Over at the Star City's Administration Center building, top floor office.
The afternoon sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows on the polished floor.
The office was spacious and minimalist. Besides the necessary office furniture, there were mostly bookshelves and filing cabinets, neatly filled with reports, archives, and development plans from all over the Land of Stars.
Minato sat behind a large desk, a mountain of documents awaiting approval piled before him.
Although the Land of Stars was flourishing, and the administrative system and the newly formed secretariat were highly efficient… capable of prioritizing, screening, and attaching preliminary opinions to the massive volume of governmental affairs documents from across the country and various departments… the heavy burden of final decisions, coordinating all parties, and steering the overall direction still fell mostly on Minato's shoulders.
Just browsing through these reports every day consumed a tremendous amount of his time and energy.
It wasn't that Minato hadn't thought of 'throwing in the towel'.
Every time he was buried under a mountain of paperwork, or saw that kid Menma running off somewhere to 'cause trouble' and leaving all the governmental affairs to him, he would have such thoughts.
But for one thing, this was the cause his own son had personally established and entrusted to him, the crystallization of countless people's efforts and hopes.
For another, in the years he had grown alongside this nation, he had developed deep feelings for this land and its people.
Watching the Land of Stars unite other fragmented countries and transform them into today's prosperous, happy land, the sense of achievement and responsibility prevented him from truly letting go.
Currently, a small meeting was underway in the office.
Seated on either side of Minato were Uchiha Hikari, Hyuga Hizashi, Uzumaki Kanon, and Hoshigaki Kisame.
On the table in front of each person was a thin, tablet-like device.
This was the [Chakra Network Personal Terminal] developed by the Land of Stars, combining Sealing Techniques, Chakra Conduction Technology, and preliminary electronic information technology. With the size of about two palms, it was thin, light, and sturdy.
It integrated a highly encrypted Chakra Network System for secure and efficient transmission of encrypted information and top-secret intelligence among the Land of Stars' core members.
In high-level meetings like this one, all documents, data, and charts were shared, annotated, and recorded in real-time through these terminals, greatly improving efficiency and confidentiality.
"Minato-sama... that's the situation."
Hizashi, dressed in the traditional white kimono of the Hyuga Clan, had a serious expression. He slid his finger across the terminal screen, pulling up a report. "Although Kirigakure in the Land of Water has ended the [Bloody Mist] policy in recent years, their resource disputes with our nation in the southern sea areas are becoming increasingly frequent."
He transmitted the report to Minato's terminal.
The screen immediately displayed detailed text and data, along with several marked maps of the southern sea areas.
"Especially the struggle with our nation over fishing resources, submarine mineral veins, and control of sea lanes in the southern waters. Not only has it not eased, but it's showing signs of intensifying."
"Last week, one of our maritime patrol squads had a small-scale clash with Kirigakure's Ninja in the disputed waters. I once again formally request the deployment of at least three additional patrol companies to the southern coast, as well as an upgrade to the patrol fleet's equipment."
Minato quickly browsed the report, his brow furrowing slightly.
He turned to Kisame, his pale eyes serious. "What does the Anbu have?"
Kisame grinned, showing his sharp teeth. The Samehada on his back was wrapped in bandages, but its outline was still visible.
"Based on information gathered by the Anbu Intelligence Section from the Land of Water's coast and underground exchange houses—" Kisame operated his terminal, sending an encrypted file to Minato.
"Some pirate forces originally lurking around the islands of the Land of Water have recently been subjected to unprecedented, severe crackdowns by Kirigakure."
"These homeless dogs, having lost their protection and supply points, have begun large-scale migrating and fleeing toward our nation's southern seas."
"In the past month, three small fishing towns and two major trade routes along our southern coast have suffered varying degrees of harassment. Merchant ships have been hijacked, fishermen harmed. Although they're just small bands of bandits, not a real threat, the frequency is increasing. And it's hard to say Kirigakure isn't behind it, possibly even planting spies."
