Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 25: A Parting Backhand.
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🖋️ Author's Note:
Hey everyone! 🌊
Some parts of this chapter had to be restructured. I hope the changes satisfy your expectations and elevate what's unfolding.
Please don't think Konoha is down for good. Remember, Konoha is at its strongest when it's cornered. You've seen what it's capable of in war times and it will rise again. 🔥 Konoha and others will eventually find a way to restore its strength.
Yes, Uzushio is now far more powerful and influential, but it's not OP. A new chapter is unfolding and both nations are evolving in different directions. 🌀
Next chapter will explore the aftermath and preparations in Uzushio, and Naruto's exile officially begins…
Stay tuned, and as always, like, comment, and let me know what you think! 🙏💬
— Your humble author The Third Fire Trident
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"Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem."— Thomas Szasz
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Previously on NTLHOS-2:
This isn't a threat, it's a reminder. You negotiated my exile, not my seppuku. In a few years, my exile ends."
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Now:
Two hours had passed since Naruto's confrontation in the Daimyo's estate. Now, the appointed time for the Kage Summit had arrived. Within a grand chamber in Konoha, three of the Five Great Kages, the Raikage, the Tsuchikage, and the Kazekage convened under the watch of the Hokage, who was acting as host. It was unusual that Konoha would serve as arbiter, since it was customarily a neutral territory like the Land of Iron or, in past cases, Uzushio itself. Yet no one objected. Peculiar.... Peculiar indeed.
A silent understanding passed among the visitors: only a month ago, had such a meeting been called, another Kage would have been present… the Mizukage. But the Village Hidden in the Mist had been effectively wiped out, its shinobi structure dismantled in the wake of Uzumaki's retaliation. Messages from their own Daimyos spoke of how Uzumaki Naruto had been ousted from the helm of his empire with only a few concessions. Despite the official ban on directly attacking Uzushio, everyone knew there were "a thousand other ways in the playbook" to bring down a hidden village without ever launching an assault.
Yet at what cost? They had effectively sacrificed the Uchiha. In Konoha, ever since the era of the Senju, the Uchiha had been suppressed, forced into hibernation. But now, under Uzushio's umbrella, the clan could and almost certainly would…. thrive. A monstrous force, dormant for half a century, might finally awaken. It would take time, but the harsh conditions of rebuilding and the hardships the village would inevitably face in the absence of their leader could forge them back into something resembling their former glory. For the Uchiha just like the Senju thrived in adversity.
And here, where a seat now sat filled, once belonging to a village that had just been decimated... the very village responsible for its downfall now occupied that seat. A village that, until just last week, wasn't even recognized as an empire beyond its own borders… now stood as the only acknowledged empire in the shinobi world.
The tall doors creaked open, and Naruto strode in. His gaze swept the chamber, meeting the eyes of each Kage. They welcomed him as a fellow Kage rather than noble, returning his nod with measured respect. There was little ceremony, for the tension was already thick this was a summit called out of necessity, not by choice. For none were friends here.
Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared his throat, stepping forward to greet them all. He raised his arms in a gesture of welcome.
"Konoha is honored to host this Kage Summit, and I welcome each of you. With the High Daimyos having unanimously agreed to recognize Uzushio as the sixth great nation, an empire under the Uzumaki Clan, we now find ourselves entering a new era.
In times past, the God of Shinobi, Lord Hashirama Senju, called for a gathering of Five Kage to gather in summit, and that number has remained unchanged ever since. However, while the Daimyo Council has yet to officially remove the Land of Water's status as one of the Five no six Great Nations now, we the remaining four Kage have reached a consensus.
The Village Hidden in the Mist, having lost its leadership and with its shinobi structure effectively dismantled, can no longer be acknowledged as a major shinobi village. In truth, we should have made this decision following the previous Mizukage's Bloodline Purge, when nearly all of the Mist's prominent clans were wiped out. They retained their status solely because they possessed two tailed beasts. But now, with even that gone, they no longer hold any of the defining traits of a major village.
This is our decision."
"At the same time, Uzushiogakure has demonstrated beyond a doubt its military might and the power of the clans under its domain. It also have two tailed beast. We believe it is worthy of the title of a major village. Therefore, we propose that the leader of the Village Hidden in the Eddies be called the Uzukage. I hope this is agreeable to you, Your Grace?"
Through the corners of the hall, the Raikage, Tsuchikage, and Kazekage each nodded in turn, affirming Hiruzen's words. Naruto stood still, face impassive. He already knew this was a preplanned measure; the other Kages had set the agenda long before he arrived. He also anticipated that some form of compensation for the Mist fiasco might be introduced later, just as the Daimyos had attempted to do. Still, he appreciated this formal gesture or at least recognized it as part of their political dance.
When silence stretched long enough, Naruto stepped forward. His voice came calm, resonant:
"I accept. As Emperor and head of my empire's military, I shall hold the title mostly in an honorary sense, our system doesn't follow the model established by the Great Senju, where a Daimyo manages economics and a Kage directs shinobi affairs. Uzushio is far more complex. Calling it a 'village' is an understatement, we have multiple villages in the Hokubu region, each with its own shinobi contingent, much like the minor villages across the nations.
