With the cooperation of the major clans, Konohagakure quickly stabilized the situation.
As damage reports came in from all sides, it became clear that the destruction caused by the invasion was far less severe than anticipated.
Apart from the deaths of the Third Hokage and two elders, civilian and shinobi casualties were minimal. However, among the nobles who had come to witness the Chunin Exams, two ministers and a general from the Land of Water were killed in the attack, in addition to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire being the sole survivor among his peers.
Konoha swiftly sent messages to the capital of the Land of Fire and to the Land of Water, expressing condolences. At the same time, they issued a statement to the Five Great Nations, officially declaring that the attack was orchestrated by the Akatsuki of Amegakure as part of their "Konoha Crush Plan."
The statement detailed the extensive losses suffered by Konoha, including the deaths of the Third Hokage and two elders. Additionally, a list of Akatsuki's S-rank rogue ninja members was provided, and Orochimaru's bounty was raised to 100 million ryō.
With this announcement, Konoha formally declared Amegakure and the Akatsuki as enemy forces.
...
On the second day, during a Jōnin council meeting, though Danzō had not assumed the title of Hokage, his prestige now far exceeded that of any leader before him. Root had absorbed both the Anbu and the authority previously held by the two deceased elders.
"Ever since Minato's death, Konoha has remained dormant for too long. It's time for the ninja world to remember Konoha's strength."
Backed by overwhelming military power and widespread support from the shinobi forces, Danzō immediately dismissed a group of outdated officials from the administration. Many key positions in the Medical Corps, Education Department, and Anbu, once dominated by the Sarutobi clan, were stripped away and reassigned to elite members of major clans and prominent civilian shinobi.
He ordered all Jōnin stationed outside the village to return immediately and declared a state of war readiness in Konoha. Furthermore, he reinstated policies from the Fourth Hokage's administration, including the reformation of the Fire Guardian Corps, which was divided into a Supervision Bureau, an Enforcement Bureau, and a Special Task Force.
Each major clan was required to submit a list of their elite members for these divisions.
Danzō's firm approach and decisive actions left the entire shinobi force exhilarated. While it was clear that Danzō would not show favoritism towards any particular clan, the way he expanded Konoha's power meant there would be more resources to claim. The major clans were confident that, given their superiority over civilian shinobi, they could secure significant advantages.
...
On the third day, the funeral for the Third Hokage was held as scheduled.
A light drizzle blanketed the village, making the already somber atmosphere even heavier. The heads of the major clans had already paid their respects and departed. Meanwhile, a long line of villagers moved forward one by one, each placing a small white flower before the memorial.
"You don't seem too happy, Danzō-sama."
"I just dislike the cliché of it always raining when someone dies. But I didn't expect you to attend the funeral."
Standing behind Danzō, Orochimaru was clad in Anbu attire, his eerie aura still perceptible despite the mask and raincoat.
"I had nothing else to do, so I came to observe… Are they really grieving?" Orochimaru asked as he watched the villagers silently lay down their flowers.
"Perhaps."
With that, Danzō turned and walked away, undeterred by the drizzle.
"You're leaving already?"
"Yes. Before the Daimyo of the Land of Wind departs, I will pay him a visit on behalf of Konoha to strengthen diplomatic ties. You can stay here and mourn. Hiruzen will rest in peace."
...
Upon arriving at the temporary residence of the Wind Daimyo, security had been significantly tightened. Danzō was accompanied by Shikaku Nara and four recently appointed Root members from the administrative division.
As they reached the entrance, an unexpected encounter took place.
"You... You..."
Anko Mitarashi stood there, pointing at Danzō, momentarily at a loss for words.
"Elite Chūnin Mitarashi Anko, do you have something to report?" Danzō's expression remained indifferent as he coldly addressed her.
"N-no… nothing…"
Her face flushed red, and she looked completely flustered.
"Then do your job properly and continue guarding the premises."
Without another word, Danzō stepped past her and entered the Daimyo's residence.
"Y-yes… Danzō-sama…"
Shikaku and the Root members followed closely behind, maneuvering around the still-dazed Anko as they entered.
...
Danzō had come to discuss official matters. In addition to the Wind Daimyo, the delegation from Sunagakure, who had attended the Chūnin Exams, was also present.
Leading the discussions, Danzō pushed for deeper collaboration between the two nations. Konoha proposed exporting food supplies to the Land of Wind in exchange for valuable minerals. Sunagakure also placed large weapon orders with Konoha. Additionally, Konoha would send medical shinobi to Sunagakure in exchange for access to their advanced prosthetic puppet technology and secret soul-based techniques.
A commercial alliance was also established, with agreements for Konoha to provide security for trade convoys between the two nations.
These deals were mutually beneficial, securing advantages for both sides.
After the formal meeting concluded, that evening, the Wind Daimyo invited Danzō for private negotiations. Despite various persuasive tactics, including support from Sunagakure's Kazekage Pakura and Konoha's own Kurenai Yuhi, Danzō remained steadfast. Even when offered expanded trade routes through the Land of Rivers and greater economic incentives, he held firm to Konoha's dominant negotiating position.
By the time the discussions ended at dawn, the Wind Daimyo, left speechless and visibly frustrated, had no choice but to concede.
...
While Konoha swiftly transitioned into its new leadership, the rest of the ninja world was thrown into turmoil.
Following the death of the Fire Daimyo, the capital sent only a formal letter of condemnation before descending into political chaos. Various factions began vying for power, each backing their own candidate for the Daimyo's heir.
Many nobles joined the struggle, seeking to expand their influence. But the power struggle soon turned bloody when one of the Daimyo's potential successors was assassinated. What had started as a political contest quickly escalated into outright violence.
Soldiers gathered around the capital, while mercenary shinobi were hired in increasing numbers, frequently appearing near the city.
The Fire Capital sent a request to Konoha for protection of the Daimyo's heir, but Danzō flatly refused, citing the long-standing agreement that shinobi must not interfere in the succession of the Daimyo.
...
Thus, the balance of power in the ninja world continued to shift, with Konoha standing firm under its new leadership.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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