In Konoha, specifically at the Kōrokaikan Meeting Hall.
All the attackers had been apprehended. The surrounding fires had been extinguished by waves of Suiton (Water Release) techniques, though the thick fog and the sharp, scorched smell couldn't be completely cleared in a short time.
A large number of Konoha ninja and residents, whether voluntarily or organized, entered the hall's ruins to dig and rescue victims.
Though wars between ninja villages were brutal and intense, the innate kindness of most Konoha villagers remained.
Even though most of the victims in the hall weren't Konoha residents or even from the Land of Fire, they were all willing to lend aid and assistance.
At this moment, Hiruzen leaned on a cane, standing at the main gate of the hall, methodically overseeing the rescue and post-attack recovery efforts.
This task was no easy feat.
How to tally the victims? Where to distribute supplies? How to allocate resources? How to handle conflicts and disputes… and so on.
All of these required talent and experience.
Fortunately, Hiruzen lacked neither. He could handle everything smoothly for the most part.
He wasn't the strongest Hokage, but in terms of internal administrative ability, he was exceptionally gifted.
If replaced by the Seventh Hokage in the future, he might just pat his head, send out thousands of clones, and swarm the ruins to search and rescue personally.
It's hard to say which approach was better, but the latter would certainly be more exhausting.
"Hiruzen, drink this."
Tōrifu, tasked with protecting the injured Hiruzen, handed him a glass of warm water to soothe his throat.
After all, for the past half-hour, Hiruzen had been issuing commands nonstop, his mouth never resting.
"Thank you."
"I didn't expect so many villagers to come voluntarily to help with the rescue. It's truly unexpected!"
"Yes, they've been a great help."
"Is this the bond of love and kindness between people that the First Hokage advocated for?"
"You understand that too?"
"I heard it from the Second Hokage."
"Maybe this is the kindness we protect. And seeing this scene, perhaps in the future, we can truly connect everyone and completely end the hatred and wars between us."
Watching the heartwarming scene of mutual help among the ruins, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel moved.
"Is that your aspiration, Hiruzen?"
"Aspiration? Not quite, perhaps just a hope."
"Even a hope is remarkable! No wonder Tobirama-sensei wanted you to become Hokage…"
"For the position of Hokage, I'm still far off. I still have much to learn from Sensei."
"Yeah…"
Tōrifu mumbled dreamily, feeling he too needed to be more motivated.
"Tōrifu, what are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking about what I'll eat for dinner tonight."
"You…"
Hiruzen shook his head with a laugh. Sometimes, having fewer worldly desires was a good thing.
*WHOOSH!*
A figure hurriedly approached from the distance. It was Biwako (Hiruzen's wife), who had initially joined the medical team to treat victims.
"Biwako, why are you back?" Hiruzen immediately asked with concern.
"There's a victim's family in the easternmost section causing a commotion. It seems to be a ninja from the Hyūga Clan. The people there can't handle it…"
"Another commotion? The Hyūga Clan? Then I really need to deal with it."
Hiruzen frowned and prepared to move.
"Your injuries haven't healed. Don't move recklessly. Let Tōrifu handle it. Can you help with that?"
"Me?"
Tōrifu paused. He didn't want to neglect his duty to protect the injured Hiruzen.
"That makes sense. I'm still needed here to give orders. Tōrifu, please go take a look."
"But your safety, Hiruzen."
"I'm here, it'll be fine. In these few minutes, I can also change his bandages and re-dress his wounds, Hiruzen."
Tōrifu looked at Hiruzen, then at Biwako, whose eyes seemed full of affection.
He seemed to realize that staying here as the "third wheel" wasn't a good idea. Besides, there were Konoha ninja around. Nothing major could happen.
So he accepted the request and prepared to deal with the troublemaker.
"Alright, I'll go right away."
Tōrifu left. Biwako then looked at Hiruzen.
"Poor Tōrifu."
"Aren't you the one who's more exhausted? Come on, I'll change your medicine."
"Biwako, you're so kind."
"Really? This might hurt a bit, so bear with it…"
"Come on, this pain is nothing. I… Ah!"
Hiruzen's pain drew the attention of those nearby. But when they saw the couple playing "doctor-patient" they quickly averted their gazes, not wanting to pry too much.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
On the other side.
