The reopening of Konoha was inevitable. Though the village had remained closed for nearly three years, the decision had undeniably allowed it to recover. The period of isolation had restored stability, and Sarutobi Hiruzen's job as Hokage had become much more manageable. However, there was a steep price to pay: economic stagnation.
With no trade, no commerce, and only expenses, Konoha had been running on reserves. The Land of Fire's Daimyo had provided financial aid to keep the village afloat, but such reliance wasn't sustainable. Eventually, the Daimyo's patience would wear thin. No matter how valuable Konoha was, a village that contributed nothing economically could not expect indefinite support.
It was a situation not unlike the Mist Village. After closing itself off to recover from the Bloody Mist era, it had indeed regained some internal stability. But the longstanding tensions between the Land of Water's Daimyo and the village had only worsened with their inactivity. With the Daimyo growing distrustful, Mist had no choice but to re-engage with the world.
Konoha, too, could not afford to remain in isolation forever. The world had moved forward, and if they didn't act soon, they would risk falling behind.
Sarutobi Hiruzen crossed his arms, resting his hands in front of his chin as he surveyed the gathered council with a serious expression. "What are your thoughts?" he asked, his tone measured.
Although the decision to reopen the village had already been made, it was crucial to discuss the matter thoroughly.
"It's time," Koharu Utatane stated firmly, her voice leaving no room for doubt. "Not just for economic stability, but for Konoha's standing in the world. We have to reopen." She paused, her expression darkening. "If we delay any longer… Konoha's influence will wane, and others will start to see us as weak."
Despite the hardships the village had endured in recent years, Konoha still held the title of the world's strongest ninja village. "We've made significant progress over the past three years," she continued. "Just recently, a remarkable group of students graduated from the academy. They have the potential to become some of the finest shinobi Konoha has ever seen; people are even calling them the 'Golden Generation.'"
Koharu Utatane's gaze swept over the room before she added, "But potential alone isn't enough. Strength isn't forged in isolation. With the village closed off, there haven't been enough missions for these kids to gain real-world experience. And without that… they'll never grow into true shinobi."
After Koharu Utatane's remarks, the room erupted into discussion. As she had pointed out, while Konoha's economy was stable for now, it was only a matter of time before their financial struggles worsened. They could hold on a little longer, but they were far from thriving.
However, the real issue wasn't just money, it was the future of their shinobi. Ninja training couldn't be confined within the village walls. Every powerful Jōnin had honed their skills through countless missions, surviving dangerous encounters that pushed them to their limits. Without real-world experience, Konoha's new generation would stagnate.
Danzo agreed. In fact, he had opposed closing Konoha from the very beginning. But given the mess he had created and Hiruzen's unwavering stance, he had been left with no choice but to comply.
Over the past few years, he had secretly received reports from Gato, detailing the developments in the Land of Waves. He knew the production base was thriving, but he had always intended to see it for himself. He never expected that, in his absence, Gato would not only sustain but significantly strengthen the operation. Initially, Danzo had assumed the base would merely serve as an inconvenience to Grass Village. If it had managed to stay afloat until his return, that alone would have been a success.
Yet, the real surprise was the level of support it had received. The backing from the Stone and Cloud Villages, as well as Orochimaru's involvement, had been instrumental.
Especially Orochimaru… From Gato's letters, it was clear that Orochimaru had played a crucial role in the base's success. Without his expertise and influence, the entire operation might have collapsed long ago.
Danzo found himself wondering, Why? Orochimaru had defected from Konoha, yet he remained deeply involved in strengthening a project that ultimately benefited the village. Was it guilt over his past actions? Or had he simply never abandoned his loyalty to Konoha?
As expected… even after leaving, Orochimaru's heart still belonged to the village.
Danzo let out a deep sigh, shaking off the thoughts of the past. "Once the village reopens, I'll leave what happened behind me," he muttered to himself, trying to focus on the future. His gaze grew cold and calculating as he turned his thoughts toward the Land of Waves' production base.
