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"After that, I plan to have Kakashi succeed the Sixth Hokage," Uchiha Touko said. "As for myself, I plan to establish a new holy land to teach Sage Mode to the genius humans of the ninja world."

Kakashi, whose face was still somewhat pale, nodded as he looked at Uchiha Touko's unquestionable gaze.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's aged voice was filled with undisguised shock; he even forgot to smoke his pipe. He stared at the calm-faced Uchiha Touko before him, as if he were truly seeing this young Fifth Hokage for the first time. After ending the Fourth Shinobi World War, unifying the ninja world, and resolving the Infinite Tsukuyomi crisis, Uchiha Touko's prestige was at its zenith.

In name only, the sole monarch of the ninja world, Genji, had entrusted all the power of state affairs to him, the Grand Minister of State of the Fire Country Federation. In reality, with his unparalleled prestige and unfathomable strength, the Federation's military power, political power, and even the hearts and minds of its people were firmly in his hands. He was already an uncrowned emperor, and with just a slight hint of his intentions, it would be almost as easy as turning his hand to don the imperial robes and usher in a completely new era.

However, he chose to retire gracefully and create a transcendent "sacred place".

“Touko, you…” Hiruzen Sarutobi opened his mouth, unsure how to comment on this sudden decision.

“I understand your surprise, Third Hokage.” Uchiha Touko’s gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on the distant horizon, staring directly at the vast yet dangerous starry sky. “The peace we have now is only temporary. Although we have dealt with Kaguya and Isshiki, we have also been completely exposed to the depths of the starry sky, to the sight of the Otsutsuki clan.”

"Otsutsuki Isshiki and Kaguya are far from being top-tier powerhouses in their clan. As far as I know, their 'ancestor,' a being named Otsutsuki Shibakai, possessed strength that far surpassed our comprehension. If we don't prepare early, when an even stronger enemy arrives, all the current prosperity of the ninja world will collapse like a sandcastle, and the vitality of the entire world will be ruthlessly stripped away, turning into the fruits that sustain them."

Upon hearing this, Hashirama Senju frowned and said in a deep voice, "The power of the Otsutsuki clan is indeed terrifying. If it weren't for the fact that Isshiki didn't seem to be good at real life-or-death combat and his fighting style was a bit rigid, his pure power alone would have been enough to bring annihilation to the ninja world." Recalling that almost suffocating sense of oppression, he still felt lingering fear.

“That’s right.” Uchiha Touko nodded. “Therefore, we cannot place our hopes on the weakness or mistakes of our enemies. We must possess the power to confront them head-on, and even surpass them. Establishing a new sacred land, gathering talents, and exploring a path of training that transcends the existing ninjutsu system and points directly to the origin of Yin-Yang Release is a necessary step to accumulate power for the future.”

His gaze turned to the three Hokage resurrected through the Impure World Reincarnation: Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and Minato Namikaze: "Therefore, First Hokage, Second Hokage, and Fourth Hokage, I'm afraid you will need to wait in the Pure Land for a while. After some time, once I am ready, I will personally perform the jutsu to truly revive you and bring you back to the world of men."

"Direct resurrection?!" Hashirama Senju's expression turned serious. "In the battle of life and death, there is an order to life and death; this is the most fundamental law of the world. Forcibly blurring the line between life and death could cause great chaos!"

Uchiha Touko met Hashirama's worried gaze, his eyes as firm as a rock: "I am aware of the risks involved, but, First Hokage, in order to deal with the future crisis, we now... have no other choice. We need the strength of every hero, we need your wisdom and experience. This is not a desecration of the order of life and death, but an extraordinary measure that must be taken to protect more survivors."

Upon hearing this, Naruto's bright blue eyes lit up instantly, and he looked excitedly at the blond man beside him: "Dad! Did you hear that? You...you and Mom really can..."

Minato Namikaze looked at his son tenderly, a warm, sunny smile on his face. He reached out and ruffled Naruto's hair. "Ah, it sounds like Kushina and I really do have a chance to see you in a handsome suit, marry your bride, and maybe even hold your grandson." His words were full of longing for the future and love, which eased some of the heavy atmosphere surrounding the taboo of life and death.

