Matsu's injury healed quite quickly.

  This could be attributed to the excellent medical techniques of Konoha.

  Although Tsunade had developed a mental health condition during the Third Great Ninja War and could no longer fight on the battlefield, before she left the vilge for a break, she was still serving as a kunoichi of Konoha.

  However, she had moved from the front lines to the logistics department, still leading a medical team.

  As the final victor in the competition among medical-nin in the post-Hashirama era, her leadership was incredibly effective. Also, as the granddaughter of the First Hokage, she was originally favored by Hiruzen to become the Fourth Hokage.

  But fate had other pns.

  In the original timeline, following Hiruzen's death, Jiraiya rejected the council's offers. He chose instead to find Tsunade and bring her back as Hokage, reinforcing her significance to the vilge.

  Both Orochimaru and Jiraiya knew well that while they three of them were called the Sannin, they were somewhat like "assistants" in the sense that their roles were less central compared to her.

  The Senju cn, as a ninja family, may have disbanded, but they did not disappear.

  The former Senju cn became Konoha, and nowadays, it was difficult to find anyone in Konoha who wasn't reted to the Senju cn in some way.

  Unless Tsunade had no heirs, thereby ending this bloodline, one of its descendants would always have a pce in the Hokage Building.

  It was quite ironic, but if anyone wanted to push her out of the picture, the first to protest would likely be the Uchiha cn.

  In this regard, Sarutobi was less resolute than the Uchiha cn members.

  In this timeline, Konoha's situation was far better than in the original timeline. Internal conflicts were not as intense, and the Uchiha cn, which had been the focal point of much of the conflict, had now normalized its retionship with the Hokage's office.

  However, the Sannin had not changed. Jiraiya was still searching for the Child of Prophecy, and Tsunade and Orochimaru had left the vilge.

  The main pyers of the previous generation had started stepping off the main stage. The new generation of pyers, represented by Minato, Fugaku, Masashi, and Shisui, had taken the stage and bocame the most talked-about figures.

  Even though these individuals had age differences and couldn't technically be considered part of the same generation, at this point, they represented Konoha and were the most famous names.

  After his release from the hospital, Matsu was escorted out of Konoha by the security team. The only thing he could take with him was the new document issued by Minato.

  While his injury had healed, it wasn't fully recovered. One of his legs was still a bit limp. The foot that had been burned was permanently damaged, and some tissues had died, leading to a reduction in his chakra output for that leg. For a jonin, this kind of injury was severe.

  However, he didn't harbor much resentment. From his personal perspective, it was acceptable.

  As the only survivor, he believed the information was crucial. He needed to inform the vilge fully so that they could reassess the strength of the White Ghost.

  He required tactical adjustments when in combat.

  Matsu hurried back.

  ---

  Battles took pce every day in the ninja world, most of them involving intelligence agents from various vilges and organizations.

  Fewer people engage in combat through civilian jobs, as most were from organizations.

  The negotiations between Konoha and Kumo were a major event this year. Everyone knew that if Konoha and Kiri could reach an agreement, peace would st for a while.

  The previous wars between Konoha, Kumo, and Iwa could be seen as a continuation of the Third Great Ninja War.

  Once this war settled, the world would indeed enter a peaceful time once again.

  People could return to their regur lives, clocking in and out for work.

  But not everyone looked forward to this.

  Some of the ninja organizations that rose during the Great Ninja Wars didn't necessarily want things to stabilize.

  Before the First Great Ninja War, ninja organizations were unified into ninja vilges. However, the war led to the destruction of smaller vilges, and wandering ninjas started to appear, spreading ninja techniques in new ways.

  By the Second Great Ninja War, wandering and missing-nin expanded further, and underground gold exchange systems started to mature. These groups began to make money through missions, eventually forming the potential to create organized groups.

  During the Third Great Ninja War, these organizations truly began to unite.

  Although their military strength varied, they were often stronger than the new recruits in the ninja vilges and some powerful organizations gained the attention of rger ninja vilges.

  At their peak, they even formed alliances with smaller ninja vilges.

  The most famous of these organizations was Akatsuki from Ame.

  However, a very powerful force was also considered a threat. The first generation of Akatsuki members were mostly destroyed by Konoha and Ame, at great cost. Konoha lost almost all of its ANBU and Root ninjas during the operation.

  The current Akatsuki still existed, but their methods had changed. To the great ninja vilges, the current Akatsuki was more down-to-earth and no longer advocated for peace in an out-of-pce way. Instead, they now took on various military contracts.

