Meanwhile, the Hidden Leaf Village, Konoha, was immersed in a festive atmosphere.
After twenty long days of tense negotiations, Kirigakure had finally backed down. They no longer demanded the return of their tailed beasts. Instead, they only requested the return of the Seven Ninja Swords, legendary weapons once wielded by their most elite shinobi.
In response, Konoha returned all the swords—except two: the Executioner's Blade and the Thunder Sword: Fang. When questioned, Kakashi firmly denied ever having seen them, claiming complete ignorance. His calm and unwavering demeanor made it difficult for anyone to argue otherwise. And so, the issue was left unresolved, much to Kirigakure's frustration.
With both Iwagakure and Kirigakure having withdrawn their forces, the Fourth Raikage—who had failed to gain any leverage from Orochimaru or Rasa—could only retreat as well, albeit reluctantly. However, before leaving, the Hidden Cloud forces recovered the body of the Third Raikage, allowing him a proper burial back in their homeland.
Ten days ago, the shinobi of Konoha who had fought so bravely returned home like heroes. Guy, Steve, and the others were welcomed with pride. Their arrival was met with tears, cheers, and celebrations.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, took the lead in organizing a memorial service. The entire village stood in silence to honor the brave ninjas who had sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. Following the ceremony, a grand commendation event was held, recognizing the warriors who had shown exceptional valor during the war.
From that moment on, a village-wide celebration began, lasting for over two weeks. It was designed not only to honor the sacrifices made but also to bring joy back to the hearts of those who had lost loved ones—and to celebrate the peace they had fought so hard to earn.
---
During the commendation ceremony, Uchiha Fugaku—leader of the Uchiha Clan—was briefly acknowledged for his contributions. However, the real spotlight fell on Obito Uchiha.
His heroic deeds were fully praised by the Third Hokage, who repeatedly emphasized that Obito's growth and valor were a direct result of Minato Namikaze's excellent guidance.
It was clear what Hiruzen was doing: laying the groundwork for Minato's future as Hokage.
And it worked.
When the Third Hokage turned the topic to Minato's own accomplishments, the hall erupted in admiration. Each tale of his courage and intelligence seemed more incredible than the last. By the time Hiruzen announced that he would be stepping down and formally recommending Minato as the next Hokage to the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, the crowd's excitement reached its peak.
But not everyone was pleased.
Danzo Shimura sat in silence, his expression as dark as a thundercloud. His hands clenched tightly, his eyes filled with resentment. As Hiruzen endorsed Minato before the entire village, Danzo's face was as grim as the bottom of a scorched pot. If the ceremony hadn't been of such importance, he would have stormed out immediately.
---
Later that evening, in Minato's home...
"So, Minato-sensei, you're really going to become Hokage soon?" Obito asked excitedly, his eyes wide with anticipation.
It had been nine days since Hiruzen's public announcement. Since then, Obito had been visiting Minato nearly every day, brimming with excitement. Though Minato was the one chosen to be Hokage, it seemed like Obito was more thrilled than anyone else.
Kakashi, sitting nearby, sighed heavily.
"Obito, that's the eighth hundredth time you've asked that question."
Seriously. It wasn't even Obito becoming Hokage—why was he acting like it?
Obito ignored him, waving his hand. "I'm just afraid the cooked duck will fly away!"
He frowned in concern. "Everyone says that becoming Hokage still needs approval from the Daimyō and the Jōnin Council, right?"
Kakashi blinked.
Wait, did Obito just use a proverb correctly?
He couldn't help but be impressed. Who would have thought that Obito—the infamous slacker from ninja school—would get so serious the moment the Hokage position was involved?
Clearly, passion was the best teacher.
"Don't worry," Kakashi said, shaking his head. "With Minato-sensei's reputation, there's no doubt he'll be elected with overwhelming support."
Then, Kakashi's expression changed as he pivoted the conversation.
