The Hakimaster of Naruto

Chapter 215 CHAPTER 215: AFTER THE WAR

"It's over?"

"He's just leaving?"

Standing in the heavy rain, the three figures of Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru stared in disbelief at the spot where Hanzo had vanished.

The demigod. Sansho Hanzo. The man they had fought for three straight days—and he simply... left.

And that title he'd given them. "Legendary Sannin." What was that supposed to mean?

"I thought we were dead for sure this time." Jiraiya collapsed onto the rain-soaked ground, panting heavily, still struggling to process what had just happened.

"I don't understand either," Tsunade murmured. "But at least we survived."

If they had continued fighting Hanzo at their current level, they might have seriously injured him—but they would have died. Hanzo's reputation was earned. Even among Kage, he stood near the top. Not inferior to the Third Tsuchikage at all.

"It must be because Hanzo realizes Konoha has already won in the Rain Country." Orochimaru's voice was thoughtful, analytical. "The overall situation is decided. If he continues fighting, he'll face the full force of the Land of Fire—the strongest of the five great nations. The Rain Country would be crushed."

He paused, rain streaming down his pale features.

"Besides, our identities aren't ordinary. We're the Third Hokage's direct students. Hanzo undoubtedly knows this. If he kills us, he'll face Konoha's full wrath."

The Rain Country was weak. Hanzo might be powerful individually, but in terms of overall national strength, his nation couldn't compare to Konoha. Hanzo was ambitious—but he wasn't foolish enough to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs. He understood the stakes.

He wanted the Rain Country to become the sixth great nation, standing alongside the five great powers. But current conditions didn't allow it.

Beyond that, the Rain Country's social structure was fundamentally militaristic. All national resources flowed to the ninja. Civilians held low status—they starved, they died, and no one cared. Hanzo, a Kage-level powerhouse, turned a blind eye to their suffering. From his perspective, the weak had no right to survive. The fittest ruled.

This deformed system doomed the Rain Country. It would eventually spawn uprisings against the rulers. It would birth organizations seeking equality and freedom—places where people could live in peace, free from conflict and hunger, understanding and loving one another.

"Maybe." Tsunade sighed heavily. "But after all this time... it's finally ending. On this battlefield... nearly three years."

The war had consumed their youth. Three years spent in flames and death. Looking back, time had quietly slipped through their fingers while they weren't watching.

She remembered how happy they'd been when first deployed. Certain they would achieve great things. Certain they would become Konoha's heroes and live up to their reputations.

Then Jiraiya had been poisoned. Their bonds had been tested. They had fractured, distrusted each other.

To restore their friendship, Tsunade had drawn the enemy alone—walked into a trap, faced the legendary Chiyo of Sunagakure, stared death in the face.

But that had passed.

The process had been rocky. But in the end, everyone had persisted. They had survived those difficult years.

And their bonds had grown stronger than ever.

"Now that the war's ending, we're all jonin—no more restrictions in the village." Tsunade looked at her companions. "What will you do?"

"Haha!" Jiraiya grinned, a heroic expression crossing his features. "I've been thinking about traveling the world. Writing novels to pass down to future generations!"

Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Tsunade and added loudly:

"If someone asked me to stay... I might consider it."

Tsunade waved her hand in disgust. "You can leave whenever you want. No one's stopping you. But why write books?"

Jiraiya deflated slightly. Tsunade still didn't understand his feelings.

"I don't really know," he admitted. "But the Toad Sage said I'd write books someday. So I'll write them."

He left one sentence unsaid—because if he said it, Tsunade would definitely despise him.

The Toad Sage said I'm the chosen one. That the disciples I teach will bring change to the entire ninja world. Children of destiny.

But who believed in children of destiny?

"I'll stay in Konoha." Orochimaru's voice cut through the rain. He didn't hide his thoughts from his two friends. "First, I'll learn every ninjutsu. Understand all knowledge."

"Learn all ninjutsu?" Tsunade complained. "Orochimaru, that's so boring."

"Yeah." Jiraiya threw an arm around Orochimaru's neck, an ambiguous smile on his face. "Ninja history has developed for thousands of years. There are countless techniques. How could anyone learn them all? Why not travel the world with me? I'll show you all the wonderful things out there."

"No."

"Compared to traveling," Tsunade said, "learning all ninjutsu seems more realistic. Jiraiya's not serious—he'd probably just peek into bathhouses under the guise of 'traveling.'"

"Tsunade!" Jiraiya covered his face, wounded. "Am I really that untrustworthy in your eyes?"

"Tch."

She said nothing. Her expression said everything.

Slowly, the three walked toward the Konoha camp. They chatted. Confided in each other. Sometimes laughed.

In a secret location elsewhere.

Tsuchikage Onoki and the Third Kazekage met privately. They sat on opposite sides of a table, each projecting the aura of a great leader. Behind each stood powerful retainers from their villages.

"Kazekage." Onoki spoke first, his words carrying apparent sincerity. "First, I must thank you for your assistance in the final moments of this battle. Without it, my Iwagakure might have fallen here today."

"We were allies, after all." The Third Kazekage's response was measured. "As allies, we naturally help each other."

"Haha. 'Allies'—an excellent word." Onoki's laugh was warm, but his eyes remained sharp. "Kazekage, though you are young, your knowledge is broad and your mind expansive. You will certainly accomplish great things in the future."

"Hahaha. You flatter me, Tsuchikage. I deeply admire your strength."

They exchanged compliments, each measuring the other. Both understood this secret meeting had a purpose. There was something to gain.

Onoki observed that despite his youth, the Third Kazekage possessed an extraordinary mind. He handled matters smoothly, without revealing his hand.

The Tsuchikage stopped circling and addressed the matter directly:

"Kazekage. What are your thoughts on the upcoming three-way negotiations with Konoha? The armistice agreement?"

The Third Kazekage's eyes flickered. Business had arrived.

"Tsuchikage," he said smoothly, "you are the senior here. I would hear your opinion first."

(End of Chapter)

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