As the group prepared to leave Orochimaru's hideout, Naruto created several shadow clones to maintain surveillance. The original team - now including Sasuke, a transformed Orochimaru, and a contemplative Kabuto - began their journey back to Konoha.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office...
Naruto's clone appeared, holding a scroll. Tsunade, who had been expecting this, didn't even flinch.
"Report," she commanded, setting aside her sake cup.
"Mission accomplished, Baa-chan!" the clone grinned, placing the documents on her desk. "We got everything - Danzo's Root operations, his dealings with Orochimaru, even proof of his involvement in the Uchiha massacre!"
Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she began examining the documents. "And the others?"
"The boss convinced Sasuke to come back! And you should see Orochimaru now - the new body modification technique worked perfectly! Oh, and Kabuto might be coming around too, dattebayo!"
Just then, Shikaku emerged from the shadows. "Troublesome... but this should be enough. With these documents and the testimonies we've gathered, we can finally move against Danzo."
Tsunade nodded, her expression hardening. "Danzo's been spooked since the Sand mission. Our intelligence suggests he's holed up in Root headquarters rather than attending the council meeting as planned."
"That paranoid old war hawk," Shikaku muttered. "The false information we fed him should have kept him calm, but Naruto's display of power in Suna must have made him more cautious than we anticipated."
"It doesn't matter," Tsunade declared, standing up. "Kakashi and Jiraiya are already in position. The other jōnin and the new generation are ready to surround the facility. We'll end this today."
"What about Shisui's eye and those Sharingan in his arm?" the clone asked, his face uncharacteristically serious.
Tsunade's expression turned grim. "That's why we're sending both Kakashi and Jiraiya against him directly. Between Kakashi's Sharingan and Jiraiya's sealing techniques, they should be able to counter Danzo's stolen powers." She paused, her voice dropping slightly. "Though I doubt Danzo will survive this confrontation. He's too dangerous to be left alive, and he knows too much."
"The old war hawk won't go down without a fight," Shikaku added. "But with our current forces and strategy, we've minimized potential collateral damage. The only real concern is keeping his death from looking like an assassination."
"Leave that to me," Tsunade smirked. "I've already prepared the official story. As far as anyone outside this room will know, Danzo resisted arrest when confronted with evidence of his crimes, forcing us to use lethal force."
The clone nodded in understanding. "The boss will be happy to hear everything's going according to plan, dattebayo!"
"Good. Now go," Tsunade commanded. "Let the original know we're moving forward. It's time to remove this thorn from Konoha's side once and for all."
As the clone disappeared in a puff of smoke, Tsunade and Shikaku exchanged determined looks. The next few hours would reshape Konoha's future, and they were ready for whatever came next.
At Root headquarters, Danzo sat in his dimly lit office, surrounded by his most loyal operatives. His bandaged eye throbbed with an unusual intensity, as if warning him of impending danger.
"Lord Danzo," a Root ANBU appeared, kneeling before him. "Our sensors have detected multiple chakra signatures approaching from different directions."
"So, Tsunade finally makes her move," Danzo muttered, rising from his chair. "How many?"
"At least twenty high-level chakra signatures, including..." the ANBU hesitated, "Jiraiya of the Sannin and Kakashi Hatake."
Danzo's visible eye narrowed. "Both of them? Tsunade isn't taking any chances." He turned to his operatives. "Prepare for battle. We-"
Suddenly, the building shook as multiple explosions went off simultaneously. The carefully placed tags - secretly planted by Jiraiya's spy network over the past months - began disrupting the facility's defensive seals.
Outside, Kakashi stood alongside Jiraiya, his Sharingan already uncovered. "Ready, Jiraiya-sama?"
"Born ready," Jiraiya grinned, already forming hand seals. "Let's see how the old war hawk handles this!"
Around the facility, the new generation had taken their positions. Shikamaru coordinated with his father through their radios, while Neji's Byakugan monitored the building's interior.
"Remember," Shikamaru's voice crackled through the communications network, "our job is containment. Don't let any Root agents escape. Leave Danzo to Kakashi-sensei and Jiraiya-sama."
