Early Morning – Konoha Command Tent
The war was effectively over, but the politics were just beginning.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at the head of the table. To his right was Sakumo Hatake. To his left was Danzo Shimura.
"The main force is prepping for departure," Hiruzen stated, puffing on his pipe. "Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru will lead the bulk of the troops back to Konoha. However, Danzo, Sakumo, and I must travel to the Wind Country border to finalize the armistice with the Kazekage."
"I have a suggestion regarding the delegation," Danzo spoke up, his voice raspy.
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"Bring the Uchiha boy. Ren."
Sakumo frowned slightly. "Ren? He's just a child. Diplomacy isn't exactly his strong suit."
"It is not about diplomacy," Danzo countered, his one eye gleaming cold in the dim light. "It is about dominance. Ren defeated Chiyo. He captured her alive. If he stands silently behind your chair, the Kazekage will be unsettled. It will force them to accept less favorable terms."
Hiruzen fell silent. It was a ruthless tactic, but effective. Showing them the child who humbled their greatest puppeteer was a power move.
"Very well," Hiruzen nodded slowly. "Ren will accompany us. Inform him immediately, before the main force leaves."
An hour later, the camp was a sea of green vests. Thousands of ninja were packing their bags, laughter and relief filling the air.
Ren stood by the main gate. He had just received his orders from an Anbu.
'S-Rank mission to the border. Babysitting the Hokage while he signs papers. Great.'
"Ren-kun!"
Ren turned to see the Sannin approaching. They were leaving with the main army.
Jiraiya, grinning ear to ear, slapped Ren on the shoulder. "We're heading out! Sure you don't want to come? I can still teach you Sage Arts!"
"Hard pass," Ren deadpanned.
Tsunade sighed, adjusting her pack. "Be careful at the border, Ren. Suna is desperate. Desperate people do stupid things."
"I'll be fine."
Orochimaru lingered for a moment, his golden eyes scanning Ren. "A pity you are staying behind."
With that, the three legends turned and marched out, leading the column of Konoha shinobi back toward the forests of Fire.
Ren watched them go. The camp felt suddenly emptier. Only about 200 shinobi remained—a rear guard and the escort for the Hokage.
Ren walked back to the Uchiha sector of the camp. His parents were sitting on a log, their bags already packed.
"So," Satoshi asked, looking up. "The main army just left. Why are we still here?"
"Change of plans," Ren sighed, sitting down next to them. "The Hokage wants me to go with him to the Suna border. Apparently, I'm a 'negotiation tactic' because of the Chiyo thing."
Kaori frowned. "The border? That's days away in the opposite direction."
"I know," Ren said apologetically. "You two should go with the next supply convoy back to the village. I'll catch up soon."
Satoshi exchanged a look with Kaori. A silent conversation passed between husband and wife.
"No," Satoshi said firmly.
Ren blinked. "No?"
"We aren't going back without you," Kaori smiled, reaching out to ruffle Ren's hair. "We're a squad. We came here together, we leave together."
"But it's boring here," Ren argued. "You'll just be sitting in the camp."
"We can wait," Satoshi shrugged, leaning back. "I could use the rest. My legs are still sore from chasing puppet users. We'll stay here with the rear guard until you return from the border."
Ren felt a warmth in his chest. "Alright. Just... don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."
"Yes, Captain," Satoshi mocked, saluting.
By noon, the Hokage's convoy was ready.
It was a small, elite group. Hiruzen Sarutobi, Sakumo Hatake, Danzo Shimura, and Ren Uchiha, escorted by two squads of Anbu.
Ren waved to his parents, who were standing by the camp gate.
"See you soon!" Ren called out.
Ren checked his Reishi Perception. The camp was safe. The war was over. His parents were surrounded by 200 friendly Konoha ninja. And since Danzo was right here with him in the convoy, he couldn't do anything back at the camp.
He leaned back, closing his eyes. 'Easy money.'
The Trap Springs
Back at the camp, the dust settled.
The 200 remaining ninja went about their duties—patrols, cooking, inventory.
Standing near the medical tent, Kato Dan watched the Uchiha couple walk back to their tent.
He touched the Anbu mask hanging at his belt.
"The Hokage is gone," a Root agent whispered, appearing silently beside Dan. "The target is isolated."
Dan looked at Satoshi and Kaori. They were laughing about something, completely unaware that the "friendly" soldiers around them had just become their jailers.
"Wait until nightfall," Dan ordered, his voice hollow. "We do this quietly."