Chapter 119: Seizing Control of Konoha
(bonus)
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"Also, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura want to meet with Lady Mito."
"Our side there only suffered a few dozen injured to varying degrees, but no one was killed."
"They've specifically requested to meet with you during the surrender process."
"That's the full report regarding the subjugation of the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, and Mitokado clans."
"Oh, right!"
Uchiha Aota suddenly recalled something and added, "This doesn't account for the ninjas from those four clans who are still in the village or currently out on missions."
"Nor does it include those stationed at the front-line camps."
"Hmm."
Uzumaki Mito nodded in satisfaction and said, "You don't need to worry about the four-clan ninjas at the front-line camps. Most of them died alongside Danzo in that place where they tried to frame Kaito."
"For the ones who stayed behind in the camps, they tried to destroy evidence when Kaito exposed Danzo's and the Third Hokage's crimes yesterday. Kaito defeated and subdued them on the spot."
"That leaves only those ninjas from the four clans who are still outside the village on missions."
At this point, Uzumaki Mito turned to Uchiha Naori.
Uchiha Naori spoke up, "Send the contract ninjas of the three clans to hunt down those ninjas."
"If they surrender without resistance, bring them back alive."
"If they resist, kill them on the spot."
No loose ends can be left behind.
The so-called "contract ninjas" might have confused the representatives of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans present, but Uchiha Aota and Uzumaki Ashina understood immediately.
They instantly recognized how clever Naori's idea was.
Over the past few years, the three clans' contract ninjas have traveled all over the ninja world. Having them track down and capture those Sarutobi and other four-clan ninjas currently on missions was a perfect fit.
There was almost no chance the targets could escape.
Compared to these "map-hacking" contract ninjas, the four-clan ninjas had nowhere to hide.
"Yes!"
Uchiha Aota accepted the order immediately. After briefing everyone on the remaining details, he left to carry out his mission.
He also needed to reorganize the ANBU forces and quickly bring them under their control.
The methods? Clearing out dissenters, winning over key members, and embedding personnel from the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki clans.
As for personnel changes in Konoha's various departments?
With the Sarutobi group ousted, many positions and departments were now vacant.
Naturally, these positions were filled under the leadership of the Senju, Uchiha, and Uzumaki clans, along with cooperation from the Ino-Shika-Cho, Aburame, and Inuzuka clans, as well as old allies.
"Since the Third Hokage has been overthrown and we've temporarily taken over the village, should we inform the Daimyo about this?"
At this moment, A Nara clan Ninja couldn't help but ask.
Uzumaki Mito responded directly, "Just send someone to notify him. That's enough—no need for anything more."
"If the Daimyo has questions, he can come and ask me personally."
"Also, tell him that we'll address the matter of the Fourth Hokage after the front-line war is over."
"When we've chosen a candidate, we'll inform him."
"One more thing: the village is in serious financial trouble. Even if we confiscate a batch of wealth from the Sarutobi and their allies, it's unlikely to cover the years of embezzlement."
"Who could've guessed they'd amass such a fortune in just over a decade?"
"Request additional funds from the Daimyo—tell him I said so."
"I'll write a letter later. Ashina, you'll deliver it."
The current Daimyo happened to be a descendant of the Senju clan, from the marriage alliance made when the village was first established.
Strictly speaking, he had Senju blood.
Uzumaki Mito, therefore, didn't need to show him the same deference as the Third Hokage had.
If anything, the Daimyo should be showing respect to her.
"Understood!"
Uzumaki Ashina nodded in agreement.
Indeed, only Uzumaki Mito could treat the Daimyo of the Land of Fire with such confidence.
Uchiha Naori approved as well.
Having seen both the past and the future of the ninja world—and knowing that Kaito's ultimate goal was to unify it—she no longer considered the Daimyo significant.
The Daimyo was destined to be replaced in the future.
Uzumaki Mito seemed to pick up on her thoughts. After writing the letter and letting Uzumaki Ashina leave, she activated a small soundproof barrier in the office, leaving just the two of them.
Then she turned to Uchiha Naori and said, "Naori, I know that in the future, Kaito will unify the ninja world and become its supreme ruler."
"In the process, whether it's the Daimyo of the Land of Fire or other nations, they'll inevitably be swept away."
"I don't oppose this. But currently, the Daimyo's lineage is tied to the Senju through marriage, so they are technically descendants of the Senju."
"I hope we can ensure a decent end for their line when the time comes."
"If they're willing to return to the Senju, that would be ideal."
"If not, at least let them retire peacefully. What do you think?"
It was better to address such matters early to avoid unnecessary conflicts later.
Since Uzumaki Mito, Senju, and many others had been bound to Kaito through his contracts, their fates were tied to his.
They would share in his glory and setbacks, prioritizing his interests while considering others as much as possible.