Inside, Danzo realized he was trapped. But a cornered hawk is at its most dangerous.
Inside the Root headquarters, chaos erupted as multiple battles broke out simultaneously. Root ANBU clashed with Konoha forces, but the element of surprise and carefully planned strategy was proving effective.
Danzo moved swiftly through the underground corridors, his right arm pulsing beneath its bandages. Two of his elite guards flanked him, but they were quickly engaged by Guy and Lee who appeared from opposite directions.
"Dynamic Entry!" Lee's and Guy's powerful kicks sent the two guards crashing through a wall.
Danzo didn't slow down - he knew they were merely the opening act. His real concern lay ahead, where he could sense two powerful chakra signatures waiting.
He emerged into a large underground training area, where Kakashi and Jiraiya stood ready. The space had been deliberately chosen - far enough underground to prevent collateral damage to the village above.
"It's over, Danzo," Jiraiya's voice echoed through the chamber. "We know everything."
"You fool," Danzo sneered, unwrapping his arm to reveal the grotesque collection of Sharingan eyes embedded in it. "Everything I've done has been for the village's protection!"
"Protection?" Kakashi's Sharingan spun to life. "You've been undermining Konoha's stability for years. The Uchiha massacre, collaborating with Orochimaru, attempted to assassinate the Third... We have proof of it all."
Danzo's response was swift and brutal - he launched into a series of wind-style jutsu while activating Shisui's eye. But Jiraiya and Kakashi were ready, having trained specifically for this confrontation.
The battle erupted with devastating force. Jiraiya immediately summoned a defensive toad barrier while Kakashi's Lightning Blade crackled to life, illuminating the chamber with electric blue light.
Danzo moved with surprising agility for his age, each Sharingan in his arm activating in sequence as he burned through Izanagi's reality-warping powers. "You understand nothing!" he roared, sending blades of wind chakra slicing through the air. "The village needs strength, not Tsunade's soft leadership!"
Kakashi and Jiraiya coordinated their attacks with practiced precision. While Jiraiya's Earth Style: Swamp of the Underworld limited Danzo's mobility, Kakashi's Sharingan tracked the elder's movements, predicting when each Izanagi would activate.
Above them, through the complex network of tunnels, the sounds of battle echoed. Shikamaru's strategy was working - Root's forces were being systematically contained and neutralized by Konoha's elite jonin and ANBU.
"You're running out of eyes, Danzo," Jiraiya observed, noticing the Sharingan closing one by one. "And your backup isn't coming."
Danzo's face contorted with rage as he realized the truth - his carefully built power structure was crumbling around him. But he still had one final, desperate move...
"If I fall," he snarled, ripping away the bandages on his chest to reveal an ominous seal, "I'm taking you all with me!"
Kakashi's eyes widened in recognition. "Reverse Four Symbols Sealing! Everyone, get back!"
As Danzo's seal began to glow with an ominous black light, Jiraiya quickly went through a series of hand signs. "Kakashi, buy me time!"
Kakashi nodded, understanding immediately. He engaged Danzo in close combat, his Sharingan working overtime to avoid the elder's desperate attacks while preventing him from completing the suicide technique.
"Sealing Technique: Evil Sealing Method!" Jiraiya slammed his palm into the ground, sending chains of chakra racing toward Danzo. The timing had to be perfect - too soon and Danzo would dodge, too late and the reverse sealing would detonate.
Meanwhile, above ground, Tsunade stood atop the Hokage tower, monitoring the operation through her ANBU channels. Shizune appeared beside her with an urgent report.
"Lady Tsunade, Root's external forces have been neutralized. Ibiki has secured their communications center."
"Good," Tsunade nodded grimly. "And the civilian evacuation?"
"Complete. The designated areas are clear in case..."
A massive tremor suddenly shook the ground, emanating from the direction of the Root headquarters. Both women tensed, knowing the battle below had reached its climax...
Back in the underground chamber, Danzo's eyes widened as Jiraiya's sealing technique connected, the chakra chains wrapping around his body and specifically targeting the reverse sealing mark.
