This time, the enhanced version of Konoha's collapse plan—jointly devised by Kenya and Orochimaru—pushed the village even closer to the brink of destruction than in the original timeline.
After several days of tense waiting, the Daimyō of the Land of Fire finally agreed to Kenya's demands. Sunagakure would not have to pay reparations but would instead assist Konoha in the reconstruction efforts.
At the same time, under the name "Aizen," Sunagakure issued a call for help to Kirigakure, seeking aid against both Iwagakure and Kumogakure—two villages that had placed Konoha firmly in their sights.
Upon receiving the request, the Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, dispatched reinforcements to assist Konoha in defending the northeastern border of the Land of Fire, wary of a sudden strike from the Cloud. After all, Kumogakure's underhanded tactics were nothing new.
Meanwhile, Sunagakure built a defensive line along the northwestern frontier of the Land of Fire, ready to repel an attack from Iwagakure.
It was an ironic twist of fate. During the Third Shinobi War, Konoha had clashed fiercely with both Iwa and Kumo. Minato Namikaze, then not yet Hokage, had faced the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer B. His victory at the Kannabi Bridge against Iwagakure had completely altered the course of the Shinobi World.
Now, with Konoha weakened, the possibility of these two villages exploiting its vulnerability was anything but small.
That was why the Daimyō of the Land of Fire had little choice but to concede to Kenya's demands. Refusal would mean Sunagakure, once an ally, would surely turn into an enemy. And if Sunagakure and its ally Kirigakure stood against Konoha, the outcome was obvious: Konoha would be encircled by hostility on all sides.
The reality was grim. Four of the Five Great Villages were, at the very least, wary enemies of Konoha. With Sarutobi Hiruzen—the village's last remaining Kage-level powerhouse—now dead, if the other nations moved together against the Fire Country, the result would be catastrophic.
As Kenya had foreseen, the moment news of Hiruzen's death spread, both the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, and the Fourth Raikage, Ay, were itching for action. Yet, with Sunagakure and Kirigakure blocking the paths into Konoha, they reluctantly held back—for now.
Kenya, having discarded the mask of "Aizen" and revealed his true identity, chose not to return to Sunagakure as originally intended. Instead, he entrusted Gaara, Temari, and Kankurō with a personal letter, recommending Gaara as the Fifth Kazekage, and sent them back to the Wind Country to deliver it to the Daimyō.
Pakura, Jinaro, and the other high-ranking shinobi returned to stabilize Sunagakure, which had plunged into chaos after Rasa's death. Others remained stationed at the Fire Country's northwest border, ever watchful of Iwagakure.
Sunagakure's situation was no less unstable. The death of the Fourth Kazekage was shocking enough, but what unsettled the village even more was the disappearance of "Aizen," who the people had long believed to be the natural successor to the Kazekage's mantle.
Kenya's true identity was not revealed to the public. Only Pakura and the elders were informed after her return to the village, and their reaction was one of utter disbelief—some nearly fell from their chairs.
Though hesitant, the Sand's leadership eventually agreed to Kenya's recommendation of Gaara as the Fifth Kazekage. As for the Wind Country's Daimyō, he had yet to respond, leaving the matter uncertain.
Back in the Land of Fire, reconstruction progressed steadily. Kenya, walking through the crimson glow of sunset, arrived at the remnants of the Sarutobi clan's compound.
Despite Kenya's subtle instructions to ensure their annihilation, Gaara and the others had failed to completely erase the clan. Fewer than ten members remained, and Kenya was certain that within a century, they would fade into obscurity—just like the Senju. Not wiped out entirely, but destined to vanish from the stage of history.
The Shimura clan, however, was different. Their aboveground members were obliterated, though a small faction still survived hidden beneath the earth. Thus, they could not be said to be truly extinct—at least, not yet.
"You did this on purpose, didn't you?"
Yūhi Kurenai's voice was quiet, almost trembling, as she gazed at the ruins.
Kenya smiled faintly, feigning ignorance. "What are you talking about? I don't understand."
Her crimson lips tightened. Kurenai's eyes dimmed, but she said no more.
Kenya's chuckle was soft, as he gently brushed his hand against her cheek. "If I admit it… will you leave me?"
Kurenai bit her lip, her face clouded with helplessness. "Besides you, who else can I depend on?"
"…Bastard."
Her whisper was weak, but her arms wrapped around his waist, pressing her face against his chest.
"In this world, who can truly remain pure and untouched?"
Kenya laughed, his hand reaching for her hair—only to be interrupted by a clear, melodic voice from behind.
"Uchiha Kenya, the elders of the advisory council request your presence."
Kurenai's face flushed crimson, panic flashing across her eyes. She slipped from Kenya's embrace and stepped back.
Kenya didn't turn around. His aura shifted, a dangerous pressure radiating from his body. "The council may have sent you to drag me along immediately, but I dislike interruptions."
As he turned, his smile was polite, almost elegant, yet the crushing sense of wild, beastlike oppression made the two Anbu at his back tremble.
"Next time," Kenya said lightly, "if you show yourselves before me uninvited, I won't be so lenient."
Though he hadn't shown a shred of killing intent, the sheer weight of his presence made both Jōnin feel as though they stood before a predator.
Cold sweat dripped beneath their masks. Their voices faltered as they bowed.
"Y-Yes, Lord Kenya. Forgive us…"
"Good."
Without waiting for dismissal, they vanished in a blur, unwilling to linger a second longer.
Kenya turned back to Kurenai, his hand once more cupping her flushed cheek. He leaned forward, his forehead resting gently against hers.
"Tonight," he whispered, "may I stay at your place?"
Her breath caught. Blushing furiously, she wriggled free and fled without looking back.
Her silence was answer enough.