Day 610
"Heiwa, you say?" repeated a man among the crowd gathered around a storyteller.
The scene took place in a small village in Hi no Kuni. The villagers listened attentively to the tale of one of their own, who had returned from a journey to a neighboring country. Rumors had been circulating about a prosperous land untouched by the recent war, a place where trade flourished and opportunities for work abounded for those willing to settle there.
"Yes! A place like I've never seen!" exclaimed the man, gesticulating enthusiastically before his audience. "The capital is in a valley teeming with life, and food is grown in abundance."
"How large?" someone asked, captivated by the revelations.
"As far as the eye can see!" the merchant affirmed. "I saw fields stretching for miles."
"Impossible!" protested a farmer. "It would take dozens of men to cultivate such vast areas!"
"I swear it! You know me, I never lie, especially when it's nothing compared to the capital. It's indescribable; there are so many things… it's no longer a town, it's a city with thousands of inhabitants."
This declaration caused murmurs and incredulous glances among the villagers. The man had succeeded in awakening their curiosity and the desire to see for themselves what he described.
"How do they manage?" another person asked, still in shock.
"I don't know, but the Daimyō of this land must be immensely wealthy. The city is surrounded by walls four times higher than our houses! People lack for nothing, there is no famine, and joy reigns in the streets…"
"If it's so great, why did you come back?"
"They need labor," replied the traveling merchant.
"How so?" several people asked in unison.
"I wanted to settle there, but it's not that simple. There are many steps before being allowed to live there. They asked if I knew anyone looking for a new life, where they wouldn't lack work and would be safe. If I did, I was to bring them to Heiwa. In return, they would pay me handsomely."
This explanation sparked even more whispers. Since when did a country pay its citizens to attract new residents? Yet the merchant was not known for lying.
"Safety?" someone asked, concerned.
"Yes! Their security system is impressive! I had never seen so many soldiers in one place. The roads are patrolled, and there is such discipline that I never felt safer."
"What proof do we have that we should follow you?" asked a skeptic. "What you describe sounds like a mirage."
"They are genuinely eager for others to join them."
"How would we get there? We barely survive here! We don't have the resources for such a journey," retorted an elder.
"Exactly! When I told them where I came from and that my village might be interested, they provided me with a cart full of provisions... but they warned me that if I betrayed their trust, they would know, and... I prefer not to think about what they might do to me," the merchant said, shuddering.
The merchant remembered that day perfectly. The man who had given him the cart and horse had been clear: he had better not betray the trust placed in him. The merchant had been frightened by the realization that the magical powers sometimes mentioned in legends were indeed real. He understood that he had no interest in betraying this city that welcomed him with open arms. As a trader, he knew that everything had a price, and the price of a peaceful life was unwavering loyalty. A small price to pay for such a precious reward.
This kind of scene was not isolated. Across the Elemental Nations, people spoke of Ta no Kuni and what it had to offer, without violence. In this time of peace, populations ravaged by war were ready to consider a new life under such conditions.
However, what began as a simple rumor quickly gained traction throughout the Elemental Nations, making it impossible to ignore the probable existence of a place where living conditions were exceptional. This situation did not please everyone, especially the leaders of various countries who watched with concern the exodus of their populations.
Civilians had the freedom to leave their village without answering to anyone. However, for military personnel, soldiers, and shinobi, it was a different matter. They were strictly forbidden to leave, under penalty of being considered deserters. The law was strict, and the penalties severe, up to execution.
In these post-war times, leaders faced not only the dwindling of their civilian population but also a high risk of desertion among their armed forces. This double threat made the situation all the more critical, as each country struggled to recover from the previous conflict.
It was in this tense context that Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage of Konoha, decided it was time to learn more about this legendary city. Before making any decisions, he tasked one of his best spies:
"Go. You know what you must do. I will decide based on your report."
The spy, kneeling, nodded silently. Rising, he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained pensive, watching over his village struggling to recover from the war. He had to uncover the secrets of this city at any cost.
Day 650
On the other side of Ta no Kuni, concerns took on a different tone. Three men walked along the main road, just outside Heiwa. One of them, Daiki, stopped, observing the boundaries of the flourishing city they had been building for months.
"This is our problem for the day, Uchiha-dono, Uzumaki-dono," said Daiki.
"Well?" asked Ashina casually.
"The population is increasing day by day. At this rate, the city will be saturated by the end of the year. Rebuilding the wall would be a waste of time and resources," Daiki explained, gesturing towards the fortification.
"This is not a problem," Madara asserted, looking at the wall.
"How so?" Daiki asked, perplexed by Madara's calm demeanor.
