Chapter 62: The End of War

However, the tense atmosphere did not ease in the slightest. Both Konoha and Kumogakure remained on high alert, waiting for the discussions between the leaders of both sides.

The Third Raikage coughed, pointed to Natai lying on the ground, whose life or death was uncertain, and looked at Hanma, saying, "Well then, I'll take my leave first."

"Please go ahead."

Hanma made the deliberate decision not to stop the Third Raikage from taking Natai. The Eighth-Tails Jinchuriki, the Third Raikage, Tutai, and the future Fourth Raikage were not as easily handled as the Sand ninja.

If conflict broke out with the Third Raikage's side, Hanma's side wouldn't have the advantage in combat strength. Moreover, a near-dead Natai was of no use to Hanma.

Trying to siphon tailed beast chakra through bloodshed was quite difficult and far from achieving the same effect as the Path of Preta. Absorbing Shukaku's chakra in large quantities was possible only because that cat-like tailed beast was quite abnormal.

Shukaku retained its flesh form, swallowing Hanma into its body. Even after its chakra was devoured, it didn't turn into sand or return to its Jinchuriki's body. Instead, it tried to expel Hanma from within. Encountering such a unique tailed beast was a rare opportunity.

The Third Raikage gave Hanma a deep look, picked up Natai with one large hand, hoisted him onto his shoulder, and retreated with the Kumogakure ninja. In his mind, he was rapidly analyzing all the information about Hanma.

"Has another strong ninja appeared in Konoha? And it's from the Uchiha clan, making it even more troublesome. But fortunately, it's also from the Uchiha clan."

The tense relationship between the Uchiha clan and Konoha's high-ups was common knowledge in the ninja world. After all, years ago, the Uchiha clan's leader had a massive battle with the First Hokage, making it impossible for the entire ninja world to be unaware of the conflict.

Furthermore, the Third Raikage led such a large group into the Land of Fire to rescue Natai without encountering any resistance from Konoha. Only a few ANBU ninjas followed from a distance, gathering necessary intelligence.

The Third Raikage let out a cold laugh and remarked to the nearby Kumogakure ninjas, "A strong ninja naturally demands more resources and higher status than other ninjas. And for ninjas from ninja clans, it's even more so. After rising to power, the clan will rally behind them."

"And when such a ninja conflicts with the village high-ups, strength decides the outcome. If the village leader can't suppress the disagreeing ninjas with power, the village faces division."

"In our Kumogakure village, we don't have such nonsensical issues because I'm the strongest ninja!"

"So, my son, you better train hard! I don't raise you to play sneaky tricks with the village ninja!"

"You must strive to become stronger and lead Kumogakure to be the strongest in the ninja world!"

The Third Raikage admonished his son with a heavy hand, saying, "Look at that Uchiha Hanma; he's in his twenties and already so strong. And you, just became a Jounin and already complacent!"

"How's your Lightning Release: Armor training? Still struggling with Lightning Cutter alongside me?"

"Go back and reflect! Train harder!"

The future Fourth Raikage, holding his head, felt both unwillingness and fervor as he responded loudly, "Yes, Father!"

The Third Raikage, in his early forties and at his peak, undoubtedly had the qualifications to be the top "Kage-level" fighter. Hanma's previous understanding of the Third Raikage was limited to his Edo Tensei state, battling Nine-Tails Chakra Mode Naruto.

In Edo Tensei, the Third Raikage performed adequately — resilient to Sage Art: Wind Release: Rasenshuriken yet easily countered by Naruto's "Hell Stab." It didn't seem that strong.

As a taijutsu master, Hanma understood the significant impact Edo Tensei had on the Third Raikage. Controlled by Kabuto, a researcher unfamiliar with handling top-level taijutsu ninjas, the Raikage was reduced to basic brute force, wasting his potential.

Moreover, Edo Tensei's state restricted the Third Raikage, which wasn't his peak. Hanma, deep in thought, recalled more about the Third Raikage.

"The Eight-Tails said the Third Raikage severed its eight tails but collapsed before the final strike, meaning his 'Hell Stab' didn't hit the Eight-Tails."

"So, the real 'Hell Stab' might be powerful enough to kill the Eight-Tails."

"And the Eight-Tails said his wounds weren't from a tailed beast bomb. That means the Third Raikage could evade or withstand the beast bomb."

"Indeed, continued training is necessary. The ninja world has many heroes."

Hanma cleared his thoughts and knew elevating his strength required careful planning back at the village. Approaching the group, he smiled and said, "Well, it seems this war has concluded."

The group showed varying expressions, each ninja's heart shaped by this nation-level war. Tsunade, without many words, hugged Hanma's arm, smiling happily. Jiraiya, heavy-hearted, pondered his future.

Before the war, he had been summoned by the Great Toad Sage, tasked with finding the Child of Prophecy. The task was vague, only stating that destiny had changed, and the prophesied child was engulfed in darkness, needing Jiraiya to rescue them.

Orochimaru, indifferent outwardly, harbored anger. As the commander of the Rain ninja front, the Third Hokage's order to forcefully attack Rain ninja made Orochimaru deeply question the village.

"Is this the so-called Will of Fire?"

Minato, with a tense expression, was comforted by a worried Kushina. He was deeply grateful for Hanma saving him but couldn't help but wonder what if something had delayed Hanma. 

Minato loathed the feeling of not being able to protect his loved ones. 

With varying thoughts, the group set out on the journey back to Konoha. 

This was war. Though it had ended, its impact had only just begun.