaguely saw the look of adoration in Furukawa Osamu's eyes before she was "caught" by her disciple.

Unlike her previous drunken episode, Tsunade attempted to resist, but as her defenses crumbled, she instinctively wrapped her arms around Osamu Furukawa.

The day's troubles finally vanished. When Tsunade released her arm, she felt a thread at the corner of her mouth. She quickly reached out and wiped her mouth, her cheeks burning.

Despite being a more mature person, Tsunade is afraid to face the truth, and this taboo even makes her feel guilty.

Suddenly reminded of Shizune's expectations, Tsunade looked down at her chest, wanting to say something to refuse, worried that her disciple would make even more outrageous demands tonight.

"Teacher, we're home! Don't stay up too late practicing tonight."

"Um..."

When Tsunade looked up, Furukawa Osamu had disappeared again, which relieved her once more. Her disciple was just comforting her; it was just that the two of them were emotional.

Tsunade, her golden twin tails swaying, hurried towards the room. Suddenly, she noticed Ton-Ton was still tilting his head and looking at her. Her face flushed red, and she rushed over, grabbed the pink pig, and threatened him fiercely:

"If you dare leak this information, I'll eat you alive!"

"Eek..."

The lights in the entryway suddenly turned on. Shizune blinked and looked at the teacher and the screaming Tonton. The girl tilted her head and asked curiously:

"Teacher, what happened?"

Tsunade was startled by Shizune and almost dropped the baby she was holding. Fortunately, her chakra control was superhuman, and she instantly withdrew her power, changing her posture to a full embrace.

"It's nothing, Shizune, how long have you been here?"

"Teacher, have you forgotten? Today is Wednesday, and I'm in charge of the big cleaning. I arrived very early."

Shizune watched as the teacher hurriedly returned to her room, and something felt off. She knelt down, picked up the frightened Tun-Tun, and whispered to herself:

"Is the pressure too much? Being the Hokage is really tough!"

"Puyo...!"

Chapter 199 The "Fatal" Difference (Part 2)

In mid-October, Naruto Uzumaki, who had just celebrated his 3rd birthday, attracted the attention of many Konoha ninjas.

As the son of a hero, Naruto received a ton of gifts on his birthday, most of which were related to the ninja profession, with many people hoping that the little guy would inherit Minato's talent.

The power of the tailed beasts is difficult to control, so the Flying Thunder God Technique is even more important now. If Naruto can inherit his father's ninjutsu, protecting Konoha for decades will not be a problem.

Minato Namikaze didn't want his son to work too hard, but Kushina was happy for Naruto.

She didn't have such an experience when she was a child. After coming to Konoha, she was ridiculed for her red hair. Naruto was loved by everyone, and as a mother, she felt the same way.

In the evening, Naruto Uzumaki, still bearing the black marks on his face, ran home and shouted happily as soon as he entered the door:

"I am back!"

Kushina, who rarely gets off work early, was preparing dinner in the kitchen when she saw her son covered in graffiti and couldn't help but smile and ask:

"Did you play ninja games with everyone again?"

"It seems he must have made new friends; he seems especially happy today."

After his mother wiped his face, Naruto, remembering how he had once again suppressed that handsome, arrogant boy earlier that day, immediately said seriously:

"I won 6 times today, while Uchiha Sasuke only won 5 times. I'm going to beat him again next time!"

"His brother is really amazing; he can throw stones and hit places that are out of sight."

Kushina smiled again; children should play freely, this was the life she had always longed for.

"Naruto, you need to learn to work as a team and sometimes be more considerate."

"Be a good boy and listen to Daddy. If you don't misbehave, I'll teach you throwing techniques!"

Naruto's big blue eyes lit up with anticipation. He jumped into his mother's arms and nuzzled her, shouting, "Mom's the best!" Then he asked curiously:

"Mom, are you really good at throwing?"

Kushina coughed lightly. She only knew the basics of shuriken throwing, but to ensure her son continued to admire her, she responded with a serious expression:

“I can help you find a good teacher to lay a foundation first, and then you can learn Mom’s throwing technique.”

Just as the mother and son were about to continue their chat, two figures appeared in the entryway. Minato and Jiraiya were still talking in hushed tones, but when they saw Naruto, they both smiled.

"Naruto, do you remember the Toad Sage? Your name owes a debt to me!"

Jiraiya's eyes lit up with affection when he saw the blond-haired boy. In a way, he felt that Naruto was like his grandson, a scene he had imagined.

The white-haired stranger startled Naruto, but seeing the man's caring gaze, he quickly went up to greet him.

"Hello, weird old man..."

"Hahaha!"

Jiraiya burst into laughter, and Kushina immediately patted her son's head to correct his address.

When Minato wanted to say something, Jiraiya waved his hand. He liked the little guy. During dinner, the four of them chatted happily. Kushina noticed that the master and apprentice had something to say, so she took Naruto back to his room early.

"Teacher, please entrust me with the task of capturing Nagato!"

