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With the battle between Akio and Madara, the Warring States Era came to an end, and Akio once again gained 20 Witness Points.
Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama, who agreed to a truce, each led part of their clans to form an organization—this would become the foundation of Konohagakure.
"Second Granduncle, is it really impossible for the Uzumaki Clan to join the Hidden Leaf Village?" Hashirama asked.
Akio gave a wry smile. "It really is impossible."
Over the years, the Uzumaki had become the undisputed largest clan of the Warring States Era, with a population of over a million and nearly ten thousand shinobi. With more children being born each day, Akio had even started considering implementing "family planning."
"If the Uzumaki join the Hidden Leaf, you wouldn't be founding a village—you'd be founding a nation," Akio explained.
"Hmph, old geezer! Konoha would be better off without you!" Madara grumbled from the side.
Akio was speechless. He still had no idea how he'd managed to offend Madara to this extent.
"I'll speak with my grandnephew when I return. The Uzumaki and Konoha will become eternal allies," Akio said, then glanced at Madara. "Once Konoha is established, I'll visit often. A peaceful village is the perfect place to retire."
Madara snorted coldly. "Old geezer, you don't have many years left anyway. Go enjoy your retirement!"
Ignoring him, Akio turned to Hashirama. "Where's Tobirama? I haven't seen him lately."
"Ah, haha… Tobirama's been organizing the clan's relocation," Hashirama said with a chuckle.
Akio smirked and shook his head. "Got yourself a partner and forgot your brother, huh… Poor Tobirama."
"Well, I'll be heading back now."
Akio bid farewell to Hashirama and made his way back to the Uzumaki Clan.
Upon returning to the Uzumaki territory…
Akio paused, surprised by how lively the clan grounds were.
"I almost forgot—it's only three days until the New Year!"
"Sensei, you're back!" a familiar voice called out. Akio turned, the corner of his mouth twitching as he looked down...
"Jitou, why are you talking to me while doing a handstand?"
"Sensei! I'm training to walk the entire Uzumaki compound on my hands—it's a special form of training!" Jitou declared proudly.
"Right… off you go then…" Akio turned and walked away, feeling somewhat embarrassed that he was the one who'd trained this kid. And of all days, why pick one when the clan grounds were packed?
"Okay!" Jitou replied energetically.
"Wait, come back! Where's Izuko ?" Akio called him back, puzzled.
"Oh, right! Almost forgot!" Jitou replied. "She's at Nanako's place…"
Akio waved him off. "Got it!"
As he walked through the ever-expanding Uzumaki territory, Akio's thoughts began to drift.
"Eight years ago, that little girl who dumped a bucket of water on me is about to become a mother? Time really flies…" he thought, shaking his head. "Lately I've been getting way too sentimental. Must be my age…"
"Let's see… 24 years in my previous life, and 66 years in this one… that makes me 90 years old already. A full lifetime for an ordinary person…"
"What am I even thinking? I could live through who knows how many more 90-year lifetimes! I, Akio Uzumaki, am no ordinary man!"
Lost in thought, Akio eventually arrived at the clan leader's hall.
"Second Uncle, you're back? I heard Hashirama defeated Madara in that Senju-Uchiha war?" the clan leader asked upon seeing him.
Akio's face darkened. "That was me fighting Madara!"
"Second Uncle… everyone saw that massive Wood Release and the towering light-blue giant…" The clan leader clearly wasn't convinced.
Akio's face darkened further. Madara's giant had fought him, while Hashirama's Wood Release was only used to defend the Senju compound.
After a moment, Akio decided not to explain. Being the hidden powerhouse behind the scenes… sounded pretty cool.
"Yes, Hashirama won. Now the Senju and Uchiha have united to establish a village called Konoha."
The Uzumaki clan leader's expression changed. A seasoned politician with over 20 years of experience, he immediately realized the implications.
Once Konoha was established, even if Hashirama became its leader, he couldn't maintain the same level of closeness with the Uzumaki Clan. The village council would surely include Uchiha and many other large and small clans.
"You're quick to catch on," Akio chuckled. "That's why we can't all join Konoha outright. But in name, we'll be part of it. And within the village, we'll need our own branch clan."
The Uzumaki clan leader hesitated.
"…You're not still thinking about founding your own nation, are you?" Akio scratched his head.
The clan leader gave an awkward smile, silently confirming his thoughts.
"What, being clan leader isn't enough for you—you want to be a daimyo now?" Akio snorted. "You're over fifty already—how many good years do you think you've got left?"
The clan leader glanced at Akio.
"Hey! Your second uncle is special!" Akio snapped back.
"Once Konoha is founded, the other great nations will start forming their own villages too. If we don't align with Konoha, we're toast."
After much persuasion, Akio finally dissuaded his grandnephew from the unrealistic idea.
That said, it wasn't entirely unrealistic. With Akio's current strength, there was no fear of anyone destroying the Uzumaki Clan. But as the saying goes, you don't fear the thief stealing—you fear the thief watching. Akio couldn't be everywhere at once. And he didn't want to be tied to the clan forever either.
After the New Year, Akio strolled through the familiar streets, thinking about the rapid development of Konoha.
"This year truly marks the end of the Warring States Era…"
During the 67 years of that era, Akio had spent the first 48 in war and chaos, and the last 19 in endless busyness.
"Once Konoha is up and running, life should finally calm down. I can gather Witness Points and meet some of the famous faces I remember from my previous life…"
Konoha's development progressed much slower than Akio had imagined. Hashirama and the others had too much on their plate: negotiating with the daimyo, arranging clan relocations, dividing up territory, and recruiting civilians. Ironically, the easiest part was the actual construction.
After a full year of work, Akio would occasionally check in on the progress. Flying made it incredibly convenient, after all…
Konoha's four quadrants were occupied by the Senju, Uchiha, Uzumaki, and Hyuga clans. The smaller clans filled the gaps in between.
The Uzumaki secured prime territory thanks to Akio's power and their numbers. The Hyuga relied on their strong ties with the daimyo…
"Now that I think about it, Hiashi Hyuga really was a visionary," Akio occasionally mused.
By coincidence—or perhaps due to Hashirama's arrangements—the clans flanking the Uzumaki were the Sarutobi and Shimura. Likely to ensure Akio had good neighbors.
As the year drew to a close, Tobirama visited the Uzumaki Clan once again. This time, he brought news: Konoha's founding ceremony would be held on the first day of the new year. Along with the message, he delivered a formal alliance pact titled "Mutual Support and Watchfulness."
After signing the pact, Akio flew a thousand meters into the sky.
Using every ounce of strength in his body, he shouted:
"THE WARRING STATES ERA IS OVER!"
His voice echoed through the clouds...
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