The chakra chains tightened around Danzo as Jiraiya poured more power into the seal. "Now, Kakashi!" he shouted.
Kakashi didn't hesitate. With lightning-fast speed, he drove his Lightning Blade straight through Danzo's remaining Sharingan arm, destroying the last vestiges of Izanagi's power. The elder screamed in rage and pain, but the sound was cut short as Jiraiya's sealing technique completely enveloped him.
"It's over," Kakashi said quietly, watching as Danzo's body became encased in a complex matrix of sealing symbols.
But Jiraiya's expression remained tense. "Not quite. His reverse sealing technique was partially activated. We need to contain it before—"
The ground beneath them began to crack, dark energy seeping through. Jiraiya quickly bit his thumb, slamming both palms onto the floor. "Summoning: Toad Mouth Bind!"
The entire chamber transformed into the fleshy interior of a giant toad's stomach, containing the explosive force of Danzo's final technique. The walls absorbed and neutralized the dark chakra as it erupted.
Above ground, Tsunade felt the tremors subside. She waited, tension visible in every line of her body, until finally, her radio crackled to life.
"Target neutralized," came Kakashi's tired voice. "Requesting medical team for cleanup and containment."
Tsunade closed her eyes briefly in relief. "The Roots are over," she announced to her waiting staff. "Send word to the council."
As the medical teams descended into the underground chamber, Jiraiya maintained the Toad Mouth Bind technique, ensuring no residual energy from Danzo's seal could escape. The fleshy walls pulsed rhythmically, continuing to absorb the last traces of dark chakra.
"We'll need to keep this contained for at least another hour," Jiraiya explained to the ANBU sealing specialists who arrived. "There's no telling what failsafes he might have embedded in that technique."
Kakashi slumped against a wall, his Sharingan covered once more. The extended use had drained him considerably. A medic-nin approached to check his chakra levels.
"The Root members we captured," Kakashi said between breaths, "many of them are just kids. They'll need rehabilitation..."
Tsunade herself appeared in the chamber, surveying the scene with practiced eyes. "I've already contacted Inoichi. He'll oversee their psychological evaluation and treatment. This isn't the first time we've had to deprogram shinobi."
She moved to examine Danzo's sealed form, her expression grim. "The council will want answers about everything he's done. The archives we found here... the experiments, the assassinations, all of it."
"It'll shake the foundation of the village," Jiraiya warned.
"Perhaps it needs to be shaken," Tsunade replied firmly. "We can't build a better future on any more lies and shadows."
Tsunade turned to address the gathered ANBU and medical teams. "Secure everything in this facility. Every document, every scroll, every piece of evidence. Nothing leaves without my direct authorization."
Meanwhile, above ground, word of Danzo's defeat spread quickly through the village. The remaining Root operatives, now without their leader's control, were being rounded up by loyal ANBU forces. Some surrendered immediately, while others seemed lost, the sudden freedom from Danzo's conditioning leaving them confused and disoriented.
In the Hokage Tower, Shizune was coordinating with clan leaders, assuring them that the situation was under control. The Hyuga, Nara, and other major clans had positioned themselves strategically throughout the village during the operation, ready to defend against any possible counterattack.
Tsunade stood at her office window, watching as the sun began to set over Konoha. The events of the day had left the village in a state of controlled chaos, but she knew the hardest part was yet to come.
"Shizune," she called without turning around, "have all the council members arrived?"
Her assistant consulted a clipboard, her expression serious. "Yes, Lady Tsunade. Both the civilian council and shinobi clan heads are assembled in the main chamber. Homura and Koharu arrived last - they seem... unsettled."
"As they should be," Tsunade's voice was cold. "They were Danzo's closest allies on the council. Though they may not have known the full extent of his actions, they supported many of his decisions."
She turned from the window, her face set with determination. "What about the evidence?"
"Shikaku and Ibiki have organized everything," Shizune replied. "The documents are categorized and ready for presentation. We also have testimonies from several former Root members who've already broken conditioning."
