Kushina was eventually brought back to Konoha by the ANBU. The battlefield had been relentless, and the command headquarters could spare no ninjas to protect her during the rescue.
With her return, the impact of her kidnapping gradually faded, and no one spoke of the Hidden Cloud Village again, as if the incident had never occurred.
The Third Tsuchikage was undeniably cunning and calculating. Though he was far away in the Hidden Stone Village, he had discerned Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions before anyone else.
Since Konoha had no plans for immediate action, once the Third Raikage realized this, he continued his assaults on the Land of Earth. Onoki seized the opportunity to dispatch troops, ostensibly joining Konoha against the Hidden Cloud forces. This intimidation caused the Cloud forces to retreat, abandoning large territories they had previously occupied.
By the time the Third Raikage responded, the two villages were already engaged in battle again, but the Hidden Cloud Village no longer held the same advantage.
The clashes between Konoha and the Hidden Sand escalated relentlessly.
In August, the Third Kazekage personally attacked Konoha's supply lines, creating severe food shortages on the front. By September, Chiyo introduced a new poison, inflicting devastating casualties and halting Konoha's advance.
Tsunade quickly decoded the toxin, however, and over the following two months, the battlefield became a cycle of poisoning and antidote—a test of skill as much as strength.
This only enhanced Tsunade's reputation as a medical prodigy. Despite her pride, she remained modest.
"There's no such thing as genius. I just spend the time others spend eating ramen on antidotes."
Of course, the full version included her humor: "Hahaha, don't call me 'The Number One Female Ninja in the Ninja World.' Humility is important. By the way, have you ever seen the Land of Rivers at four in the morning?"
Though she joked, the truth was that Tsunade spent her meals dismantling Chiyo's poisons, and her medical ninjutsu grew increasingly effective against Hidden Sand toxins.
By the end of Konoha Year 31, the battlefield had changed: ordinary Hidden Sand ninjas had dwindled, and elite puppeteers were now the backbone of their forces.
Konoha adapted. Ten elite Jonin formed the core of specialized teams designed to eliminate these puppeteers, while the remaining ninjas were divided between reinforcements and defensive positions.
Hayashi took a place among the teams. Despite his youth, he was already familiar with many of his comrades—ninja he had saved on previous missions or who had fought alongside him. Orochimaru's foresight minimized instability within the group.
Two months later, Hayashi returned to Konoha's camp, bloodied and exhausted. On the last leg of their journey, his twenty-man team had been ambushed by over forty Hidden Sand ninja. After nearly two days of fierce combat, ten of his comrades had fallen, but they had annihilated the enemy.
From that point, Hayashi's name resonated across the Konoha forces, rivaling even the legendary White Fang.
Medical ninjas quickly treated him and the survivors. Two days later, most of those who had completed their missions—including Tsunade and Orochimaru—returned.
Yet, a week later, Sakumo Hatake arrived, wounded, declaring, "Mission failed." His words cast a shadow over the operation.
Sakumo's mission had been exceptionally dangerous. Success might have ended the war sooner. Even the White Fang, undefeated until now, had stumbled.
Orochimaru patted him on the shoulder. "Don't take it to heart. Everyone has a first time. Send the injured to the medical area."
Despite their efforts, a pressing question haunted every Konoha ninja: when would the war end? What was the true path to peace?
....
Swish.
Nagato pushed open the door, dressed in his training suit. Only Jiraiya was inside, slouched over a low table, slurping hot ramen. Books lay scattered across the tatami mats.
"Teacher." Nagato greeted casually, sitting down.
"What's wrong?" Jiraiya asked, drawing noodles into his mouth.
"Do you have a moment?"
"I was just thinking about writing a book," Jiraiya replied, frowning. "But I can't think of a good story."
"Let's eat first, then we can talk."
They ate quickly, and Nagato finally asked, "About what you said before, teacher, regarding the hatred in this world."
Jiraiya nodded thoughtfully. "I've been thinking about it too."
"Any ideas?"
"Peace… I haven't found the path yet."
Nagato looked at him seriously. "But one day, I will break this curse. If peace exists, I will hold it tightly in my hands. More important than methods is the power of belief."
Jiraiya fell silent, then nodded slowly. "That's… a good thought. It might be true."
Suddenly, he brightened. "I've got it!"
"What is it, teacher?" Nagato asked.
"It seems I can write a great book, thanks to you. But the protagonist's name… that's a secret. You'll know when it's written." Jiraiya smiled smugly, drinking the last of his soup.
....
By the end of June, the transplanted wisteria trellis beside the hut bloomed, a month later than usual, as if waiting for something.
Bright purple flowers glistened under the rain, droplets falling gently from the petals, creating a scene of exquisite beauty.
"Next, I leave it to you." Jiraiya addressed his three disciples, standing in the rain.
"Don't cry, Yahiko. You'll be seen as weak."
From Konoha's Year 30 to the present, they had lived together for two years. Parting was difficult, even for Jiraiya.
"Here, Teacher Jiraiya." Konan handed him a bouquet of folded paper flowers.
"I will take good care of it. Konan, you will grow into a beauty. When you are older, let's meet again."
Jiraiya turned and left, his words carrying weight:
"This country is poor, and the future will bring pain. But… you will have to rely on your own strength to change it. You have all grown up."
Right, Nagato…