Shikkotsu Forest's island.
Heiyan crossed through space and arrived at the center of the island, beside the crater lake atop the mountain.
At first glance, the God Tree towered skyward.
The stump he had brought back from the Village Hidden in the Waterfall over a year ago had now grown to over one hundred meters tall under the nourishment of the rich natural energy here. Its lush branches and leaves blocked out sunlight, casting an enormous shadow across the lake.
Beams of light filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled circles of light across the forest floor—like scattered golden coins, a mesmerizing sight.
Instinctively, Heiyan directed his gaze toward a certain spot beneath the tree where Tsunade used to train. However—
His first glance revealed no sign of Tsunade herself. Instead, he noticed countless vines spreading inward from all directions, forming a massive cocoon suspended in midair.
Then, when Heiyan examined it more closely with his symbiotic Byakugan, he realized that Tsunade was actually lying inside this green cocoon, curled up like an infant, seemingly trapped in some kind of deep sleep.
This scene felt eerily familiar to him.
Wasn't his own Sage Transformation evolution exactly like this?
However, Tsunade's path toward advancing her Sage Transformation appeared much slower. After all, unlike Heiyan, she hadn't drunk directly from the Hero Water (the sacred elixir infused with a century's worth of essence from the God Tree). Instead, she had chosen a gentler method—gradually absorbing energy from the God Tree.
The difference between them could be likened to a mighty river versus a gentle stream.
Moreover, during this process, the power of the God Tree resonated with the bloodline within Tsunade's body. As they merged, unexpected and indescribable changes also began occurring.
This transformation might last for months—or even longer—depending entirely on how far her Sage Transformation would evolve.
"Heiyan-sama!"
Just then, a delighted voice came from the side as a small slug leaped onto Heiyan's shoulder, affectionately rubbing its soft body against his face.
It was none other than Sage Katsuyu.
Living for over a thousand years, witnessing endless joys and sorrows of mankind, this ancient being had mourned deeply upon hearing the false news of Heiyan's death.
After all, among humans, Heiyan had walked the farthest along the path of Shikkotsu Forest Sage Art. Plus, the heroic deeds he accomplished had genuinely earned Sage Katsuyu's heartfelt respect.
Sage Katsuyu had once truly believed Heiyan was the one destined to change the world.
Fortunately, though, he had not perished after all.
"If Lady Tsunade learns you're still alive, she'll probably faint from sheer joy."
Waving its antennae excitedly, Sage Katsuyu spoke quickly and eagerly to Heiyan.
Then, it explained to Heiyan that Tsunade had come to Shikkotsu Forest for rigorous training—not only for revenge against Madara Uchiha, but more importantly, to escape the pain and sorrow of losing Heiyan, hoping to distract herself.
Unexpectedly, after forcing herself into a state of intense cultivation, she somehow resonated mysteriously with the God Tree, which led directly to what Heiyan now saw before him.
Facing the Sage Katsuyu's suggestion, Heiyan didn't impulsively awaken Tsunade. Instead, he calmly said:
"Tsunade is currently in deep meditation. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her, and the process is critically important. She absolutely cannot be disturbed."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Lord Heiyan. I didn't consider this point."
Upon hearing this, Katsuyu quickly apologized.
"Sage Katsuyu, during this time, Tsunade will be in your care."
Heiyan solemnly entrusted Tsunade to Katsuyu, adding, "I'll also come visit her occasionally in the future. When the day comes that Tsunade completes her evolution and awakens, I will personally meet with her."
"Yes, leave it to me, Lord Heiyan. Starting from now on, I definitely won't let anything disturb Lady Tsunade."
Katsuyu nodded, making a promise.
"With that, I can feel reassured."
A smile appeared on Heiyan's face.
Tsunade's current Sage Transformation was equivalent to the level of an Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. If she wanted to evolve into a peak-level Sage Transformation like Heiyan and Hashirama Senju, even with help from the God Tree (Shinju), it would take at least three to five years.
Heiyan had already decided: during the years Tsunade would spend in deep meditation, he could retreat from the world of shinobi and return to Penglai to continue his cultivation, pushing his Sage Transformation's potential to the brink of evolution.
At the same time, he would also wait for the Parasitic Spores to complete their control over the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Ten minutes later,
Heiyan returned to Konoha again, using Transformation Jutsu to alter his appearance before finding an inn to stay at.
He planned to lurk secretly in Konoha for some time, personally watching how the situation in the ninja world developed, predicting various factions' movements over the next few years.
Two days later.
The Konoha expedition forces returned triumphantly from the Daimyo's Mansion under the leadership of the Third Hokage.
