"The Rinnegan, it really was Madara's!"
Orochimaru found it incredible.
Then, he sighed softly, "Another puzzle I couldn't solve has been answered."
Previously, he had always been curious. The ninja world had long been known to have three great dojutsu, but only the Sharingan and Byakugan had ever appeared.
The most mysterious and powerful, known as the "Eyes of the Sage," the Rinnegan, had never appeared.
Kyohiko's previous guess was, after all, just a guess.
But now.
Everything was confirmed.
Namikaze Minato let out a breath and said, "The Hidden Mist Village..."
"The Fourth Mizukage of the Mist has been captured. He is suspected of being controlled by genjutsu, but he is a war criminal who has repeatedly instigated wars and certainly cannot be let go."
Kyohiko replied.
The specific arrangements would have to wait until everything had settled.
The current priority was still this Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
"Minato, please bring Temari and Kushina over."
"Are you going to... alright."
Namikaze Minato nodded and immediately left with the Flying Thunder God.
In the village, Temari stood behind Kushina, looking around, her gaze filled with confusion and contemplation.
Konoha was indeed different.
Even in such a situation, they still did not forget the common people. If it were in the Hidden Sand Village...
Although they would help, they wouldn't think of them first like this.
She held back for a while and asked, "Aunt Kushina—"
"Call me big sister!"
Kushina's face was serious.
The corner of Temari's mouth twitched slightly.
How old are you?
You're about to have a child, and you still have the nerve to have me call you big sister.
However.
Meeting the other party's serious expression, she chose to back down.
"Big sister Kushina, has Konoha always been like this?"
"What do you mean?"
Kushina looked around, then realized and said, "The so-called Will of Fire is to protect the villagers, to protect everyone."
"So that's how it is..."
"But, no matter how good a village is, there will always be some people with different thoughts and ideas, like Danzo in the past. He didn't approve of these things."
Kushina replied with disgust.
Temari thought for a long time.
Having gone through hardships and difficulties, she had grown a lot in just a few months, but human nature was complex, and this was still something she couldn't understand.
Kushina glanced at her, then couldn't help but laugh.
As a teacher for a while, she certainly understood that the current Temari was in a state of complete confusion.
She probably didn't understand what she was saying at all.
However.
It didn't matter.
Kushina patted her head and said, "You just need to know that in the current Konoha, we will do our best to save the people in the village, including those of you from the Hidden Sand Village."
She smiled.
"Later, I'll take you to find your partners from your village."
"They are not my partners!"
Temari turned her head away.
After a few seconds, she turned her head back and looked at Kushina.
"Where is everyone taking shelter?"
"I don't know, probably in the outskirts. Anyway, it should be safe."
...
Outside the village, near the Security Force headquarters, it was already a sea of people.
"What's happening to the village?"
"Our homes..."
"Have the enemies been driven away?"
Everyone was asking.
Inuzuka Tsume scratched her ears and cheeks but couldn't answer for a moment.
The entire Konoha had mobilized all available ninjas. There were hardly any to spare, and the direction of the great earthquake and terrifying chakra fluctuations...
Who would dare to go and look?
Fugaku did go, but he hasn't returned yet.
Anxious waiting.
After a long time, a figure arrived.
This is...
"Shisui? Why are you here!"
Inuzuka Tsume quickly ran over.
Shisui said, "Everyone, Kyohiko-sama has returned and was fighting the enemy before. Now that the commotion has subsided, it should be over."
Inuzuka Tsume was first startled, then overjoyed, and asked, "Really?"
"Yes!"
Shisui nodded.
Inuzuka Tsume's spirits were lifted, and she shouted, "Great! Everyone, Kyohiko-sama has returned to eliminate the enemy! We can go home soon!"
"Yay!!"
Cheers shook the heavens.
A wave-like sound swept through this corner of Konoha.
Cheers upon cheers.
Everyone swept away the despair of their homes being destroyed and the village being invaded. The atmosphere was fervent, and many strangers embraced each other.
At this moment, they all had only one identity—
People of Konoha.
...
In the east, Karatachi Yagura shouted, "Everyone, stop!"
He shouted.
All the Hidden Mist ninjas stopped their weapons.
But.
In reality, without him shouting, there were not many Hidden Mist ninjas left alive. Basically, only the Hozuki clan was still stubbornly resisting.
The rest...
Most had died under Kaguya Eisuke's ninjutsu, and many others had died at the hands of Konoha's people.
