The next day.
"Next is communication. We can share technology with the Land of Fire. I’ll send you a message when the time comes."
"What?" Koyuki was stunned. After listening to Naruto's words, her mind was a little confused. "The Land of Lightning? The Land of Fire?"
"Those are... superpowers."
Even though she had started as an actress, after ascending to the throne, Koyuki had worked hard to learn how to be a good queen. Her vision wasn’t narrow.
She not only understood the technological advantages of the Land of Snow, but also knew that for the country to prosper, it couldn’t attract the attention of superpowers like the Five Great Shinobi Nations.
Fortunately, the Five Great Shinobi Nations rarely sent Anbu to spy on them. And even if they did, a little bribery could usually smooth things over.
Therefore, when Koyuki heard Naruto suggest that the Land of Snow should actively expose itself to the Five Great Shinobi Nations, she was at a loss, unsure how to refuse.
But when he mentioned opening trade with the Land of Lightning and sharing technology with the Land of Fire, she even wondered if her ears were playing tricks on her.
These are all superpowers, so how could they possibly listen to Naruto?
And even if Naruto had some influence in the Land of Fire and could affect Konoha or even the Land of Fire as a whole, there was no way he could make the Land of Lightning cooperate, right?
As far as Koyuki remembered, Konoha and Kumogakure weren’t on good terms. In terms of strength, one was the top dog, and the other was a close second. There was no way they could coexist peacefully.
"Yeah, the Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire." Naruto nodded and said, "You don’t need to be so surprised. Since I’m saying this, I must have some confidence in it."
"I have a way into Kumogakure, and it’s risk-free. When things start to take shape, I’ll let you know. It won’t take too long."
"Kumogakure?"
Koyuki’s eyes widened. She couldn’t imagine how a Konoha’s Shinobi could have connections with Kumogakure. She could almost picture the hardships Naruto must have endured.
Naruto didn’t know about Koyuki’s rich inner monologue.
In reality, he hadn’t spent much time causing chaos in Kumogakure, and it was all thanks to the Jashin cultists mission.
"Yeah, that’s the general situation. Well, time is tight, so I need to go." Naruto stood up.
"Wait!" She suddenly called out to Naruto.
"What's wrong?"
"When will you be back next time?" Koyuki pursed her red lips and said shyly, "Next time... if possible, I’d like to have a child."
"Ah, sure."
Naruto left and stood on the deck of the ship, looking at the slowly retreating glacier. He couldn't help but look back in the direction of the cabin, frowning slightly.
After a long while, he sighed and muttered to himself.
"A child?"
If a child really came into the picture, it would definitely catch him off guard. Naruto had never thought about things like children, but thinking about Koyuki made him purse his lips.
‘Let’s talk about it later… Just let nature take its course.’
…
The next day.
After sailing for a day, everyone had gotten used to life on the ship.
At dusk, Jiraiya and Naruto stood on the deck, chatting as the sea breeze blew past. Looking at the glaciers, Jiraiya couldn’t help but sigh.
"My life has been a mess. Looking back, it feels like nothing but failures. I’ve never been able to hold onto anything or accomplish anything."
"Pervy Sage, stop obsessing over the Child of Prophecy." Naruto advised, the sea breeze blowing his robes, "If one person could really change the world, how terrifying would that be?!"
"What do you mean?" Jiraiya leaned against the railing, enjoying the sea breeze, his eyes almost squinting shut.
"If one person could save the world, then there must also be someone who could easily destroy it. Isn’t that scary? How many times would the world have to be destroyed?"
Naruto said half-jokingly, leaning against the railing.
"Pervy Sage, the Child of Prophecy might also be the Child of Demons. What if they have a sudden change of heart and decide to end the world? Wouldn’t that mean you’ve started a disaster?"
Jiraiya was smiling at first, but then the smile slowly disappeared.
He stared at the horizon, where the sea and sky seemed to merge, and couldn't help but pursed his lips. His expression became serious.
"That may be true, but finding the Child of Prophecy is my life’s mission." Jiraiya said, "It’s something I’ve believed in for half my life..."
"Even so, giving up isn’t easy."
After docking, the group went their separate ways.
Neji and Lee prepared to return to Konoha, while Jiraiya continued his journey. In the end, he chose to keep searching for the Child of Prophecy. Perhaps life was like that… After much hesitation, you still choose to give it another try.
As for Naruto, after his plans in Kumogakure were put on hold, he had originally planned to return to Konoha for a break. But with Jiraiya’s mission complicating things, he had to leave first to avoid exposing the Gate of the Underworld.
As for returning to Konoha, he probably have to wait another half a month.
So, naturally, he turned his attention to the Land of Water, where the Seven Ninja Swordsmen’s swords were hidden.
‘It seemed like it was time to wrap up Mission Line II.’