Naruto Birdcage

Hokage Tower Conference Room

The leaders of Konoha Village finally had the chance to meet the rarely seen Orochimaru.

However, as soon as the meeting began, he dropped a bombshell.

Shimura Danzo, the head of the Root organization, was accused of colluding with Hanzo of the Salamander from Amegakure in an attempt to usurp power.

He had now been purged.

Orochimaru even presented a series of evidence.

Beyond his alleged coup attempt, Danzo had committed numerous shady deeds.

Although most of those present hadn't had much direct interaction with Danzo, they knew he was a key figure in the village, someone who had once followed the Second Hokage.

Some suspected there might be more to the story, but they kept their doubts to themselves, not daring to voice them.

Fugaku, having already anticipated this outcome, showed little reaction upon hearing the news.

It was Jiraiya and Tsunade who looked utterly incredulous.

Orochimaru didn't give them long to dwell on their shock before revealing another major issue.

"Just now, a border patrol ninja returned with an urgent report. Kumogakure has stationed troops at the border. The situation is critical."

These words caused an even greater stir than the previous revelation, leaving the room in an uproar.

"What!"

"Kumogakure?!"

The group immediately set aside the matter of Danzo, their attention now fully focused on the looming threat from Kumogakure.

Is war about to start again...

Minato and Shikaku exchanged a glance, their expressions grave.

"Minato," Orochimaru called.

"Lord Hokage!"

"Once the troops are ready, you will immediately lead a team to the border. Reinforcements will follow tomorrow."

"Understood."

Orochimaru issued another series of orders, briefly outlining the plans for the upcoming war.

Minato, Shikaku, and Jiraiya were tasked with leading an advance unit to the border immediately, to prevent Kumogakure from breaking through.

Messengers had already been dispatched to inform the Daimyo.

Konoha's current state was dire—not only was manpower insufficient, but every aspect of warfare posed a potential weakness.

The Daimyo's steady support was crucial to sustaining the village's rear operations.

The sudden turn of events caught many off guard.

Just moments earlier, while watching the Chunin Exams, some had been silently marveling at how precious peace was.

However, ready or not, they now had no choice but to march to the battlefield once again.

Orochimaru assigned Fugaku and Makoto to lead the remaining troops and logistics teams, sending them to the battlefield as reinforcements later.

The room was filled with murmurs of surprise.

The attendees scanned the crowd, noting that Makoto was nowhere to be seen.

Everyone present was already familiar with Makoto to some extent.

Most had dealt with the man who was often stationed in the Hokage's office daily.

Makoto heading to the battlefield as well?

"Isn't he just a desk officer?"

After Orochimaru finished issuing his orders, everyone left the room, each harboring their own thoughts.

News of the impending war quickly spread throughout the village, once again stirring unrest among the populace.

At this moment, the representatives from Sunagakure, who had not yet departed, heard the news and exchanged a few words of encouragement with Orochimaru.

However, Sunagakure had its own troubles with Kirigakure and was in no position to assist Konoha.

Meanwhile, Makoto had taken Hizashi and arrived once again at the Root's base.

After the conclusion of the Chunin Exams, all remaining Root members were relocated to this base.

Makoto had not treated them as prisoners to be thrown into jail.

As the massive iron doors creaked open, light flooded into the hall, illuminating dozens of figures.

Every gaze turned toward Hyuga Makoto, who stood silhouetted in the doorway.

The members of Root recognized Makoto and knew well that he was the Hokage's right-hand man.

This young man would now decide their fate.

"Lord Makoto," one of the leading Root members stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

This was a sharp-minded individual, and with him leading the way, more people followed suit and respectfully bowed to Makoto.

Makoto's gaze swept over the group, calm and unyielding.

"Traitor Danzo is dead. Many of you have committed numerous deeds that harmed the village under his control."

The atmosphere in the room instantly became tense.

"But I believe that since you all grew up in the village, you must also love it dearly. Your actions under Danzo's control were likely out of necessity, so I have asked the Hokage to forgive your past transgressions," Makoto continued, his voice steady.

"Now, do you still wish to offer everything for the village?"

The members of Root exchanged glances, then one by one, they knelt to the ground, replying in unison, "We are at your command, Lord Makoto!"

Makoto nodded. "There will be no more Root. You are now part of the Anbu, and from now on, Hizashi will be your captain."

"Greetings, Captain Hizashi," they all respectfully addressed.

After Danzo's death, these members of Root had become like drifting weeds without roots.

Their upbringing was vastly different from that of ordinary shinobi, and they found it difficult to integrate with others.

In short, they were a group of tools in need of a new master.

Danzo's methods of training ninjas were indeed effective; these individuals were excellent Anbu operatives.

Makoto then visited Nonou checking on the progress of the children there.

Makoto informed Nonou of Danzo's death.

Nonou was only slightly surprised, then quickly returned to her usual calm demeanor, as if she didn't care much about the whole situation.

Some of the children, upon seeing Makoto, had already learned to respectfully greet him, showing a big change compared to when he first visited the orphanage.

Makoto also mentioned the upcoming war and that he would be heading to the frontlines.

He reassured Nonou that everything concerning the children and the orphanage had already been arranged.

Nonou sighed at the news, "War... the orphanage will probably increase with more children."

Makoto asked, "Do you hate war?"

Nonou looked at him curiously and asked in return, "Is there anyone who likes war?"

Makoto was silent.

Had it not been for the intelligence Nonou had provided, everything might not have gone so smoothly.

This also solidified Makoto's belief that relying on tools without emotions ultimately posed a risk to oneself—Danzo was the perfect example.

When Makoto returned to his residence, he met with some elders of the clan and arranged some matters regarding the clan's affairs.

For this war, Makoto didn't intend to let too many people from the Hyuga faction die or suffer on the frontlines.

He had become somewhat of a lone figure.

With him, the clan leader, going, it was enough to silence those who had been murmuring.

As long as there was Hizashi around, he wasn't worried about any trouble.

By the time Makoto finished arranging everything, it was already late in the evening.

The temperature in the bathroom, with the hot water running, was very high, and Makoto didn't feel cold at all, even though he was naked.

After his usual special physical training, Makoto felt exhausted.

Ayano, holding a towel, helped him dry his body.

"Are you planning to rest right away?" Ayano suddenly asked from behind him.

"I'm really tired, I don't want to deal with anything else," Makoto replied.

Ayano's face turned red. "I didn't mean that."

"Hmm?"

"Ayari... are you still going there?"

"…"

He was leaving tomorrow, so there would still be time to say goodbye before he left.

Makoto let out a long sigh, feeling that his energy was running low.

After leaving the bathroom, Makoto casually put on a coat and headed toward Ayari's residence.

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