"According to your calculations, by how much would we need to expand the city?" Madara questioned, ignoring the previous question.
"At least by a quarter, but the expansion is too constraining."
"Which direction? West or east?" Madara asked tersely, seeking the essential information.
"The west would be the best option," Daiki replied, uncertain of Madara's intentions.
The Daimyō's son wondered what the Uchiha intended to propose. A mountain blocked the western expansion, and leveling it would take years. Just as he was about to raise this objection, he was taken aback by Madara's actions. The latter had turned around, heading slowly towards the west of the city. Ashina followed, curious to see what Madara was planning.
They arrived at the west side of the city and stood before the mountain's flank. At first glance, no expansion seemed feasible, except by demolishing the mountain.
"What are you planning, Madara?" asked Uzumaki, considering only one solution: Doton Terafomingu.
Madara did not answer, staring at the mountain. He mastered Doton, but this required more than simple earth manipulation. Performing the hand seals of the rooster, dog, dragon, and snake, he activated his Rinnegan, the concentric rings of his eyes widening. He channeled his chakra under the silent gazes of Ashina and Daiki.
Suddenly, a deep crack echoed through the valley. The mountain fissured, chunks of rock breaking off to float before crashing down in specific places. The entire valley was plunged into a visual and auditory chaos. The inhabitants, stunned, witnessed a mad spectacle: Madara Uchiha was creating a natural wall with the rocks torn from the mountain.
The noise ceased as abruptly as it had started.
"There… you now have a natural wall and the equivalent of half the current city in additional space to build new residential areas. I'm going back to my duties," said Madara before disappearing, leaving everyone in awe.
The scene was shocking. Never before had such a demonstration of power been seen. Madara Uchiha had just accomplished a true terraformation.
Ashina, silently, observed what Madara had achieved. Stroking his mustache slowly, he pondered possible improvements.
"Hmmm, an enhancement of this wall is necessary, as well as the already built one," Ashina murmured to himself.
"How do you plan to improve it? It was built by the best architects for optimal defense," protested Daiki.
"Yes, but not against shinobi… let me handle it. I'll install Fūinjutsu formulas to make it more solid," Ashina responded, his mind already buzzing with various formulas to make the wall impregnable.
Day 710
Almost a year had passed since Tsunade Senju had discovered with bitterness the disappearance of all her clan members. The endless and devastating war had driven her late uncle to recruit even the children and women capable of Ninjutsu, regardless of their age.
Even mothers of young children had to go to the front, leaving their offspring in the care of the few elderly women still alive. But the war, exacerbated by a cruel lack of resources, had fatal consequences for the last members of the clan... famine, then death.
Since that horrible discovery, knowing she was the last survivor of her family, the blonde teenager had only one thought in mind: to become stronger.
She devoted the following months to intensive training, perfecting her chakra control, and tirelessly studying the book that Sakura Haruno had provided her. She now knew this manual by heart, determined to become the medical ninja it described.
However, she undertook this training in utmost secrecy, accompanied by Jiraiya. The teenager was the only one in whom she had confided her secret. After all, he understood her pain and had found the right words to comfort her.
But today, Tsunade Senju was not focused on studying. The time for learning had passed; it was now time for the first trial. Sitting cross-legged in front of a low table, she stared at the green-covered book Sakura had given her. This book was unique.
Not only because of the amount of information it contained but also because Sakura had specially adapted it for Tsunade. Indeed, she had applied Fūinjutsu seals that would only activate when Tsunade was ready to discover the culmination of all this training.
The young blonde had to study and practice all the exercises in the book to reach the end, where it simply stated: "Do you think you are ready? If so, activate me."
Tsunade took a deep breath, confident despite a slight apprehension. Ignoring what would happen when triggering the seal, she channeled her chakra and placed her finger on the Fūinjutsu formula. The seal activated, a small puff of smoke materialized, causing the young girl to start slightly.
When the smoke dissipated, a pile of papers appeared.
"An exam?" Tsunade read as she took the papers in hand.
It was her test!
For the following hours, the blonde answered all the questions as best as she could. Many seemed obvious to her, while others required more thought. With a great sigh of relief and satisfaction, Tsunade set down her pen after answering the last question.
"Phew..."
A few seconds after she set down her pen, the last sheet lit up with a Fūinjutsu seal, rendering the parchment blank before revealing a phrase:
Find me in Heiwa.
"Heiwa?" Tsunade read aloud.
She had heard of this place, increasingly popular. Did this woman live there? Was she responsible for what was happening there? Many questions invaded the young blonde's mind as she lay on the floor, staring at the ceiling.