Tsunade nodded, straightening her Hokage robes. "Good. This meeting will change everything, Shizune. The old system of shadows and secrets dies today."
As they walked toward the council chambers, Shizune asked quietly, "Do you think there will be resistance?"
"Undoubtedly," Tsunade smiled grimly. "But they'll find I'm not as easily manipulated as my predecessors. It's time for Konoha to step into the light."
The guards opened the heavy doors to reveal the packed council chamber, where the future of Konoha awaited their Hokage's next move.
As Tsunade entered the council chamber, all conversations ceased. The tension in the air was palpable as she took her seat at the head of the long table. To her right sat the shinobi clan heads - the Hyuga, Nara, Yamanaka, and others. To her left, the civilian council members shifted uncomfortably in their chairs.
Homura and Koharu, seated near the front, looked particularly strained. Their usual composed demeanor was cracking under the weight of recent events.
"Before we begin," Tsunade's voice cut through the silence, "I want to make one thing clear. What you're about to hear isn't up for debate. This isn't a discussion about policy - it's an information session about crimes committed against Konoha and its people."
She nodded to Shikaku, who began distributing folders to each council member. As they opened them, gasps and muttered exclamations filled the room.
"These documents detail Danzo Shimura's activities over the past three decades," Tsunade continued. "Including, but not limited to, unauthorized assassinations, illegal experimentation on Konoha citizens, collaboration with S-rank criminals, and the truth behind the Uchiha massacre."
Homura stood up abruptly. "Lady Hokage, surely some of these matters should remain-"
"Classified?" Tsunade's eyes flashed dangerously. "That ends now. The era of darkness is over."
Hiashi Hyuga was the first to speak, his pale eyes scanning the documents with growing concern. "These experiments... some were conducted on children from prominent clans?"
"Yes," Tsunade confirmed grimly. "Root operatives kidnapped children with promising bloodlines. Many never returned to their families."
The civilian council members whispered among themselves, their faces pale as they read through the evidence. One of them, a merchant guild leader, raised his hand shakily.
"Lady Hokage, these financial records... they show systematic embezzlement of village funds?"
"Correct. Danzo diverted resources meant for village infrastructure and security to fund his illegal operations," Tsunade explained. "The economic impact on civilian sectors was deliberately hidden through falsified reports."
Koharu finally found her voice. "Even if these accusations are true, exposing them now could destabilize-"
"Enough!" Tsunade slammed her hand on the table, causing several council members to jump. "That's exactly the kind of thinking that allowed Danzo to operate unchecked for so long. The truth may be painful, but it's necessary for healing."
Shikaku stepped forward, his expression serious. "We've already begun implementing countermeasures to maintain village stability during this transition. The Yamanaka clan will assist in rehabilitating former Root members, while the ANBU will maintain enhanced security protocols."
"Furthermore," Tsunade added, her eyes sweeping the room, "this marks the beginning of major reforms in how Konoha operates. No more shadow organizations. No more unaccountable power structures. Everything goes through proper channels, but as the Hokage, I'll hold the power to decide. Is this understood? Konoha has suffered too much in darkness. It's time to step into the light."
The council chamber fell silent as her words hung in the air. Several clan heads nodded in agreement, while others exchanged meaningful glances.
Inoichi Yamanaka cleared his throat. "Lady Hokage, the Yamanaka clan fully supports these reforms. We've seen firsthand the psychological damage caused by Root's operations."
"The Nara clan stands with you as well," Shikaku added firmly. "These changes are troublesome but necessary."
Homura shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "And what of our enemies? They will see these reforms as weakness-"
"Our enemies," Tsunade cut in sharply, "have benefited from our internal divisions far too long. A united Konoha, operating in the open, will be stronger than any shadow organization could ever be."
She stood up, her presence commanding the room. "This isn't a request or a debate. This is how things will be from now on. Those who can't adapt to these changes should consider retiring from their positions."
"Now, let's continue to other matters to discuss," Tsunade said, straightening the papers before her. "I've called for a Five Kage Summit, jointly supported by the Kazekage. And as each Kage will get two bodyguards, I've chosen Nara Shikaku and Uzumaki Naruto. Again, this is not up for debate."