He pulled up several photos, displayed on the terminal screens.
Images of looted merchant ships, traces of destruction in coastal villages, blurry images of pirate vessels.
Minato leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the constantly refreshing intelligence summaries and map markers on his terminal screen.
Although he was an Edo Tensei body, the fatigue from mental exertion still made him rub his slightly throbbing temples.
He exhaled, his pale eyes sharpening, the previous fatigue replaced by gravity.
He looked at Hikari, who had been sitting on his left hand, listening quietly.
"Hikari, what's your opinion?"
Hikari raised his pitch-black eyes, his cool, clear voice sounding in the office: "Increasing patrol forces is necessary."
"I recommend immediately strengthening the screening of people entering and leaving all islands and ports along the southern coast. I suspect that Kirigakure's elite spies may have already infiltrated among refugees, merchant caravans, or those pirate remnants, trying to infiltrate us—"
After the Land of Stars annexed the Land of Wind, it was separated from the Land of Water by a sea area with complex overlapping influences. Not only were there several island nations in between, but a peninsula from the Land of Fire also extended southward, creating a region where three forces currently mixed.
And the relationship between the Land of Stars and Kirigakure of the Land of Water had always been, one could say, adversarial. After all, the Land of Stars held four Ninja Swords that originally belonged to Kirigakure. This had always been a thorn in Kirigakure's side.
Minato exhaled, tapping on his terminal screen to pull up the southern sea area's defense deployment map.
His movements were quick, but every command was well-considered.
"Dispatch three additional patrol companies to the southern sea area, focusing on protecting the shipping routes around Fish Scale Island." Minato made the final decision. "Simultaneously, strengthen the screening at coastal ports. All incoming and outgoing vessels must be strictly inspected."
He paused, looking at Kisame. "The Anbu Intelligence Section needs to strengthen intelligence gathering on the Land of Water."
"Understood." Kisame nodded, already recording the instructions on his terminal.
This thorny and urgent issue was temporarily set aside, but the atmosphere in the meeting room didn't lighten much.
Minato marked this topic as [Processed] and moved to the next. "Kanon, any news from the Governmental Affairs Intelligence Section lately?"
Kanon's long red hair was neatly tied back. She operated her terminal with extreme speed, almost the moment Minato finished speaking, she had already transmitted an encrypted intelligence report to everyone's devices.
"Recently, intelligence operatives we placed in Kumogakure sent back important information—"
"Kumogakure has dispatched a diplomatic mission to Konoha Village. It seems related to the Chunin Exams that Konoha is currently preparing."
'Chunin Exams?'
The word changed the atmosphere in the meeting room slightly.
Minato's brow furrowed as he quickly browsed the intelligence.
The text on the screen was concise but information-dense: the scale of the Kumogakure mission, their itinerary, the number of meetings with Konoha's top brass...
"What exactly is happening?" Minato's brow immediately knitted tightly.
As a former Fourth Hokage, he knew well that such joint exams often involved complex political maneuvering and intelligence probing.
Kanon opened the detailed attachments of the intelligence, displaying them on the terminal screens. "According to intelligence analysis, Konoha seems intent on expanding the scale and influence of the Chunin Exams this year, inviting several small Ninja Villages from surrounding areas. Currently confirmed to have received invitations include Takigakure, Amegakure, Kusagakure—"
She paused, looking at Minato. "Even Otogakure has received an invitation."
Hearing the first few names, Minato could understand.
Takigakure and Kusagakure had always had good relations with Konoha. Amegakure, located in the land of four wars, had just changed leaders... it was a normal diplomatic strategy for Konoha to try to court or probe them.
But Otogakure—
Minato rested his hands on the desk, his fingers interlaced, his brow slightly furrowed.
The terminal screen displayed the itinerary of the Kumogakure mission, the movements of Takigakure, intelligence from Kusagakure… these pieces of information intertwined, forming a complex web.
