Madara Uchiha decided to retreat into seclusion for a while.
As for the affairs of Kirigakure... he looked toward Danzo with disdain and coldly said:
"From this moment on, you are the Fourth Mizukage and will govern Kirigakure on my behalf. Is that understood?"
At the same time he spoke, he took out a glass bottle filled with liquid solution and threw it toward Danzo.
"Is this... Kyō's Sharingan?!"
After catching the glass bottle, Danzo's pupils constricted as he realized that floating inside the solution was the very Sharingan that Madara had previously taken from him.
Regaining his senses, he immediately knelt before Madara Uchiha, raising his rear high into the air, performing the traditional act of kneeling in deep submission while solemnly declaring:
"Danzo Shimura swears undying loyalty and service to Lord Madara!"
"You may leave."
Madara Uchiha replied indifferently, his face showing increasing contempt for the overly subservient Danzo. But at the moment, there simply wasn't anyone else available to serve him.
"Yes."
Danzo stood up, still hunched over and keeping his head lowered cautiously while backing away until finally stepping outside the door.
In the Mizukage office.
"Haha, hahahaha..."
Seated in the Mizukage's chair, Danzo couldn't help but throw his head back and laugh aloud; his laughter reverberated through the spacious yet solemn office.
He had believed his life had hit rock bottom, with no chance of rising again—yet now, unexpected opportunities had come his way, earning recognition from Madara Uchiha, becoming the Mizukage himself.
Putting on the Mizukage robes and donning the Mizukage hat, he once again pulled a mask over his face.
From today onward, he would no longer be Danzo Shimura, advisor to the Hokage in Konoha, but rather the Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure.
Meanwhile, outside the Mizukage building.
In a dark corner, accompanied by a "gurgling" sound, black liquid rose from underground, eventually taking the shape of a shadowy humanoid figure.
"So, the Rinnegan has finally appeared. All my efforts over this thousand years haven't been in vain."
Black Zetsu stared at the illuminated Mizukage building and quietly whispered to himself. Obviously, Madara Uchiha had underestimated Black Zetsu's vitality, allowing the latter to successfully stage a fake death.
For Black Zetsu, this was the perfect opportunity to assume a completely new identity and once again approach Madara Uchiha.
His big challenge was crafting a new identity that wouldn't arouse Madara's suspicion.
"Perhaps it's time for Madara Uchiha to discover those White Zetsu."
Black Zetsu contemplated inwardly, then melted back into the darkness, beginning to prepare for the next phase of his plan.
In Konoha village.
After three days of traveling under starry skies without rest,
the large force led by Sakumo Hatake—composed of Anbu, Uchiha elites, the Hyuga Elders Council, and two hundred Uzumaki clan members—finally returned to Konoha.
Outside the village gate, the scene was one of packed crowds and roaring cheers. Thousands upon thousands of villagers who had heard the news had already spontaneously gathered along both sides of the road, bearing flowers and banners to warmly welcome their heroes home.
In the midst of the thunderous roar of cheering, the great force set foot upon Ichiraku Street—the main thoroughfare of Konoha—and slowly made their way toward the Hokage Tower.
The streets were teeming with people. Many children even climbed onto trees and rooftops, gazing in excitement and admiration at the returning heroes.
At the very front of the procession, Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga walked side by side.
Fugaku wore golden Shanwenjia armor with a cape, the blazing war fan and the Explosive Blade strapped to his back. Hiashi wore silver Shanwenjia armor also with a cape, the Cleaver Sword and a silver longbow secured to his back.
"Lord Fugaku looks so awesome! He gives off such a calm and reliable vibe."
"Lord Hiashi is handsome too; no wonder he's the heir of the Hyuga main branch."
Among the crowd, many young girls excitedly discussed them, falling into girlish admiration. Among these girls were Mikoto Uchiha and Kushina Uzumaki, who were best friends.
Mikoto's cheeks were flushed red, her eyes fixed on Fugaku without blinking, filled with deep admiration for the Number One Prodigy of the Uchiha clan.
But Kushina widened her eyes, anxiously rising on her tiptoes, trying hard to spot someone among the crowd. However, to her disappointment, her beloved Heiyan wasn't among them.
Actually,
Heiyan had already been brought back to Konoha by Tsunade beforehand and was currently resting and recovering inside a concealed chamber, waiting to awaken.
Soon enough, welcomed by the villagers of Konoha, this group arrived at the Hokage Tower. Fugaku and Hiashi were immediately summoned by the Third Hokage.
