But she wasn't strong.
In fact, compared to the others here, she seemed a bit weak.
Perhaps it was because Kaede had already altered the future. Now, Naruto didn't like Sakura at all. Instead, he admired Kaede and longed to become someone like him.
Lee, however, had feelings for her. Unfortunately, after the fall of Konoha, he was never taken as Guy's disciple. But Kaede knew his situation well.
Those with little talent in ninjutsu but who excelled in taijutsu had all been given special training.
Because of this, Lee's current strength wasn't inferior to what it should have been. For Sakura, that made him a reliable teammate.
"Sakura, don't be sad. When we draw lots later, I'm sure we'll be grouped together. If that happens, I'll definitely protect you."
Lee patted his chest without hesitation, full of confidence.
"You… sigh, fine."
Sakura looked at him helplessly. She wanted to argue but could only nod in the end. With her own lack of strength, if someone strong could protect her, she might just survive and make it into the second round.
"I definitely will."
Lee grinned.
"Don't forget about me!"
Tenten chimed in with a nod. Like Lee, she had also received special instruction. Her strength was formidable.
The children from the other villages all nodded silently after hearing Kaede's words. Their eyes burned with determination.
They believed they would grow stronger and be chosen by powerful figures. If that happened, their villages would benefit.
…
Sasuke stood off to the side with the Root operatives disguised by Transformation Jutsu. His cold eyes swept the crowd.
Sure enough, he spotted many familiar faces.
And then he saw Naruto—laughing happily with others.
Sasuke clenched his fists.
Why did it feel like betrayal? Why could Naruto smile so freely while everything had been stolen from him?
Naruto had his father back, Minato revived. Sasuke, meanwhile, had lost his clan, his parents… everything. The only family he had left was a brother whose face he could barely remember anymore, lost in Akatsuki's shadow.
Naruto now had a father's love. Sasuke had nothing. And now he was forced to bow his Uchiha pride and obey Danzo.
How could he not rage?
He saw Naruto as a traitor.
But if he wanted revenge, he had to follow Danzo's orders. Without that, he'd never get the chance.
So he stared coldly, holding it in.
The Root operatives at his side watched him closely. They didn't know he came from the Nation of Gods. But they still had to restrain him if he acted recklessly. The plan couldn't be ruined.
Thankfully, Sasuke didn't move. Even when the drawing began, he stayed silent. They sighed in relief.
…
The lottery started.
Those who drew matching numbers would form a group.
The Uchiha were the first to draw—Kaede's clan privilege.
Izumi stepped up with a smile, pressed the button, and a number appeared on the screen, instantly marked beside her name. Whoever drew the same number would be placed in her team.
The drawing began in full.
Kaede stood nearby, watching impassively.
Beside him was Kaguya.
She hadn't wanted to appear. To her, the world had lost its worth. Even though Kaede had liberated people from the oppression of daimyos and nobles, granting them equality under new rules, betrayal always followed power.
She'd been deceived once before—never again. Were it not for Kaede, Kaguya would have shown no mercy.
Now she only remained because of him.
"You seem to pay that boy special attention."
Kaguya noticed Kaede watching Naruto.
"Yes. If I ever leave this world for another, he will be my successor here."
Kaede's words held no hesitation.
Perhaps once Naruto had been naïve, forgiving everyone no matter how deeply he was hurt. But without Ashura's soul influencing him, he had grown into someone normal, someone real.
After all his training, Naruto's mind and strength were no longer the same. Combined with his unique status—Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails and son of Minato—he was the ideal figure for people to rally behind.
"You're leaving this world? When? Take me with you."
Kaguya wasn't surprised. The Otsutsuki always wandered the stars, searching for worlds to harvest, to grow stronger.
Kaede's power had already surpassed most of their clan. Of course he would move on one day.
But when? That was what she wanted to know.
"Not yet. I'll go once everything here belongs fully to the Nation of Gods. And don't worry—when I leave, I'll bring you with me."
Kaede smiled.
Then his gaze swept the room and fell on Sasuke.
Even with his features disguised, Kaede recognized him immediately.
The Yin-Yang imprint on his soul hadn't vanished.
Kaede narrowed his eyes.
He was curious—what exactly was Sasuke planning?
(End of Chapter)
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