"What do you all think?" Sarutobi Hiruzen propped his chin with his hands, staring thoughtfully at the Konoha higher-ups before him, his tone grave.
"Should we lease it to Uzushiogakure and allow them to take in refugees?"
The meeting fell into silence as everyone pondered, seemingly wondering if Uzushiogakure had some ulterior motive.
"I think it's feasible," Koharu Utatane finally spoke, frowning.
"There are too many refugees within the Land of Fire right now, and with the war just ended, refugees are scattered everywhere across the shinobi world."
"At the same time, according to reports from our shinobi below, most refugees are heading toward Konoha."
Indeed, Konoha's peaceful policies in recent years were correct. Wasn't it clear that people were willing to come to Konoha instead of other villages?
After all, Konoha upheld the ideals of Lord Hashirama and had always made significant contributions to the peace of the shinobi world, acting as the vanguard of peace.
"And Konoha simply cannot accommodate so many refugees. If these refugees gather in one place, chaos is bound to break out," Koharu Utatane looked at Hiruzen and said.
"If Uzushiogakure can take in some of them, it would benefit Konoha as well."
"I agree with Koharu," Homura Mitokado nodded. "Indeed, too many refugees will lead to unrest, and then it'll be hard to manage."
"In that case," Seeing that everyone was in agreement, Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe and was about to give his approval when...
"No, I disagree," Danzo said coldly. "Uzushiogakure definitely isn't just taking in refugees out of goodwill. They must have some hidden agenda. Order the shinobi below to immediately escort them to Konoha and not let them wander around the Land of Fire."
"Otherwise, something unexpected might happen in the Land of Fire."
Damn it, they only sent gifts to Hiruzen? What about me, the Darkness of Shinobi? Didn't I also silently dedicate myself to Konoha and make great contributions? Was it only Hiruzen who sacrificed for Konoha?
I, the Darkness of Shinobi, refuse to accept this. Though I operate in the shadows, I still work tirelessly for Konoha.
So...
Unless I get a statue bigger and more impressive than Hiruzen's, one that depicts me, the Darkness of Shinobi who silently serves Konoha, in a majestic Hokage robe and looking absolutely heroic, I will never agree.
"Don't forget, this is the child who led Uzushiogakure to victory," Danzo said solemnly. "He's no ordinary child. They must have some scheme."
"No, as long as they're within the Land of Fire, we can detect any schemes immediately," Koharu Utatane countered, equally serious. "But if the refugee issue isn't resolved, it will become a latent source of turmoil for the Land of Fire."
"Hmph," Danzo scoffed dismissively. "Just a bunch of commoners. If they dare cause trouble in the Land of Fire, then..."
"Enough," Hiruzen sighed, cutting him off. Though he was known as the Shinobi Professor and the strongest Hokage...
These were just titles given by others. He didn't believe he had surpassed the First or Second Hokage. He was merely inheriting Lord Hashirama's ideals, striving to protect Konoha's peace and the peace of the shinobi world.
So...
Everything he did was for the sake of the shinobi world.
Danzo's methods would tarnish Konoha's reputation. As an ambassador of peace in the shinobi world, how could he allow himself to be tarnished?
"Danzo, your thinking is too extreme," Hiruzen set down his pipe. "As shinobi, how can we casually harm civilians?"
"Hi— Hiruzen," Danzo, seeing that his old friend didn't understand him, felt deeply disappointed. Everything he did...
Was for Konoha.
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen," Danzo sat back down, narrowing his eyes as he spoke calmly. "Once things begin, there's no turning back..."
Konoha and the Uzumaki Clan had long become enemies. What generational friendship...
What a joke.
"Silence," Hiruzen slammed his pipe down, his voice sharp. "The decision is made."
"We agree to temporarily lease the land adjacent to Uzushiogakure to them for one month."
"But during this time, Konoha shinobi must be allowed to observe. If any actions harmful to Konoha's interests are discovered, the land will be reclaimed immediately."
"Koharu Utatane, this matter is entrusted to you."
"Yes."
"You'll regret this."
Seeing that Hiruzen had made his decision, Danzo snorted coldly, his face dark with anger as he stormed out.
"Ah," Hiruzen shook his head helplessly. Back then, he had asked his old friend to handle Konoha's dark affairs, but...
He never expected him to become the darkness itself.
Now, Danzo had grown somewhat extreme. Fortunately, he still consulted Hiruzen on everything he did. Otherwise...
"Ah," Hiruzen sighed again. As his old friend and the one who had taken the blame for him all these years, he could only hope Danzo wouldn't sink further into darkness.
"Lord Danzo."
As Danzo stepped out of the Hokage's office with a grim expression, a Root ANBU approached and bowed respectfully.
Danzo coldly eyed the shinobi before him and said flatly, "Send Kazuhiro with a team of jōnin to monitor Uzushiogakure's shinobi. If they take any action harmful to the village, eliminate them immediately."
"Yes."
Danzo glanced back at the Hokage Tower and muttered, "Some things must be done by me, the Darkness of Shinobi."
...
"Come, take a look, take a look," Uzumaki Kai held up a paper megaphone crafted by Uzumaki Jun, smiling at the crowd of refugees before him, their eyes hollow, their bodies emaciated, their gazes blank. "Uzushiogakure is hiring."
"As long as you..."
Though he felt embarrassed—he, an elite jōnin, reduced to this?
This should've been Gato's job.
But...
This was Lord Jun's order. He had to obey.
Suppressing his tears, Uzumaki Kai maintained his smile and continued, "Where is Uzushiogakure?"
"Adjacent to the Land of Fire, just a two-day journey for ordinary people. Moreover, Uzushiogakure is the ally of Konoha, the ambassador of peace in the shinobi world. Our credibility is guaranteed. We would never treat anyone unfairly."
"The scenery here is beautiful, the land is rich in resources, the people are friendly..."
"The leadership is kind and warm-hearted..."
"And..."
"So..."
"Why hesitate?"
"Sign up now."
"..."
Uzumaki Jun watched Uzumaki Kai's sales pitch with satisfaction. His only flaw was being too reserved. If he could loosen up, the effect would be even better. But...
This wasn't bad either. At least the refugees, numbed by hardship, were beginning to show interest. As long as they were tempted, that was enough. The worst outcome would be if they remained indifferent. Jun subtly signaled to Kai.
Understanding, Uzumaki Kai nodded and announced, "Starting now, Uzushiogakure will distribute free hot porridge and water. Everyone, please line up to receive your share."
Sure enough...
The mention of free food and water stirred the refugees into action, frantically rushing toward the direction Uzumaki Kai indicated.
"Maintain order, maintain order. No pushing."
"Don't worry, Uzushiogakure has prepared plenty. There's enough for everyone."
"No cutting in line. Those who don't queue won't get any."
"Uzushio-nin, maintain order. Drag out anyone who doesn't line up."
"..."
Under Uzumaki Kai's mix of threats and coaxing, the refugees gradually formed orderly lines under the guidance of the Uzushio-nin.
"It seems this harvest will be quite good."
Uzumaki Jun watched the lined-up refugees with satisfaction. This was only the beginning. He glanced at the Konoha-nin nearby, who looked displeased at his use of Konoha's reputation to recruit people. Hah...
Were they wrong?
Not at all.
The entire shinobi world knew Konoha and the Uzumaki Clan shared a generational bond.
As Jun lost himself in thought, he felt someone tugging at his sleeve. Turning, he saw...