Meanwhile, the two hundred Uzumaki clan members, led by Ashina Uzumaki, were well taken care of and accommodated at the Four Seasons Hotel — the village's most luxurious establishment. Their families, namely the elders, women, and children of the Uzumaki clan previously teleported to Shikkotsu Forest by Heiyan, had also already arrived in Konoha with the help of the Sage Slug and were waiting for them inside the hotel.
The Uzumaki clan was finally reunited.
Several hours later,
an official announcement came from the Hokage office, detailing the outcome of the Battle in Uzugakure. It was issued by Hiruzen Sarutobi himself.
In this proclamation, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi awarded Fugaku, Hiashi, and Heiyan — three individuals who had achieved extraordinary military feats — with a series of impressive and envy-inducing tangible rewards.
He lavished them with high praise, referring to Heiyan and the other two as the "Sannin" of Konoha, declaring that they were the most outstanding prodigies in the village's history and represented the glory of three great clans: the Uzumaki, Uchiha, and Hyuga.
Towards the end of the proclamation, the official announcement also addressed the question everyone cared most about: Heiyan's current condition.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stated that Heiyan had only suffered from extreme exhaustion and was otherwise unharmed, saying he would awaken soon.
The next day, after the proclamation was made public, news gradually trickled in from the outside that both Sunagakure and Iwagakure had begun withdrawing their armies — likely due to the overwhelming intimidation caused by Konoha's newly proclaimed Sannin.
So, after more than a year under the shadow of war, peace suddenly returned to Konoha overnight.
In an instant, all the villagers' frowns and worries vanished, replaced by joy and happiness.
Throughout the village, people celebrated with enthusiasm.
On this day, the entire Konoha Village immersed itself in celebration; during the day the streets became nearly deserted as everyone gathered together, while by night, lights illuminated every corner of the village.
Konoha had stood for over thirty years since its founding. It had endured trials of war and poverty through three generations of Hokages, slowly developing step by step until reaching what it is today.
The victory in the battle for Uzugakure brought the people of Konoha an unprecedented surge of confidence, pride, and joy.
Konoha had become the radiant beacon of the ninja world, a paradise on earth, enough to stir longing in countless hearts.
And not one of them would ever forget who had brought them this victory—Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, the legendary Sannin.
From that day forward, the reputation of the Sannin spread far and wide. The deeds and legends of Heiyan and his companions reached every corner of the Five Great Ninja Villages, echoing throughout the entire world of shinobi.
Inside the Hokage's office...
Hiruzen Sarutobi listened with stunned disbelief to Orochimaru's report.
Orochimaru claimed that Danzo had secretly led Root agents into the battlefield at Uzugakure, aiming to seize the Uzumaki Sealing Technique. There he had launched an attack against the Uzumaki clan, only to be defeated by Heiyan and then flee in panic, vanishing without a trace.
In short, Orochimaru placed all blame onto Danzo. After all, with no one left to contradict his story, whatever he said would now be taken as truth.
"So Danzo had plotted this from the beginning?"
Hiruzen muttered darkly to himself. No wonder Danzo had strongly opposed sending reinforcements to Uzugakure back then—he had already set his sights on the Uzumaki clan.
Judging from current developments, Danzo must have been so intimidated by Heiyan's power that he dared not return to Konoha anymore—this was effectively desertion.
Thinking of this, Hiruzen gave a long, weary sigh and shook his head.
For years, he had turned a blind eye to Danzo's actions, tolerating him endlessly. But now, finally, he had completely lost faith in him.
"Teacher, should we issue a wanted order for Danzo?" Orochimaru asked with narrowed eyes, eager to kick someone when they're down.
"No need. This matter must be handled discreetly."
Hiruzen replied firmly. After all, Danzo was an advisor to the Hokage—his betrayal would surely be considered a huge scandal for Konoha.
Moreover, if word got out about Danzo taking advantage of the chaos to attack Uzugakure, it would inevitably cause serious damage to the relationship between Konoha and the Uzumaki clan.
After a moment of thought, Hiruzen looked at Orochimaru and spoke:
"Orochimaru, I hereby appoint you acting leader of Root. You will handle all matters related to Root. Meanwhile, I want you to secretly dispatch agents to hunt Danzo down and bring him back here for trial. Do you understand?"
"Of course, teacher. I understand."
Orochimaru readily accepted the order, secretly delighted.
This way, he could openly build his own power base, and even gain access to the village's financial resources to construct laboratories and conduct various kinds of scientific research.
"You may go now."
Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction, dismissing Orochimaru.
The reason he felt safe entrusting Root to Orochimaru was because the latter had always been his most outstanding student—an obedient and respectful disciple who could never become another Danzo.
Hiruzen still had great confidence in his ability to judge character.
Just then, an Anbu hurried into the office, speaking joyfully: "Hokage-sama, Heiyan has awakened!"