Karatachi Yagura's eyes were filled with confusion.
He only had a small part of the memory of his controlled life, but as Madara died, many memories slowly flooded into his mind.
He was stunned for a long time.
The Village of the Bloody Mist, the Kaguya clan and the Yuki clan, and the endless wars.
The current Hidden Mist Village...
"What have I done?"
Karatachi Yagura was in disbelief.
He had buried the Hidden Mist Village!
In the current Hidden Mist Village, not one in ten good seedlings remained, and the culprit for all of this was him—
Karatachi Yagura.
How could the Hidden Mist Village have come to this point in his hands?
"Mizukage, it's a bit too late for regrets now, isn't it? The malicious nature of your actions makes it perfectly justified for us to counterattack the Hidden Mist Village later!"
Tsunade's gaze was cold.
She knew that the person before her might have been manipulated, but for Konoha, the fact that the Hidden Mist Village cooperated with Madara and White Zetsu to attack Konoha was indisputable.
Yagura lowered his head, speechless, "Hokage-sama, the Hidden Mist Village is willing to surrender!"
...
Inside the Forest of Death.
Kyohiko formed hand seals.
The next instant, under the control of the Rinnegan, one by one, the Tailed Beasts were spat out from the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Among them, the portion belonging to Shukaku instantly entered Temari's body.
Then—
The Nine-Tails, the Eight-Tails...
And more Tailed Beasts were directly released.
Inside Konoha's Forest of Death, a group of powerful and terrifying Tailed Beasts stood tall.
They quietly looked at Kyohiko.
They had seen what happened before, especially the most powerful Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails, who were now obediently sealed.
What was there for them to be conflicted about?
However.
"I helped you, and you still won't let me out?"
The Nine-Tails clone was very angry.
"Don't be anxious."
Kyohiko smiled faintly.
"You can return to your previous residences. I will order all countries and ninja villages not to disturb you. Konoha will protect you."
"Yes!"
They lowered their heads.
The Nine-Tails was overjoyed upon hearing this and said, "Let me out quickly!"
"You are sealed within the Jinchuriki. If you are fully released, they might die, so you have to leave a part behind."
Kyohiko explained.
The Nine-Tails thought for a moment and replied, "That's also acceptable. It's better than staying inside her."
"Hey, what's so bad about staying with me?"
Kushina was extremely annoyed.
Temari thought for a moment and didn't say much.
The power of the Tailed Beasts...
Originally, it should be under the jurisdiction of each village, but the Hidden Sand Village and the Hidden Waterfall Village couldn't even protect their own Tailed Beasts, so they naturally had no right to speak.
As for the Hidden Cloud Village and the Hidden Stone Village...
Why ask for the enemy's opinion?
The Third Raikage was cut down by Kyohiko, let alone the distribution of their Tailed Beasts.
What's more.
Temari had long wanted to get rid of the influence of the Tailed Beast.
Shukaku was in her body, making a fuss every day, using its own chakra to affect her emotions, making it difficult for her to sleep peacefully.
However.
She knew very well.
A Jinchuriki was a crucial force for a village, and no one would give it up.
She had originally thought that Konoha wouldn't either.
But now—
Konoha was actually willing to release the Tailed Beasts.
This was something she had completely not expected.
Konoha is indeed different!
The reason Kyohiko dared to do this was simple.
He was strong enough!
And Konoha was strong enough too!
To put it bluntly, although he released the Tailed Beasts, he added a condition—
No village or country is allowed to harass the Tailed Beasts.
This was on the Tailed Beast side. On the ninja village and ninja side, there would definitely be other restrictions, but those were matters of post-war surrender and compensation.
Kyohiko helped Kushina and Temari extract most of their Tailed Beast power.
After the Nine-Tails came out, it really wanted to roar to the sky, but after thinking about it, it stopped.
With Kyohiko being so petty...
If it vented, it might get another slap.
It's better to be honest!
It thought silently.
"Then now—"
"After a while, I will make special arrangements for you to go back. For now, you should shrink your size and live here first."
Kyohiko said.
The Nine-Tails jumped up and down with excitement.
Kushina wanted to say something, but in the end, she said nothing.
She knew.
The Nine-Tails longed for freedom, longed to go back.
So be it!
She sighed.
A life without freedom is indeed meaningless.
She smiled and said, "Kurama, if you want to come back, you can always come home and visit. Just think of this place as another home."
"Hmph, who would go back to your broken place? Dream on! I have a whole world to run free in..."
