Having received Kaguya's gratitude, Yami's trip today was not in vain, and Isshiki's death became much more valuable.
Not only that, even the dead one was valuable.
After returning to Konoha, Yami went into the training room and began to study.
He remembered that Isshiki also had a Ten Tails, but it was sealed in an alternate dimension.
If he could find it, he didn't plan to keep it for planting the God Tree. This small ninja world couldn't withstand the torment of three Ten Tails. It would be better to swallow it and replenish his body with nutrients.
With so many wives, I can't not make up for them.
While Yami was in seclusion, the Chunin Exams were also in full swing.
In today's competition, Kurotsuchi defeated three opponents easily and secured a spot in the next round. It was certain that she would become a Chunin.
However, to become a Jonin, she would need to complete enough mission indicators within a year before applying.
This was why the Chunin Exams were held last, since a triple jump was impossible.
After the competition, Kurotsuchi was about to find the wedding staff to talk about her ideas when her father, Kitsuchi, emerged stealthily from the ground.
"Kurotsuchi, the old man is looking for you, come with me."
"Grandpa?" Kurotsuchi's eyelids twitched. "He's not going to do anything again, is he? Dad, you can't follow him and do something stupid!"
Even the simple-minded Kitsuchi's eyelids twitched when he heard Kurotsuchi complaining about Ōnoki, and he said unhappily, "The old man is not a fool. Can he shake the current Konoha?"
"Don't think nonsense. Although I don't know what the old man wants you to do, it is definitely not what you think."
Kurotsuchi heaved a sigh of relief and followed Kitsuchi to Ōnoki's residence.
In the wealthy area in the eastern part of Konoha, Ōnoki had bought himself a manor. After moving in, he rarely showed up and lived in seclusion.
This wasn't because he was afraid of being feared by Yami and wanted to downplay his presence. It was simply because... he was tired.
Previously, Yami arranged for ninjas from other villages to plant trees and mine, but he did not show favoritism to Ōnoki and Kitsuchi because of their identities. The two of them also went to the mines together.
Especially because of his own mistakes, so many of his subordinates had died in the war. Ōnoki felt guilty, so he often helped others complete tasks in the mines, draining his Chakra and physical strength every day.
Even a strong young man like Kakashi would not have been able to endure such exhausting work for half a year, let alone an old man like him.
So, when the punishment ended and he returned to Konoha, Ōnoki fell seriously ill and only recovered with the help of the advanced nutrient solution developed by Yakushi Kabuto and Konoha.
Otherwise, before the wedding, Kurotsuchi would have had to attend Ōnoki's funeral first.
"Kurotsuchi, come and sit down.Grandpa has just made some tea, come and have a taste."
Ōnoki was sitting on the sofa and greeted Kurotsuchi with a smile. His short body and the soft cushions made him sink into the seat.
"The water in Konoha is really good. It has a fresh fragrance and is much better than the water in our area."
Kurotsuchi obediently drank a cup of tea but was also secretly observing Ōnoki's expression.
When she saw that Ōnoki really had no gloom or sorrow over defeat, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Ōnoki was such an old fox that he noticed all of Kurotsuchi's little tricks and burst out laughing.
"Kurotsuchi, do you think I'm still restless and thinking about how to overthrow Yami and Konoha?"
Kurotsuchi stuck out her tongue playfully. "Grandpa, no way, I just wanted to see if you were doing well..."
Ōnoki smiled and did not expose her excuse, but simply explained to himself, "In fact, many things will be relieved if you look at them positively. What's more, Yami did better than me, better than any other Tsuchikage."
"I've also figured it out. The peaceful ninja world is what most people want to live in. Moreover, with Yami's suppression, even the most ambitious and scheming people have no place to display their abilities."
Ōnoki sighed. "This is the despair brought about by absolute strength."
In fact, there was one most important point that Ōnoki did not say, but he understood it in his heart.
That was Yami's equal treatment policy, just like this selection, which was completely transparent and open.
Both former Konoha shinobi and newcomers abided by a single set of rules, where the capable advanced and the weak fell behind.
The upward path existed, and whether one could climb it depended entirely on their own ability.
There would be no visible impact in the short term, but over time, even these naturalized shinobi would unconsciously protect Konoha.
To be precise, they were protecting their own interests and maintaining a healthy workplace ecology.
Hearing Ōnoki's sincere words, Kurotsuchi immediately smiled broadly. "Grandpa, it's good that you've figured it out. What's the point of fighting and killing every day? Isn't it better for you to just enjoy your old age in peace?"
"Yes, of course."
Ōnoki smiled and nodded. "But it won't be too late to think about retirement after Grandpa has taught you the last lesson."
Kurotsuchi knew this was also the reason why Ōnoki had called her here today, and asked curiously, "What lesson?"
"It's very simple."
Ōnoki said lightly, "How to compete for favor."
(To be continued.)