Murmurs of surprise rippled through the council chamber. Koharu leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "Lady Hokage, while Shikaku is an excellent choice, surely there are more experienced shinobi than Uzumaki-"
"Naruto's current abilities are classified," Tsunade interrupted firmly. "Based on the Sand mission reports, most of you know him as a high-level jōnin who has mastered the Yin Seal. Some may have heard rumors about his sage training. But that's all you need to know."
Shikaku nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "The element of surprise is a powerful tactical advantage. Underestimating Naruto has been the downfall of many opponents."
"But a Five Kage Summit," Hiashi interjected, his Byakugan eyes narrowing. "This hasn't happened in decades. What could be so urgent?"
Tsunade's expression grew grave. "The threat we face requires unprecedented cooperation between the villages. The details will be discussed at the summit, but know this - we're entering a period that will test all of our alliances and resolve."
"And now for the final matter," Tsunade continued, unfolding a mission report. "Team 7, under Yamato's leadership, has successfully captured Orochimaru and retrieved Sasuke Uchiha. The mission details are classified, but I expect word of Orochimaru's defeat by Naruto will spread quickly, both within and outside our walls."
Gasps and excited whispers filled the chamber. Several council members leaned forward in their seats.
"Orochimaru... captured?" Homura's voice trembled slightly. "After all these years?"
"Yes," Tsunade confirmed. "He's currently in a specialized containment facility under heavy guard. As for Sasuke Uchiha..." She paused, meeting the council's eager gazes. "Given that he was effectively kidnapped and subjected to Orochimaru's influence, he will undergo a thorough psychological evaluation period before resuming his duties as a Konoha shinobi."
"The Yamanaka clan will assist in his evaluation," Inoichi offered immediately. "We can assess any lingering effects of Orochimaru's manipulation."
"And what of the Sharingan?" Danzō's former supporters asked cautiously.
"The Uchiha's abilities will remain sealed until his evaluation is complete," Tsunade stated firmly. "This is about rehabilitation, not exploitation. Is that clear?"
The council members nodded, though some looked less satisfied than others with this arrangement.
As the group leaped through the trees, Naruto suddenly stopped when memories from his dispelled clone flooded in. His eyes widened in surprise.
"Whoa! Shikaku-san's plan against Danzo is happening right now! They're taking him down as we speak, dattebayo!"
Sai touched his tongue, eyes showing rare emotion. "The seal... it's starting to fade."
"Wait, what plan?" Sakura asked, looking confused. "You knew about this, Naruto?"
"Not really," Naruto scratched his head sheepishly. "Shikaku-san and Baa-chan kept most of it secret. They just told me to keep sending shadow clones with reports."
Yamato nodded. "Makes sense. The less people who knew the details, the better."
Orochimaru's new face showed amusement. "Kukuku... That Nara clan's strategic mind never ceases to impress. Using our capture as a distraction for their real target."
"Always three steps ahead," Kabuto muttered, adjusting his glasses thoughtfully.
Sasuke frowned, looking at Naruto. "Danzo? What does he have to do with anything?"
Naruto's expression suddenly turned uncomfortable, knowing he couldn't tell Sasuke about Danzo's role in the Uchiha massacre yet. "Ah... that's something you'll learn about later, teme. It's complicated."
"The seal is weakening," Sai confirmed, touching his tongue again. "Root's control is fading."
"Then we better hurry back!" Naruto grinned, trying to change the subject. "I want to see how everything turned out!"
The group resumed their journey, though Sasuke's suspicious glance showed he knew something important was being left unsaid.
Yamato landed on a branch, gathering everyone's attention. "Listen up. Even with Konoha's shadows being cleared, we can't openly announce we're working with Orochimaru, dattebayo!" He caught himself using Naruto's verbal tic and cleared his throat awkwardly.
