Danzo Shimura's face twitched as he listened to the others speak. Even though he held the title of Vice Hokage, the truth was simple and painful—Hiruzen Sarutobi was still the one in charge. The Hokage's shadow inevitably loomed over every discussion, and today was no different.
"Danzo, what you're suggesting is excessive," Homura Mitokado said sharply, sensing Danzo's hostility. "Are you holding a grudge against Konoha itself? The people of Uzushiogakure are not narrow-minded. Don't assume the worst of them."
Danzo let out an irritated snort but said nothing. Homura turned toward Hiruzen, who had been quietly observing the debate.
"Hiruzen, what do you think? The final decision rests with you."
Hiruzen slowly raised his head and looked at each of them in turn. His eyes were calm, unreadable.
"I've decided," he said at last. "I will personally travel to the Land of Waves."
The room fell silent.
Hiruzen continued, "The major shinobi villages currently have their attention fixed on the chaos in the Land of Rain. This gives me a window of opportunity. I must speak with the remaining Uzumaki survivors myself."
Whether the Uzumaki chose to join Konoha or not, Hiruzen believed that a conversation was necessary. He hadn't visited the Land of Waves in decades; this was also a chance to see how much the region had changed.
"?!"
Danzo stiffened immediately. Years of dealing with bureaucratic paperwork told him one thing—if Hiruzen left without clearing his documents, they would all fall onto his desk.
"Hiruzen," Danzo said with a forced cough, "I have no objection to your trip… but before you go, you should finish your duties as Hokage. Important documents shouldn't constantly be pushed onto the Vice Hokage. That would be unreasonable, wouldn't it?"
Don't even think about dumping your paperwork on me again!
Danzo screamed internally.
Hiruzen blinked, paused, and finally nodded with a defeated sigh.
"…I understand."
A short time later, the entire Root base trembled with Danzo's furious roar.
"HIRUZEN SARUTOBIII! I'm not done with you!"
---
The Shock of the Rain Mountains
The transformation of Rain Mountain into the massive Rain Mountain Range had shaken the entire ninja world. Where storms once raged endlessly, the climate of the Land of Rain had abruptly stabilized, allowing sunlight and agriculture for the first time in generations.
Shinobi Villages everywhere were stunned. The sudden change had extinguished the growing war-like atmosphere that had been heating across nations. Whatever—or whoever—caused Rain Mountain to shift had proven power far beyond normal shinobi.
Even the various Daimyos trembled at news they couldn't interpret. Something powerful had reshaped the mountain range, and no one knew how.
---
Madara's Doubt
In a shadowed underground chamber—the Mountain Cemetery—Uchiha Madara sat with a copy of the Ninja World Daily, flipping through photographs comparing the old and new mountain ranges.
His eyes narrowed.
"What kind of jutsu… can move a mountain of that scale?"
He immediately remembered the Sage Art Orochimaru had displayed in Uzushiogakure.
Madara shook his head.
"No… even he cannot do this. Even Hashirama couldn't achieve something like this."
His voice deepened.
"Could… the Sage of Six Paths himself have manifested?"
He refused to believe Orochimaru possessed such overwhelming capability. It was much more reasonable to believe that the legendary Sage had reappeared.
The number one Hashirama fanboy in the ninja world was, once again, spiraling into overthinking.
---
Chapter 127 — A Hot Potato
The southern port of the Fire Country buzzed with life. Merchants haggled loudly, travelers bustled between stalls, and the salty scent of the sea drifted through the air.
Disguised as a humble traveler wearing a straw hat, Hiruzen Sarutobi stared with wide eyes.
"So lively…!"
He hadn't visited this place in years. In the past, the port had been crude—small, worn-down boats, minimal traffic, nothing impressive. But now? The area brimmed with new constructions, sturdy docks, and clear signs of heavy investment.
"Here, your favorite—grilled sardine fish balls."
His wife, Sarutobi Biwako, approached carrying two skewers—fish balls and grilled squid. Hiruzen beamed instantly.
"Ah! My beloved sardine balls!"
He accepted them with childlike enthusiasm.
"Come on," Biwako said, lightly tugging his sleeve. "If we don't hurry to the pier, we'll miss the ship."
As they walked, Biwako admired how drastically everything had changed. No port existed here before; it was obvious this infrastructure had been newly established within the past few years.
She wondered more and more about the mysterious White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company—the force behind so many world-changing events.
---
On the Passenger Ship
"You too, Uncle? Traveling to the Land of Waves?"
A cheerful young girl struck up a conversation with Hiruzen on the ship.
"I heard the White Snake Pharmaceutical Company is based there," she said eagerly. "It's my dream to work for them one day! I wonder if their recruitment requirements are high?"