"Excellent!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a great weight lift from his chest upon hearing this and quickly rose to hurry over.
Inside a secret chamber deep within the village.
Heiyan's eyes fluttered open. The first thing he felt was unbearable soreness and overwhelming fatigue—as though every ounce of strength had been sucked from him.
As most know, chakra—a ninja's life force—is created by merging spiritual and physical energy.
During the battle in Uzugakure, Heiyan had overused his chakra, depleting both his body and spirit so greatly that he lost consciousness.
Even Hashirama Senju must have been in a similar state after the fight at the Valley of the End.
This thought crossed Heiyan's mind. When one's body and spirit are weakened, illness can easily take hold, leading ultimately to death.
At that moment, he noticed a familiar figure seated beside his bed, resting her head on the edge, fast asleep.
It was Tsunade.
It seemed that during Heiyan's unconsciousness, she had never left his side for even a moment.
Realizing this warmed Heiyan's heart, as if strength had begun to return to his body.
Tsunade looked adorable while sleeping—her loose golden hair messily draped over her face, radiating a lazy kind of beauty. Some strands had fallen near her lips, caught between her teeth.
Seeing this, Heiyan smiled and gently reached out to lift the strands away. Unexpectedly, she woke up right away.
He awkwardly pulled his hand back, but Tsunade seemed not to notice. She simply lit up with joy, staring at Heiyan and happily exclaiming,
"You're finally awake!"
"Yeah."
Heiyan replied with a smile, then glanced around the room and asked slightly puzzled, "Where am I..."
"Don't worry, you're already back in Konoha. Just rest here safely."
Tsunade assured him in a soothing voice, explaining this was a hidden chamber within the village—well-protected and completely secure.
"Call off the Anbu guarding outside—I'm nearly at full strength. No need to make such a scene."
As he spoke, Heiyan pushed aside the covers, preparing to get up.
"Let me help you."
Seeing this, Tsunade immediately moved closer. Although Heiyan insisted he could manage alone, he eventually gave in and allowed her to help him sit up and dress.
With Tsunade supporting him closely, Heiyan walked over to the mirror.
His appearance had returned to health—no longer emaciated. Most of his hair had also reverted to black, except for a few remaining white strands.
[Sage Transformation's incredible regenerative powers are what saved me.]
They exited and passed through a corridor lined with Anbu guards before entering the next room, where Fugaku, Hiashi, and Anbu Commander Sakumo Hatake were waiting.
The location of Heiyan's secret chamber was top secret—most people didn't even know it existed, much less had access to it. Only due to their special statuses were Fugaku and Hiashi granted permission to enter and await news.
Upon seeing Heiyan awake, the two men jumped to their feet in shock and rushed forward at once, offering warm greetings without delay.
After chatting with everyone for a while, Heiyan learned from them what had happened after he lost consciousness—the changes in the situation across the world of shinobi, the high commendation from Konoha's leadership, and the arrangements for the Uzumaki clan members.
"Hokage-sama has arrived!"
Just then, as an Anbu ninja announced the news, the door swung open and Hiruzen Sarutobi strode quickly into the room wearing his Hokage robes.
"Greetings, Hokage-sama."
For a moment, everyone inside—including Heiyan—bowed deeply to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"There's no need for formalities."
Hiruzen hurried forward and helped Heiyan up. Then, much to everyone's surprise, he himself bowed respectfully to Heiyan and said earnestly,
"Heiyan, I must apologize to you. I..."
He had so much to say, but now that he was here, he found himself unable to get the words out.
Right now, the Third Hokage's heart was filled with unease and guilt.
It was he who had originally promised Heiyan outright that Konoha would send reinforcements to Uzugakure. Yet it was also he who later reneged on that promise under pressure from Danzo, disappointing Heiyan and letting him leave disheartened.
Later on, Heiyan's team of three fought desperately on the battlefield of Uzu Country with nothing less than a suicidal determination.
In the end, they defeated all their enemies, sent shockwaves through the entire world of shinobi, and successfully resolved the crisis Konoha had faced over the past year.
Throughout all of this, he—the Third Hokage—had done practically nothing at all.
Thinking about this, Hiruzen felt deep shame and simply didn't know how to face Heiyan anymore.
"Hokage-sama, there's no need to say more. Let bygones be bygones."
Seeing the discomfort in Hiruzen's expression, Heiyan spoke first to comfort him. After all, as Hokage, Hiruzen indeed had his own difficulties—he could understand that.
Seeing how gracefully Heiyan forgave him, Hiruzen couldn't help but let out a deep sigh. He wanted to say something else, but was suddenly interrupted.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, an Anbu ninja rushed in hastily and reported to Hiruzen:
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