The Fourth Raikage and the Third Tsuchikage both stood silently as the dust of battle began to settle. Despite the fierce energy that had surrounded this conflict, neither leader had much to say now. The Fourth Great Ninja War, if it could even be called that, felt like a hollow struggle.
Both the Cloud and Rock villages were still recovering from the devastating aftermath of the Third Ninja War. Continuing the battle any further was simply impossible—logistically and emotionally. And as things currently stood, there wasn't even a clear winner.
Yes, on the surface, it might look like Cloud Shinobi had the upper hand. But what had they truly gained? Would they try to seize loot from the Rock Shinobi? Even that was pointless. Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, had essentially handed over the battlefield to the Uchiha, placing Rock Village's hopes in their hands. Raikage might desire the spoils, but there was nothing to take.
And more importantly, there was an overwhelming threat watching everything from the sidelines: the Uchiha Clan.
Nobody wanted to provoke a clan that could now stand toe-to-toe with Kage-level powers. Not even Raikage, who was known for his bold and aggressive nature, had the appetite for another confrontation.
As for Onoki, deep in his heart, he knew the truth. Even if the Uchiha hadn't stepped in, Iwagakure would not have lasted much longer. Cloud Shinobi's pressure had already pushed them to the brink. Their ninjas were fierce, but they lacked one key thing—supplies. Sustaining a full-scale war required food, medicine, weapons, and more. And the smaller surrounding countries, whom they usually preyed on, no longer had the resources to keep them afloat.
It wasn't about strength anymore. It was about survival.
Even if Raikage had made demands, Onoki would have chosen a truce. Not because he feared defeat, but because continuing the fight would mean total collapse from within. Rock Shinobi simply couldn't afford it.
And so, with the silent acknowledgement of Uchiha observers standing by, Raikage and Onoki officially ended the battle. No handshakes. Just a nod. Then each leader turned away with their own burden to carry.
The Uchiha, however, didn't leave just yet.
They had accepted a personal request from Onoki—to escort and evaluate Iwagakure's situation after the war. It was a gesture of respect, but also a strategic move.
As they traveled toward the Rock Village, Onoki couldn't hold back his thoughts any longer.
"You Uchiha... have you really severed ties with Konoha?" he asked, his voice old but probing.
He found it hard to believe. For a powerful clan to leave a major village and still rise higher than ever, it challenged everything he'd believed in for decades.
Andrew, one of the leaders walking beside him, gave a calm response. "There's no way to stay linked to Konoha and survive. Staying there only meant certain death. But once we left—possibilities opened. And now, the results speak for themselves."
His words were light, but they carried undeniable weight.
To elders like Onoki, the very idea of village unity was sacred. The founding of the ninja villages brought peace through strength in numbers. For a clan to abandon that and thrive? It shattered a fundamental belief.
He thought of the Third Hokage, a man willing to bend morals and his own pride to preserve Konoha's image. Even in death, that man had never questioned Konoha's supremacy.
But Andrew... Andrew was proving that loyalty to the village wasn't necessary for greatness.
Onoki sighed. "That may be true. Since the death of Uchiha Madara, not much good news has come from your clan. But now... it's clear. Konoha lost something valuable when they let you go."
He remembered the man who had once humiliated both him and his master in battle—Madara Uchiha. He also recalled more recent reports of Konoha's treatment of the Uchiha clan, how they were isolated, distrusted, and silenced. Looking at the strong Uchiha now, he realized Andrew's words weren't lies.
Even if Uchiha had left Konoha in name only, their strength had become something to be reckoned with—independent of any village.
"This has nothing to do with Konoha anymore," Andrew said. Then, changing the topic, he asked with a smirk, "By the way, Lord Tsuchikage, isn't the Earth Country's economy a bit shaky right now?"
Onoki nearly coughed from surprise, half-laughing and half-annoyed. "Well... it's not great. But don't worry—we'll pay your commission. We won't default on your fee."
This wasn't just any escort mission. They had been up against Raikage and multiple elite Cloud Jonin. A squad of three Mangekyō Sharingan users—all with Kage-level strength—was what it took to guarantee survival.
Especially Andrew. The Susanoo he summoned was far more terrifying than even Madara's. No wonder Onoki was nervous—he needed three or four Kage to even think about stopping one Andrew.
But Andrew just shook his head. "No, Lord Tsuchikage. I didn't mean to talk about money. We're not here to bleed you dry. We're businessmen now. We understand your village is recovering. We don't want to kick you while you're down."
He paused, letting his words settle. "In fact, that's why I wanted to propose something more useful."
"Tsuchikage-sama," he said, looking ahead toward the smoky horizon of Iwagakure, "Our Uchiha Group has already established business partnerships with both the Mist and Cloud villages. We're trying to create a trade route that boosts the economy of every nation involved."
Andrew turned to face Onoki directly. "Would the Earth Country and Iwagakure like to join us?"
Onoki blinked, clearly taken aback. "Business cooperation? And Konoha... they're okay with you doing this?"
He asked more out of instinct than belief. But even he realized that Konoha's opinion no longer mattered. The Uchiha Clan had fought in this war on their own terms. They were now a sovereign force.
Andrew nodded firmly. "That's the key point. This is not about Konoha. Our business operates under the Uchiha Group. Everything is separate from politics. We don't take sides. We don't care about village grudges."
He continued, "If we keep politics out, then our trade won't be touched by your wars. Mist and Cloud agreed. Their daimyos agreed. We're not warriors anymore—we're investors."
Onoki stroked his chin. His years of leadership had taught him one thing—wars are driven by scarcity. When resources flow, people don't fight. When they dry up, blood spills.
During war, caravans stopped moving. No goods. No food. No growth. If Andrew's plan worked, it could offer stability no village had ever seen.
Andrew's voice lowered. "It's not about controlling the market or using it to dominate others. It's about making war unnecessary. A prosperous land doesn't need war to survive."
He gestured toward the cracked earth they were walking on. "Your people are tired, Lord Tsuchikage. They've bled enough. Let them rebuild without fear. Join our trade network."
Onoki didn't answer right away. He thought of his people—the shinobi, the civilians, the children who'd grown up only knowing war. Could a better future be bought with goods and mutual trade?
Maybe.
Andrew extended his hand.
"We don't need an answer now. But consider it. We want peace, too."
And for the first time, Onoki didn't feel like he was speaking to a rogue clan leader—but to a visionary.
A Uchiha not born to destroy—but to build.
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