With the signing of the peace treaty, the war between Konoha and the Hidden Mist officially came to an end.
On the battlefield, the ninja who had once stood against each other began withdrawing in an orderly manner. Under the coordination of their commanders, the Hidden Mist's main forces slowly retreated toward the village. The ferocity that once filled their faces faded, replaced by exhaustion—and relief.
Asuka was in no hurry to leave. He stood quietly, watching as the last of the troops disappeared into the distance. Only then did he finally turn and head back.
The moment Asuka appeared at the gates of the Hidden Mist Village, the villagers—who had been waiting anxiously—erupted into deafening cheers.
The sound surged like a tidal wave, completely surrounding him.
People lined both sides of the street, waving banners and flowers, shouting Asuka's name at the top of their lungs. Their excitement was almost overwhelming. Children pushed to the front, staring up at him with admiration. Young girls blushed, tossing flower petals toward him amid excited squeals.
At this moment, Asuka's prestige in the Hidden Mist had reached an unmatched peak.
Over the four years of war, he had turned the tide more than once. His contributions were etched deeply into the hearts of every villager. Even the Third Mizukage could hardly compare to him in reputation.
Asuka walked calmly through the cheering crowd, acknowledging them with slight nods, his expression steady and composed.
When he reached the central square, he paused.
The Third Mizukage stood at the front, personally leading the village's high-ranking officials. Behind him were the patriarchs and elders of the various ninja clans. Even Genji, the most respected elder who rarely appeared in public, stood at the forefront in formal attire.
The crowd parted, forming a clear path.
Before Asuka could speak, Genji stepped forward, grasped his hand firmly, and said with excitement:
"Good lad! I knew I didn't misjudge you! You deserve the greatest credit for this victory—you've done exceptionally well!"
He then gave Asuka a heavy pat on the shoulder.
The surrounding officials were visibly surprised.
Genji had always been dignified and reserved. Such a public display of approval was unprecedented. That simple gesture was not just praise—it was a clear declaration of support.
The Third Mizukage quickly followed, stepping forward with a warm smile.
"Asuka-kun, this victory would not have been possible without you. On behalf of the entire Hidden Mist Village, I sincerely thank you."
Asuka bowed slightly.
"You overpraise me, Mizukage-sama. As a member of the Hidden Mist, protecting the village and its people is my duty."
His response was calm and measured, earning approving nods from the clan leaders.
---
The village soon regained its vitality.
To celebrate the end of the war, a grand three-day festival was held.
But Asuka did not take part in the festivities.
After briefly celebrating with a few acquaintances, he left alone, heading toward a place both familiar and distant—
The Kaguya Clan compound.
---
Standing before the familiar crest and walls, Asuka's expression remained unchanged as he stepped inside.
The guards at the gate froze when they saw him, immediately bowing deeply. One of them hurried inside to report his arrival.
Everyone knew his past.
Back then, under Patriarch Kaguya Daisuke, Asuka had suffered harsh treatment—brutal training, unfair suppression, even attempts on his life. It wasn't until he gained enough strength to protect himself that he left the clan behind.
Though he still carried the name of a Kaguya ninja, he had long since severed ties.
And now—
He had returned.
With a clear purpose.
To take the position of patriarch—and use it as a stepping stone toward becoming the Fourth Mizukage.
---
Asuka walked through the compound without pause.
Clan members he passed stopped and stared—some with admiration, some with awe, and others with unease.
He ignored them all and headed straight for the central arena.
As expected, Kaguya Daisuke was already there, surrounded by the clan's core members.
His expression was dark, his gaze filled with hostility.
He knew exactly why Asuka had returned.
---
Stopping ten meters away, Asuka swept his gaze across the crowd before fixing it on Kaguya Daisuke.
His voice rang out clearly across the arena:
"Kaguya Daisuke, I've come to challenge you for the position of patriarch."
---
The Kaguya Clan valued strength above all else.
Anyone could challenge the patriarch. Victory meant succession—immediately.
It was a brutal but effective system.
---
As soon as Asuka spoke, the crowd erupted into discussion.
Most of them looked excited—even hopeful.
After all, Asuka's strength was undeniable.
---
Kaguya Daisuke's face grew darker, cold sweat forming on his forehead.
He knew the truth.
Even years ago, he might not have been able to defeat Asuka—let alone now.
But he had no choice.
If he refused, he would lose everything.
Gritting his teeth, he roared:
"Fine! I accept your challenge!"
---
The two stepped onto the arena platform.
Kaguya Daisuke formed hand seals, chakra surging violently through his body. His face flushed red as he charged forward with a roar.
A moment later—
He was sent flying backward at an even greater speed.
He crashed through the arena wall and collapsed, unable to rise again.
---
Silence.
The entire arena fell still.
No one had even clearly seen what happened.
That was how overwhelming the difference in strength was.
---
Asuka slowly turned, his calm gaze sweeping over the entire clan.
His voice was steady—but carried absolute authority.
"From today onward, I am the Patriarch of the Kaguya Clan."
He paused slightly.
"Who agrees?"
"Who objects?"