"I shouldn't bring this up at the Jonin meeting, but since the other party is your former student, it's more appropriate for me to handle it."

"More importantly, I can gather intelligence more easily. Even if the teacher has mastered immortal arts, it will definitely not be an easy task to deal with those puppets with strange abilities."

Minato, thinking about the recent controversy surrounding his teacher, decided to take on the task himself. Jiraiya sighed, a helpless expression on his face, and softly replied:

"Minato, I know you're right, but it's better for me to sever this karmic ties myself."

"The ninja world is becoming more dangerous. I know you don't believe in the Child of Prophecy, but this world needs the power of miracles."

"The more I travel to different countries, the more I feel the necessity of the prophesied child."

"The war is over, people understand each other, and the prophesied children can accomplish what we cannot."

While Minato understands his teacher's desire to place his future on a "savior," he is more realistic. He doesn't deny it, but instead offers a lighthearted suggestion:

"If the teacher insists, it would be best to bring a few more support ninjas."

"It's too much of a stretch for one person!"

This time, Jiraiya did not refuse. Nagato showed him leniency. He firmly believed that the hardworking and kind child from the past had not disappeared. If he could atone for his sins and perform meritorious service, it would definitely be more in the interests of Konoha and the ninja world.

After discussing some tactics, Jiraiya was about to take his leave when he suddenly remembered the Great Toad Sage's prophecy and the image of Naruto appeared in his mind.

Startled by the sudden thought, Jiraiya shook his head. Even if he wanted to place his hopes on a child, he would have to wait until the child grew up first.

Even the prophesied child needs power; words alone are definitely not enough.

Minato and Kushina's house was not far from the Hokage Building. Although it was damaged during the attack, the house was repaired and is now in good condition.

Jiraiya could see the Hokage Building from here. Recalling Tsunade's furrowed brows and Orochimaru's extreme actions in recent days, he couldn't help but secretly make a decision in his heart:

"I will protect everyone."

-

The pursuit operation was officially led by Jiraiya. Although the Jonin team members had some objections, most of them agreed. In terms of intelligence, Jiraiya was indeed better at it.

Tsunade returned to normal, and Furukawa Osamu didn't pester her like a brat, maintaining his respect most of the time.

Occasionally, when a "minor problem" occurs at night, Tsunade will comfort herself, as it is a way of showing affection.

As night fell, colorful lights illuminated the village, and most of the ninjas were enjoying their peaceful lives.

The war, which lasted for more than two years, changed almost everyone's mindset. After witnessing the power of the tailed beasts, no one thought about "unifying the ninja world" anymore. Living their own lives well was more important than anything else.

Inside the Hokage Building, Tsunade felt like she couldn't breathe, but thankfully, Osamu Furukawa helped her catch her breath.

Once again immersed in this intimate contact, Tsunade slowly turned her head, secretly adjusting her breathing. Just as she was about to say something, she was quickly "caught" again.

It wasn't until Osamu Furukawa helped her straighten her coat that Tsunade gradually came to her senses. Her body had just lost control, and thinking about her reaction to what she had asked for, she subconsciously bit her lip.

"Teacher, I will talk to Lord Orochimaru."

"The matter of medicine can't be kept secret from those who are interested. The Third Hokage handled it very quickly, but once the seeds of suspicion are sown, problems will always arise."

"Clan Chief Fugaku also has some plans. To fight against the Mangekyou Sharingan, another pair of the same eyes is indeed needed."

"There's no need to doubt the Uchiha clan's Will of Fire. Communication can solve many problems. As long as the Hokage's thoughts can be conveyed in a timely manner, everyone will understand."

As Furukawa Osamu gently patted his teacher's back, he quietly explained his plans. Tsunade tried to calm herself, and finally said in a muffled voice from her chest:

"Thank you, but I was worried that Orochimaru might have other plans."

"After nearly dying at the hands of the enemy, Orochimaru seems to have changed. He is now more craving power, and the Anbu members have reported to me the information he has collected."

"The Sage of Six Paths? Sometimes I think he's just as naive as Jiraiya."

Tsunade looked up again, intending to say something to stop, but that feeling quickly disappeared.

The lights in the room had long been turned off, but the Fourth Hokage, Tsunade, was still "working overtime." Osamu Furukawa had made a great effort to help his teacher relieve stress.

It wasn't until late at night that the two, who had been practicing "verbal persuasion" together, finished their practice for the night.

...

In the underground laboratory nestled in the dense forest on the west side of the village, Yekura organizes data like a puppet, having grown accustomed to the "materials" on the lab table.

When Furukawa arrived, Orochimaru still had a furrowed brow, probably because there were too few experimental samples, and the power of the Senju and Uchiha clans could not be fused at all.

The Sharingan, which cannot enhance pupil power, has even worse effects when transplanted to other bodies; the scattered records in the classic texts seem to be a huge joke.

"Alright, Yecang, you can rest now."