"I'm sure someone hardworking like you will do well," Hiruzen said warmly.
"Really? Thank you, Uncle!"
Biwako raised an eyebrow as the girl continued chatting a little too happily with her husband. Each time Hiruzen laughed, Biwako's expression darkened with a silent, murderous aura only married women could conjure.
When the ship finally docked at the Land of Waves, the girl glanced knowingly at Biwako's expression and stifled a giggle.
---
Arrival at the Land of Waves
"So prosperous…"
Hiruzen walked through the bustling port, watching merchants unload goods and travelers prepare for vacation. In the distance, the beaches shimmered, with bikini-clad women sunbathing under the warm sky.
He accidentally stared for a second too long.
Biwako's glare stabbed his cheek like a kunai.
Hiruzen cleared his throat loudly and forced his gaze elsewhere.
---
White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company
"What…? The Third Hokage?"
At the company headquarters, Uzumaki Chigusa stared at Kakuzu in disbelief.
Kakuzu nodded and handed her two photos—Hiruzen and Biwako.
"No mistake. They arrived earlier today."
Chigusa frowned.
"The Third Hokage brought his wife…? That's strange. If Konoha intended to invite us formally, he wouldn't bring her. This feels more like… sightseeing."
The Uzumaki survivors' attitudes had mostly stabilized. Many wanted to stay in the Land of Waves. A few dreamed of rebuilding Uzushiogakure. Almost no one still wished to join Konoha—and those few changed their minds when they realized how fulfilling life here had become.
Some even feared the company might drive them out after they recovered.
Chigusa herself had also been wondering:
What would Orochimaru ultimately decide for them?
---
Meeting Hiruzen and Biwako
Hiruzen and Biwako soon arrived at the company, marveling at the refined architecture and flourishing surroundings.
"Welcome."
Iryu greeted them with a calm smile.
"Lady Iryu?" Hiruzen blinked. "You knew we were coming?"
"We did not conceal our presence," Biwako said. "It would be odd if she didn't know."
Iryu nodded politely. "Please follow me. Everyone is informed of your purpose."
They entered the elevator, ascending to the top-floor lounge.
When the doors opened, Hiruzen blinked repeatedly.
"…There's a pool?"
Several men and women in swimsuits lounged at the poolside.
Biwako's stare darkened again.
Hiruzen snapped his gaze away so fast his neck cracked.
---
A Calm Conversation
Iryu guided them to a shaded table where Uzumaki Chigusa sat waiting.
"Third Hokage, Biwako," Chigusa greeted politely. "Please, sit."
Iryu stepped back and quietly left the area.
Hiruzen began with concern. "Chief Chigusa, how are the Uzumaki survivors adjusting to life here?"
Chigusa sighed gently. "Life in the Land of Waves is peaceful. The scars of losing our home remain… but this place gives us room to heal."
She looked at Hiruzen seriously.
"I also heard that Konoha was attacked by the Sky Ninja shortly after arriving in our country."
The two exchanged information—clarifying misunderstandings, sharing intelligence, and recounting the crises each side had endured. Hiruzen had come partly for diplomacy, partly for reassurance.
As Biwako watched silently, she realized Hiruzen had no intention of forcibly recruiting the Uzumaki. That was good—pushing would only deepen old wounds.
Finally, Hiruzen asked the real question.
"Chief Chigusa… what are your people's plans for the future?"
If the Uzumaki joined Konoha, it would be a tremendous boon—strengthening the sealing corps, stabilizing jinchūriki matters, and honoring Lady Mito's legacy.
But Chigusa shook her head.
"Starting over here is the best choice. The environment is peaceful. And more importantly—this company saved our lives."
She paused.
"Hiruzen-sama, our treaty with Konoha ended the moment the Four Great Shinobi Villages destroyed our homeland. We cannot pretend the past didn't happen."
She smiled sadly.
"Our survivors hate the Four Villages. Deeply. Our homes were destroyed. Our clansmen slaughtered. How could they not?"
Hiruzen fell quiet.
"If we joined Konoha, would that remove our hatred?" Chigusa asked gently. "No. It would only create unrealistic dreams of revenge."
She looked Hiruzen straight in the eyes.
"And Konoha cannot declare war on the Four Villages for our sake. That is reality, is it not?"
Hiruzen hesitated. Biwako closed her eyes, knowing the truth.
"…Yes."
"Then staying in the Land of Waves," Chigusa said softly, "is the wiser path. For us—and for Konoha."
Leaving the building later, Hiruzen walked in silence.
Could anyone truly stop the Uzumaki if their desire for revenge resurfaced?
The thought weighed heavily on his heart.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)