After a brief silence, Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju exchanged a glance and finally nodded heavily. They understood that Touko Uchiha's decision was not out of personal desire, but for the survival of the entire world. Hiruzen Sarutobi also sighed and said no more.

Soon, the three former Hokage summoned through the Impure World Reincarnation began to emit faint wisps of light, their souls gradually detaching from their impure bodies and returning to the Pure Land. Before completely disappearing, Hashirama Senju gave Uchiha Touko one last deep look, his gaze complex, which ultimately turned into a faint sigh.

Uchiha Touko then turned around and led the survivors away from the devastated battlefield, returning to Konoha.

Upon returning to the village, Uchiha Touko immediately began the power transition process. He personally promoted and presided over the election of the Sixth Hokage.

Although everyone knew that Kakashi Hatake was the most popular and only person who could smoothly take over, all the necessary procedures were followed. As a result, people often saw the usually lazy silver-haired Jonin forced to pull himself together, put on the Hokage robe, and frequently appear throughout the village to comfort the villagers, guide reconstruction efforts, and give speeches, beginning a period he jokingly called "being forced to promote his old face."

Meanwhile, in the political center of the Land of Fire Federation, another important personnel arrangement was quietly under the leadership of Uchiha Touko. Hyuga Neji, the Hyuga genius who played a crucial role in the final battle and possessed the Tenseigan, was personally brought into the Federation's highest decision-making body by Uchiha Touko. Under Touko's careful guidance, Neji began to gradually become familiar with the core political affairs of the vast empire, from economic planning and diplomatic strategies to public welfare projects. His talent and calm insight quickly won the recognition of many.

As Kakashi and Neji gradually got on track, Uchiha Touko himself, the powerful Grand Minister of State, consciously began to withdraw from daily political affairs. He appeared less and less in court, devoting more of his energy to far-reaching plans for the future and the construction of the "Human Sage Mode Holy Land" that was currently being planned. An era slowly came to a close, and a new era, accompanied by hope and unknown challenges, quietly began.

Two years later, deep within a pristine mountain range in the Land of Fire, a place rarely visited by humans, yet where natural energy was so concentrated it manifested as tangible mist.

Uchiha Touko's figure appeared atop a steep cliff. He looked down at the misty, vibrant valley below, his dark Rinne Sharingan and gray-white Sage Marks lighting up simultaneously in his eyes.

He slowly raised his hands, his immense will mixed with the incomparably pure Yin Sage chakra, like an invisible giant hand, beginning to "organize" and "shape" this world.

The earth seemed to writhe as if it were alive, and according to its will, the foundations of ancient and solemn palaces rose up. These buildings were not built by man, but were "grown" directly from the rocks, blending perfectly with the surrounding environment.

Natural energy is guided and gathered, forming a shimmering, vibrant spring in the center of the valley.

The mysterious runes are not engraved, but rather "emerge" directly on the building's exterior walls and ground, creating a powerful barrier that gathers energy and defends against external enemies.

The sacred land of the human race's immortal mode began to take shape here.

This is not a sacred place for summoning spirit beasts like Mount Myōboku or Ryūchi Cave, but a sacred place exclusively for humans, where they rely on their own spiritual power to resonate with natural energy, pursue the essence of Yin and Yang, and explore higher levels of life and power. It will abandon the theory of bloodlines and sectarianism, and be open to all humans with sufficient talent, temperament, and will.

Having done all this, Uchiha Touko's figure vanished silently, as if merging into the clouds of the sacred land he had created. He would remain behind the scenes as the founder and guardian of the sacred land, no longer directly interfering in worldly disputes, but instead turning his gaze to the more distant exploration of the origins of life and power.

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The ninja world was reborn from the ruins, ushering in unprecedented true peace and prosperity. The systems of the Land of Fire Federation became increasingly完善 and deeply rooted in people's hearts.

Konoha Village has long been rebuilt, and is even more magnificent than before. On the Hokage Rock, next to the portrait of the Sixth Hokage, Hatake Kakashi, the portrait of the Seventh Hokage—Uchiha Sasuke—has been engraved.

