The sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze drifted through the air—a perfect day.
But Konoha was shrouded in an oppressive atmosphere of grief and despair.
The unprecedented loss of over a thousand shinobi in a single day was unthinkable in this era of peace. After all, it had been years since the Third Shinobi World War. The horrors of war had long faded from memory, but now, they were cruelly revived in a single day. How could anyone easily accept this reality?
In the Hokage's office, the same six individuals from the previous meeting sat in silence. The mood was heavy, no one dared to speak first.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, puffed on his pipe relentlessly. His aged face was etched with sorrow and guilt.
"No matter how you look at it, this catastrophic failure is my responsibility as Hokage," Hiruzen finally broke the silence.
"I will step down and allow someone new to take the mantle of Hokage."
"Absolutely not, Hokage-sama!"
Nara Shikaku, uncharacteristically emotional, immediately countered, "There is no one in the village right now who can take your place."
Whether the Third Hokage was sincere or merely putting on a show, his words reflected the truth. Over the years, Konoha's talent pool had dwindled. Jiraiya and Tsunade of the Sannin were elusive as ever, leaving no viable candidates to succeed the position of Hokage.
Danzō's half-lidded eye glimmered coldly.
What do you mean there's no one else in the village fit to be Hokage? His gaze carried an unspoken grievance: Am I invisible to you people?
Of course, Danzō's deep-seated cunning meant he betrayed no reaction outwardly.
"Indeed, Hiruzen," one of the Hokage's advisors chimed in. "Now isn't the time to speak of resignation. We need to focus on how to handle the current situation."
"I will personally oversee the funeral ceremony for our fallen heroes tomorrow," Hiruzen continued after a pause. "Ensure that all compensations for their families are handled promptly. As for the children left behind, arrange for them to enter the Academy. And their parents…"
Though the magnitude of the loss was immense, Hiruzen managed the process calmly, drawing on experience from wartime.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Shikaku responded swiftly.
The group discussed further, addressing every facet of the issue. When most matters were settled, Danzō tapped his cane on the floor with a crisp clack, drawing all eyes to him.
"Though this battle ended in failure, it wasn't without merit. Several individuals showed exceptional promise, and that gives us something to be proud of."
Everyone immediately understood who Danzō was referring to.
"Still, isn't it strange? The opposing side released our people so easily and even requested a truce. It's almost… unbelievable," Mitokado voiced his doubts.
When the news first came, most of them were dumbfounded. How did things turn out like this?
"Hmph! Small-minded fools cannot comprehend the power of the Will of Fire," Danzō scoffed, taking a veiled jab at Homura.
"But I've had it checked," he continued. "Those people weren't under any kind of control. They spoke the truth."
For someone as skeptical as Danzō, he initially doubted the outcome himself. But after thorough investigations, even he had to accept the results.
Hiruzen glanced at Shikaku. "Your thoughts?"
"There were no signs of manipulation," Shikaku replied. "The Yamanaka clan, led by Inoichi, conducted the tests personally."
A faint smile appeared on Hiruzen's weary face. Amidst the sea of bad news, this was at least a glimmer of hope. Seeing the younger generation rise was the greatest solace to him as Hokage.
"Where is Shimura Kiyoto? Bring him here immediately."
"Yes!" An ANBU appeared as swiftly as they disappeared, carrying out the order.
Hiruzen returned to his spot by the window, pipe in hand, gazing out at the village. Despite the heavy blow, Konoha remained vibrant, with new inheritors of the Will of Fire stepping forward.
Konoha… is still Konoha.
Moments later, Shimura Kiyoto was brought into the room.
Before Hiruzen could even greet him, Kiyoto suddenly dropped to one knee and declared resolutely:
"Hokage-sama, please step down from your position!"
What?!
The six other occupants were stunned into silence. Hiruzen's hand, gripping his pipe, trembled slightly. Being asked to step down—this was a first.
Though momentarily angered, Hiruzen's mild nature prevented him from reacting rashly.
"Oh? And why do you think I should step down?" he asked curiously.
"Hokage-sama!" Kiyoto began passionately, "I deeply respect and acknowledge your contributions to Konoha. They are undeniable!
"But your leadership is too conservative. What Konoha needs now is a strong, decisive Hokage to lead us into a brighter future!"
Hiruzen sighed in disappointment. While Kiyoto's dedication to the Will of Fire was evident, his aggressive ideology resembled that of his clan leader, Danzō—an ideology Hiruzen believed was dangerous for the village.
"Kiyoto, excessive force only breeds more wars. That is not what's best for the village," Hiruzen tried to reason.
"And what has weakness brought us?" Kiyoto shot back, his voice rising. "The Hyūga incident with Kumogakure, this failed mission to intercept the rogue Mist-nin—both could have been avoided if we had taken a firmer stance!
"I heard that Danzō-sama advocated for a preemptive strike and even urged you to lead the charge yourself. If you hadn't been so hesitant, would the village have suffered such a defeat?"
Danzō couldn't help but inwardly beam. Finally, someone who understands me!
Still, he remained composed.
"Kiyoto!" Danzō interrupted sharply, his voice stern but carrying a hint of approval. "How dare you speak to Hokage so disrespectfully?"
"But Danzō-sama, I am only speaking the truth! Even if it means punishment, I must say it—for the sake of Konoha!" Kiyoto's resolute tone and determined expression made his intent clear.
"Well said!" Danzō exclaimed, dropping his pretense. "If you truly believe in your words, then I will give you a chance to prove your dedication.
"Since the disbandment of the Uchiha Police Force, there has been a gap in the village's security. You will be responsible for rebuilding it. Let's see if your passion for Konoha matches your resolve!"
Wait, you're calling that a punishment?!
The others exchanged uneasy glances but dared not speak up against Danzō. Even Hiruzen, weighed down by guilt over his cautious leadership, did not object.
Kiyoto left the office with a mix of relief and exhaustion. That was close. If the Hokage had punished me, those two demons would've killed me for sure.
Yet, as the realization sank in, excitement replaced his fear.
I'm the head of a department now!
Though the role was tied to a disbanded unit, it marked his entry into Konoha's leadership.
"Hokage-sma, forgive me," Kiyoto muttered under his breath, his lips curling into a determined smile.
"This is all for Konoha!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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