The Nine-Tails imagined excitedly.
Kyohiko smiled faintly.
Speaking too soon would lead to being slapped in the face—
The Nine-Tails clone was at Kushina's house, watching TV and shows every day, leisurely like a lord.
Although that was a clone, a clone represents the personality and thoughts of the main body.
Leaving human society, could it really endure its past life?
Not necessarily!
The Nine-Tails would come back sooner or later.
Emotions are the best force to bind this fellow.
The same goes for the Eight-Tails, Gyuki.
Gyuki's feelings for Killer Bee...
Needless to say, after this guy goes back, he will definitely have some contact with Killer Bee.
After they had their fun, everyone left, leaving only Orochimaru frowning in the research base.
"Kyohiko, you're being too reckless!"
"Senpai, you're also falling behind the times. If we don't let them go back, how can we make them lower their guard?"
Kyohiko smiled.
What he wanted was for everyone to learn Konoha's Will of Fire, to learn this kind of thought and spirit.
Only in this way can the ideology of the ninja world be unified.
Purely deterring with force would make the enemy feel fear, but it would also make them wary and reverent, afraid to let down their guard to learn.
The future is still long.
He estimated that in his lifetime, he could still live for a few more decades.
At any rate—
Within this lifetime, slow transformation is enough to make these four great nations bow down.
How can you reap without first giving?
Unifying the ninja world is not that difficult.
And now...
"Onoki's side, it's time to collect the interest."
A sharp glint flashed in Kyohiko's eyes.
Onoki had been jumping up and down, his figure present in several ninja wars.
This person was by no means an ordinary person!
He could let Karatachi Yagura live, but only this person...
Must die!
Thinking of this, Kyohiko looked at Orochimaru.
"Senpai, I still have to go to the north. I'll leave Konoha to you."
"Onoki?"
"Yes. If he doesn't die, my heart won't be at ease."
Kyohiko sneered.
Orochimaru breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "As long as you remember this, it proves you haven't been deluded by power. I'm relieved."
He was just worried...
That after Kyohiko grasped power beyond his own, he would begin to lose his original intention and think of himself as a god.
Such a situation is not uncommon.
Even Orochimaru once had a similar state of mind.
For an ordinary person, falling into such a state of mind is just losing oneself, but for Kyohiko...
If this guy were to fall to such a state, it would be a disaster, a catastrophe for the ninja world.
Just thinking about that scene made Orochimaru shiver.
Fortunately.
Looking at him now, Kyohiko was still clear-headed.
...
In the north, at the location of the Hidden Rain Village.
Onoki saw Kitsuchi being captured, and Nagato's incredible power, and his heart had already turned cold.
He wanted to surrender.
But.
At this time, the Hidden Rain Village and the Hidden Sand Village were no longer in a hurry.
"Rasa, what on earth do you mean?"
Hanzo frowned, quite puzzled.
Isn't the situation now very obvious?
Why doesn't Rasa accept the surrender?
Rasa had to remind him.
"Leader Hanzo, this war is both a war between us and the Hidden Stone Village, and a war between Konoha and them. One party hasn't arrived yet. Who can accept the surrender?"
"Uh..."
Hanzo was at a loss for words for a moment.
Indeed.
He nodded lightly, admitting his mistake.
After waiting for a long time, finally...
A person came in and reported the situation.
Kyohiko had arrived!
The two of them quickly went out to greet him.
"Kyohiko-kun."
"Everyone, seeing that the situation here has stabilized, I am glad that I didn't let Nagato arrive too late."
Kyohiko smiled.
Hanzo was taken aback for a moment.
Nagato?
The Nagato who was with Yahiko and Konan, did he go to Konoha?
He couldn't quite wrap his head around it for a moment.
This war, it was indeed them who had the upper hand, especially with Nagato capturing Kitsuchi, which was simply a stroke of genius.
He could hardly believe there was such an amazing speed.
However.
Now it seems, Nagato is related to Kyohiko...
He thought of the connection between the two and faintly understood in his heart. The other party's ability probably came from Kyohiko.
Then.
The leadership of this war was in Konoha's hands.
Furthermore, Yahiko, Konan...
A trace of unease grew in Hanzo's heart.
Konoha's reach is too long!
But he couldn't do anything about it, because these three were originally trained by Jiraiya.
He helplessly gathered his numerous thoughts back in his mind, and only then did he explain the current situation one by one.
Kyohiko's answer was simple—
Onoki must die!
