News of Senju Tōka's team successfully completing their mission reached the Konoha camp, bringing a collective sigh of relief. The tension that had gripped everyone was finally lifted. The mission's success was a cause for celebration, though the report of Tōka's severe injuries cast a shadow over the relief. Nonetheless, the fact that the entire team had survived was a small blessing.
With Tōka's condition stabilizing, the decision was made to continue monitoring the movements of the Kumo ninjas. As soon as the enemy showed signs of retreat, they planned to launch a counteroffensive to reclaim lost territory. This would allow them to re-establish defensive lines and redirect some forces to support other fronts.
In fact, preparations had already begun by consolidating forces with the Fourth Unit and deploying the Uchiha clan, who had remained in Konoha, to reinforce the defense against the Mist Ninja Village. While the Uchiha were not ideally suited to combat the water-style techniques of the Mist ninjas, the shortage of troops left no other option. Relying on the Stone Ninja Village to defend against the Mist would have been equally challenging.
On the Sand Ninja front, Iwagakure had hinted at deploying forces to threaten the borders of the Land of Wind, effectively deterring any aggression towards the Land of Fire. Given the constraints on Iwagakure's forces, their ability to launch an invasion of the Land of Fire was limited.
However, what they didn't anticipate was that Kumo Ninja Village, despite facing food shortages, would launch an unexpectedly fierce offensive—one more intense than any previous assault during the entire war. Fortunately, they were prepared and successfully repelled the attack. At first, there was concern that Kumo had found an alternative logistics route, but they soon discovered the true reason behind the sudden onslaught.
Captured enemy ninjas revealed that Silver Horn had been gravely injured by Fumori Masaki, losing an arm in the process. In response, Golden Horn, leading the main combat faction within Kumo, had pressured the Raikage to launch this attack to avenge the humiliation dealt by Konoha.
While they had known that Tōka's team had captured an important figure like Raikage's apprentice from Kumo, the full extent of Silver Horn's injuries had not been broadcasted. The Iwagakure scouts had not relayed this crucial information, leaving everyone unaware of the critical blow Masaki had dealt to Silver Horn.
Inwardly, the Konoha leader marveled at the fact that Masaki, a disciple of the Second Hokage, had managed to severely injure Silver Horn, who was known as one of the "Two Lights of Kumo." Silver Horn had been a formidable adversary on the battlefield, but now, Masaki had severed his arm.
"This kid Masaki is getting stronger and stronger," the Hokage murmured to himself, a mix of pride and astonishment in his voice.
The Kumo Village offensive proved to be a temporary effort. Raikage Ai, recognizing the dire food situation, refused to continue fighting despite pressure from the war faction. With their resources depleted, the Kumo ninjas and their allied samurai began retreating towards the Land of Rice Fields.
The Fire Nation's forces quickly reclaimed all the lost ground. However, everything of value in these territories had been destroyed by the retreating enemy. The restoration of these areas would take time, given the extensive damage.
With Senju Tōka's condition improving, Masaki and the others made their way back to the Land of Fire, escorted by Iwagakure troops. Upon reaching the border, they were met by Konoha ninjas who escorted them back to camp.
Returning to the familiar Konoha camp felt like coming home. Although they had been safe in the Iwagakure camp, it wasn't the same as being among their own people. In the Konoha camp, they could finally relax.
Although Tōka had regained consciousness, she still needed assistance to walk. Masaki overheard her laugh softly, saying, "I didn't expect to make it back."
"Masaki!"
Before Masaki could respond, a familiar voice called out, and he turned to see Rimi running towards him. She had been anxiously awaiting his return. She embraced him tightly before turning her worried gaze to Tōka.
"Tōka-sensei, your injuries…"
"I'm not dead yet," Tōka smiled, gently patting Masaki's hand. "See? I told you I'd bring this kid back."
Rimi was relieved to see Masaki safe, but she couldn't help but worry about Tōka's injuries. She had always trusted in Tōka's strength, as well as her character, but she hadn't expected such a high cost. The only silver lining was that Tōka had not been killed in battle.
At that moment, medical ninjas approached to take Tōka for more intensive treatment. They had already been instructed to do everything possible to heal her injuries.
"You two, go talk. I'll go for treatment," Tōka said, looking at Masaki with a smile. "Masaki, you did exceptionally well this time. I'm going to recommend you for promotion to Jōnin. Just wait for the good news."