Sasuke sat upright in the Hokage's office, dealing with a mountain of documents. He had shed some of the coldness of his youth, and his brows now held a calm and dignified air. Only his deep black eyes occasionally flashed with a sharp light, reminding people of his former title and power.

He governed the village and the Federation with a combination of iron fist and wisdom, with extremely high efficiency and clear rewards and punishments. Although he was not as "approachable" as the previous Hokage, he won absolute respect and trust.

His wife, Karin Uzumaki, who was in a political marriage with the Uzumaki clan, became the leader of the sealing team in Konoha. Although it was a political marriage, the two had grown up together since childhood and there was not much of a gap between them. They managed Konoha and the Uchiha clan very well.

Meanwhile, in the capital of the Fire Kingdom Federation, in a more modern political center.

Neji Hyuga, dressed in a sharp dark suit rather than traditional ninja attire, stood before a huge floor-to-ceiling window, discussing economic, transportation, and technological cooperation with representatives from various countries. He had temporarily relinquished his ninja duties, relying on the extraordinary insight, calm mind, and excellent strategic vision granted by his Tenseigan to gradually rise to the position of Minister of State of the Land of Fire Federation. He became Sasuke's most capable political right-hand man and ally, second only to the Hokage in actual power. Together, following the blueprint drawn up by Touko Uchiha before his retirement, they steadily propelled the ninja world from a simple alliance of ninja villages towards a more modern and institutionalized federal state.

As for Naruto Uzumaki...

No one knows exactly where he is. There is no portrait of him on Hokage Rock, nor is his name on the list of high-ranking officials in the federal government.

But it seems that his story is told in every corner of the ninja world.

Some say that deep in the desert of the Land of Wind, they saw him helping local villagers find water and tame rampaging sand beasts;

Some say they saw him training alone in a canyon in the Land of Lightning, his golden chakra illuminating the perilous terrain.

Some people say that he would often return to Konoha to secretly visit old friends and teachers, or go to Ichiraku Ramen to eat several large bowls of food, and then run away laughing before being discovered.

The last time he made a public appearance in front of everyone in the ninja world was at his wedding to the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan. However, the couple went out together the day after the wedding. It wasn't until half a year later that the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan returned to the village with a big belly. For this, the new Minister of State of the Land of Fire put on his battle suit again after many years and reportedly chased down most of the ninja world.

But no matter what, he fulfilled his childhood dream, became a hero of the ninja world, and saved the world, but in the end, he chose a path of freedom and ease.

He continues to protect the people and land he cherishes in his own way, no longer needing the constraints of any titles or positions.

The new era has begun, and everyone has a bright future.

The mentor who ushered in a new era and pulled the world back from the brink of despair has retreated to a sacred place, pursuing a higher realm.

The story of the ninja world has never ended; it has simply been passed down in a different form.

(End of the book)

The extra chapters will be released in the next few days.

Chapter 323 Extra: The Greatest Work

In the second year of the Land of Fire Federation, during the reign of the Sixth Hokage, Kakashi Hatake, the ninja world entered a period of relative peace, but also a more complex situation.

The old ninja village system has gradually been integrated into the larger national federal structure. The former Kage now assume more administrative responsibilities in governing a region, which is different from the purely military commanders of the past.

Kakashi Hatake sat in the Hokage's office, surrounded by a mountain of documents, ranging from reports on the investigation of traces of the Otsutsuki clan within the territory to agricultural harvest forecasts.

He sighed, looked up from the documents, and gazed out the window at the prosperous and peaceful Konoha Village. He couldn't help but think that in times of peace, documents are the greatest enemy.

He scratched his perpetually disheveled silver hair, reminiscing about the days when he could while away an afternoon simply by reading "Make-Out Paradise" in the garrison captain's office.

Just then, there was a rapid knock on the office door, and Shizune strode in with an urgent communications scroll in hand, her face grave.

"Lord Kakashi, an urgent encrypted communication from the Northwest Province." Shizune's tone carried a hint of unease. "It was sent directly by a high-ranking official from Deidara."