Onoki had actively invaded the Land of Grass and the Land of Rain, his ambitions laid bare.
This was a good opportunity.
"But, what if Onoki doesn't agree..."
"He will agree. If he doesn't agree, then make him agree!"
Kyohiko's tone was indifferent.
Rasa and Hanzo exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in the other's eyes.
What happened between Konoha and the Hidden Stone Village?
Why is Kyohiko so hostile towards Onoki...
Rasa thought for a moment and nodded lightly, "Alright, then, do you need to inform Onoki of your arrival?"
"Of course."
Kyohiko smiled.
If Onoki didn't know, how would he give up hope?
"Tell him, Madara is dead, the Third Raikage is also dead. As the main culprit of this war, he and the Fourth Mizukage will definitely die too. No one can escape."
Madara is dead?
Rasa and Hanzo finally couldn't maintain their expressions.
Uchiha Madara was really still alive, and had even launched an attack on Konoha!
And, he died at the hands of Konoha?
This...
How is that possible?
The current Kyohiko, has his strength already reached such a level?
They lowered their heads, their eyes filled with horror.
"I understand."
Hanzo replied.
He and Rasa walked towards the opposite battle line together. They didn't speak to each other, but the silent atmosphere was worth more than a thousand words.
So that's how it is!
This war was actually a joint attack by three parties.
The core of the war was Konoha, and they were just swept by the tail end of it.
Konoha fought one against three and beat them all!
Too terrifying!
This generation of Konoha, compared to the era of Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama, was even more awe-inspiring.
"Hanzo, it seems we have to make a choice."
"Is there still a choice?"
Hanzo replied bitterly.
Rasa nodded lightly.
Yes!
Is there still a choice?
He and Hanzo walked forward, step by step.
Until they reached the front line of the Hidden Stone Village's ninja formation.
Onoki flew out.
"Have you decided?"
"Yes, Onoki, please commit suicide. This is Kyohiko's will, and also our will."
Rasa said, "As the main culprit of several wars, you and the Hidden Stone Village should both pay the price."
"Kyohiko..."
Onoki's eyes widened.
Why mention Kyohiko?
Is he here?
Hanzo said, "Kyohiko is right behind us. He asked me to tell you that Madara is dead, the Third Raikage is also dead. You and the Mizukage will also die. No one can escape."
"Madara is dead?"
Onoki murmured to himself in disbelief.
He opened his mouth several times, but finally fell silent.
"I want to see him!"
He didn't believe it.
He was aware of Madara's strength. No matter how powerful Kyohiko was, how could Madara, with the power of the Tailed Beasts, be inferior...
The next second, a voice came.
"If I make a move, it won't be something your Hidden Stone Village can bear."
Hanzo followed the voice and looked.
Kyohiko...
It really was him!
There was no mistaking that aura.
Onoki opened his mouth several times, and finally said bitterly, "I understand. Please give me some time."
"If you had won, would you have given us time to prepare?"
Kyohiko asked in return, "I will only give you the time to write one letter."
"I understand."
Onoki nodded heavily.
He knew that from the moment Madara was defeated, he had no choice.
Kyohiko was not Sarutobi Hiruzen, nor was he Danzo.
This guy was very clear about gains and losses.
Onoki's heart was heavy, his thoughts mixed.
He was naturally unwilling to die, but for all the people of the Hidden Stone Village, he had to agree to Kyohiko.
Onoki wrote a letter and asked Kyohiko to present it to Kitsuchi.
If Kyohiko lost, then...
He would have more time to train a successor.
If Kyohiko won, he had no time. He could only choose Kitsuchi as the next successor.
Kyohiko turned his head and looked at him.
"By the way, you were deceived. If Madara had truly succeeded, he would have projected a powerful genjutsu onto the moon..."
"At that time, everyone would die, including everyone in your Hidden Stone Village. For this point alone, you should all commit suicide!"
Kyohiko said, and smiled, "Of course, you can also think that I am lying."
"This, impossible..."
Onoki stood there in a daze.
But he knew that Kyohiko had no need to lie to a "dead man."
Madara most likely really had such a plan.
If Madara had won, what awaited the ninja world would be an unprecedented catastrophe.
"I actually cooperated with such a person..."
Making a deal with a tiger!
He quietly wrote a letter and then handed it to Kyohiko.
After that, Onoki walked towards his own ninja line.
He had a few last words to say.
After a long time...
From over there, came sounds of wailing.
Onoki had committed suicide!