Tōrifu quickly arrived at the emergency medical camp in the easternmost part of the hall.
But after looking around, he didn't find any troublemakers from the Hyūga Clan. The place was peaceful and quiet, except for the groans of some victims.
What's going on? Had the troublemaker already been dealt with and taken away?
That fast?
Wait, was that…?
Tōrifu's gaze finally landed on a figure not far away. He immediately leaped toward her.
"Biwako? Why are you here?!"
What Tōrifu saw was Biwako, using Ninjutsu to treat a patient with burns.
"Hm? Tōrifu? I've been here treating victims, why?"
Biwako looked up and recognized Tōrifu, her face full of confusion. Wasn't Tōrifu supposed to be guarding the injured Hiruzen?
"Didn't you say there was a victim's family causing a commotion here and tell me to come help? Why did you get here faster than me…"
"What are you talking about? When did I say that to you?"
Biwako grew even more surprised. She had been here treating victims the whole time and had no idea what Tōrifu was talking about.
Though Tōrifu was slow, he realized something was wrong.
"Damn it! Hiruzen's in danger!"
Biwako didn't know the Flying Thunder God Technique, and she wasn't a clone. So one of them had to be fake.
Compared to the Biwako here, the Biwako back there, who deliberately sent him away, was clearly more suspicious!
Tōrifu grew extremely anxious. He immediately transformed into the Nikudan Sensha (Human Bullet Tank) and rolled back at full speed.
In just over ten seconds, he was back at the original spot, but Hiruzen was already gone…
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
On the other side.
In the vast forest outside Konoha.
The main forces of the Uchiha and Uzumaki Clans were also on their way back to Konoha.
Danzō, whose chakra was depleted, was in the group, carried by an ordinary Uzumaki ninja.
Throughout the journey, the Uchiha Clan Leader and the Young Uzumaki Clan Leader (Uzumaki Ryūji) chatted warmly and familiarly with Danzō as they walked.
Neither of them was foolish.
They knew exactly what opportunities they needed to seize.
If Danzō was truly a traitor to Konoha who fled to Sunagakure for profit, they would certainly keep their distance.
But now, knowing Danzō was ordered to infiltrate Sunagakure and had even performed a great service, the situation was entirely different.
This achievement alone was enough to ensure Danzō's bright future.
Moreover, he already possessed Kage-level strength, was a direct member of the Shimura Clan, and a direct disciple of the Second Hokage.
With all these identities combined, as long as Danzō didn't rebel in the future, he would at least become a high-ranking Konoha official. It would be foolish not to build a good relationship with him now.
Even if Danzō did rebel, he might not die. After all, a Hokage's disciple betraying the village wasn't a big deal in Konoha's history.
"Danzō, how are you feeling?"
"Danzō, what do you want to eat?"
"Danzō, undercover missions must be exhausting, right? Once we're back in the village, everything will be fine. If you have any issues, you can come to me."
"Danzō, I heard you're interested in the Uzumaki Clan's Fūinjutsu. Let's discuss it sometime?"
"Danzō, there are some young, single female ninja in our clan."
"Danzō, I also have a cousin your age."
"…"
Their enthusiasm left Danzō a bit dazed. It felt like floating in a dream.
Though he was also highly respected in Sunagakure, he still carried the stigma of a traitor. How could that compare to earning great merits now and receiving open praise in Konoha? It was truly heartwarming and uplifting!
This was just a small achievement. If he truly became Hokage, wouldn't it be even more extraordinary?
Konoha was truly the best!
The Hokage position was also the best. He had to become Hokage!
However, amidst his excitement, Danzō grew increasingly worried about Chiyo's safety.
Though Tobirama had given assurances, the dangers on the battlefield changed constantly, making him anxious.
"After this incident is over, I'll definitely come visit personally!"
"But now, the enemies in the village might not be fully cleared. Can you take me back to the village as quickly as possible?"
Danzō responded politely.
He was a man destined to become Hokage. He would surely deal with these major clan leaders in the future, so he had to be more courteous now.
"Alright, alright. We'll speed up and return to the village as soon as possible."
The Uchiha and Uzumaki Clan Leaders nodded with satisfaction. They immediately ordered the troops to hasten their journey back to the village.
However…
The troops hadn't traveled for even half a minute when they were suddenly attacked!
