Naruto - Leader of Kusagakure

Today, the Land of Grass was enveloped in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, in stark contrast to the war-torn Land of Rain. Akihiko's five-year plan had shifted the focus of the Land of Grass towards construction and development, leaving little room for other activities.

However, as the weather grew colder, a sense of stillness enveloped the Land of Grass, rendering the entire nation unusually quiet. Even schools suspended classes, yet an undercurrent of joy could be felt in the air.

"Nagato, what are you doing?"

Wrapped in warm clothes, earmuffs, and a thick coat, Nagato, who looked slightly plump, turned his head upon hearing his name. He glanced at Yahiko, who had approached, and then ignored him, returning his attention to shoveling snow quietly.

Curiosity piqued, Yahiko approached and peered over Nagato's shoulder to see what he was doing. "What are you shoveling snow for?"

"Planting flowers!"

"In winter? Will they bloom?"

"They will!" Nagato nodded, his sigh tinged with nostalgia.

A few days ago, before the cold set in, he had brought some winter-blooming flowers and transplanted them.

But...

They had all withered! Oh well, it's best not to dwell on it!

Since arriving in the Land of Grass, Nagato had developed a fascination with everything, including gardening. The climate in the Land of Grass seemed favorable, with less rain and distinct seasons of winter, spring, summer, and autumn, making it perfect for plant cultivation.

He also enjoyed cooking and would occasionally bring his own bento to school in the mornings.

However, shoveling snow today wasn't really about planting flowers. It was too cold for anything to survive at the moment. But if he didn't bring it up, Yahiko would likely pester him about it.

As expected...

"Oh, come on." Even if Nagato claimed to be busy, it wouldn't deter Yahiko. He grabbed Nagato directly and said, "It's a rare holiday. Shouldn't we enjoy ourselves?"

Perhaps due to his limited experience as a wanderer and the absence of war or the loss of friends, Yahiko seemed more carefree and childlike now.

"Let me tell you, this year... the Land of Grass is hosting a vibrant New Year's ceremony! It was proposed by Akihiko-sensei! It will be the liveliest New Year's celebration the Land of Grass has seen in years, a truly special event."

Nagato looked at him in disbelief. 'You're talking as if we've spent New Year's in the Land of Grass before! We've only arrived this year!'

But Nagato's eyes still reflected curiosity. Due to the war in the Land of Rain, his mother's identity, and the weather there, he never had a chance to experience a New Year's celebration.

He always stayed at home. However...

He had already heard about this news. After all, Teacher Akihiko lived next door!

"You must be looking forward to it too! We'll go out and play together when the time comes!" Yahiko said, a cheerful smile on his face. "These days, the people of the Land of Grass are busy shopping, and the streets are bustling. It's a shame!" He sighed and continued, "Dad Mubuki is out; otherwise, he would definitely be out shopping too! By the way, do you want to go out and play now?"

"Well..." Before Nagato could finish speaking.

"Let's go! Bring Konan along, and I'll fetch Asui. We can have a snowball fight!" Yahiko seized Nagato's hand and began walking. In a mysterious tone, he added, "Let me tell you! The academy is haunted..."

"You've already told me that!" Nagato helplessly pulled his hand free but still followed along. "I can walk by myself!"

Akihiko-sensei had already said...

Don't believe rumors, don't spread rumors, be cautious of scams!

Learn to discern for yourself and don't let others deceive you. He even mentioned rumors that their own school was built on a grave.

Almost every school has such rumors!

"So, the haunted academy is just a hoax. We are the new generation of students in the Land of Grass; we have received an education and must believe in the Ninja Academy, believe in science!"

However...

"This time it's different!" Yahiko shook his head, wearing a serious expression. "Really! I heard it from the class next door. It's authentic! You know... a few days ago, during class in the neighboring classroom..." His tone turned eerie. "Suddenly, there was an extra person!"

"???" What do you mean by an extra person?! Nagato was taken aback.

Before he could inquire, Yahiko's tone grew even more sinister. "Let me tell you! It's truly incredible! That day, during class, the teacher didn't pay much attention at first. But as the class progressed, someone pointed out that there was an additional person among them!"