"We've prepared a secret base where you'll continue your research," he continued, addressing Orochimaru. "And we want to bring in your other test subjects - Karin Uzumaki, Suigetsu, and Jugo. In exchange for their locations, I'll let Naruto answer one question you've been wanting to ask."
Orochimaru's transformed face showed intrigue. "Kukuku... interesting proposition."
Turning to Sasuke, Yamato's tone softened. "As for you, since Konoha never officially declared your defection and you haven't committed any crimes after leaving, we're treating this as a kidnapping case by Orochimaru. You'll need some psychological evaluation, but that's standard procedure."
Finally, he addressed Kabuto. "And Kabuto! As long as you maintain a transformation, you can visit the orphanage. Though we'll need a better cover story if you want to go there openly, ya know!" He winced again at accidentally copying Naruto's speech pattern.
Naruto burst out laughing. "Yamato-taichou, you're starting to sound like me, dattebayo!"
Sakura facepalmed. "I think Naruto's speech patterns are contagious..."
"Perhaps we should focus on the matter at hand," Sai suggested with his fake smile, while secretly enjoying the moment.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, hiding his emotional reaction to the mention of the orphanage. "A transformation would be... acceptable."
"The locations," Orochimaru mused, "for one question answered by Naruto-kun? Very well..."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Karin is currently managing the Southern Hideout. She's quite... attached to Sasuke-kun, so convincing her shouldn't be difficult. Suigetsu is contained in the Eastern Hideout - though I must warn you, he can be quite... spirited. As for Jugo..." He paused thoughtfully. "He's voluntarily confined himself in the Northern Hideout. He refuses to leave without someone who can control his violent impulses."
"Like kimimaro can?" Naruto asked.
"Precisely," Orochimaru smirked. "Now, for my question..." His eyes fixed on Naruto with intense curiosity. "How did you manage to alter the Edo Tensei's binding? That shouldn't be possible, even for a jinchūriki."
"Precisely," Orochimaru smirked. "Now, for my question..." His eyes fixed on Naruto with intense curiosity.
"How did you manage to take my soul piece from the cursed mark? And who helped you?"
Naruto shifted his weight, considering his answer. "Well, we left one mark on your student to have something to work with. And Pervy Sage had chased you for so long that he understood some basics of the seal." He scratched his head before continuing. "The rest was thanks to the chakra chains from my mother, and I can sense the malice in each living being that comes with being Kurama's jinchūriki-" He stopped abruptly, realizing his slip.
Recovering quickly, he added, "Plus, I have Sage Mode, so I understand it better than you do, and I had hours of research with shadow clones."
Orochimaru's eyes lit up with understanding. "So I was right - you have come to an agreement with the Nine-Tails. You even gave it a name... or perhaps it always had one?" He analyzed the information. "With the Nine-Tails' help, you sensed where my soul was. Using Sage Mode, you separated my soul from the core of the seal and replaced it with your natural energy. Then with Uzumaki chakra chains, you tore my soul piece out of the seal, all guided by Jiraiya's knowledge of my seals."
His eyes narrowed. "But there were risks... And I still sense my piece of soul in Anko. You didn't remove it to avoid alerting me. Must have been the Nara's or Tsunade's idea, but..."
Naruto tensed, realizing how much Orochimaru had deduced from his explanation.
Orochimaru chuckled softly. "...but it was quite clever. I must admit, I'm impressed by how you've grown, Naruto-kun. Combining multiple techniques and knowledge sources in such a way... you're becoming quite the interesting shinobi."
Sai watched the exchange carefully. "We should focus on the task at hand. How do we approach recruiting the others?"
"Ah yes," Orochimaru's attention shifted. "While Karin and Suigetsu might be convinced relatively easily, Jūgo will be the real challenge. His condition makes him... unstable. Without someone who can control his violent impulses, he's a danger to himself and others."
Naruto perked up, a confident grin spreading across his face. "There's no need for a mission. I'll just send my clones to get them. With my power, I can convince them easily."
He started counting off on his fingers. "With Karin, all I have to do is tell her I'm bringing her to Sasuke, and she'll be convinced right away." He chuckled, knowing the redhead's obvious infatuation with the Uchiha.
