Konoha Hospital.
Outside, Kiyoshi had just bought a pair of shoes, treating them as a casual gift.
He carried them as he walked through the crowded hospital corridors.
Even without Kiyoshi's presence, war would inevitably break out within one or two years.
This was an unavoidable cyclical law of the shinobi world.
Naruto and Sasuke were like Hashirama and Madara in the past—while alive, they could suppress everything; once gone, war would erupt immediately.
It was just that Naruto's descendants were also extraordinary: his son Boruto was essentially Ōtsutsuki, and his adopted son Kawaki was also Ōtsutsuki.
This could stretch the period of peace.
But in the end, war would still come.
The First Shinobi World War originated from Hashirama's death—the pillar suppressing all nations was gone.
Conflicts over resources, land, and tailed beasts—previously suppressed—resurfaced and erupted into war.
The Second Shinobi World War was caused by unequal division of influence among the Five Great Nations, leading to widespread conflict.
The upcoming Third Shinobi World War would essentially be a continuation of the previous one.
The issue of unequal distribution of benefits among imperial powers had never been fully resolved. In addition, many small countries had emerged, occupying previously uninhabited regions.
These new nations would further compress the survival space of larger countries, especially the Land of Wind.
The Land of Earth was also filled with mountains and rocky terrain, only slightly better than the Land of Wind.
Internal contradictions among major nations would intensify, eventually being redirected outward.
"So this means I'll be able to access more traits."
Kiyoshi thought silently.
Since war was unavoidable, it was better to embrace it proactively.
Last time there was a "Battlefield Rose" trait—he expected similar ones this time.
Jinchūriki from major villages would also be deployed to war, giving him more opportunities.
"I've grown a bit taller after going out."
Kiyoshi opened the door—it was Yakushi Nono inside, working on documents.
She looked at him, then stood up and compared their heights.
"Mm, I brought you shoes."
Kiyoshi placed them down.
Nono smiled softly, looking somewhat relieved.
But her expression soon turned serious again.
"You'd better avoid contact with Orochimaru."
"I understand, Nono-sensei. I'm only discussing research topics with him."
Kiyoshi smiled.
Nono sighed lightly.
As long as she remained in Konoha, she could keep Orochimaru in check. After she left, however, she would have no control.
"Let's continue studying. Memorize these materials."
Nono turned away.
"Try the shoes first."
Kiyoshi said.
After hesitation, she agreed.
She removed her shoes, revealing pale, flawless bare feet.
Her toes were delicate and well-shaped, the arch elegant and soft, with faint veins visible under the skin.
"…Why are you looking?"
Nono raised a brow slightly.
Kiyoshi answered seriously:
"I'm checking if they fit."
"…They fit."
Her voice softened slightly.
This was unfamiliar to her.
As a former spy, she had never been in a teacher role before.
Kiyoshi's gratitude felt… different.
She gently smiled.
Such sincere children were rare.
This strengthened her desire to open an orphanage in the future.
Kiyoshi, as her first disciple, would always hold a special place.
"Good."
Kiyoshi nodded.
With his Sharingan, measuring size was trivial.
Nono walked a few steps in the new shoes.
"Thank you, Kiyoshi."
…
The weather was cold.
Kushina warmed her hands, sitting across from Mikoto in a small shop.
"Mikoto, are you really planning to retire?"
"Maybe after things stabilize."
"So early?"
Kushina looked at her.
Mikoto wore a practical ninja outfit. The green vest emphasized her mature figure.
Unlike ordinary shinobi, she had a fuller, softer physique—not fat, but feminine and striking.
Especially with her gentle face, the contrast was remarkable.
"Then you retired even earlier than me, didn't you?"
Mikoto smiled.
Kushina hesitated.
She had left active duty for reasons she couldn't explain.
The Nine-Tails situation restricted what she could say.
Changing the topic, she leaned closer.
"How are things with Fugaku?"
"Fine."
"Have you… kissed?"
Kushina blushed intensely.
"Of course not! What do you take me for?"
Mikoto laughed softly.
"Then what about you and Minato? He's been distant lately, hasn't he?"
"Minato is just busy…"
Kushina lowered her head.
She understood, but sometimes she just wanted attention.
Like Kiyoshi—he was considerate enough to bring her movie reels so she wouldn't be bored when he was away.
If only Minato paid attention to details like that…
She sighed softly.
"He's working hard to become Hokage."
"Is that so…"
Mikoto's eyes flickered slightly.
Fugaku also wanted to become Hokage.
But no Uchiha had ever become one since the village was founded.
"By the way… have you and Minato…?"
Mikoto leaned in and whispered.
"Nope."
Kushina shook her head.
She was just curious.
She was still too early for such things.
Minato was gentle and never forceful.
"Oh right, Mikoto… has Kiyoshi returned yet?"
Kushina asked.
(End of Chapter 128)