His tone shifted again, his face darkening. "Especially during art class, many people claimed to have seen that mysterious student. It is said... They are diligent students who love asking unusual questions, such as 'How can one draw feces to make it look realistic and have an odor?' Consequently, they have earned the nickname 'Excellent Poop Ghost Student.' They have yet to be identified, appearing mysteriously!"

Nagato was left speechless. He had started to believe it, even suspecting that some students had wandered into the wrong classroom.

But now...

Who would believe that? After all, what normal person would ask such a question?

Even ghosts probably wouldn't ask that!

Nagato instantly lost interest and cast a disdainful gaze at Yahiko, calmly stating, "Don't believe rumors, don't spread rumors! It's probably just other students deliberately seeking attention."

"Is that so? But I have a feeling that this time it's true! Many people are saying the same!" Yahiko scratched his head but maintained a mysterious air. "And we have formed an organization to uncover the truth, to explore the secrets. That's why we call it the Akatsuki organization. Do you want to join Nagato? I'll make you the vice-president!"

"...Not interested!"

They even formed an organization for this?! How dull!

Uncovering the truth? Akatsuki organization? He had no interest in joining!

After exchanging a few words, Nagato intended to knock on the door.

But, Before he could begin knocking. A charming girl with blue hair tied up in a bun, Konan, skipped out and greeted them with a cheerful smile. "Oh, Nagato and Yahiko! I was just about to find you!"

"Why?" Nagato and Yahiko looked at her, puzzled.

"Oh, Teacher Akihiko-sensei has returned! Kana-nee just received the news!" Konan replied with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Nagato and Yahiko were taken aback.

"Akihiko-sensei has returned?" they both exclaimed.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Konan nodded enthusiastically. "I was actually planning to go pick up the teacher. Do you want to come along?"

With that, she began walking ahead, and Nagato followed suit.

"Wait for me! Nagato, Konan!" Yahiko hurriedly caught up from behind and continued to entice Nagato. "Nagato, let me tell you! It's true this time. Do you want to join? So many people have claimed to have seen it!"

"I'm not joining! Don't believe rumors, don't spread rumors!" Nagato shook his head and said, "Teacher Akihiko has returned. If you don't believe me, ask the teacher. It's definitely fake!"

Just as he finished speaking, Konan, who was standing nearby, curiously looked at the two of them and asked, "What's fake?"

"Yahiko said there's a ghost student who loves asking weird questions and is obsessed with poop!"

"???" Question marks formed on her face. Another ghost? It had frightened her for several days last time!

If it weren't for Teacher Akihiko confirming it was fake, she would have believed it to be real!

Konan was taken aback, but after hearing Nagato's explanation, she let out a sigh of relief and looked at Yahiko, saying, "How can such a ghost exist? It must be fake! Teacher Akihiko won't believe it!"

"But..." Yahiko bit his lip and weakly continued, "I have a feeling that Akihiko-sensei might consider it true this time."

"No way!" they both exclaimed simultaneously, their disbelief evident.

...

However,

'It's possible!' Akihiko said to himself inwardly.

In the grassy area near the border of the Land of Grass, Akihiko was also attentively listening to the mysterious rumors circulating among the Grass Shinobi nearby, and his eyes narrowed in contemplation.

A ghost student who loves asking strange questions and is fixated on poop! The identity of this student remains unknown! As the leader, how should he handle this situation?

Akihiko's mouth slightly twitched with annoyance. Could it be that Zetsu wants to gather all seven wonders of the Grass Ninja Academy?! Can't he just stay underground and mind his own business?

What a mess! Rubbing his forehead, Akihiko gazed at the Land of Grass spread out before him.

Especially when he noticed several figures faintly standing not far away and the Uzumaki clan behind him, appearing excited and exclaiming things like, "It's Elder Yoshinori and the others! The leader didn't deceive us!"

A smile crept onto Akihiko's face, and he shook his head, deciding to set aside these matters for now. Then...

He shouted loudly toward the Land of Grass ahead, "I have returned!"

...

Meanwhile, in Konoha, the renowned shinobi village known as the strongest in the ninja world.

At that moment, the atmosphere in the entire conference room felt exceptionally solemn.

The Third Hokage, with his hands crossed and resting in front of his chin, spoke with a grave expression, "What are your thoughts on this?"