"What do I have to lose?" Tsunade whispered, as a lump of sadness slowly rose in her throat. She remembered that she had practically nothing left in Konoha, no family... not even her sensei.
Since the end of the war, Team Seven's sensei, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had little time to dedicate to his students. The village's survival took priority, occupying most of his time. Her teammate Orochimaru had also changed since the end of the war... or rather, since the death of his parents.
Tsunade had suffered the loss of her entire clan, but unlike Orochimaru, she had the support of Jiraiya. Apart from this white-haired teenager, nothing held her in this village.
She turned her gaze to the low table where the completed exam lay. An irresistible need to find this person, a strong intuition, was compelling her.
"Tomorrow..."
"Tomorrow what?" said Jiraiya's voice as he entered the room.
Tsunade, lost in thought, had forgotten that her friend visited her almost every day to check on her.
"Nothing," the blonde said hastily, gathering all the papers in front of her.
"Are you sure?" the teenager insisted, knowing very well when she was lying. It was rare, but he knew her well enough to detect even the slightest hint of dishonesty.
"Y-Yes..."
"You know you can tell me anything, Tsunade. I'm the last person in this village who would divulge your secrets," Jiraiya said softly, approaching her.
The concerned girl brought her legs to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. She buried her head in them, sighing.
"Promise me you won't get angry..."
"Me, get angry?" he retorted, surprised, as it was not in his nature.
"You're right... promise me you won't do anything... stupid," the blonde corrected.
"You're asking a lot of me, Hime, but for you, yes, I promise," the teenager conceded, making a small pout.
Tsunade sighed, raising her head and checking that no one else was in the room.
"I intend to leave the village tomorrow," she finally said.
"Why?" Jiraiya asked, completely lost.
"I finished Sakura's book and at the end, there was an exam... and... and I passed."
"Why does passing this exam make you want to leave your home?" the boy wondered.
"Because at the end of it, a phrase appeared. I know where to find Sakura. And... and I want to ask her to become her apprentice," Tsunade admitted, determined.
At the beginning of her studies, she had immersed herself entirely in the explanations and exercises. But without really realizing it, she wanted to learn even more, and only Sakura could provide that. Now that she had said it out loud, it was clear: this was what she desired most.
"And what about us?"
"What do you mean, us?" the blonde was astonished.
"Sensei... Orochimaru... me..." the teenager clarified.
"Jiraiya... you know very well how I feel, I don't want to be powerless ever again, I don't want to see those I care about die."
"Except you're going to leave the last ones you love behind."
"I have nothing left, Jiraiya," she breathed with palpable despair.
hese poignant words struck the young boy to his core. He understood what she meant, but it did not lessen his disappointment. Hadn't she understood yet?
"You have me," Jiraiya whispered, lowering his gaze to the floor.
"Please, Jiraiya, you told me you would help me become as strong as that woman. So, please, don't try to change my mind."
Tsunade realized she must have hurt her friend with her words. Of course, he was there; he always had been. She did not ignore the feelings he had for her, and she did not take them lightly. But this was the path she wanted to take, and she could not impose it on him. She knew the consequences of deserting her village, and she knew Jiraiya well enough to understand he would likely do everything in his power to stop her.
"If I can't convince you to stay in Konoha, let me come with you," Jiraiya proposed, determined.
"Pardon?"
"If you leave, I will have no one left... I only have you, Tsunade."
Day 715
A nondescript man was positioned away from the crowd and the gaze of the city of Heiwa. He had been sent here weeks ago to determine whether this country posed a real threat to the world.
No one had seen him; no one could remember him, as it was one of his main abilities: to be invisible. Not literally, but because he could blend completely into the crowd without drawing attention to himself.
It was no accident that Hiruzen Sarutobi had called on him. Among his peers, he was the only one capable of carrying out the mission requested.
He wasn't an exceptional Shinobi in terms of combat skills but rather for his espionage capabilities. His chakra reserves were barely higher than those of a civilian, which allowed him to conceal them easily without raising suspicions if he encountered sensory ninjas.
His Dōjutsu allowed him to observe and seek out the desired information. The Hyūga was thus the ideal candidate to fulfill the Hokage's request.
Over these weeks, he had observed, listened, calculated, and taken notes. He was surprised by the logistics in place to manage this city. There was just one thing that was strange: part of the city remained inaccessible to him. Whenever he approached it, he felt an irresistible urge to go elsewhere, and that's what he did.
Surely, this area was protected by the famous illusion stick reworked by Ashina. No one, especially not outsiders, was to know about the ninja troops of Heiwa.
