Book One: The Rise of the Blue-Haired Devil.

      I appeared in the mizukage's office just in time. At that moment, someone was counting down the work done or the mission accomplished. I looked at the shinobi standing in front of me. It was a girl with attractive facial features. She turned in my direction, raising an eyebrow in surprise. A small nose, crimson-coloured lips, and emerald-coloured eyes staring at me with incomprehension. Her beautiful yellow hair was now braided into a single ponytail behind her back. Her skin was pale due to the lack of vitamin B in her body..... it was the effects of working in a dark room for so long. It was her... Yumiko....       - I'm back. - I said in a half voice. Yuki looked at me in surprise. Apparently she didn't recognise me. Even though my hair colour remained the same, my body and face had changed too much. It could be said that I had matured, becoming more mature and mature in appearance.       - Who are you? - The girl said cautiously, looking into my eyes. In her gaze I could see a trace of doubt and joy.       - Didn't you recognise your future husband? - I said, grinning slyly.       - Husband? - The dumbfounded kunoichi whispered, and then, after a quick glance around my face, focusing on my hair, she jumped up to me. - You're back! - she squeaked, pulling me against her. My bones crunched, I marvelled at my future wife's strength. Even without chakra, my body was strong enough, and here the yellow-haired beast was breaking all principles of sanity by squeezing me so tightly I couldn't breathe, but I found the strength to hug her back. Byakuren was tactfully silent the whole time we were enjoying each other, but I knew that the head of the village was not the best place for such things, so after five minutes of close embrace with Yumiko I tried to talk some sense into her.       - Yumi, I'll give you this whole day if you give me a chance to talk to the mizukage. - I whispered quietly enough in the yellow-haired beast's ear.       - Okay, just tell me when the wedding is? - Yuki agreed on her own terms. This question was very important to her, for I saw her eyes sparkle.       - As soon as I get back, we'll have the wedding. - I gave her my answer with a smile on my face. The girl quickly ran out of the office and that was very good, for Biakuren's words seriously stressed me out.       - If you come back, Mi kun... - the head of the village stated on an exhale. His gaze was heavy and frowning. He clearly knew more than me and I didn't like it.       - Are you afraid that I'll lose to Madara? - I clarified, becoming as focused and wary as possible.       - No... You don't really understand what's going on in the world right now, so don't be rude, but you have to lose to Madara. - Hozuki said with calmness in his voice, though I could see the worry in his eyes.       - What? - I recoiled in incomprehension. I was struck by lightning, because I just didn't understand why... why I should lose a battle with someone who wanted me dead....       -Ah... I guess there's no explanation. - He gave me an apologetic look, and I realised at once that the reason for his request was a good one. - Mi-kun, the war is already knocking on the door of every shinobi on the planet. - He began very slowly, trying to hide his dislike of the event. - The three hidden villages have already mobilised their forces. Their troops are already on their borders. They have not yet crossed them, but they are ready to launch a full-scale offensive at any moment. We are uncomfortable opponents for them, yet we have an alliance with Konoha. Don't ask me how or why I made it. It's too complicated to explain. We are to help the village of Hidden in the Leaves in the upcoming First World Shinobi War. - Byakuren slowed down his narration, pouring sake into his glass. Today is a holiday, after all. The second man, after him, to the Hidden in the Mist villages had finally returned. The man did not usually drink alcohol, but today was a special day, and under the influence of alcohol everything is perceived much easier.       - So what's holding them back? - I asked a logical question, watching the legendary ninja drain the contents of the tankard in one gulp. - Perhaps Hashirama's power, - I said wistfully. Yes, the power of a shinobi god cannot be ignored. Before I left, it was because of this ninja that the other villages were afraid to start a war. There would be no bloodshed on the part of the Leaf Village. The two Shinobi Gods would have simply destroyed all the attacking forces of their enemies. But what had changed? Byakuren gave a couple of signs, after which a dozen or two masked ninjas disappeared from the ceiling and shadows at once. I could feel them perfectly well, even if less accurately than the others, but I didn't let on the whole time. They were very skilful at disguising themselves. I wouldn't have detected them without the Sage's chakra and my sensory abilities. I also felt a sound barrier appear around the office.       - Hashirama isn't the same anymore... - the mizukage began uncertainly. I could tell by the look on his face that this was a very uncomfortable conversation for him. - He is sick, but not like the others. His illness can be called truly divine, just like him. - Biakuren continued with a bitter chuckle, pouring himself more liquor and also taking out another glass for his guest.       - What is the disease? - I asked, sitting down at the same table as the head of the village.       - You know about his outstanding regeneration, don't you? - The mizukage asked a guiding question, looking at me with a calmer gaze. Seeing my imperceptible nod, he gave a satisfied hum and continued speaking. - His power was the basis for his illness. His chakra channels have a damn powerful and healing chakra flowing through them, but no one... no one but himself can use his power. It's because of the structure of his cells. They are overflowing with the power of life, but everything has a limit. Self-destruction of cells in people starts to happen slowly and gradually, but with him... with him everything happens much faster... Nine months ago we learnt about this disease of God shinobi. It was shared with me by Tobirama, who came here in desperation. You're the third person in the village besides Yumiko and me to know about it. Your girlfriend has examined it, however this is the first time she has encountered such a thing, so she doesn't know how to solve the mystery. - Byakuren stopped his monologue while drinking another glass. I supported him, pouring the bitter and stinging drink down my throat. It burned unpleasantly inside, but then there was a pleasant warmth inside.       - I understand. No further explanation is required. - I added in a calmer, more detached voice. My mind had already formed a picture of what was happening. If I defeat Madara in battle, the world's faith in his invincibility will be shaken, shifting the balance. The Kage of other countries just need an excuse to start a war. As long as their people are afraid, there is no point in starting bloodshed. Warriors will simply flee at the sight of a superior force, but if there is no such force or people don't believe in it, they will fight to the last man for the bright future of their village. And if Madara is killed, the war will definitely start immediately. The three great powers will try to capture as much land as possible with the resources they need. In fact, the most favourable country to attack is Konoha. It is surrounded by three potential enemies. I don't understand why the mizukage would make an alliance with them. It seemed too unfavourable. I will have to show my power to the world, but it will have to be done in such a way that both I and Madara are respected. On that man's greatness alone. on the fear of his legendary power, a fragile world is held together. I stood up, about to leave the office. Yumiko was waiting for me outside the door after all, but I was stopped.       - I'm not finished yet. That's not all I wanted to tell you. - Biakuren said tiredly, taking a pipe out of his pocket. When I sat back down, he continued the dialogue with a cigarette. - Small ninja villages have begun to appear. They are inferior in power and strength to the Great Hidden Villages, but there are too many of them. Hashirama wants to give the biju to the largest of them. I think it's the Waterfall Village. I don't want them to get that kind of power. I don't know what you'll have to do, but your secondary task is to change the Hokage's mind on the matter. I wouldn't let you go to Konoha at all. It's too dangerous there right now... the clouds are gathering over it.... Eh... But we don't have a choice, so be on your guard. Any village could take advantage of a fight between you and Madara. In Konoha, the event has become a celebration. Be careful, Mi-kun. - The strongest ninja in the village spoke with a heavy sigh, but the strongest in the opinion of many of the villagers, not in fact. - Come back alive, Mi, someone must take the position of mizukage after my death... - added the legendary shinobi already to himself.       - Permission to go, Byakuren herself? - I clarified, getting up from my chair. I never liked alcohol, but now it felt good to support a man who had a great responsibility on his shoulders.       - Yes, go tonight. Yumiko won't be able to go with you. I'm sorry, but without her, the hospital will die. You won't need help because you have political immunity. When you get back, we'll talk. I'll have another serious matter to discuss with you. - The mizukage answered me, and then I walked out the door, where my fiancée was already waiting for me.       As I promised Yumi, this whole day I gave her... every single second of it after talking to Byakuren. I even managed to forget about all the pressing problems. The girl, like a mesmerised girl, rejoiced in my existence. I could feel her emotions like no other. Yes, what to speak of me. Passing people, seeing Yuki, also smiled back. This girl was like the bud of some beautiful flower, which opened at my appearance in all its glory. Never before had I been as happy as I was now. It was the best day of my life. Towards evening I even began to feel sad that I would have to leave this sun... my sun. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the village, but it was a small thing compared to the emotions Yumiko was conveying to me. We managed to visit various significant places in the village, which included the following sights: the hospital, the ninja academy, a small monument to Byakuren with a large fountain in the background. We also visited a few shops, and stopped at a coffee shop for a bite to eat. Towards evening we entered the park. As we walked deeper into the park, we sat on a bench and continued our dialogue.       - Yumi-chan, I have something to tell you. - I began with a bit of excitement in my voice. The girl interrupted her passionate story and looked at me with a bit of resentment, albeit fake, but my next actions confused her a bit. I removed the ring from my index finger, and then, getting down on one knee, began to broadcast. - Yumiko Yuki, do you agree to be my wife? - I asked, taking such an important and necessary step to take our relationship to the next level. We had known for a long time that there would be a wedding, however, I wanted it to be official. The girl's face immediately took on the colour of a fresh tomato. She was very embarrassed by this and started looking around. When she was sure that there was no one around, she returned her gaze to me. I was surprised by this reaction, but I calmly and obediently waited for her answer.       - I agree to be your wife. - Yumi said in a slightly unsure voice as she continued to be embarrassed by what was happening.       - I don't hear confidence in your words, lady... - I answered her in a calm voice, squinting slyly at her. The yellow-haired sun's face changed immediately. She looked at me in a way that made me want to run away.       - Don't even think about it, darling. You belong to me now, body and soul. -with a mysterious gleam in her eyes, she gave me a snake-like grin. I was on one knee from that. Now I was really scared. And why did I decide to play a joke on her. Yumiko without further ado burst into my lips, bringing me out of my stupor in such a vivid and pleasant way. It was the perfect moment for a couple, but one voice spoilt it all....       - Ahahahahaha, now that's some drama coming. - Morgana chuckled loudly as she watched the scene. She wasn't really a fan of all this vanilla tenderness, so she commented on it to get it over with.       - You like to spoil things. - I answered her mentally with displeasure in my voice, but it didn't affect me in reality. The struggle between the two tongues of the lovers lasted long enough by the standards of one kiss, but one of them turned out to be more resilient, so the guy's tongue penetrated the girl's mouth. It didn't last long, as Yumiko broke the kiss almost immediately. This person did not like it when someone dominates her. After breaking the kiss, I put a ring on her index finger, and then I continued chatting.       - I haven't had time to buy wedding rings yet, however, as long as you have this ring, I will not back down on my words and actions. This ring represents my vow to you. If I die, it will (pointing with his finger to the ring) begin to gradually fall apart. The ring was a stone ring adorned with the tooth of a strange creature. Even the White Serpent did not say what kind of monster this tooth belonged to, but its properties were obvious. It was very demanding of oaths, feeding off of its master's chakra and natural chakra. To be honest, I thought that this item had a mind of its own, albeit a rather primitive one. I believed that as long as I fulfilled my vow, the jewel would try to help Yumiko not die. I didn't know what special properties this ring had, but it didn't strengthen me at all, as the Sage's chakra was constantly circulating in my body.       - Promise me you'll come back. - Yuki demanded with a pleading tone in her voice, raising her gaze at me in a way that made it impossible to refuse, and I didn't want to refuse her.       - I promise I'll do my best to come back. - I promised with a smile on my face.       - That's not what I asked for. You have to come back to me! I don't care how. You just have to. because I'll be waiting for you... - Yumiko mumbled tearfully. She was like a little kitten that had been robbed of a ball of thread without milk in return. I had to accept that trait in my future wife. I hugged her, trying to comfort her. It took a long time, but eventually she fell asleep in my arms on the bench.       It was late in the evening when I carried her home in my arms and put her to bed. I only took off her shoes and dressing gown so as not to embarrass her. Then I made my way to the city harbour, where a small ship was waiting for me, the captain of which was already waiting for me. He didn't say anything to my face, only greeted me formally. He was taking out all his resentment on his crew, which I did not like, but it was none of my business, so I did not want to interfere. I sailed with them for quite a long time, for they did not sail directly to the mainland, but took a diversion. It was necessary to pick up the goods. We sailed for three days. On the second day, I had to intervene in a showdown between the captain and his crew. What compelled me to act? The bastard wanted to hit a young waitress who, because of the ship's sharp turn, fell, smashing a tray of food that was meant for the captain. The man had a temper and had already raised his hand to hit the girl, however, to his grief, I was sitting at the table watching everything that was going on. Seeing nothing but uncontrollable rage in the man's eyes, I intervened, knocking him out with one precise blow to the neck without seriously hurting him, but I didn't like the reaction of his team at all. All they did was talk about how this captain is a very