The war was over at last.

It was nearly dusk. The sky's gloom faded along with the battlefield's smoke, and long-unseen sunlight pierced through the clouds, shining down onto the land of Uzugakure.

On the battlefield, the corpse of Three-Tails Isobu slowly transformed into countless motes of light, vanishing into the heavens. Sooner or later, it would be reborn somewhere in the shinobi world.

With the death of the Three-Tails, its Jinchuriki — the Three-Tails Jinchuriki — also perished. Sakumo Hatake gave orders to bring the body back to Konoha for study.

In fact, not only this Kage, but also the corpses of the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist, as well as other elite ninja from Mist and Cloud, were all wrapped individually in bandages by Konoha Anbu and lined up neatly.

In the world of ninja, the dead still held great value — sometimes even greater than the living.

Elsewhere.

The Six-Tails Saiken and Two-Tails Matatabi, both lying across the battlefield like little mountains, were sealed respectively inside two tall wooden gourds by Ashina Uzumaki and over a hundred Uzumaki clan members working together.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The gourds shook violently, occasionally emitting thudding sounds from within, clearly showing that the Tailed Beasts refused to stay quiet. However, the surface of the gourds was covered with sealing formulas, tightly suppressing them so they had absolutely no chance of escaping.

As for Genichiro, the traitor of the Uzumaki clan, and the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, their fates naturally followed that of the Third Mizukage — dying in despair and resentment.

"Tch!" "Tch!"

The Uzumaki clansmen spat one after another toward Genichiro's corpse, expressing their contempt for the traitor. Then, they piled his body together with those of the other traitors and burned them all to ashes.

This was the fate of any betrayer.

As for the fallen members of their own clan, their bodies were carefully collected and sealed into scrolls. When the right time and place were found, they would be given proper burials.

"The sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan are truly remarkable. I've never seen anything like it before."

Sakumo Hatake walked over, praising as he looked at the two large wooden gourds.

"You're too kind,"

Ashina Uzumaki replied coldly. "These gourds can only restrain them for seven days — the sealing formula isn't very stable. These two Tailed Beasts belong to Clan Head Heiyan's spoils of war. They must wait until he awakens before being dealt with personally by him."

"Haha, of course."

Sakumo chuckled awkwardly. He understood Ashina's meaning — and sensed his wariness and resentment toward Konoha.

Clearly, the Uzumaki clan had already lost trust in Konoha. Were it not for Heiyan serving as the bond between them, the two sides might have already turned hostile and broken into conflict right there on the spot.

At this moment, Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga approached from the distance as well. From among the rubble of the battlefield, they had retrieved three of Mist's ninja swords.

The remaining four blades had likely been taken away by fleeing Mist ninja amid the chaos.

Fugaku held the Explosive Blade in his hand — undoubtedly, combining this blade with his Fire Release and Scorch Release techniques could produce even greater combat power.

Hiashi obtained the Cleaver Sword, a weapon well-suited for wide sweeping strikes that matched perfectly with his Eight Gates technique.

The third sword was Heiyan's loyal companion—Samehada. It seemed to have deliberately stayed behind, waiting for the two men to discover it. After all, someone like Heiyan, whose chakra reserves were absolutely unique across the entire ninja world, was extremely rare. How could Samehada possibly pass up such an opportunity?

Fugaku and his companion handed Samehada over to Ashina Uzumaki, who would keep it safe on Heiyan's behalf.

As for Fugaku and Hiashi, Ashina Uzumaki displayed a completely different attitude—extremely enthusiastic, respectfully addressing both of them with honorific titles.

By now, the battlefield had essentially been secured and cleaned up.

Tsunade removed the armor from Heiyan's body and carried him on her back, silently beginning the journey back to Konoha.

"Hurry up and follow!"

Sakumo Hatake barked out the orders without hesitation. He left one Anbu squad in Uzu Country to handle the aftermath, tasked with eliminating remaining enemies in various towns, while another squad formed protective ranks around Tsunade throughout the journey, escorting her and Heiyan back to the village.

Ashina Uzumaki also left part of his clan members behind to cooperate with the Konoha Anbu in exterminating enemy remnants. As for the rest, their sole mission was simple: never let Heiyan, their clan leader, go unguarded for even a second.

Under the setting sun, this group marched grandly into the distance, their shadows stretching long behind them.

After everyone had left,

Orochimaru, with black hair and snake-like golden eyes, stepped out from behind a large tree.

He had originally been carefully guarding the transportation array inside the underground tunnel as per Heiyan's orders, but the commotion above ground grew too intense to ignore.