"For Suigetsu, I just need to release some of my chakra to show my strength and promise to help him remake the Seven Swords. He'll follow after that." Naruto's eyes gleamed with certainty.
"And Jugo..." He flexed his hand, chakra chains briefly flickering into visibility. "I'll see if I can seal his power with my chains. If that doesn't work, I'll just bring him back unconscious. It'll be much faster this way."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, both amused and intrigued by Naruto's straightforward approach. Sasuke, however, remained skeptical, his Sharingan still active as he assessed his former teammate's plan.
Yamato nodded thoughtfully, crossing his arms. "That's not a bad plan. Naruto has grown strong enough to handle this, and his Shadow Clones can cover more ground quickly." He turned to address the group. "We can have them meet us back in Konoha. It would be more secure, and we'll have the Hokage's support if anything goes wrong."
Naruto grinned, already forming his signature hand seal. "Leave it to me! Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Three perfect clones appeared beside him, each wearing the same determined expression.
"Remember," Sasuke interjected, his voice stern. "Be careful with Jugo. Even if you can restrain him, his mental state is fragile."
The clones nodded in understanding before each took off in different directions. The original Naruto turned to the group, "My clones will handle it. They know what to do, and they'll keep me updated through their memories if anything happens."
Orochimaru watched with barely concealed interest. 'My, my... how times have changed. To think the loud-mouthed brat who once couldn't even create a proper clone is now coordinating a multi-target recruitment mission with such confidence.'
"Then let's head back to Konoha," Yamato concluded. "We'll prepare for their arrival and brief Lady Tsunade on the situation."
Yamato suddenly halted the group a day's journey from Konoha, raising his hand. "Let's proceed with what we discussed earlier." He turned to Naruto, "Make four clones."
Naruto quickly formed the hand seal, and four identical clones appeared beside him.
"Alright," Yamato continued, "Myself, Kabuto, Orochimaru, and these four Naruto clones will head to the secret base. The rest of you will return through Konoha's main gate." He looked at Naruto expectantly. "What's the status on Karin, Suigetsu, and Jugo?"
Naruto closed his eyes briefly, accessing his clones' memories. "They're almost at Konoha now. Karin was easy to convince once I mentioned Sasuke," he grinned. "Suigetsu got excited about the Seven Swords plan, and Jugo... well, my chains worked better than expected."
Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly, while Kabuto adjusted his glasses in surprise. Sasuke, Sakura, and Sai exchanged glances, impressed by the efficiency of Naruto's work.
Yamato nodded approvingly. "Good. Once everyone's in the village, head straight to the Hokage's office immediately. Lady Tsunade needs to be briefed on everything." He turned to his group. "Let's move out."
The teams split up, each heading toward their respective destinations, with the weight of their mission's next phase hanging in the air.
As they approached Konoha's gates, crowds of villagers lined the streets, cheering enthusiastically. Their voices merged into a chorus of admiration for Naruto and praise for the Fourth Hokage's legacy.
Naruto maintained his signature bright smile, waving to the villagers, though his closest friends could detect his slight discomfort with all the attention. This level of recognition from people who had once shunned him was still something he was adjusting to.
Shikamaru appeared beside them, falling into step with the group. "Troublesome, isn't it?" he muttered to Naruto. "The whole village knows about your heritage now."
"Yeah," Naruto replied quietly, still waving. "It's weird, dattebayo! But at least it's helping with our plans."
Sasuke observed the scene with a mix of curiosity and confusion, while Sakura smiled proudly at her teammate's reception.
"Lord Fourth's son!" more voices called out. "The hero who saved the Kazekage!"
"We should head straight to the Hokage Tower," Shikamaru suggested, noting Naruto's growing unease with the attention. "Tsunade-sama is waiting for your report."
As they made their way through the crowded streets, Naruto couldn't help but think how different this homecoming was from the future he'd originally seen. The changes they'd set in motion were already creating ripples throughout the village.
"By the way," Shikamaru added under his breath, "the operation against Danzo was successful. Everything went according to plan."