Victory.
The Battle of Kikyo Mountain was won!
This exhilarating news spread rapidly through Konoha, prompting countless villagers to take to the streets in joyous celebration.
After all, this was the most morale-boosting battle since Konoha entered into conflict with the other four great nations.
Repelling both the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Sand villages in one stroke was a monumental achievement that greatly invigorated Konoha's forces.
Many had already begun referring to Danzo as the "Hero of Konoha."
As for his past notoriety—like the infamous rumor of him forcing an old lady to carry him across the street—it was conveniently forgotten by the majority of the villagers.
In times of war, victory was the most powerful form of propaganda.
To most ordinary people, what someone had done in the past was irrelevant. As long as they had the ability to bring this wretched war to an end, they were heroes of the village—no, of the entire nation.
Of course, once peace returned, whether these same people would revisit and criticize past actions was an entirely different matter.
After all, history is always written by the victors.
---
Looking at the cheering crowds from his office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, felt a shadow cross his heart.
He turned to the ANBU ninja standing behind him and asked, "You're saying Danzo was injured?"
The ANBU ninja lowered his head and reported, "Yes, Lord Danzo was injured in his fight against the Hidden Cloud's Raikage candidate, but his life is not in danger."
Hiruzen withdrew his gaze and said indifferently, "That's good to hear."
After the ANBU left, Hiruzen summoned another ninja.
"What are your orders, Lord Hokage?"
The newcomer bore a striking resemblance to Hiruzen and stood respectfully before him.
Facing his own son, Hiruzen saw no need to hide his intentions.
"Make preparations to publicize Minato's success in driving away the AB duo. Spread the story not just within the village but across all other battlefronts as well. Encourage everyone to follow Minato's example."
Sarutobi Shinnosuke was momentarily stunned but quickly understood the implications, given his many years by Hiruzen's side. He bowed his head and said, "Understood."
"Good. You may go."
Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively and returned to his paperwork.
However, after only a few seconds, he paused again, lit a cigarette, and muttered under his breath amid the swirling smoke, "Old friend, I hope you can understand my actions."
---
Thanks to Shinnosuke's efforts, news of Minato's timely arrival at Kikyo Mountain and his effortless repulsion of the AB brothers quickly spread to every battlefront.
---
Land of Lightning Frontline
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes as he read the confidential report from the village. His moist tongue slid across his delicate lips, producing a hissing sound.
"So, Jiraiya's little disciple has already grown this much?"
But soon, Orochimaru casually tossed the report onto the table, a faint sneer forming at the corners of his mouth.
"Old man, your attempts at building up a figurehead are far too crude."
His golden snake-like eyes narrowed slightly in their sockets.
Unlike others who blindly believed what they were told, Orochimaru—who had been reassigned from the highly favorable Water Country to this war-torn front—had the most authority to comment on the matter.
Even if the reports about Minato's actions were true, what about before his arrival?
Who had borne the brunt of the Sand-Cloud Allied Forces' assault?
Who had singlehandedly faced the combined threat of the Kazekage and the AB duo?
Who had cleaned up Mitokado Homura's mess and rescued reinforcements at Akagakani?
None of these details were mentioned in the reports. Instead, the entire narrative was crafted to glorify Minato Namikaze.
How laughable.
Orochimaru sneered coldly.
Such propaganda might fool someone like Jiraiya, but certainly not him.
————
"Hahaha! Well done, Minato! Truly worthy of being my disciple!"
On the frontlines of the Land of Earth battlefield, Jiraiya, who had temporarily taken over as commander in Minato's place, was pounding his desk in excitement.
"If Orochimaru saw this, that guy would probably be furious!"
Jiraiya chuckled mischievously, imagining the scene.
Knowing his old friend as well as he did, he could almost picture Orochimaru ranting and raving by now.
They had been rivals since childhood—one a natural genius in the eyes of others, and the other always trailing behind, constantly at odds with each other.
That rivalry carried over to their disciples as well.
Orochimaru's student, Nawaki Senju, was cheerful and enthusiastic.
Jiraiya's student, Minato Namikaze, was calm and composed.
Their personalities were the complete opposites of their masters.
But then...
Nawaki fell victim to a trap and died in an explosion.
At that thought, the excitement on Jiraiya's face dimmed.
It seemed like that was when he and his two old friends began to drift apart.
Orochimaru, shaken by the fragility of life, buried himself in research and became increasingly reclusive and incomprehensible.
Tsunade, devastated by the loss of both her lover and her brother, developed a fear of blood and shut herself off emotionally.
"Damn this war..."
The rugged, middle-aged man let out a heavy sigh.
---
Land of Fire, Kikyo Mountain
The first thing Danzo saw upon waking was a head of short golden hair and...
...a pair of enormous melons.
Was that Nonou?
Danzo immediately recognized the person before him.
A white nun's robe, black round glasses, soft curves, and an aura of maternal warmth from head to toe—it could only be Nonou Yakushi.
"You're awake, Lord Danzo?"
Nonou seemed highly attuned to the slightest changes around her; Danzo had barely moved, and she was already alert.
"Are you feeling any discomfort?"
She asked respectfully, her eyes fixed on the ground, visibly intimidated by him.
Danzo took a moment to assess his condition.
The Eight-Tails chakra in his body had been successfully suppressed, the fracture in his arm had been healed by medical ninjutsu, and aside from a lingering dizziness, he felt fine.
"How long have I been asleep?"
Danzo sat up and asked in as calm a tone as possible.
"You've been asleep for an entire day and night, Lord Danzo," Nonou replied, still staring at the floor, her tone unwaveringly respectful.
"That long, huh..."
Danzo frowned slightly. Sleeping this long—especially at such a critical time—wasn't ideal.
Still, with Minato around, nothing should go wrong.
Danzo's expression softened a little.
"Understood. You may leave."
"Yes, sir."
Nonou responded quickly and was about to make her exit when...
"Wait!"
Hearing Danzo's voice, Nonou instinctively flinched, her body trembling slightly.
"Is there something else, Lord Danzo?"
"Were you the one who treated me?"
Danzo's tone was calm, betraying no emotion.
"Yes, Lord Danzo. Is there any part of your body that still feels uncomfortable?"
"Thank you for your trouble."
Nonou froze on the spot, stunned by his words.
She cautiously raised her head, only to meet Danzo's calm, gentle smile.
"Thank you."
After confirming several times that he wasn't about to unleash his anger, Nonou hurriedly stammered, "It—it was my duty, Lord Danzo!"
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