"Grass Ninja Manufacturing..." The name lingered in his mind. When he returned, he would seize control of the production base and erase the disgrace he felt. Over the past few years, he had observed the growth of the Land of Waves' operation, and one thing was clear: Grass Ninja Manufacturing was not an invincible force.
Could it be? Danzo, the Darkness of Konoha, could be outdone by a mere businessman? Gato had certainly proven himself to be a capable adversary, but Danzo was no amateur
As the discussions gradually died down, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally spoke, his voice firm and resolute.
"Since we're all in agreement… It's decided. Konoha will reopen!"
He scanned the room, noting the collective nods of approval. Even Danzo, for once, had remained silent, which was almost unsettling in itself. Nodding in satisfaction, he waved his hand and continued,
"We'll schedule the Chunin Exams as the stage for our return. When the time comes, we'll announce to all the ninja villages, Konoha has reopened!"
A brief silence followed before Mitokado Homura hesitantly spoke up. "Hiruzen… there's not much time left."
Since the village's closure, his influence as an agent had diminished, and the sharp decline in Konoha's income had become painfully apparent. He had long opposed Danzo's methods, believing they were ill-suited for Konoha's current state.
However, after these past years, one thing was undeniable, Danzo's secretive production base in the Land of Waves had succeeded. Even if he still couldn't fully support Danzo's approach, he could no longer ignore the results.
"After all, preparing for the Chunin Exams isn't easy," Mitokado Homura reminded Hiruzen, his tone laced with concern.
Hiruzen let out a weary sigh. "Then let's push it back a little, but make sure to notify the other villages as soon as possible. This is crucial for Konoha."
"I understand. I'll make the necessary arrangements as soon as I leave." Homura nodded but hesitated before adding, "But… should we notify the Grass Village?"
At those words, the entire meeting room fell into a heavy silence. Eyebrows were raised all around, Hiruzen and even Danzo found themselves frowning at the thought.
The Grass Village… If they had a choice, they would have preferred to avoid dealing with them altogether. But now that the Grass Village had risen in power, replacing the Sand Village as one of the new Five Great Shinobi Villages, ignoring them wasn't an option.
If Konoha excluded them from the Chunin Exams, it would send the wrong message. People might think Konoha was afraid of them.
Especially since this Chunin Exam would serve as Konoha's official declaration to the entire ninja world that it was reopening its doors.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath, his hand trembling slightly as he lit his pipe. His gaze swept across the room, his expression uncertain.
Finally, after a long moment of contemplation, he exhaled deeply and made his decision. "Fine… Send word to the Grass Village as well. I trust that with so many eyes on them at the Chunin Exams, their ninjas wouldn't dare cause trouble."
With a firm wave of his hand, he signaled for any further objections to cease.
"That settles it. Everyone, begin preparations for the village's reopening." He let his gaze linger on the group before adding, "As for Danzo…" He paused, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation before continuing, "Stay behind for a moment."
After everyone had left, Danzo remained seated, a flicker of confusion in his eyes as he turned to Hiruzen. Just as he was about to ask why he had been asked to stay behind, Hiruzen, his hands trembling slightly, poured a cup of tea and slid it toward Danzo. He then took a deep breath, his expression grave.
"Danzo..." Hiruzen's voice carried an uncharacteristic plea. "Once the village reopens, let's keep things quiet, alright? No more schemes, no more conflicts. My heart can't take it anymore." He clutched his chest with a weary sigh. "I just… I can't handle any more turmoil."
Danzo blinked, staring at him in disbelief. 'That's it?'
…
Soon enough, the Grass Village received Konoha's invitation to the Chunin Exams. However… upon reading the letter, a heavy silence settled over the room. Everyone exchanged complicated looks, the weight of history pressing down on them.
Then, as if rehearsed, they all let out a long, drawn-out sigh. Their voices carried a mix of amusement and exasperation as they muttered in unison, "Konoha, Konoha… truly, our Grass Village's ever-so-close brother~"
Even after everything that had transpired between them, Konoha still had the audacity to extend an invitation. What, exactly, was the Third Hokage thinking?