"By the way, did your department look into the deaths of Elder Uchiha Setsuna, his wife, and their two daughters-in-law? They died mysteriously about seven days ago, right?"
Obito's expression turned grave.
"No, not yet. We're still investigating."
Since returning to the village, Fugaku had promoted Obito to Deputy Head of the Konoha Police Force and Deputy Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan. While these were largely honorary titles, given without actual decision-making power, they gave Obito more access to clan information and responsibilities.
And the deaths of a clan elder and his family were no small matter.
"I inspected the scene myself," Obito continued. "What's strange is that Elder Setsuna and his wife showed no signs of resistance. It was as if… they allowed themselves to be killed."
Kakashi's brows furrowed.
"They didn't fight back?"
Obito nodded. "Exactly. But their two daughters-in-law did try to resist. Unfortunately, they were swiftly and fatally taken out."
Kakashi leaned forward.
"So they were willing to die? That almost sounds like... they knew the killer."
A chill ran down Kakashi's spine. This was the first time he was hearing such detailed observations about the case.
"Obito, what about Elder Setsuna's sons? If they had wives, they must've had sons too."
Obito looked away and sighed.
"They're gone."
"They were ambushed during a mission against Kirigakure forces. They've been missing since. Mist Shinobi deny any involvement, and Konoha has officially presumed them dead."
Kakashi's gaze darkened.
A family of six, wiped out.
Something didn't feel right.
"Kakashi," Minato suddenly said, sensing the weight of the conversation. "Do you want to discuss this somewhere more private?"
Kakashi nodded. "Obito, send us into Kamui space. I have a bad feeling about this."
Obito glanced at Minato. Seeing no objection, he immediately activated his Mangekyō Sharingan.
Kamui swirled them into the dimension of safety.
This had become a habit between them. Whenever Kakashi needed to share sensitive information, Obito would bring them into his private dimension.
---
Within the eerie stillness of Kamui space, Minato turned to Kakashi.
"You're thinking Elder Setsuna's death is related to his sons, aren't you?"
Kakashi nodded.
As expected of Minato-sensei. Always one step ahead.
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "I suspect their disappearance was orchestrated by none other than Uchiha Madara."
Obito's eyes widened.
"What?!"
The name sent shivers through his body. He still remembered how Madara had manipulated him in the past.
And now he was hearing that Madara might have planted sleeper agents?
"Yes," Minato agreed. "Everything—the timing of the sons' disappearance, the peculiar deaths of the parents—all of it seems deliberate."
He exchanged a serious look with Kakashi.
"It's all to achieve a single goal: to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Obito staggered backward in shock.
"That's impossible!" he said, his voice trembling.
"The Mangekyō... it requires the death of someone close to you. Are you saying... they killed their own family just to gain it?"
He couldn't understand. Obito had always cherished the people around him. What was the point of power if you sacrificed those you loved?
"Uchiha Setsuna…" Kakashi suddenly muttered. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
He tapped his chin.
Then it clicked.
"Obito, what was Elder Setsuna's stance toward the village?"
Obito's face hardened.
"He was a hardliner. He openly supported Uchiha Madara's ideals and even tried to incite a rebellion. The village imprisoned him for a time."
That confirmed it.
Kakashi's thoughts began to fall into place.
If Setsuna had passed his ideals on to his sons—and if those sons had encountered the real Madara—it was very likely they had become loyal followers.
And Madara's ability to manipulate… was unparalleled.
"Minato-sensei," Kakashi said solemnly, "we may be forced to face some very familiar enemies for the sake of the people we love."
Minato's eyes sharpened.
"If the enemy dares to strike," he said firmly, "I'll be the first to face them."
He thought of Kushina, of Rin. He knew that if Madara launched a strike, those closest to him would be the first targets.
"And I'll be right behind you!" Obito said, his voice full of conviction.
The three of them looked at one another.
In that silent moment, their bond was stronger than ever.
They were ready.
Whatever storm came next—they would face it together.
---
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