  That was more like it. Why would anyone listen to someone who kept shouting about peace in the middle of a battlefield?

  Had they done that earlier, there would have been no need for a conflict.

  Just like how the Five Great Vilges once tolerated the underground gold exchange system, without the oppression from the major vilges, Akatsuki quickly recovered and grew stronger.

  Correspondingly, the influence of Ame quickly waned.

  The Samander had not been heard from in a long time in the ninja world.

  Matsu was on his way to the Land of Waterfalls.

  Although Kumo had considered the possibility of ambushing the diplomatic delegation with the intent to eliminate them, they had made contingency pns.

  Currently, it was not possible for Kumo to openly provoke any of the three great ninja vilges to attack Konoha. After numerous discussions about the white eye acquisition pn, they had decided to temporarily shelve it. This time, Matsu was sent for negotiations, and he was indeed there to negotiate.

  The purpose was to restore the vilge's power by buying time to develop tailed beast-level combat strength.

  To that end, Kumo had also hired a rge number of ninja organizations.

  The strongest of these, of course, was Akatsuki, which included missing-nin at kage-level. Kumo had no problem with this because they didn't have any missing-nin in their ranks.

  Kumo's jonin would never betray their vilge.

  Following the pn, Matsu entered the Land of Waterfalls.

  This so-called neutral country was actually only neutral in name.

  Although it had a jinchūriki, compared to the Five Great Vilges, Taki's ability to nurture ninjas was far weaker, and the vilge had suffered significant setbacks in the past, resulting in a diminished strength. The current Taki might not even be stronger than Kusa if they didn't control a tailed beast.

  However, in name, it remained neutral, and the Land of Waterfalls had always managed to stay out of the battles between the great nations.

  But for the foreign missing-nin who had infiltrated the country, Taki would just turn a blind eye.

  Upon entering the Land of Waterfalls, one would notice just how many waterfalls there were.

  The great river that flowed from the Land of Earth, through Kusa, formed a series of massive waterfalls after it entered the Land of Waterfalls due to the nd's dramatic drops.

  The entrance to Taki was hidden behind one of these waterfalls.

  Matsu avoided any areas with waterfalls. Now traveling alone, he didn't want any surprises.

  He simply wanted to meet with people without any incidents.

  After moving through the forest, he finally found the marker.

  Following it, he continued onward until he heard the unmistakable sound of a rge waterfall spshing ahead.

  He stopped.

  He was not pleased.

  Akatsuki was now more grounded, but their arrogance hadn't completely faded.

  However, considering they had strong missing-nin, a bit of arrogance seemed normal.

  With that thought, he continued forward.

  ---

  Under the sunlight, a torrential flow surged downward like a waterfall, roaring like thunder as it plunged into the pool below. The spsh of water gave rise to a thick mist.

  On the edge of the cliff stood a man dressed in a bck robe adorned with red clouds.

  It was none other than Kakuzu, hailed by Masashi as the most "business-minded" man in the shinobi world.

  But today, he was in a foul mood.

  This mission was interfering with his private jobs.

  The scenery here wasn't bad: sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, the deafening sound of water, and fine droplets misting the air.

  The moisture formed a light fog, wrapping the forest in a soft, gauzy yer.

  Yet, he felt nothing toward this beauty. If anything, it reminded him of the satisfying battles he had enjoyed in simir spots, slicing enemies by the waterfalls. The thrill of those moments still lingered faintly in his heart.

  "Why is this Kumo ninja so slow?"

  Kakuzu turned around, his impatience clear even with only his eyes visible.

  Sensing this, Matsu knew he had to tread carefully with the infamous missing-nin before him. He understood all too well who he was dealing with.

  "Are you, Kakuzu?" he asked with a polite smile. "Apologies for the dey; I ran into some obstacles on the way."

  His tone carried a hint of deference, but he didn't mind. During this mission, Matsu had learned an important lesson:

  Unless you are at their level, it's best to keep your head down when dealing with those who were.

  This way, there was a chance they wouldn't strike you down on a whim. Even if they did, they might let you live afterward.

  Never let the prestige of your vilge make you overconfident. Getting killed and "everything being under the vilge's control" were not mutually exclusive.

  Such was the tragic reality of many jonin.

  Before becoming one, they imagined it to be a status worth funting. After becoming one, they realized the game had only just begun.

  "As long as you know the rules," Kakuzu said, giving him a once-over. His tone was neutral but not harsh.

