The Hidden Forest Village of today was already a far cry from what it used to be.
Within the Illusion Forest, a cluster of houses had been built along the trees, and a large area in the center had been transformed into a residential site.
On the outskirts of the forest, a small Village had risen from the ground, connecting Fan City and the Illusion Forest.
At this moment, inside...
Kazuma, Suzumebachi Kamizuru, and the others stood outside with respectful expressions. In front of them, Karin stood silently behind Iron Palm, waiting.
A moment later—
A figure slowly stepped out from inside the house.
Kazuma looked up slightly, his eyes revealing an unconcealable shock.
This feeling—
Even though the person was clearly right in front of him, it was difficult to detect them through Chakra perception. There was a faint, suffocating sense of pressure.
If Kazuma felt this way, Karin, whose perception was even stronger, felt it even more intensely.
A few stray bees flew past Masahiko, seemingly sensing no difference.
Suzumebachi Kamizuru lowered her head.
The last time the Lord descended, the bees could still detect something unusual, but this time they were completely unable to "perceive" anything.
It was as if—
What stood before them was not a person, but a tree or a rock.
Such methods, if combined with techniques like Hiding in Rock, would be comparable to the Second Tsuchikage of the past.
Too strong!
Her heart was shaken, her admiration growing. She was more convinced than ever that she hadn't made the wrong choice.
Iron Palm scratched his claws.
Although he didn't know why Masahiko was dressed this way—
"I'm leaving now?"
"Alright, thank you."
"Heh, what's a little thing like this?"
Iron Palm waved his hand and disappeared.
Karin bowed respectfully. "My Lord!"
"Mm."
Masahiko scanned the group. "Everyone, go and train. Furido, you come in."
"Yes!"
Kazuma responded respectfully.
Masahiko could sense that he was even more respectful and devout than before.
Sensing in Sage Mode was indeed far stronger than in his normal state.
Back inside the house, he looked at Kazuma.
"How is the Village's relationship with Konoha?"
"It's not bad. Since we're in the south, a small portion of the southern missions are now being shared with us, and Konoha hasn't said anything."
Kazuma answered.
Masahiko said, "For this year's Chunin Exams, continue to send a portion of our people to test the waters. Results aren't important; just making an appearance while ensuring safety is enough."
"Understood."
Kazuma nodded.
He was waiting for the next order, but unexpectedly heard: "How does it feel to be the leader of a Village?"
"Ah?"
Kazuma was somewhat surprised.
After a moment of deep thought, he said, "It's very different. From another perspective, many questions have answers. Those old ideas from before—"
Kazuma smiled bitterly. "Perhaps people are just like that; they change their stance based on their interests."
"Most people can only see a corner of the world. Only by climbing higher can you see more."
Masahiko said flatly, "Continue to observe."
Kazuma nodded gently.
The next moment, he discovered to his astonishment that the "Black-Robed Man" before him had vanished without a trace.
A Shadow Clone?
No.
A Shadow Clone wouldn't be like this; it was more like a direct "disappearance"!
What a terrifying technique!
Kazuma took a deep breath, his heart filled with increasing awe.
Night, Konoha.
It was past seven o'clock when Hiruzen Sarutobi walked out of his office. He intended to head home, but upon further thought, he felt a wave of exhaustion.
Konohamaru was likely already asleep.
Asuma—
Forget that kid.
He's a grown man and still makes me worry.
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe and silently walked up to the rooftop.
Just then.
"Hokage-sama, you aren't planning to jump from here, are you? At this height, with your strength, I'm afraid you wouldn't even die from the fall."
Eh?!!!
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes widened, his face filled with bewilderment.
But sensing carefully—
There was no movement at all.
He almost thought he was hallucinating.
He turned around abruptly, only to see the person he had been thinking about for over three years standing right before his eyes.
He rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
"Masahiko? Is it really you?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice trembled.
Masahiko bowed respectfully. "I am very sorry, Hokage-sama, for making you worry!"
"These three years, these three and a half years, where have you been? Why didn't you even send a message back? Do you know how much we worried about you!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was incredibly excited, rushing to him in three steps, wanting to clap Masahiko on the shoulder.
At the last moment—
His hand slowed down, as if out of concern or fear.
He had seen this scene many times in his dreams. Sometimes when he was alone, he would imagine Masahiko, Biwako Sarutobi, and the others returning to speak with him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was afraid.
Afraid that this was just another hallucination.
"Rest assured, I am not a ghost,"
Masahiko joked.
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi burst into laughter. He reached out and patted him gently, nodding with some excitement. "You've grown taller and stronger!"
""
"The reason I didn't contact you during this time was mainly because the environment didn't allow it."
Masahiko explained.
He modified the details of the Lost Mountain slightly and explained them to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The special magnetic field of the Lost Mountain made that place very unique, making it indeed difficult to use the modified crow summoning.
Even for the Reverse Summoning Jutsu, it required Iron Palm and the others to act.
So, Masahiko wasn't technically lying.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes turned red as he listened. "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back! Next, you—"
Only now did he realize.
If Masahiko had wanted to return openly, he would have sent word via the crows long ago.
"You don't plan on returning immediately?"
"I used to think that being strong enough would allow me to protect the Village. But given the current state of the Ninja World—I believe staying hidden for the time being might be more beneficial for the Village."
Masahiko answered.
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment and said, "It's not safe here. Let's go to the office to talk."
"Yes!"
Inside the office.
Masahiko looked around, finally fixing his gaze on the bookshelf. He smiled. "Why was this moved here?"
On the bookshelf was the Scroll of Seals.
He remembered it wasn't here before.
"Cough, well, about that—"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's old face flushed, but he didn't explain.
He pointed to a chair.
"Sit."
"Yes."
Masahiko sat down.
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked about his recent situation again, specifically asking about Masahiko's training over the past three years.
Masahiko answered "truthfully": "I encountered two mysterious Ninjas in the Lost Mountain. They taught me special Ninjutsu, but unfortunately, they said my talent was average, so I only mastered the basics."
"The method for concealing my presence is thanks to their teaching."
Everything he said was the truth, he just left out a portion of it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi understood after hearing this.
He assumed they were reclusive masters who had mastered Senjutsu or the Talent of the Sage Clan.
Hearing that Masahiko hadn't been able to learn everything, he couldn't help but feel regret. "Why didn't you stay there for a few more years? What if you had succeeded!"
"The two seniors said that this thing depends on talent. If your talent isn't good enough, practicing for a lifetime is useless."
Masahiko answered, "I didn't know how much time had passed inside. I wanted to come out and let everyone know I was safe, so they wouldn't worry."
""
"Sigh, I've heard of the Lost Mountain, but I didn't expect there to be such a mysterious place inside—"
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
That was Senjutsu!
Then, he explained Konoha's situation over the past three years to Masahiko in detail.
Afterward, he talked about Kurenai, Sasuke, Naruto—
Including how Naruto had been caught cleaning the Hokage Rock today after painting Masahiko's portrait on it.
Masahiko looked up, his eyes red, struggling to hold back his emotions.
Hiruzen Sarutobi opened his mouth, then finally sighed. "I shouldn't have said so much. Since you aren't returning for now, it only makes you worry and feel bad."
"Not at all. I'm very grateful to you, and I'm very happy that everyone remembers me so much."