"Deidara?" Kakashi's languid posture softened slightly as he took the scroll. "That blond guy who hangs out with Naruto all the time? How much budget is he asking for for his 'Provincial Museum of Modern Explosion Art' this time? Hmm?"

He unfurled the scroll and quickly scanned the text. A few seconds later, his usually half-closed eyes slowly widened, revealing a rare look of disbelief.

"This isn't a budget request..." Kakashi muttered to himself, handing the scroll to Shizune who was standing nearby and to Nara Shikamaru who had come in after hearing the noise.

On the scroll, Deidara's handwriting was bold and vibrant, brimming with excitement. The gist of it was: "To implement the concept that true art is explosion, and to promote regional economic and cultural exchange and the re-creation of natural landscapes, after friendly consultation and consensus reached with Temari, the leader of the Land of Wind, and Nagato, the leader of the Land of Rain, I, Deidara, a high-ranking official of the Land of Earth Province of the Fire Kingdom Federation, will conduct an 'artistic blasting' to clear the eastern spur of the Giant God Mountains (commonly known as the 'Boundary Mountain'), a natural barrier separating the Land of Rain and the Land of Wind, at noon three days from now. This is hereby reported for your information." A small clay explosion pattern was also included at the end of the signature.

Shikamaru's lips twitched after reading it, and he rubbed his forehead. "This...this is truly 'artistic'. Blowing up a mountain? Has he gone this far? And Temari-sama and Nagato-sama actually agreed? This is too troublesome..."

Kakashi sat back down in his chair, his fingers interlaced and resting on his chin. Deidara, the former Akatsuki member who had defected from the village, gained prestige during the post-war reconstruction, and unexpectedly became a high-ranking official in the Northwest Province, was never one to stay put. His artistic pursuits found new and even more troublesome ways of expression in peacetime.

"Notify Neji's side, then contact the Province of Wind and the Province of Rain to confirm the authenticity of the information, immediately!" Kakashi ordered, his voice regaining the calmness befitting a Hokage.

The communication was quickly answered. Temari's reply was concise and to the point: "It is true. This move will help the Province of Wind change its desert climate. According to expert assessments, without the obstruction of this mountain range, the stagnant moisture from the Land of Rain can reach the Land of Wind, turning large areas of desert into fertile land in less than 10 years. It has great strategic significance."

Deidara's high-ranking officials' "art" is merely an efficient means to achieve their goals. The Sand Village technology team has assessed the risks and determined they are manageable.

"Does Nagato mean the same thing?" Kakashi asked, his eyes narrowed.

“Yes,” the communications team replied. “That’s the same idea of ​​Nagato’s high-ranking officials. Blowing up this mountain would improve the perpetually rainy climate of the Land of Rain, which would be beneficial to both sides.”

Kakashi and Shikamaru exchanged bewildered glances. Well, these two neighboring leaders not only agreed, but each had very valid and irrefutable reasons. However, why did they both choose to send Deidara?

"What should we do, Kakashi-sensei?" Shikamaru sighed. "From an administrative standpoint, Deidara, as a high-ranking official, is carrying out 'infrastructure construction' within his jurisdiction and along the borders of friendly neighboring provinces, and has already obtained the consent of the relevant parties. We don't seem to have a strong reason to stop him. But from a security and impact perspective..."

“I know,” Kakashi interrupted him, his eyes sharpening. “Blowing open a mountain causes unpredictable geological shifts, climate change, and ecological impacts. Besides, that guy used explosive clay; the scale is probably…”

He stood up, walked to the window in front of the Fire Shadow Rock, and gazed into the distance, as if he could see through the distance to the mountain that was about to be baptized by "art".

"Get ready, Shikamaru." Kakashi turned around. "We need to go to the 'construction site' ourselves. By the way, in the name of the Hokage, we should invite Onoki-senpai to come along. After all, there aren't many people who can keep an eye on his 'precious disciple'."

Three days later, the target was blown up.