Others in the room might not be aware, but Minato knew that Menma was currently in Konoha, accompanying his younger brother Naruto in playing 'Ninja Games'.
A few days ago, Menma had used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return, specifically bringing them Naruto's Ninja Certificate, complete with a funny face on the photo, as well as the graduation photo of the 63rd year class of the Ninja Academy, taken with his classmates.
Looking at the photo of their two sons standing side by side, Minato and Kushina, while feeling comforted, were also filled with complex emotions.
Minato's fingers tapped lightly on the desk.
He remembered Menma once mentioning to him that the 63rd year of Konoha was a very important year.
Although he still didn't know what would be special about this year, Minato always felt that Menma's plan for the Fourth Great Ninja War to unite the Ninja World would likely begin this year.
And although Orochimaru had pledged allegiance to Menma and was overseeing several research projects in the Land of Stars, he was more like a collaborator, maintaining a certain degree of independence.
The Otogakure he had established in the Land of Rice Fields also remained outside the Land of Stars' sphere of influence, a destabilizing factor.
'Now, even Otogakure had received an invitation to Konoha's Chunin Exams—'
'Third Hokage, what exactly are you thinking?'
"I will leave this matter to Shura to decide," Minato finally said, his voice still gentle, but carrying an undeniable authority.
The meeting room fell silent for a moment.
In the Land of Stars, although the nation's daily administrative affairs were managed by Minato, and he could make most decisions and policies, decisions involving major strategy, diplomacy, and even war ultimately had to be approved by Menma.
The highest decision-making authority always rested in the hands of 'Shura-sama'.
Hikari nodded, also remembering that she seemed to have heard Menma mention the special nature of Konoha's 63rd year.
Hizashi and Kanon raised no objections either.
Kisame grinned, showing his sharp teeth. "Then we'll wait for Shura-sama's orders. Our Anbu will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering."
"Good work." Minato looked at everyone. "This meeting ends here. All departments proceed as planned, strengthen vigilance and intelligence collection, and await further instructions."
"Yes, Minato-sama!" Everyone stood up.
The terminal screens went dark one by one, and the sound of footsteps filled the meeting room.
Minato leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath.
Outside the window, the afternoon sun was strong, brightly illuminating the streets of the Star City.
This nation had been built from nothing in less than ten years. Now, it was a country with vast territory, a complete administrative system, strong military power, and research capabilities.
And all of this was built upon the will of one young man.
Sometimes Minato wondered what it would be like if the Night of the Nine-Tails Attack hadn't happened, if he and Kushina could have watched Naruto and Menma grow up together in Konoha.
But this thought was always quickly suppressed. The past couldn't be changed. All they could do was grasp the present and pave the way for their children's future.
The door to the meeting room was pushed open gently.
"Minato~ I'm here!"
A familiar voice rang out, carrying its usual vitality.
Kushina walked in carrying two lunch boxes, her long red hair swaying gently with her movements, breathing slightly heavily, clearly having rushed over.
Kisame, Hizashi, Kanon, and the others who were about to leave stopped when they saw her and bowed respectfully. "Kushina-sama."
In the Land of Stars, if Minato was the 'Emperor Emeritus', then this lady was the 'Empress Dowager'.
"Everyone's working hard." Kushina smiled and nodded to the group. "Go eat now, don't starve."
"Yes." Several people responded and left.
As he left, Kisame glanced at the lunch box in Kushina's hand. The aroma wafting from it was tempting even to him, who wasn't particularly picky about food.
And more importantly, it smelled of home, reminding him of his wife, Terumi Miru, at home.
After everyone left, Kushina placed the lunch boxes on Minato's and Hikari's desks and let out a long sigh. "Phew, made it just in time. The soup took a little extra time this morning... I almost didn't make it."
Minato looked at his wife, who appeared slightly tired yet still beaming, and felt a wave of warmth in his heart.
He stood up. "Weren't you saying this morning? Hikari and I could just eat at the cafeteria. Running around like this is too tiring for you."