powerful person, and what he can do with his connections is very bad things for them. I'm simplifying things, of course. In fact, the ship's crew members were being very specific. Apparently the man has threatened them more than once, scaring some to death. It was then that I made the decision to bind the captain and seal him in a scroll. It was a complex jutsu that I had mastered long ago, but it took time to perform, which made it difficult to use in combat. And there were many problems with sealing ninjas. If their chakra resisted the sealing technique, the scroll could absorb all the shinobi's chakra first and only then the body. As you already realise, this is deadly to any chakra user. I wrote a detailed recounting of what happened before my eyes, after which I summoned a small snake. After explaining to the summoned beast the purpose that caused me to summon her, I handed her the scroll of the living captain, asking her to be careful with it, then sent her to the Mizukage through the summoning technique. Well, actually, I transported her to Ryuchi's cave, from where the snake herself was already transported to the nearest cave exit, which was near the Hidden in the Mist village. The rotten captain's crew had been nagging me about my actions for a long time, but after I told them that the mizukage would handle the matter personally, they calmed down.       When we arrived at the port, I didn't have much time, so I went straight to Konoha. I reached it in three days at a relaxed pace. It showed how much I had grown in my speed and stamina compared to previous years, as it used to take me three days just to get to the Land of Fire, where I had two more days to get to Konoha, and in those years I was travelling at the limit of my strength. At Konoha I was met by Tobirama, who had learned of my arrival from a patrol communicating using the seal on his arm, with communication taking place over several kilometres. I didn't talk to him much, and he wasn't eager to ask me anything. He was a closed person, and the current situation did not allow him to relax at all. He was constantly thinking of ways to save Konoha from the coming disaster. Officially, I was supposed to go to the Hokage's carpet, but the younger Senju had settled the matter by giving me a chance to get more rest before the upcoming battle. I was assigned a guest house, which was not for ordinary people. When I entered, I was greeted by Mito. I had to immediately dodge a series of ladle blows that descended upon me instantly. Uzumaki was angry, but her eyes were filled with joy. At my pitiful glance in Tobirama's direction, I only received the words, "You get out of it." The albino disappeared from my sight, but I could feel him. He was sitting on a nearby rooftop, enjoying the show put on by the Uzukage's amorous daughter. Just what I hadn't been accused of during that time. It turned out that I hadn't written enough, that I had abandoned them... and many other things, but the highlight of the show was that I had asked Yumiko to marry before her. That was nonsense... How did she know that? It's only been a short time since then. When I realised that I couldn't calm the red-haired devil heiress with words, I took a desperate step. Dodging another attack of the dangerous ladle, I approached Uzumaki, and then fell into her lips. From surprise, Uzumaki dropped her weapon from her hand, opening her eyes in shock, but after a few seconds, she responded to the kiss.       This marvellous scene watched by Morgana and Tobirama lasted for about two minutes, after which I finally broke the kiss, which calmed down the exuberant girl, who in a moment became red with embarrassment. After that, we did go inside the house. The conversation with Mito was quite difficult. She realised that there was a bond between us, but her current position required her to be firm and determined, for the sake of her clan. She had to have a child with the first Hokage, so that the alliance between Uzumaki and Senju would not only be on blood, but also in heritage. It was hard to explain that to her, but I still managed to get the message across that allies needed to make sure they weren't stabbed in the back while they were on the front lines. Ashina had already spoken to Mito as well, but as was obvious, it had no effect. The Uzukage could be a strict and even at times cruel ruler when the situation demanded it of him, but he couldn't be cruel to his daughter... couldn't force her to go for the common good, sacrificing her own happiness, for the future of the clan... Hashirama constantly visited the girl, trying to create a warm relationship between them, but the kunoichi's heart had already been stolen by another person and the elder Senju even knew who that special person was. Tobirama had stopped arguing with Uzumaki altogether, seeing it as a useless waste of time. Ashina's daughter was too stubborn and willful. She embodied the true essence of any Uzumaki, which honoured her, but was also a big problem. Until I arrived, the negotiations between Uzushio and Konoha had stalled, but now Mito was willing to sacrifice her personal space and honour, for the sake of her clan. She only had one demand and condition. When she gave birth to Hashirama's child, her marriage to the elder Senju would be broken, and she would get what she wanted - a life with Michiko Yuki.