This mountain range, like the spine of the earth, stands majestically and severely hinders direct communication between the Province of Rain and the Province of Wind. On one side of the mountain lies the humid climate of the Province of Rain, characterized by perennial haze and drizzle, while on the other side lies the vast, arid Province of Wind, shrouded in sandstorms.

Meanwhile, the area at the foot of the mountain was unusually lively. Deidara stood on a makeshift platform, his official uniform disheveled, with his classic Akatsuki robe casually draped over it. His blond hair was tied back, and he excitedly directed his subordinates to conduct the final clearing and inspection.

His art is finally about to produce a masterpiece! Not destruction, but creation! To carve through mountains and alter geography—what art this is! This is his greatest work ever!

Not far from the high platform, Temari, the leader of the Wind Province, stood with her arms crossed, Kankuro and the Sunagakure engineering team behind her. She calmly observed the scene, occasionally whispering to Kankuro to confirm the wind direction, the expected blast radius, and the subsequent road construction plan. To her, Deidara's artistic fervor was merely a tool; the result was what mattered most.

On the other side, Nagato, the leader of the Rain Province, stood quietly in the drizzle, with Konan holding a paper umbrella for him. His eyes were calmly fixed on the mountains. For him, this was a great attempt; perhaps the tears of the Rain Country could be reduced as a result.

"Deidara! You brat, stop right there!"

A roar came from the horizon, and the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, flew angrily in his flying ninja tool, followed by a helpless-looking Kakashi and Shikamaru.

When Deidara saw his teacher, he wasn't afraid at all; instead, he became even more excited: "Oh! Old man! You've come to see my art exhibition too? Hmm!"

Onoki landed on the ground, his mustache bristling with anger: "An art exhibition? You're kidding me! Blast the mountain? Do you know how much geological disaster that will cause? If it triggers a large-scale landslide, mudslide, or even changes the groundwater system, the consequences will be unimaginable! How did you become such a high-ranking official?"

Kakashi stepped forward, patted Onoki on the shoulder to comfort him, and then looked at Deidara, Temari, and Nagato: "Gentlemen, isn't this too hasty? Although all parties have agreed, the potential risks of such a huge project need to be assessed over a longer period of time."

Temari spoke in a businesslike tone: "Sixth Hokage, Tsuchikage. The technical teams from the Ministry of Wind and Sunagakure have conducted a three-month simulation assessment. Deidara's explosive plan precisely controlled the range and yield, aiming to blast out the most reasonable pass, rather than destroying the entire mountain range. Subsequent reinforcement and ecological maintenance plans are also ready."

Nagato added calmly, "Amegakure has also been monitoring the situation. The mountain range itself is the biggest destabilizing factor. Change brings risks, but it also gives birth to new life."

Deidara jumped off the platform and ran to Kakashi and Onoki, his eyes shining: "That's right! Don't worry, old man and Kakashi-senpai! My art is perfect! Precise! It will absolutely only blast out the most beautiful passage! Hmm!"

Onoki was so angry he wanted to curse again, but Kakashi stopped him. Kakashi looked at the pure, unadulterated confidence and fanaticism in Deidara's eyes, then at Temari and Nagato, who had clearly weighed the pros and cons and were determined to push things forward, and knew that it was impossible to stop them now.

He sighed: "Deidara, you need to guarantee absolute control over the blast radius and power. We'll be here monitoring. If there are any signs of trouble, it must be stopped immediately."

"Don't worry! Watch me! Hmm!" Deidara confidently patted the clay bag at his waist and ran back to the platform.

It was nearing noon. The area was cleared, and everyone retreated to a safe distance. Deidara took a deep breath, plunged his hands into the clay bag, and his chakra surged violently.

"Finally... finally this moment has arrived! Feel the art! Drink!"

He abruptly hurled the specially made clay, infused with his own chakra and compressed to an extreme degree, from his palm toward the intended part of the mountain. The clay rapidly deformed and expanded in the air, no longer taking the shape of a bird or a spider, but transforming into countless fine, drill-like, peculiar structures that precisely embedded themselves into the crevices and key nodes of the mountain rock.

"C4 Garuda Modified!"

Deidara formed hand seals, his voice trembling with excitement.