"That won't do!" Kushina put her hands on her hips, her expression brooking no argument. "The cafeteria food is nutritious and hygienic, sure, but it's all mass-produced. It can't compare to my cooking!"
As she spoke, she turned to look at Hikari beside her and blinked. "Right, Hikari?"
Hikari was just opening her lunch box.
Steaming hot miso soup, golden rolled omelets, perfectly grilled salmon, and freshly tossed vegetable salad—
Each item was neatly arranged, clearly prepared with care.
She picked up her chopsticks, her nose catching the familiar aroma of home-cooked food.
Although she had eaten meals prepared by Kushina almost every day for years, every time she opened the lunch box, a wave of warmth still surged in her heart.
That feeling of being cared for by family was as precious to her, an Uchiha weapon of war who had lost everything from a young age, as a spring in the desert.
"Mm," Hikari nodded firmly, a smile appearing on her face. "I love Aunt Kushina's cooking the most!"
Kushina looked up at Minato with a triumphant 'See?' expression that made Minato chuckle.
He gently pressed Kushina's shoulders, guiding her to sit in a chair, then brought another chair over and sat down himself.
"You came at a good time." Minato said as he opened his own lunch box. "I was just about to call Menma."
Kushina had just sat down when she turned her head curiously. "Did something happen? Over there with Menma—"
She didn't finish the sentence, but the meaning was clear.
Although Menma kept many shadow clones in the Land of Stars, with the training of grassroots officials and the improvement of the administrative system, those shadow clones decreased in number every year.
Now, except for a few important laboratories where shadow clones were still retained to assist with research, most administrative affairs had been handed over to Minato and department heads.
And Menma's main body spent most of his time in Konoha with Naruto, living the life of an ordinary Ninja.
Minato picked up his chopsticks and put a piece of salmon in his mouth.
Even though he had an Edo Tensei body, he still had his five senses, and living this kind of life made him feel more alive.
But his mind wasn't entirely on the food at that moment.
"This year's Chunin Exam in Konoha—" Minato said slowly, "Seems to have invited many Ninja Villages."
"Not only Takigakure and Kusagakure, which have good relations with Konoha, but also Amegakure, which just changed its leader, and Orochimaru's Otogakure."
He paused, looking at Kushina's gradually serious expression. "Even Kumogakure has sent a diplomatic mission to Konoha, seemingly wanting to participate in or observe this Chunin Exam."
Although Kushina wasn't skilled in political maneuvering, she had lived in Konoha for many years and understood the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen's, style of conducting affairs.
That old man appeared gentle, but in reality, every step he took was well-considered.
Inviting external forces to participate in the Chunin Exams on such a large scale definitely had deeper implications!
"Is Konoha planning some new move?" Kushina asked in a lowered voice.
Minato shook his head. "Still unclear for now. The intelligence sections of various departments have already strengthened their intelligence gathering on these Ninja Villages. So I wanted to ask Menma for his thoughts—"
He looked at Kushina. "Because I remember him mentioning that Orochimaru seems to be planning some big move this year."
Kushina tilted her head, thinking.
She did recall Menma casually mentioning that the 63rd year of Konoha was a very important year.
And although Orochimaru, since pledging allegiance to Menma, had been overseeing several research projects in the Land of Stars, from genetic engineering to scientific Ninja tools, he had never truly abandoned Otogakure, the village he had established in the Land of Rice Fields.
That place was like his 'experimental field', conducting research that even the Land of Stars didn't approve of.
Hikari ate quietly, but her ears twitched slightly.
"Is Menma—" Hikari asked softly, "safe in Konoha?"
Minato and Kushina exchanged a glance.
They had worried about this question countless times.
But Menma would always smile and say 'It's fine', his relaxed demeanor both comforting and frustrating.
"That child knows his limits." Kushina finally said, though a hint of worry remained in her voice. "And he's left so many contingencies—"