  This one is not worth much, he thought. He's a genuine client.

  With that conclusion, the masterful businessman decided to showcase his renowned service quality. After all, building a century-spanning brand was one of his modest goals.

  "Let's go," he said, stepping forward.

  His brevity was one of the reasons he was so well-regarded in the industry—because when he started talking too much, it usually meant heads would roll.

  Matsu quickly followed, but he made sure not to walk side by side with the missing-nin.

  Kakuzu didn't care, as long as the client didn't get lost.

  The two walked along the river.

  Following its flow, they entered the Land of Iron.

  Like the Land of Waterfalls, the Land of Iron was a neutral nation. But it was more steadfast, maintaining a frosty attitude toward ninjas.

  However, exceptions were made for ninjas from the Five Great Nations.

  And if it was a kage-level ninja, their understanding deepened—provided they were only passing through.

  As such, Kakuzu and Matsu, who fit the bill perfectly, faced no obstacles.

  They soon crossed into the Land of Rice Fields. Matsu felt a wave of relief.

  But to his surprise, the missing-nin stopped in this country.

  Sensing his client's confusion, Kakuzu said, "This is where your kage and we agreed to meet."

  "Understood. I'll follow your arrangements," Matsu said immediately.

  "It's not my arrangement," Kakuzu said, appreciating the Kumo ninja's cooperative demeanor. This one wasn't like some clients who loved to argue.

  Quite refreshing.

  "Another of my colleagues is here. He'll handle it."

  "Ah, someone to be called your colleague must be extraordinary," Matsu said, trying to make conversation.

  "No, he's disgusting. I'd love to sell his head for money," Kakuzu replied.

  Matsu fell silent.

  Is there something wrong with this organization? How can coworkers have such hostile retionships?

  "Don't say that, Kakuzu. I rather like you," a sinister voice whispered into Matsu's ear.

  The voice sent shivers down his spine, as though something grotesque were crawling inside his body.

  He turned his head to see another figure in a bck robe with red clouds—a man with a snake-like appearance standing beside him.

  "Orochimaru!" Matsu hadn't expected to encounter one of the legendary Sannin here.

  As for whether he had truly betrayed Konoha, Kumo wasn't sure.

  If he had, why hadn't Konoha taken decisive action?

  If he hadn't, why was he on their public bounty list?

  The notion that Orochimaru might be a double agent was absurd. Even if Konoha dared to py such a risky game, the very idea of someone like him being involved would shatter belief systems.

  Whatever the case, the man was an enigma.

  "Still thinking of killing me?" Orochimaru ignored Matsu and focused on Kakuzu, a pyful smirk on his face.

  "The next part is your responsibility," Kakuzu said coldly.

  Currently, Akatsuki had four kage-level members, including Pain.

  Pain aside, he thought Sasori was a fool, fixated on calling his puppet hobby "art."

  As for Orochimaru, Kakuzu felt he had genuine issues, given how the man once asked him to colborate on a "research project."

  "Understood," Orochimaru replied indifferently. "We'll be traveling together anyway. Let's chat."

  "Not interested. Stay away from me," Kakuzu growled, bck tendrils of his Earth Grudge Fear emerging from his body.

  Orochimaru's eyes lit up at the sight.

  But Kakuzu's murderous intent was genuine. There was no way he would let the Snake Sannin have his threads for research.

  "I'll let it slide today. There's always tomorrow," Orochimaru said with a sinister chuckle. Turning, he gestured, "Follow me. The Raikage is already waiting."

  Kakuzu retracted his threads and looked at Matsu.

  "You walk in front."

  "..."

  Having a regur jonin walk between two kage-level missing-nin—is that necessary?

  Even if they were hired by his vilge, it didn't feel safe.

  Reluctantly, he followed Orochimaru.

  "What's wrong with your leg?" Orochimaru suddenly asked, twisting his neck a full 180 degrees.

  Startled, Matsu froze.

  For a moment, he thought Orochimaru might be about to snap his own neck for dramatic effect.

  But as those snake-like eyes bore into him, he realized the man was simply curious.

  "It's injured," he replied cautiously.

  "Interesting. Let me take a look ter. Perhaps I can fix it," Orochimaru offered.

  "No need," Matsu stammered, swallowing hard. "The medics from Konoha already said it's beyond repair."

  "After Tsunade left, Konoha's hospital became a den of mediocrity," Orochimaru said dismissively, turning his head back around. "Don't come crying to me ter."