The Suicide Note
Looking at the thin sheet of paper in his hand, the paralyzed man—so emaciated he could be described as mere skin and bones—could not stop himself from trembling.
The suppressed pain in his heart finally erupted at this moment.
He didn't dare to look.
And yet, he forced himself to.
The familiar handwriting, each stroke falling upon the page, felt as heavy as a thousand pounds to Nagato.
It was... Konan's handwriting.
As he stared at the familiar script, Nagato subconsciously recalled his companion, who had always seemed as cold as frost.
But Nagato knew better; that coldness was her protective shell. Beneath that distant, "strangers-keep-away" expression was a heart as burning as fire.
His vision began to blur. Moisture welled up and fell, splashing against the paper.
To Nagato:
Circumstances were urgent, and I could only resort to this last-ditch effort. I hope you do not resent me.
You are the possessor of the Rinnegan; you should not die.
I am willing to use my life to save yours.
Once, Yahiko gave up his life for me.
Now, it is my turn.
I can die for you without a moment's hesitation...
Nagato, you say this world is full of pain. But if it is only pain, then why did I, you, and Yahiko meet and become companions who could trust each other with our lives?
That time was the happiest period of my life, so I believe the world is not just pain, but beauty as well.
Of course, I am not completely disagreeing with you, Nagato.
It is just that as the possessor of the Rinnegan, the first being in a millennium to inherit the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths, the world should be changed by your will.
Whether you choose to continue the unfinished path...
Or retire to the deep mountains to live out the rest of your days...
Or perhaps you have developed other ideas—I will support you in all of them...
Black Zetsu stared at the man before him. Not a single trace of emotion could be seen on his pitch-black, half-face.
A suicide note?
He had forged it.
In those desperate final moments, how could the dying Konan have had the time to write so many words?
The final words Konan had actually left for Nagato consisted of a single sentence: Live on well for me, together with Yahiko.
During the time Nagato was unconscious, Black Zetsu had ample time to forge a letter.
Just as he had once altered the stone tablet left by the Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, for the Uchiha clan, forging a final testament was a simple task for Black Zetsu.
The calm acceptance Nagato displayed after Pain's defeat had made Black Zetsu feel a sense of urgency. He could not allow Nagato to give up his resistance so easily.
Now, Konan's death provided the perfect opportunity to exploit him.
After losing the pawn known as Obito Uchiha, Nagato became the best candidate to continue the Eye of the Moon Plan.
"What is your choice?"
"Nagato."
Black Zetsu spoke calmly as he watched the trembling man.
"At this point, do I even have the right to choose?"
A hoarse, dry voice escaped Nagato's throat.
Those bloodshot, tear-stained Rinnegan eyes, filled with despair, turned toward Black Zetsu.
Despite how hideous those eyes appeared, they now showed a trace of... calm?
No.
It wasn't calm. It was the pain of a loved one's death—a pain so deep it turned to silence, a pain that reached the absolute nadir of despair. A despairing, ultimate tranquility!
Why?
Why?!
Why!!!
Why must all suffering fall upon me?!
Mom and Dad are dead!
Yahiko is dead!
And now even Konan is dead!
Why am I the only one left alive?!
Why leave me alone in this world!
"I'm going to kill him!"
Kill Kakashi!
"Destroy Konoha!"
His parents died at the hands of Konoha ninja! Yahiko died because of Hanzō and Danzō! Konan was also killed by Konoha!
Konoha!
"I must remind you, the current Konoha controls the entire shinobi world."
"If you want to kill Kakashi, you will be making an enemy of the entire world."
Looking at the hysterical man, Black Zetsu felt a flicker of joy in his heart, a faint, undetectable curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.
"An enemy of the world?!"
"So be it!"
"I have no one left to care about!"
Under the weight of despair, the suppressed pain in Nagato's heart turned into a roar, venting his agony upon this wretched world.
"But as you are now, you cannot face that Hokage."
Black Zetsu looked at Nagato impassively.
"Therefore..."
"First, you must stand up."
"And you must possess a powerful physique."
Under the leadership of the core high-ranking officials headed by Kakashi, orders were continuously transmitted from the Hokage Building to the rest of the shinobi world.
The various nations within the shinobi world, including the Land of Fire, were replaced by a massive entity known as Huiyao.
The original names of the various countries were discarded, replaced by five "Provinces."
Fire, Wind, Lightning, Water, and Earth.
All the surrounding small nations were incorporated into them.
Furthermore, under absolute suppression, the noble class that had endured for over a thousand years was crushed to dust.
Ancient families were dismantled, and the wealth they had accumulated over a millennium turned into lifeblood, flowing into the limbs and bones of the Huiyao Empire.
Schools, hospitals, and roads sprang up across the shinobi world like bamboo shoots after rain.