"Jōnin?" Masaki was momentarily stunned as the medical ninjas led Tōka away. The news took him by surprise, and he saw that even the medical ninja who glanced back at him seemed equally shocked.
"Masaki," Rimi turned to him, her face lit up with surprise and happiness.
The rest of the team, too, looked at him in astonishment, but their expressions quickly turned to joy. None of them doubted Masaki's qualifications for the promotion. This mission had proven his capabilities, especially in his battle against the frenzied Silver Horn, leaving everyone convinced of his strength.
Masaki gradually calmed down, though his heart still raced with excitement. Being promoted to Jōnin meant he would be eligible to participate in the village's decision-making process. Although he didn't have a powerful clan behind him, his status would elevate him to the level of Konoha's elite, allowing him to formally present his ideas.
While Tōka had assured him of good news, Masaki knew that a recommendation was only the first step. The final decision required the approval of more than half of the current Jōnin.
When Sarutobi Hiruzen visited Masaki later, he assured him that his father, Sarutobi Sasuke, would vote in favor of his promotion. Danzo, too, expressed his support, pointing out that it was only natural to back a fellow disciple. After all, who else would they support if not Masaki?
With the backing of Sarutobi Sasuke and the promise of support from other Jōnins, Masaki's promotion seemed almost certain. His reputation had soared in the camp since news of his battle with Silver Horn had spread. Even as he walked through the camp, other Konoha ninjas now regarded him with respect. With the Jōnin backing of Sarutobi Sasuke and support from the higher ranks, Masaki's promotion seemed inevitable.
Soon after, Masaki was summoned and informed that his promotion to Jōnin had been approved. He would immediately join the ranks of Konoha's decision-makers. As this was announced, Tobirama took a deep look at Masaki and said, "I look forward to hearing your suggestions. This concept of 'Just War' that you've mentioned is intriguing. We can discuss it further now."
Tobirama had taken a liking to the term 'Just War.' Countering aggression and maintaining peace had always been his brother Hashirama's policy, and Masaki's ideas aligned with that vision. However, promoting this concept in the name of the country was a bold move, and Tobirama doubted that the Daimyo would agree to it.
Masaki had studied the history of the Ninja World, learning that the Warring States period had not always existed. Before that, there had been a loose confederation of states under a mainland ruler, but the system of feudal lords had eventually led to fragmentation and the chaotic Warring States period that only ended a few decades ago.
The new Daimyo, eager to surpass his predecessor, might be inclined to support the idea of a 'Just War' under the banner of national righteousness. This would signal that the Land of Fire was the rightful hegemon of the mainland. Although the Land of Fire didn't yet have the power to enforce such hegemony, it didn't stop them from aspiring to it.
Masaki believed that by reviving an old concept in a new form, they could incorporate the idea of a Just War. However, it would require careful planning to avoid the Daimyo's scrutiny.
Tobirama understood the implications of deceiving the Daimyo, and though such behavior was not befitting a ninja, he also recognized the growing tension between the new ruler and the Ninja Village. In his heart, Tobirama wanted to preserve the peace his brother had dreamed of, and while it wasn't the traditional way, he was willing to bend the rules to achieve it.
This mindset marked the beginning of a subtle shift in the relationship between the Ninja Villages and the Daimyo, sowing the seeds of a future where the villages would no longer blindly obey the feudal lords and instead develop their own independent policies. This would be seen by future generations as the start of the opposition to the national feudal system.
Seeing that Tobirama did not object, Masaki knew that his ideas had been accepted. He had gauged Tobirama's character correctly, and it seemed the concept had resonated.
"Masaki, I heard you left your weapon behind during the retreat," Tobirama said, changing the subject.
Fumori Masaki nodded. During that battle, he had to throw his weapon to fend off Silver Horn, leaving it behind when he and Senju Tōka retreated from the food storage area.
"Take this opportunity to return to the village," Tobirama said. "Escort the refugees back, and while you're there, replenish your weapons. Although it may not fully replace your family's ninja tools, if we can retrieve them, I will find them for you. If not, I'll have a new weapon crafted for you."
"Thank you, Sensei," Masaki replied with gratitude.
Tobirama paused before continuing, "Also, go see my brother. The latest news from the village is that he's nearing the end... You should be there for him in his final moments."