Chapter 28: Ch. 28 Konoha's Reaction
When the armies gathered at the borders of the Fire Nation as a deterrent, Sarutobi Hiruzen convened a meeting with all clan leaders and prominent Jonin of the village. It was here that he announced the peril faced by the Uzumaki Clan.
Tsunade and Orochimaru were present, while Jiraiya was away in the Land of Rain. The Hokage's proud disciples, who had just stepped into the shadow-level realm, were confident in their abilities to defeat Hanzō of the Salamander, a peak-level shadow swordmaster at his prime. However, they had been defeated and humiliated, earning the disparaging title of the Three Ninja or San-nin.
Now, after that battle, they had grown stronger and more stable, though they still had room to develop. Compared to their teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the other Kages who represented the pinnacle of combat power even among shadow-level ninjas, they were still maturing.
In the meeting, there was heated discussion. Most of the ninja leaders were unwilling to participate in or prolong the war, seeing little benefit to Konoha. Even Tsunade and Orochimaru, despite their personal ties and respect for the sacrifices made by the Uzumaki Clan, were disillusioned by the higher-ups. These leaders, bound by politics and pragmatism, seemed blind to the loyalty and bloodshed the Uzumaki had offered to Konoha, focusing solely on their immediate interests.
Currently, in Konoha, unless it is a National Security, or unless the Hokage or even most of the clans wanted to do something, it was hard, to take action for the Uzumkai, or even do something at a large scale, which made those who wanted to support the Uzumaki clan helpless.
Soon, news of the Uzumaki Clan's destruction reached the corners of the ninja world, followed by shocking reports of Kumogakure's apparent destruction. However, even more, startling revelations surfaced as Konoha spies and Ninjas uncovered covert cooperation among ANBU from other villages. The supposed truth behind Kumogakure's and the Uzumaki Clan's downfall left even seasoned ninjas flabbergasted.
At the heart of these revelations was an unexpected twist; Konoha, which had initially positioned itself as the victim to condemn the other villages for annihilating the Uzumaki Clan, was instead vilified. Internationally, Konoha was accused of unspeakable tactics, including the desecration of the dead and laying elaborate traps for other villages, causing devastating losses. The tables had turned, and Konoha found itself branded the villain in the eyes of the world.
The fallout was swift and widespread. On the Black Market, a staggering bounty of 100 million Ryo was placed on the mysterious blonde ninja from Konoha. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo, key figures in Konoha, had bounties on their heads, accused of masterminding actions that destabilized the ninja world. The news, intentionally leaked by Kumogakure to other villages but never directly announced, spread rapidly. By originating from multiple villages, it gained credibility, ensuring Konoha's condemnation was absolute.
Meanwhile, in the Konoha Ninja Academy, whispers about a blonde ninja who could use techniques reminiscent of the Second Hokage filled the air. Namikaze Minato, with one year left before his graduation, wondered curiously about the rarity of blond-haired individuals in Konoha, unaware of the storm brewing around him. For now, he lived in ignorance of the Black Market's bounty and the weight it would place on him in the future, all because of his striking resemblance.
Unbeknownst to him, his path as a ninja would soon bring relentless trials and suffering, simply for bearing the same golden hair, as it was rarely seen in Konoha, unlike Kumogakure.
At this moment, the air in the Hokage's office was thick with tension as Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo Shimura engaged in a heated argument. The infamous Konoha F4 were gathered, with Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane quietly observing but subtly siding with Hiruzen.
Sarutobi's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Danzo, I ordered your Root division to observe the situation at the Uzumaki Village, not to lay traps for Kumogakure or interfere with other forces! This recklessness will draw hatred toward Konoha! How could you disobey my orders? I am the Hokage, Danzo!"
Danzo's face darkened, his tone rising in frustration. "I did not do it! You're all accusing me without evidence!"
Koharu, who had been silent until now, spoke up, her voice laced with skepticism. "Danzo, if you didn't, then explain why news is spreading throughout the Land of Fire, hailing you as a hero who made the other villages suffer. Who would dare spread such propaganda if not you?"
Sarutobi slammed his hand on the desk. "This smear campaign against Konoha reeks of manipulation, and your division has the only resources capable of orchestrating something like this. Do not deny it!"
Homura added, his voice calm but cutting. "Danzo, your obsession with becoming Hokage is no secret. Experimenting with forbidden techniques, raising undead subordinates, and secretly training a ninja who can use the Flying Thunder God technique all without our knowledge is unacceptable."
Danzo's eyes flashed with anger. "I don't know what you're talking about! I haven't done any of this!"
Sarutobi leaned forward, his voice heavy with authority. "Hand over the ninja who can use that technique. Effective immediately, Sakumo Hatake will monitor Root operations to ensure you stop meddling with forbidden techniques."
Danzo's fists clenched. "Root's activities are confidential. You have no right to impose such measures!"
"I am the Hokage, Danzo," Sarutobi replied firmly. "You will follow orders."
Danzo's face twisted in fury as he stood abruptly. "You'll regret this, Hiruzen!" He stormed out, slamming the door behind him, leaving the others to contemplate the deepening cracks in Konoha's leadership.
As Danzo stormed out of the Hokage's office, his frustration burned brighter with every step. His mind raced, consumed by the accusations hurled at him. "What a great idea," he thought bitterly. "Since they accuse me of creating such a ninja and don't trust me, then I will create one in the future. Ninjas so powerful that everyone will respect me and then I'll finally have my chance to become Hokage."
The idea began to take shape in his mind. A shadowy figure, trained in secret, wielding forbidden techniques and unrivaled power, loyal only to him. Such a ninja would be the key to cementing his influence and proving his superiority over Hiruzen's so-called ideals.
His thoughts darkened further as he considered the obstacle Sarutobi had placed before him. "As for White Fang... I can deal with him." The faintest smirk tugged at his lips. He already knew how to exploit Sakumo's greatest weakness Family, Friend, and Honor!