Within the Wind Province, Rain City was perpetually rainy, while the desert was perpetually arid.
Then move the mountains between Rain City and the desert. Let the rain of Rain City flow into the desert.
Thus, countless Earth Style ninja, coordinated with explosives, began this long and arduous labor.
Once the rainwater entered the desert, wherever Tenzō walked, the land turned lush and green. Forests appeared in the desert within an extremely short period.
The rainwater flowing into the desert was locked in by countless trees.
The desert was slowly consumed, and for the first time, Rain City experienced a full week of clear, sunny skies.
Under the sunlight, Tenzō wore a weary smile as he was surrounded by countless people.
Far in the distance, two figures dressed in Anbu gear watched the scene.
"How wonderful..."
"To be able to complete this task in my final moments... this is the most meaningful thing I've done in my life."
Hashirama Senju, who had existed in the shinobi world for nearly half a year, spoke with deep emotion as he watched.
During this time, it wasn't just Tenzō; Hashirama, who also possessed Wood Style, had worked alongside Tenzō to plant forests in the desert.
"Hmph, that kid has indeed done quite well."
Tobirama Senju stood with his arms crossed, watching his own body as it began to crumble once more. A light smile played on his lips.
"He's much better than you."
"As expected of my student."
"Hahaha!"
Hashirama laughed heartily and slapped his brother's shoulder. He already knew that the chakra he had left in the shinobi world had taught Kakashi Sage Mode.
"Yes, yes, he's better than me."
"Our time is just about up. It's time to go."
Tobirama rolled his eyes at his older brother and then spoke with a sense of helplessness.
"Well, I suppose that's all we can do."
"It really is wonderful..."
Giving one last lingering look at the forest standing tall in the desert, Hashirama Senju walked further and further away alongside Tobirama with a satisfied smile.
Third Year of Huiyao
Time flew by, and before anyone realized it, the Huiyao Empire had been established for three years.
Under the rule of the Huiyao Empire, the entire shinobi world marched steadily toward the future.
Kakashi understood the importance of nurturing the people's livelihood.
The shinobi world had endured a thousand years of war and was already exhausted. The world needed time to lick its wounds.
Therefore, Kakashi did not make any drastic military moves. For three years, the livelihood of the people had been the top priority.
Developing high-quality seeds, building bridges and roads, establishing schools, and distributing land.
In Kakashi's estimation, the people's livelihood would remain the Empire's primary concern not just for these three years, but for a considerable time to come.
The former Hokage Building had been expanded and renamed the Huiyao Building, just like the Land of Fire before it.
At this moment, Kakashi had shed his flame-patterned robe and changed into the attire representing his status as the first Monarch of the Huiyao Empire.
It was a pure white robe with a sun-like pattern on the back, resembling burning golden flames.
Currently, Kakashi sat in his office, flipping through documents.
The Council of Elders had been retained by Kakashi.
Furthermore, representatives were selected from all over the shinobi world to join its ranks.
Genji from the Mist, Ōnoki from the Stone, Tutai from the Cloud, and Ebizō from the Sand.
These four were arranged to work alongside Hiashi Hyūga, Shibi Aburame, and Shikaku Nara.
Although these four were the former first or second-in-command of the Great Hidden Villages, under the irresistible tide of the times, even they had no choice but to bow their heads.
Moreover, Kakashi did not make things difficult for the former nations despite the decades of hostility between Konoha and the other villages. Instead, because of their harsh geographical conditions, he constantly sent people to manage and improve them.
The desert in the Wind Province was temporarily resolved; next, Tenzō would head to the Earth Province to plant trees.
Additionally, a large number of Earth Style ninja entered the Lightning Province to attempt to move those numerous high mountains and reclaim fertile land.
The report Kakashi held now concerned an abnormal phenomenon recently discovered in the Lightning Province.
Someone had found traces of Matatabi in the Lightning Province.
The Two-Tails, Matatabi.
Twelve years ago, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki was killed by Kakashi's own hand. With his death, the Two-Tails within him had perished as well.
Now, after twelve years, it had finally been resurrected.
"Issue the orders. Have Itachi take a team to capture the Two-Tails."
"Don't let the Two-Tails cause too much of a disturbance."
Kakashi set down the file and spoke.
"Understood."
"I will make the arrangements immediately."
Hayate Gekkō, who was always on standby, had already been promoted to the position of Imperial Secretary-General.
"By the way, has there been any news from Guy's side recently?"
Kakashi spoke while gazing out the window at Konoha, which could only be described as changing with each passing day.
After the establishment of the Huiyao Empire, Guy had proactively taken on the task of hunting down Orochimaru, Hiruko, Kakuzu, Nagato, and a series of rogue ninja.
