Chapter 122: A New Wind Arrives

Naruto Uzumaki, supported by Konan, returned to Amegakure amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the villagers. The scene was reminiscent of the time he defeated Pain years ago.

Naruto couldn't help but be moved. Despite his exhaustion, a gentle smile, like the warmth of spring, spread across his face.

Sakura Haruno, sitting quietly at the back of the crowd, felt genuine happiness swell in her heart.

"Naruto, even after all these years, you remain the same—an unwavering ninja trusted and loved by everyone."

The battle had left Amegakure severely damaged. Over half the village's buildings were destroyed by fragments of the meteorite. However, thanks to Sakura and the unwavering support of the Slug Summon, not a single civilian life was lost.

Afterward, Naruto expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Sakura:

"Sakura, without you, I wouldn't have been able to protect everyone. You deserve the highest praise!"

Sakura replied with humility:

"This is simply what a ninja is supposed to do."

In the forest outside Amegakure, guided by Sai, the group discovered the body of an ANBU member who had fallen victim to Madara's attack before the battle began.

The deceased was identified as the captain of ANBU Squad One, one of Ryukō's subordinates.

Ryukō spoke in a somber tone:

"His name was Yayoi. He was a war orphan from Amegakure. He had no surviving family. Though he often seemed scatterbrained, deep down, he was a dedicated and serious individual."

Naruto removed Yayoi's mask and immediately recognized him.

"It's him?"

Yayoi was none other than the young man who, on the second day after the formation of Amegakure's ANBU, had humorously teased the White Zetsu listed on the roster, describing them as creatures with barbs under their crotches. His antics had earned him a public reprimand from Ryukō.

Now, that lively young man had become a cold, lifeless corpse.

Naruto's mind instinctively considered Impure World Reincarnation.

Yet, as his gaze shifted to the grieving ninjas behind him, he dismissed the thought.

"Let Yayoi's sacrifice serve as a wake-up call for all of us. This is the true way to honor his life."

Naruto picked up the blood-stained Flying Thunder God Kunai from the ground and spoke in a solemn voice:

"No matter the time or place, ninjas walk a path stained with blood and sacrifice. I hope you'll remember Yayoi's sacrifice and reflect deeply on your future paths. Protect the village, but also cherish your own lives and the lives of your comrades."

Yayoi was given a proper burial, and his name was engraved on Amegakure's Memorial Stone.

Late Night.

The homeless villagers of Amegakure set up temporary tents on cleared land outside the village.

Meanwhile, Naruto and Konan engaged in an intense discussion about the village's reconstruction plans.

Konan:

"Rebuilding the village will require substantial funds. I've already contacted the Land of Rain to request financial support, but as a small nation, their contribution will be limited. The bulk of the funding will need to come from us."

Naruto:

"Konan-nee, let's be honest—what's the current state of the village's finances?"

Konan's expression grew grim.

"Severe deficit. We can't afford the reconstruction costs."

Naruto's face darkened as well.

Konan continued:

"In the past, Akatsuki's finances were managed entirely by Kakuzu. The public funds were used for Akatsuki's operations, but it's said that Kakuzu personally amassed a significant fortune, which he deposited in a certain exchange office. Now that Kakuzu is gone, we have no way of locating that exchange office. If we could find it, we might just overcome this crisis."

Naruto tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully.

"Kakuzu, huh? In a way, I suppose we shared a life-and-death bond."

Naruto murmured to himself as he pulled out a small notebook. Beneath the names of Itachi Uchiha and Sasori of the Red Sand, he added Kakuzu's name.

All three names pointed to one person—the Impure World Reincarnation practitioner, Kabuto Yakushi.

Naruto closed the notebook with a meaningful smile.

"Though Kabuto is still necessary for making Sasuke stronger, business is business. When Orochimaru finishes his tasks, it'll be time for us to deal with Kabuto."

Konan asked:

"But before we confront Kabuto, how will we resolve the funding issue?"

Naruto grinned.

"Funds are just a means to rebuild the village. Let's start by utilizing the meteorite fragments left behind by Madara. That should solve the issue of construction materials."

Konan nodded in agreement and began making arrangements immediately.

Naruto then asked:

"Is Captain Yamato still in the village?"

Konan's tone turned icy.

"Oh, the square-faced guy revived alongside Jiraiya-sensei? He returned to Konoha last night, just before Madara's attack."

Naruto stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"Based on his pace, he should be near the border of the Land of Rain by now."

Swish!

Naruto vanished using the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Ten minutes later, he returned to Amegakure, carrying a bewildered Yamato over his shoulder.

Yamato protested:

"Naruto, what are you doing?!"

Naruto responded earnestly:

"Captain Yamato, for your safety, you should temporarily stay in Amegakure."

Yamato's voice was anxious:

"I can't do that! After being captured by Akatsuki, the village still doesn't know my whereabouts. I must return and report immediately!"

Naruto reassured him:

"No need to worry about that. Tsunade-baachan has already sent word—she's currently en route to Amegakure."

Yamato was stunned.

"The Fifth Hokage?! Is she coming specifically for me?"

Naruto scratched his head sheepishly.

"Uh... she's coming for Pervy Sage, but she's also coming for you—sort of."

"Sort of?" Yamato sighed in frustration.

Naruto chuckled.

"When Tsunade-baachan heads back, you can return with her. Isn't that more convenient?"

Yamato thought for a moment before confronting Naruto directly.

"Naruto, you clearly want me to stay. What exactly do you need me to do?"

Naruto hesitated briefly before admitting:

"Well... actually, it's like this..."

"Building houses?!" Yamato exclaimed.

Naruto's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

"Yes! Captain Yamato's Wood Release: Multiple Pillar House Technique is unparalleled in the ninja world. We need your help!"

Yamato sighed deeply.

"Fine. Naruto, even though you're technically a rogue ninja now, I'll repay the debt of you saving me from that masked man. Show me the areas that need rebuilding."

Naruto led Yamato to the residential zone of Amegakure.

Looking at the vast ruins, Yamato shook his head and chuckled bitterly.

"You're really asking me to give my life to repay this favor, aren't you?"

Naruto grinned sheepishly.

"Not at all! Whatever you can't finish, I'll take over!"

Yamato shook his head.

"Forget it. You don't even know Wood Release."

Naruto smirked, remaining silent.

"Not yet... but maybe soon."

Finally, at dawn, Orochimaru returned to Amegakure after many days away.

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