Early in the morning, Gamamaru leaned on his cane and personally arrived at the village gate alongside a group of Konoha ninjas to welcome them. Additionally, nearly all Konoha villagers happily stepped out of their homes, holding flowers and standing on both sides of the streets, looking toward outside the village with eager anticipation.
The streets were empty as if the entire village had vanished — everywhere was packed with people.
Around nine o'clock in the morning, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with Fukasaku and Shima, first emerged from the woods outside the village. Behind them followed more than a thousand Konoha ninjas and Mount Myoboku's combat forces led by the Toad Trio.
Instantly, the sound of drums thundered through the air, followed by cheers rising like tidal waves.
Within the crowd,
Heiyan, wearing a hood, watched as Gamamaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi passed through Ichiraku Street surrounded by cheering villagers from Konoha, entering Hokage Tower (Hokage Building).
Half an hour later,
Inside the Hokage office, a high-ranking elder meeting was held.
Compared with the previous elders' meeting, two participants were missing this time. Among them was Medical Department Director Tsunade, who was absent due to certain reasons, and the Hokage advisor Heiyan, who had died.
Under such circumstances, to fill the empty seats, Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to invite two new members to join.
They were the remaining two members of the Konoha Sannin—Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga.
"Sorry we arrived late."
Pushing open the door, Fugaku and Hiashi entered slowly.
Today, while the Konoha expedition was returning in triumph, they did not show up to greet them because the two had gone together to the Konoha Shinobi Graveyard to mourn Heiyan. On this day of village-wide celebration, the two distanced themselves from the noise of the crowd, keeping company with the spirit of their beloved friend.
In addition to Fugaku and Hiashi's inclusion, Gamamaru, as the new Honorary Elder of Konoha, naturally joined the high-level meeting.
At this point, there were five people altogether in the office: Hiruzen Sarutobi, Gamamaru, Orochimaru, Fugaku, and Hiashi.
"Sensei, can we begin now?"
Orochimaru asked, seeing that everyone had arrived.
He remained the same as always, still deeply immersed in his laboratory work, tirelessly conducting research on the severed arm of Black Zetsu left behind.
Orochimaru had no interest in these meetings whatsoever, impatiently waiting for it to end so he could escape this tedious gathering.
"If that's the case, then..."
Hiruzen was about to start the meeting when suddenly Gamamaru interrupted him with a cough.
"Cough cough. Please wait a moment. I've also invited a new member to join us today."
Gamamaru said, then tapped his cane twice on the floor and turned toward the door.
"Come in."
With puzzled gazes, several figures watched as a man entered—also leaning on a cane, with bandages covering his right eye.
"...Danzo?!"
For a brief moment, everyone in the room narrowed their eyes in shock and shouted in unison.
Danzo seemed quite satisfied with their astonished expressions. A smirk forming on his lips, he slowly walked to the center of the room, greeting each person one by one:
"Orochimaru, long time no see. I heard that during my absence from the village, you took over my position and became the leader of Root. It must have been hard taking care of those troublesome subordinates of mine."
"Fugaku, Hiashi, you two will become the clan heads of your respective families and hold important positions within the village. We should establish some rapport early on, don't you think?"
"Oh right, there's also Hiruzen—my dearest comrade and lifelong friend. You wouldn't believe how much I've longed for this moment."
After saying these words to Hiruzen, Danzo even stepped forward actively, attempting to embrace the latter warmly.
"Stop!"
A harsh shout cut Danzo off.
Fugaku and Hiashi stood blocking his path—one on the left, one on the right. Glaring at Danzo with hostile expressions, they appeared ready to strike at any moment.
"Why dare you return to Konoha?! Do you think without Heiyan here, no one can stop you anymore?!"
"According to our intelligence, you've already defected to Madara Uchiha, becoming his lapdog. How dare you show yourself here willingly—you really must be tired of living!"
Hardly had their words faded when both men prepared to attack.
Unfazed, Danzo looked at them mockingly, his expression calm and unwavering.
Of course.
"Wait."
Just then, Gamamaru spoke again, rapping his staff against the surface, sending forth an invisible chakra shockwave that pushed both Fugaku and Hiashi backward.
"Revered Great Toad Sage, may we ask for your explanation?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi steadied the two men and signaled them to remain calm. He then turned to Gamamaru with a puzzled expression, seeking answers.
Suddenly, everyone in the room turned their eyes toward Gamamaru, hoping it would provide a satisfactory explanation for the current situation.
Danzo silently retreated behind Gamamaru. He stood there respectfully, head bowed and eyes lowered.