But after three years of busy work, the only result was a single unlucky Kakuzu. While taking a mission at the black market, he had happened to run into Hayama Shiragumo, who was responsible for clearing out the black markets.
Without any nonsense, Hayama Shiragumo had unhesitatingly taken down the Imperial fugitive and cleared the black market in that area while he was at it.
"Lord Guy heard that Orochimaru was recently spotted in the Wind Province, so he took a team there. There is no news for the moment."
Kakashi nodded upon hearing this. Hayate Gekkō continued:
"However, according to intelligence, when Orochimaru appeared in the Wind Province, he was not alone. There was a white-haired woman beside him."
White-haired... woman?
Kakashi paused.
Is it Hiruko?
Although Hiruko was male, his physique was petite. If one weren't paying close attention, it was indeed possible to mistake him for a woman.
And since Orochimaru and Hiruko had collaborated before, it wasn't strange for the two of them to appear together.
"Then let Guy resolve them both at once."
Kakashi waved his hand, not giving it much thought.
If Orochimaru and Hiruko were together, wasn't that just perfect? They could be dealt with at the same time.
"Yes."
Hayate Gekkō bowed slightly and withdrew.
Meanwhile, upon receiving Kakashi's order, Itachi Uchiha immediately prepared to lead a team of Uchiha to set out and secure the Two-Tails.
After nine years of recovery and growth, the Uchiha clan had slowly regained much of its strength. There was no shortage of capable warriors.
Especially his brother, Sasuke Uchiha.
As Kakashi's personal disciple, Sasuke had not only mastered Kakashi's Lightning Style, but under Itachi's guidance, his development of the Sharingan was also not to be underestimated.
After being granted the Sage Mark, at only sixteen years old, his combat power was comparable to Shizune Kato—one of the five Special Grade combatants.
However, if he wanted to surpass the veteran Sage Mark powerhouses like Guy, Hayama, Tenzō, and Itachi, he still had a considerable way to go.
In addition to Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto and Sakura had also been granted the Sage Mark.
Currently, the powerhouses in the Huiyao Empire who possessed the Sage Mark numbered eight—excluding Hikari, who was Kakashi's wife and the Imperial Matriarch.
Though there were only eight, Kakashi adhered to the principle of "quality over quantity" and had not added another person.
Even Rock Lee and Neji Hyūga, who were second only to Team 7, were not considered due to their specialized focuses or other specific reasons.
The Uchiha Household
Itachi, now twenty-two years old, said goodbye to his new bride.
Not long ago, Itachi Uchiha had married, and his bride was none other than his childhood friend, Izumi Uchiha.
"Is the mission dangerous?"
His new wife considerately straightened Itachi's clothes.
"It's not dangerous. I'm just going to handle some matters. Besides, Sasuke is coming along, so there's no need to worry."
As a powerhouse who possessed both the Mangekyō Sharingan and the Sage Mark, even though he didn't show off his combat prowess much to the outside world, no one would dare look down on the Minister of the Imperial Police Department.
One might question whether Itachi Uchiha had the strength to rival Might Guy, Hayama Shiragumo, or Tenzō, but one could not question the vision of the Imperial Monarch.
In particular, Itachi Uchiha and Hayama Shiragumo were hailed as the "Twin Pillars of the Empire."
The Twin Pillars had once been the Hokage's Guard Platoon. And the primary mission of the Guard Platoon was to ensure the Kage's safety.
Regardless of anything else, strength was the primary requirement.
"I see. Then come back quickly."
Izumi Uchiha smiled and gently pinched Itachi's cheek.
"Then I'm off. If you need anything while you're home alone, you can go find Senior Shizune."
Itachi did not linger. He went straight out the door to meet up with Sasuke, who had been waiting for a long time.
The sixteen-year-old Sasuke had a tall, straight build and a handsome face. A long blade hung at his waist, and he was dressed in the pure black uniform of the Imperial Armed Forces, making him look incredibly sharp and capable.
"Let's go," Sasuke said calmly, looking at his brother as he approached.
"Yeah."
The exchange between the brothers was incredibly brief, yet it revealed a perfect sense of unspoken understanding.
While Itachi Uchiha was leading his team toward the Lightning Province, far away in the Wind Province, Might Guy was heading toward a small town alone.
According to reliable intelligence, the last place Orochimaru had been seen was this very town.
Entering the town, Guy walked calmly down the street, sensing the aura of the entire town. His gaze seemed to pierce through the crowds and buildings, searching everywhere.
"Excuse me, could you let me through?"
Suddenly, a female voice came from behind him.
"Oh, sorry."
Guy retracted his perception, turned around, and gave an apologetic smile.
However, upon seeing the person who had arrived, Might Guy couldn't help but freeze for a moment.
"Kakashi?"
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