"Agreed."
Uchiha Naori had no objections. Uzumaki Mito's proposal was already very reasonable.
"Honestly, we could even consider giving them a position in the future Ninja Empire's governing body!"
"After all, even if Kaito unifies the ninja world in the future, he'll still need capable people to manage it."
As long as they controlled absolute power, it wouldn't matter if the Daimyo or his lineage harbored thoughts of rebellion.
Even if they held some authority in governance, they wouldn't be able to cause any real trouble.
Besides, their descendants would inevitably be brainwashed and bound by contracts over time.
By then, there would be no problem at all.
"Alright, let's settle it like that."
Uzumaki Mito nodded in agreement, clearly pleased with the resolution.
She then deactivated the barrier and ordered one of the contract ninjas to summon Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura .
"Lady Mito! Lady Naori!"
Before long, Koharu and Homura arrived at the Hokage's office, bowing respectfully to Uzumaki Mito and Uchiha Naori.
As they glanced around the familiar yet now unfamiliar office, they couldn't help but feel that the world had changed too quickly for them to keep up.
Still, what made them even more anxious was what awaited them—and the fate of their clans.
"Hmm."
Uzumaki Mito scrutinized the two of them and nodded. "It's good that you were able to recognize your mistakes in time. You've cooperated by allowing the temporary detainment of your clan members and voluntarily handed over control of departments like the Ninja Hospital and the Finance Division. I'm satisfied with that."
"But let me be clear—that's far from enough!"
"The wealth you've siphoned from the village over the years—every last coin—will have to be returned, and then some!"
"I've only just learned the full extent of the damage you've done. It's staggering!"
"In just over a decade, you've hollowed out so much of the village's resources."
"You've left us with a massive hole to fill!"
"Impressive. Truly impressive."
"If you'd been allowed to keep this up for a few more years, the entire village would've been on the verge of collapse."
At this, Uzumaki Mito's expression darkened, and an oppressive aura radiated from her, bearing down on the two advisors.
Koharu and Homura turned pale, shaking their heads frantically. "We wouldn't dare!"
"Ha!"
Mito sneered coldly. "You've already done it—what is there left to 'dare'?"
"We admit our guilt! Please, Lady Mito, show mercy in light of our cooperation!"
Terrified, the two of them fell to their knees, pleading for leniency.
As for the thoughts they'd entertained earlier about holding onto some level of power, those were long gone. At this point, they were simply hoping to save their lives and those of most of their clan members.
"Hmph."
Seeing them like this, Mito finally reined in her aura, waving her hand dismissively. "Fine. Continue cooperating. Hand over all remaining authority to the new appointees for each department."
"Assist the investigators sent to your clans in determining exactly how much village wealth you've embezzled over the years."
"I won't demand that you pay it all back at once."
"But from now on, the ninjas of your two clans will have to complete a set quota of missions every month. Furthermore, 30% of the earnings from every mission will go toward repaying the debt."
"That's it. Now go. Someone outside will guide you to handle the handover."
With a final wave of her hand, Mito effectively dismissed them.
"Yes, ma'am!"
Koharu and Homura left the office with a mix of relief and despair.
From Mito's decree, it was clear that they were to relinquish all their power. It was unlikely they would ever regain a position of authority within the village.
Moreover, the effort to reclaim the embezzled wealth felt like a mountain pressing down on them.
"It's going to be a long, difficult road ahead," they thought as they walked away.
Judging by the punishment Mito imposed—doubling the repayment for their corruption—it would likely take decades, maybe even generations of clan members working tirelessly on missions to pay it back.
The problem was, they had embezzled far too much, their clans were small, and their skills were average at best.
High-difficulty missions were out of reach, and the lower-level ones didn't pay much.
But what choice did they have?
They could only blame their past greed—and the mess caused by Hiruzen and Danzo, which led to Kaito and his allies turning the tables on them.
Otherwise, they'd still be sitting comfortably in positions of power.
For a brief moment, the two were consumed by a burning resentment toward Hiruzen and Danzo.
"It's all Hiruzen and Danzo's fault!!"
— — —
Flashback to a Day Earlier
In the valley where Kaito had annihilated Hanzo and his allies, Tsunade and her team finished cleaning up the battlefield.
Most of the bodies from the four clans' ninjas were cremated on the spot, leaving only a few sealed remains of higher-ranking and more powerful individuals.
As for the Rain Village ninjas, their corpses were all burned to ashes with Fire Release techniques.
Once Tsunade and her team had left, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu emerged from the distance, sneaking in to inspect the scene.
"Hmm, they were thorough," White Zetsu remarked, clicking his tongue in wonder. "They even burned most of the bodies with Fire Release, and many of the battle traces are gone."
"What are they trying to hide?"
After surveying the area, White Zetsu couldn't help but express his curiosity.
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