"It's true that Danzo was once forced under Madara Uchiha's coercion to serve him, but that was in the past. As you can see now, he has successfully defected from Mist, turning over a new leaf."
Gamamaru spoke slowly, then snapped its fingers with a sharp sound.
Puff.
After a burst of white smoke faded away, a large scroll with white paper and black borders appeared, standing quietly in the center of the office.
"This is..."
Seeing this, everyone instinctively widened their eyes.
"That's right. This is the scroll Heiyan used to store the Six Paths stone tablet. After the battle in the Land of Iron, it was seized by Madara Uchiha. Fortunately, Danzo seized the opportunity, risking his life to steal it back and return it to Leaf Village."
Gamamaru explained slowly.
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances, unable to believe what they saw and heard.
Everyone already understood the Six Paths stone tablet's significance to Leaf Village. Heiyan had already proven that only by combining the Six Paths chakra contained within the tablet with Sage Chakra could there be any hope of breaking through Madara Uchiha's Outer Path—Edo Tensei.
This was something Madara himself must've clearly understood after fighting against Heiyan.
Therefore, he would never let this tablet fall into enemy hands.
And Danzo actually stole it?
"I'm following Heiyan's approach, attempting to fuse the power of the Six Paths stone tablet with Mount Myoboku's Sage Art to resist Madara Uchiha and keep him outside Leaf Village's gates."
Gamamaru shared its latest plan with the group.
Among all of this, Danzo's contribution was undoubtedly the greatest.
Moreover, besides returning the Six Paths stone tablet, Danzo also brought valuable intelligence about Kiri. After all, he had briefly served as acting Mizukage and had thoroughly uncovered Mist's inner workings.
In addition, Danzo even provided detailed information on the Rinnegan.
The Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, Yin and Yang Release, White Zetsu—all these secrets hidden deep beneath the Mizukage building were now revealed by him, greatly shocking everyone gathered in the office.
Actually, this was exactly Danzo's strategy.
Given his personality, how could he possibly submit to Madara's control without resistance? Therefore, he had decided to place bets on both sides between Madara and Leaf, becoming a double agent.
He'd side with whoever gave him more gains.
He'd support whoever emerged victorious.
Either way, he was sure to turn over a new leaf in the end.
Gamamaru probably realized this possibility all along.
Yet still, it decided to take Danzo in, which could be summarized into two reasons.
Firstly, Gamamaru intended to turn the tables by using Danzo—the double agent—to counter Madara Uchiha.
Secondly, it aimed to establish influence within Leaf Village and build a personal network of allies to balance against the Hokage faction led by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Gamamaru regarded Danzo's sudden appearance at his doorstep as undoubtedly a golden opportunity. This man had always stood in opposition to the Hokage's faction, making him perfect for Gamamaru's plans.
Everything remained firmly under Gamamaru's control.
Gamamaru firmly believed that on the stage of the ninja world, he—the Immortal Sage over a thousand years old—was the one playing shogi, while others such as Madara, Danzo, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, no matter how fiercely they acted temporarily, were ultimately nothing more than pawns—mere mortals destined to be used.
Wasn't Uzumaki Heiyan the best proof of this?
Finally,
Under Gamamaru's guidance, this high-level meeting ended with Danzo Shimura's triumphant return to Konoha.
As the meeting neared its end, Gamamaru took an official proclamation from Hiruzen Sarutobi and handed it directly to Danzo along with specific instructions:
"You may step out and rest first. We still have matters to discuss."
"Yes, Honorary Elder."
Danzo respectfully bowed, accepted the official document bearing the Hokage's seal with both hands, then exited the office.
In the corridor outside the office,
Standing just outside the office door, Danzo glanced down at the contents of the proclamation. Slowly, the corner of his lips curled into a smirk.
This proclamation cleared him of the title "Rogue Ninja," exonerated him from all crimes, and even restored his former rank, officially reinstating him as the Hokage's advisor.
He was back.
The familiar life he once knew had returned.
At this moment, Danzo could barely hold himself back. Pressing his hand against his forehead, he let out a deep, maniacal laugh—a full minute passed before he finally stopped.
Unfortunately, there remained one regret.
After finishing his laughter, Danzo reached up and touched the bandage covering his right eye socket—now completely empty. His Mangekyo Sharingan hadn't returned with him upon his resurrection.
Thinking back, that eye had never truly belonged to him in the first place. Naturally, after being removed and taken by someone else following his death, it no longer held any connection to him.
Otherwise, Danzo could have seized the chance to use the [Mangekyo Dojutsu] he awakened shortly before death to steal another person's body, thereby achieving a perfect revival.
For instance, his dear friend Hiruzen Sarutobi would've made an excellent target.
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