While the Konoha frontlines were drenched in blood, the village itself remained a sanctuary of peace. The civilians, though aware of the ongoing war, felt detached from its horrors, their lives far removed from the front. Only the village's top leadership, constantly receiving updates from the battlefield, understood the gravity of the situation.
As the current leader of Konoha, Uzumaki Mito kept a vigilant eye on the war's developments. The names of fallen ninjas—especially those from the Senju clan, who always stood at the vanguard—were a constant, painful reminder of the war's toll.
Mito withheld the worst of the news from Hashirama. She feared that the truth would only worsen his condition. Knowing that Hashirama's time was limited, she strove to prolong his life by surrounding him with only good news, never mentioning the heavy price being paid on the battlefield.
However, Hashirama's health was rapidly declining. His consciousness was fading, leaving him in a near-constant state of coma, with only fleeting moments of wakefulness. Mito, realizing that the end was near, sent word to the frontlines, informing Tobirama. In response, Tobirama decided to send Fumori Masaki back to the village to see Hashirama one last time and to escort the civilians and wounded from the battlefield back to Konoha. Tobirama's instructions also included resettling the refugees on the lands left behind by the fallen Senju clan members, with further arrangements to be made with the daimyo after the war.
Mito had no objections to Tobirama's plans, trusting in his comprehensive arrangements. She awaited Masaki's return, planning to brief Uchiha Kagami on his responsibilities in managing the situation.
Uchiha Kagami, who had remained in the village, was acutely aware of the situation at the frontlines. The names of fallen comrades filled him with guilt, knowing that he was unable to fight alongside them due to his duty in the village. To channel his frustration and ensure that the Uchiha clan was contributing meaningfully, Kagami had completely reorganized the Konoha Police Department, implementing strict regulations based on Masaki's advice.
Kagami's influence over the Uchiha clan was significant, allowing him to enforce discipline within the Police Department. Even the elders within the clan, who opposed his methods, could do little against his authority. Some had tried to challenge the new rules, testing the limits of Kagami's reforms, but Kagami remained steadfast, punishing any violations according to the regulations. Despite his personal desire for harsher measures, Kagami adhered strictly to the rules, setting an example for his subordinates.
To assess the impact of his reforms, Kagami conducted a secret investigation, gathering feedback from civilians on the police department's recent performance. The results were encouraging—civilians reported a noticeable improvement in the security team's behavior, marking the beginning of trust between the villagers and the Uchiha clan. This success reinforced Kagami's belief in Masaki's approach: by earning the trust of the people, the Uchiha clan could solidify its role within the village.
At a family gathering, Kagami shared the results of the investigation, praising the security team for their efforts. While some members had initially resisted the new rules, the positive feedback and Kagami's approval led most to accept the changes. Only a few elders remained disgruntled, believing that the reforms diminished the Uchiha clan's glory, but their influence was waning.
Kagami was unconcerned with the elders' opinions; he knew that as long as the majority supported the reforms, the elders could do little to undermine them.
When Kagami learned that Masaki would soon return from the frontlines, bringing with him refugees and wounded ninjas, he felt a surge of excitement. Not only was he eager to reunite with his friend, but he also saw this as an opportunity for the Konoha Police Department to further demonstrate its commitment to the village. The new civilians would need guidance and support, a task perfectly suited for the security team.
As the day of Masaki's arrival approached, Kagami led the guards to the village gates. When he spotted Masaki, he quickly waved and called out, "It's been a long time, Masaki!"
"Indeed, it has," Masaki replied, noting the composed demeanor of the security team behind Kagami. "It seems you've been doing an excellent job here."
"You were right, Masaki. Your advice has been invaluable," Kagami said with a smile. "You'll see for yourself soon enough."
As the convoy of civilians and wounded approached, the Konoha ninjas showed no signs of distress, but the new civilians were clearly anxious, their eyes filled with uncertainty. The security team immediately stepped forward, their demeanor friendly and reassuring. They escorted the civilians into the village, tending to their needs and helping them settle into their new homes.
Tōka, supported by Rimi, approached Masaki, observing the security team with interest. "I never expected to see this side of them," she remarked. "When we left, they were still so arrogant. Now, they seem genuinely close to the people."
Kagami, overhearing her, bowed respectfully. "You've done a great service, Tōka-sama. I heard you led the team that cut off the supply line of the Land of Lightning, forcing their troops to retreat, though you were injured in the process."
Tōka sighed. "If it weren't for Masaki, I wouldn't have made it back. Now, all I can do is recover and watch others fight."
"I understand how you feel," Kagami replied, sharing her sentiment.
As the group entered the village, the remaining wounded were taken care of by the security team. Kagami and Masaki then withdrew to discuss other matters. Kagami first congratulated Masaki on his promotion to Jōnin.
"Thank you, Kagami," Masaki replied, handing Kagami a scroll signed by Tobirama. "But I also have news for you—you've been promoted to Jōnin as well."
Kagami was momentarily taken aback, then accepted the scroll, realizing that he would soon be heading to the battlefield. His body trembled slightly, not with fear, but with anticipation—the opportunity to protect the village with his own hands had finally arrived.
"So, it's the battlefield of the Land of Wind? That's just right for us Uchiha," Kagami said.
"Be careful, Kagami," Masaki warned. "The Land of Wind may have limited ninja forces, but they wouldn't attack unless they had something to rely on. The terrain favors their Sand techniques, and their puppet techniques can be quite tricky. Don't underestimate them."
"I understand," Kagami nodded. Masaki's experience on the battlefield lent weight to his words, and Kagami knew better than to ignore the advice of a seasoned comrade.
"How is Hashirama-sama?" Masaki asked, his concern evident.
"Not well," Kagami replied, shaking his head. "He's been in a coma for days now, waking only occasionally. I fear his time is running out. You arrived just in time."
"At least I can see him one last time," Masaki said solemnly. "But sensei will only see Hashirama-sama's grave."
Kagami's expression darkened. Tobirama had stayed behind on the frontlines, and it was clear that the two brothers would not be able to see each other before Hashirama passed. Only Hashirama's and Tobirama's (Kagami's thinking Tobirama will have it in the future) children would survive to adulthood, but the brothers themselves would remain separated by death.
"I'll go see Hashirama-sama now," Masaki said.
Kagami nodded. "I'll take care of the other matters. Go and see him."