June, Warring States Era — a month that would reshape the Land of Fire, and perhaps, the entire shinobi world.
Early in the month, the defeated Sarutobi Clan and several others formally surrendered to the Konoha Alliance. By mid-June, the great clans — led by the proud Hyūga — submitted requests to join as well.
After days of intense debate, the Alliance Council approved. Within three days, the Hyūga and their allies began migrating their people and lands into Konoha's expanding borders.
Overnight, Konoha's population exploded past one hundred thousand. It became the largest force in the Land of Fire.
The rest of the shinobi world fell silent. Everyone had expected this after Sarutobi's surrender — but expectation was one thing, reality another. With so many great clans under one banner, it was no longer an alliance. It was a rising empire.
And at the center of it all stood one man: Amamiya Raizen.
By July, the air had turned warm, the sound of cicadas droning through the forests. Beneath the sun, every man and woman of Konoha — shinobi, wanderer, or civilian — gathered in the great hall for one purpose.
To vote.
Three days prior, Raizen had made a proposal that sent shockwaves through the entire Alliance.
To dissolve the Konoha Alliance… and establish the first true Shinobi Village — Konoha Village.
Many were stunned. Yet the Hyūga and other clans, newly joined and weary of endless war, backed him immediately. And so, the vote was called. Every adult was granted the right to choose:
Agree — to form the village.
Disagree — to keep the old alliance.
The hall was packed. Two massive wooden boxes stood at its center, carved with bold kanji: 「AGREE」and 「DISAGREE」.
Raizen entered with the other clan heads, their followers trailing behind.
"Strange," murmured Hyūga Tennin, stepping closer. "Why let the people vote? You could make this happen with a single command."
Raizen gave a faint smile. "Because if we're to become a village, everyone must want it. If I force it, resentment will fester. Better they choose for themselves — and carry the weight of that choice."
He could have done it the easy way — a declaration, an order. But that would've made Konoha his village alone. Not theirs.
A moment later, he stepped forward, channeling chakra to amplify his voice.
"Everyone, quiet!"
The murmurs died down. All eyes turned to him.
"Many of you are wondering why we must become a village," Raizen began, his tone calm but firm. "What's the difference between the alliance we've built and the village I propose?"
He paused.
"The alliance is a pact — many clans, each clinging to its own independence. It works, yes, but it divides our strength. Every decision is slowed by pride and politics."
He raised his hand, gesturing to the hall.
"A village… is different. Once founded, we no longer stand apart. Every clan, every shinobi, every worker — united under one name, one purpose. Not Amamiya or Hyūga or Sarutobi. Just… Konoha."
A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd. They'd never thought of it like that.
Raizen's gaze hardened.
"For a hundred years, this world has known nothing but war. Great clans rise and fall, leaving behind only ashes and graves. Every year we bury our kin. Fathers, sons, brothers. Even the enemies we hate live and die the same way — trapped in this endless cycle of slaughter."
He clenched his fist.
"This world has become a world where people kill simply because they must. I've had a dream since I was a boy. A foolish one, maybe — but it's what's kept me alive. I dream of ending this cursed age, of building a place where war has no home."
The crowd was silent.
"I used to think it was impossible," he continued. "But as I fought and survived, as our alliance grew… I realized that dream wasn't so far away. Every enemy we defeated became an ally. Every wall we tore down became a bridge. Hatred can fade. I've seen it happen."
He took a breath, his voice steady now, almost tender.
"I want to build a village where no child dies on the battlefield. Where people can grow old without a sword at their throat. A village that belongs to all of us — not ruled by fear, but bound by will."
Raizen's voice dropped low.
"So I ask you all… let's build it together. A village without war. A home we can finally call our own."