Even though they trusted their security system, the Uchiha and the Uzumaki knew full well that sooner or later, neighboring hidden villages would send spies. The quest for information was key, and all leaders knew this. One could not judge their neighbor and classify them as an ally or enemy without knowing more about them. Thus, they couldn't do anything to prevent espionage without risking revealing unnecessary details, such as the fact that Madara was still alive.
After all these weeks of observation, the spy submitted his report to his Hokage.
It is no longer a village; it is no longer a city; it is far beyond that. I easily count more than ten thousand inhabitants throughout the valley. There is an organization and management of the country like I have never seen elsewhere.
Commerce is thriving, resources are abundant, and I haven't even mentioned the country's wealth. I managed to infiltrate the city's vaults, and what I saw left me speechless: money as far as the eye can see.
I believe the Daimyō has discovered a gold or silver mine in the mountains to amass such wealth, and that's what has fueled their remarkable development. Because of this, they have also increased their armed forces; however, there are no Shinobi or, if there are, they are few in number.
I await your response for the next phase of the plan.
Bird in the cage.
Day 720
Sakura had just completed her postnatal rehabilitation session. It had been just over five months since she had become a mother, and as soon as her physical condition allowed, she had set out to reclaim her body transformed by pregnancy and to resume training. For Sakura, more than for any other mother, it was unthinkable to tolerate even the slightest physical issues.
Armed with her extensive medical knowledge, she dedicated herself to restoring her body. Now, she was studying a stack of scrolls, preparing improvements for her medical center.
Meanwhile, Madara was not far behind her. The man had discovered the joys of fatherhood. At first, he had acted like the ninja he was, observing this tiny being, his flesh and blood, without daring to interact. He was both curious and a bit scared, not knowing how to approach it. This was a legitimate fear for men of that era, who viewed child-rearing as a domain reserved for women. But Sakura, far from being a woman of the Sengoku period, had decided to awaken the paternal instinct in her husband. She was convinced that he was capable of taking care of their daughter. One day, when Nozumi was only a few weeks old, she placed the infant into Madara's arms.
"I'm leaving her with you, Madara. I need to start my rehabilitation and can't take care of her for a while."
Madara wanted to protest, but Sakura's determined tone made it clear that he had no choice. Since that day, he had taken pleasure in caring for their child. An infant was not as frightening or as fragile as he had thought. Quickly, he observed Nozumi's rapid developments, both physical and motor.
Now six months old, Nozumi occupied all of Madara's free time. He was a loving, albeit strict, father. When Sakura watched them discreetly, her heart swelled with joy. The bond between these two beings was so strong that words were unnecessary. Just seeing Madara's gaze locked onto Nozumi's was enough to understand what she meant to him: a future of peace.
Madara would never openly admit it, but he was the happiest man alive. He had found the woman who brought happiness into his life, he had become a father, and he had built his own city where peace reigned. Nothing could be more perfect than what Sakura had achieved since her battle with Hashirama. He was happy that she had chosen to save him and help him realize his dreams.
"Sakura-sama," announced a guard, pulling the young woman from her thoughts and scrolls. "Someone wishes to see you."
"Who is it?" Sakura asked, still not used to so much respect and protocol.
"They preferred to remain anonymous, but they said they were here on your behalf."
"Show them in," Sakura said, intrigued by this unexpected visit. She had traveled the world and met so many people that she couldn't guess who it might be.
The door opened to reveal two people, and Sakura's heart raced with pleasure. A smile lit up her face, and she had to hold back tears of joy. She was thrilled to see the newcomers, especially a young girl standing proudly before her.
"You finally made it," Sakura said, setting aside the scroll she had been reading.
"Yes, replied the newcomer."
"I assume that if you're here, you have a request to make."
"We would like to become your apprentices to be like you," Tsunade said with conviction.
"I accept your request, Tsunade, but I cannot fulfill your entire request."
"How so?"
"I can train you. You have chakra control, the basics, and the motivation. But I only wish to take on one apprentice. Therefore, I must refuse your request concerning your teammate," Sakura said seriously.
A discomfort settled in the room. The two teenagers hadn't expected this and struggled to process the news.
"What will happen to me then? Who will train me?" Jiraiya asked, speaking for the first time since the beginning. He was saddened not to be trained by this powerful woman, but more so worried about what would become of him.
As all sorts of questions raced through his mind, a hand rested on his shoulder. He looked up and found himself face-to-face with an imposing chest. Looking up further, he widened his eyes in astonishment.
"Me ! I will train you."
Standing before him was Uchiha Madara.
[Rest assured that this story is progressing, and everything has a reason for being revealed. I think there are roughly 13-15 chapters left before reaching the conclusion of this story, which will blow your mind :) Thank you so much for your support and presence.]