Therefore, Orochimaru couldn't resist his curiosity and secretly came to the edge of the battlefield, personally witnessing the entire war unfold before him.

As for the dozen unconscious Root agents underground, he had already killed every single one and disposed of the bodies. Those individuals, after all, were 100% loyal to Danzo and thus unusable by him.

Now that he had eliminated Danzo's forces, the leadership of Root naturally would fall under his command—as its rightful second-in-command.

"Now then, the ninja world is about to get interesting."

Orochimaru licked his lips, flashing a sly and sinister grin as he murmured to himself.

Soon afterward, he too left the location, returning toward Konoha.

Three days later,

The news of the battle at Uzugakure swept across the shinobi world like an unprecedented hurricane, spreading within just two or three days.

Fire, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Water, Rain, River, Waterfall, Bird, Grass, Frost, Snow, Cloud, Artisan, Iron—regardless of size—great nations or small, warring or neutral—be they powerful Daimyo perched atop thrones or common shinobi, warriors, and villagers—all were deeply shaken by this unprecedented war.

Taking place primarily in Uzu Country, this war involved Konoha, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, several smaller hidden villages, and organizations like the Golden Exchange.

The attacking side deployed two Kage-level leaders, four Tailed Beasts, the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist, more than a hundred Jonin, and nearly ten thousand ordinary ninja. Additionally, there were several unidentified Kage-level experts.

Yet the defending force stationed at Uzugakure consisted of merely several hundred soldiers—logically speaking, far too weak to mount any effective resistance.

It was a battle where one side clearly had the advantage in both numbers and power, yet the war ended with the multinational coalition nearly wiped out while the defending forces claimed total victory.

Why?

Because three incredibly young Konoha ninjas appeared out of nowhere during the crisis, unleashing destruction across the battlefield and ultimately turning the tide. They left the entire shinobi world in awe.

War is undeniably cruel, but it's also where heroes are most likely to rise.

The heroes of this war were unquestionably these three warriors of extraordinary strength.

Their names were Uzumaki Heiyan, Fugaku Uchiha, and Hiashi Hyuga.

Fugaku's Mangekyo Sharingan, Scorch Release techniques, and his forty-meter-long sword-wielding Susanoo; Hiashi's sharp sword techniques, Byakugan, and Eight Gates Taijutsu that surpassed human limits; Heiyan's Sage Art, sweeping Kekkei Tota chakra chains across the battlefield, and his unstoppable [Six Paths Meteor Hammer]—together they defeated every powerful enemy and changed the entire course of the war.

After this unprecedented battle, these three names were destined to be forever recorded in the history of the shinobi world and remembered for eternity. Their deeds would be endlessly praised by future generations and passed down through the ages.

As news of the Uzugakure battle spread far and wide, the profound impact this war had on the entire shinobi world was just beginning...

Mount Myoboku.

"Great Elder, your prophecy was completely off! You're about to lose all your reputation!" Gamabunta barked at Gamamaru, who sat upon the Sage Throne inside the temple.

"Don't rush to conclusions."

Gamamaru didn't flinch and replied calmly, "Uzumaki Heiyan may not necessarily awaken."

"Is that so?" Gamabunta scratched his head, uncertain whether to believe it or not.

Beside him, Old Lady Shima quietly whispered to Fukasaku while trying not to laugh: "Dear, this old man is still stubbornly refusing to admit he misjudged the situation."

"Sigh..."

Upon hearing those words, Fukasaku sighed with concern in his voice, "If Great Elder insists on clinging to his own views and continues holding prejudice against Heiyan, it might damage the relationship between Mount Myoboku and Konoha."

Even though Gamamaru looked indifferent with his eyes shut, he actually heard everything spoken between Fukasaku and Shima.

That very day, the Frog Clan, having witnessed the entire Uzugakure battle firsthand, made their move first.

Mount Myoboku immediately dispatched the Toad Trio to the border area shared by the Land of Fire, Wind, and Earth, joining Jiraiya afterward to reinforce Konoha's frontlines.

Meanwhile, Fukasaku and Shima, acting under Gamamaru's orders, went to pay a visit to the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen and stayed behind in the village to assist in the defense of Konoha itself.

Needless to say, Gamamaru, who has lived for over a thousand years, is a master at reading situations and adapting accordingly—his ability to seize opportunity is truly second to none.

In Sunagakure, within the Kazekage's office.

Sunagakure's Third Kazekage, Chiyo, Ebizo, other high-ranking elders of Sunagakure, along with younger generation members Rasa and Pakura, were all gathered solemnly around the meeting table.