Hundreds of White Zetsu emerged from the ground around them, fearlessly charging at the main force.
"These people still haven't given up?"
"Still so many? Then we can't let a single one escape!"
"Danzō, wait a moment. I'll quickly take care of this trash."
"Be sure to protect Danzō. I'll be back soon too."
The reckless attack by the White Zetsu reignited the anger of the Uchiha and Uzumaki Clans. Both clan leaders also voluntarily joined the battle, aiming to eliminate all enemies quickly.
As for Danzō, he was escorted and protected in the center of the group by several Uzumaki ninja, completely safe.
Moreover, the Uzumaki ninja around him unleashed the Kongō Fūsa (Adamantine Sealing Chains).
No White Zetsu could breach the tight defense of those chains. And no White Zetsu could mimic a Kekkei Genkai like the Kongō Fūsa.
Except… the Uzumaki ninja currently carrying Danzō.
"These people, are they crazy? This attack is like suicide."
Danzō watched the White Zetsu attacking Konoha's forces, completely unable to shake their position. It was like hitting a rock with an egg, utterly foolish.
"Not necessarily. Maybe they have another goal."
The Uzumaki ninja carrying Danzō spoke.
"Another goal?"
"For example, creating a distraction to give someone else an opportunity."
"Oh? What opportunity?"
Danzō wasn't foolish. He already sensed something was off and quietly drew a kunai, pressing it against the Uzumaki ninja's waist from behind.
Though his chakra was depleted, he still had the strength to stab with a kunai.
"Danzō, don't get too excited. That hard thing of yours is poking my waist."
"Who are you really? Speak!"
"Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is, Danzō, you need to see this first."
The Uzumaki ninja crouched, rummaging and picking something up from the ground. Then he discreetly handed it to Danzō.
Danzō looked closely, and his face changed drastically.
Because what was handed to him were two personal items: a smoking pipe and a scroll.
Danzō was very familiar with both items.
The first was Hiruzen's personal item. He would smoke it after training.
The second was the Hakke Fūin Shiki scroll he had given to Chiyo, also a personal item.
"Where did you get these things?!!"
Danzō was instantly furious. His eyes blazed like an enraged lion. Though his chakra was gone, he couldn't hide his burning anger.
The appearance of these two personal items here likely meant Hiruzen and Chiyo had met with misfortune.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have left these items behind.
The thought that his close friend Hiruzen and his beloved Chiyo might be in danger sent Danzō's anger to its peak.
"You've already guessed, so why ask?"
"What did you do to them?!"
Danzō growled in a low voice. His nails whitened from gripping the kunai. He desperately wanted to stab the beast in front of him to death.
"They're still alive for now. But if we wait longer, I'm not so sure."
"What do you want?"
Danzō understood. This was blatant hostage blackmail.
The other side definitely wanted something. Otherwise, they wouldn't go to such lengths to threaten him.
"I'm sure Danzō knows what I want. But this isn't the place to talk. Let's find another place to negotiate."
The White Zetsu disguised as an Uzumaki ninja said with a smile.
The thrill of threatening Konoha's elite, Shimura Danzō, in such a vile way, hidden at the heart of Konoha's forces, was exhilarating.
"I…"
Danzō was about to say something, but he was cut off again by White Zetsu.
"Of course, Danzō could also shout for help. Or turn me in."
"I definitely wouldn't survive. But those two important people of yours might die with me."
"So, Danzō? Have you thought it through?"
Danzō's eyes reddened. A hatred he had never felt surged, but he could only try his hardest to suppress this anger.
Because he knew the other side was likely not lying.
If he killed the White Zetsu in front of him, Hiruzen and Chiyo might meet a tragic fate…
"Where to?"
Danzō put away his kunai, quietly swallowing something and agreeing to White Zetsu's offer.
"Simple. I'll take you there, as long as Danzō doesn't resist."
"If you dare trick me, I definitely won't let you get away!"
Danzō gritted his teeth in anger.
He knew this was like negotiating with a tiger, and he himself would likely die.
But for the sake of his friend and beloved, he had to take the risk!
White Zetsu quickly reverted to his original form and immediately engulfed Danzō on his back.
Then, before the surrounding Konoha ninja could react, he activated the Fuyū no Jutsu (Floating Technique), swiftly diving underground and escaping while holding Danzō hostage.