"Never did I expect that Konoha's greatest genius, Heiyan, would grow to such an astonishing level,"

the Third Kazekage sighed deeply, his expression filled with disbelief and emotion.

Still fresh in everyone's memory was the exchange event after the last Chunin Exams, when Uzumaki Heiyan stepped forward and defeated seven Sunagakure ninja one after another, forcing Sunagakure to sign a trade agreement with Konoha.

From that moment on, the Third Kazekage realized that once Uzumaki Heiyan reached his full potential, he would surely become a major threat to Suna on the battlefield within ten years.

But reality proved he had greatly underestimated Uzumaki Heiyan's potential.

It had only been one year — yet everything had changed.

Uzumaki Heiyan had already become unstoppable on the battlefield — slaying the Mizukage, defeating the Raikage, and subduing Tailed Beasts, unmatched by anyone in the world. Even the strongest Third Kazekage in history would likely stand little chance against him, barely able to fight back.

"It's not just Uzumaki Heiyan. Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi are no slouches either — they're genuine Kage-level experts. The Three Greatest Prodigies from Konoha are truly terrifying."

Ebizō added with a sigh.

Beside him, Rasa clenched his fists tightly while listening, his face showing obvious resentment.

As Suna's Number One Prodigy, compared to Konoha's three prodigies, he felt like an insignificant joke, completely overlooked.

In the midst of this heavy atmosphere, Pakura standing nearby couldn't help but feel delighted — her joy was obvious, written all over her pretty face.

Hearing news about Uzumaki Heiyan again after a whole year — and such good news — it deepened her admiration and longing for him even more. She almost wanted to jump up in excitement right then and there.

However, remembering where she was, Pakura managed to hold herself back at the last moment.

At this moment, the Third Kazekage turned around silently, fixing his gaze upon the battle map hanging on the wall.

Originally, they had already allied with Iwagakure and planned to wage war against Konoha together, seizing territory from the Land of Fire. But now, with news from the Battle of Uzugakure spreading, the operation had become unfeasible under the intimidation of Konoha's rising Three Greatest Prodigies.

Therefore, the Third Kazekage sighed deeply again and gave orders to the group with his back still turned:

"Notify frontline units to withdraw completely and cancel all operations against Konoha. I personally will write a letter to the Third Hokage to clear up misunderstandings and disputes."

At this, everyone present was stunned but nodded in silent acceptance before leaving the office one by one.

After stepping outside the Kazekage's building, Pakura was happily about to go search for more information about Uzumaki Heiyan when someone suddenly called her from behind.

It was Chiyo.

"Pakura, if I'm not mistaken, you should have quite a close relationship with Heiyan, right?"

Chiyo stared intently at Pakura with a knowing smile.

She hadn't forgotten how, after the Chunin Exams ended a year ago, Pakura didn't return with the others but stayed in Konoha for some time instead. Also during that great battle at the Valley of the End, she got injured trying to save Uzumaki Heiyan and had to stay hospitalized in Konoha.

"Lord Chiyo, Uzumaki Heiyan and I are just ordinary friends."

Pakura immediately raised her hand nervously, replying with an embarrassed smile as her cheeks flushed lightly.

"Haha, well, even ordinary friends count as friends."

Chiyo chuckled without calling out Pakura's pretense and patted her shoulder gently, saying:

"I heard that after the Great War of Uzugakure, Uzumaki Heiyan fell into unconsciousness and still hasn't woken up until now."

"Since you're a ninja from Sand and also Heiyan's friend, why don't you represent our village and pay him a visit in Konoha? What do you think?"

"Really?"

Upon hearing this, Pakura was first surprised, then couldn't help but feel delighted.

"Absolutely. This is actually the Kazekage's suggestion," Chiyo continued, gently patting Pakura's shoulder again with an encouraging look in her eyes. "My dear child, as someone who's been through it all, I can only tell you one thing from my own experience: a good partner is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—miss it and you'll regret it for life. You, need to go for it."

After saying these words, Chiyo floated away, leaving Pakura standing there trembling slightly, wearing a thoughtful expression.

After Pakura had gone,

Chiyo emerged once more from behind the corner, watching Pakura's retreating figure with deep eyes.

All current evidence pointed to one fact: Uzumaki Heiyan was a man no amount of effort from Sand could possibly overcome. Furthermore, he very likely would become the next Hokage of Konoha.

Under such circumstances, for its own benefit, Sand needed to change strategies—to stop opposing Konoha, and instead realign itself with this powerful neighbor.

And Pakura was the best card Sand still held.

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