"Still, your gesture is noted. I'll bear the title 'Uzukage' to signify that Uzushiogakure no Sato stands among the major villages. In that sense, I will be recognized as its First Uzukage."
He let the words hang in the hush that followed. Hiruzen gave a respectful nod, while the other three Kages exchanged glances.
Onoki, glanced around at his peers before speaking.
"So, on the next agenda: while we accept that Uzushio had every right to retaliate against the Mist, we still care about maintaining the balance the Elemental Nations have always upheld. I know from the Daimyo Summit it was decided that Uzushio would withdraw from its occupation of the Land of Water. We just want assurance that this withdrawal will indeed happen."
Naruto inclined his head.
"It will be done."
Gaara, leaning forward slightly, chimed in with a measured tone.
"What we wanted to discuss regarding relinquishing the Mist has apparently been handled during the Daimyo Summit, so most points on our agenda may already be resolved. However, I have one concern: the shinobi scrolls and agreements the Mist possessed… Uzushio will have to return them to the new Water Daimyo, whoever that may be."
A faint nod passed around the table. The Raikage snorted.
"Yes, it should be done. At the very least, it brings balance. If, in this era of disarmament, you annex an entire village's knowledge, it'll force the rest of us to restart heavy armament."
Naruto let out a scoff.
"I am not gullible, Lord Raikage. And it's quite ironic that you, of all people would speak of disarmament. Regardless, we only took money and resources, which can't simply be returned. As for the scrolls and contracts, that will be difficult to give back."
At Hiruzen Sarutobi's end of the table, the old Hokage pressed his palms down, speaking in a forceful tone.
"Why is that, Naruto?"
Naruto set his gaze firmly on Hiruzen.
"Because we only took the clan scrolls of those families that moved to Uzushio those are rightfully theirs. The rest, well… the old survivors of the Blood Purge burned them in a fit of vengeance. They wanted to ensure no new Kirigakure could arise to slaughter their loved ones again. When I found out those valuable scrolls were destroyed, I was furious, I punished the perpetrators quite harshly. But now there is nothing left to return, as it's no longer in my possession."
An uneasy quiet settled. Everyone in the room knew, it was a lie. Yet ironically, it echoed the same excuse once used against Uzu: that certain relics or scrolls had been "lost or destroyed" during wars, thus avoiding ever returning them to Uzushio.
The Raikage, A, ground his teeth. He rose abruptly.
"Don't lie. My intelligence tells me you have all the scrolls right down to the last kunai in the Mist Kage Tower."
Naruto shook his head in seeming exasperation.
"Then it's misinformation. It's impossible, as their Kage Tower was burned to the ground. I will repeat myself. I can't return something that is not in my possession."
Onoki rubbed the bridge of his nose. He understood, as did Hiruzen, that only by prying it from the "cold dead hands of Uzushio" could they reclaim the spoils. Which was exactly what any of them would've done in Naruto's place. So Onoki raised his palms in surrender.
"All right, I believe you. What can we do if it's destroyed, after all?"
Raikage shifted tactics, tension riding on his voice.
"Fine, so leave the Mist matters aside. What about the artifacts of the Sage of Six Paths you stole from Lightning?"
A glint of sardonic amusement flashed in Naruto's eye.
"Now, now, Raikage don't accuse me of such theft. Otherwise, I might remind your Daimyo of how your predecessor attempted to kidnap my mother. My mother did many things, but that incident was before all that. In any Daimyo convention, kidnapping a high Daimyo's ward is unacceptable even if you label it as 'warrior training.' She was just a child. Let's not open old accounts. There is much to be done, after all. I'm not asking you for compensation for your old attacks on Uzushio, nor for returning the seal matrix you used to contain the Eight-Tails also derived from Uzushio seals. If I had been holed up in some underground bunker, pillaging your Sage artifacts and the Uzumaki scrolls in your possession, I'd make a far bigger fuss. But I'm not doing that, am I? As the Lord Third said, we aim for a new era, untainted by old grudges. Let's look forward, not back."
The Raikage flinched, but smirked as he seized on a potential slip in Naruto's words.
"Funny you only mentioned the Uzumaki scrolls yourself. I never said a word about them. How would you know unless you were the one who took them?"
Onoki cringed inwardly, thinking How can he fall for such an obvious trap? Naruto had practically gifted that slip to lure the Raikage. Naruto's gaze darkened with a cunning glimmer.
"Let's say I made a guess. But are you now confirming there were Uzumaki scrolls? That you never surrendered them when your Daimyo declared you had none? That would be a breach of trust, Raikage."
Understanding the implications, the Raikage swallowed his frustration and sat back.
"…No. All of those properties, from before the promise at your ascension, were stolen by the same party who took the Sage's artifacts."
Naruto gave a wry shrug.
"Then it seems we should form a joint force to find whoever did it. I, too, want my Uzumaki scrolls returned."
He delivered the last line with a distinctly unconvincing tone, sounding almost bored. The Raikage realized Naruto was mocking him, but his gamble had already failed; he could do little more than glare.
"We should form a joint force…" hung in the silence like a pointed jest, and the Raikage's anger simmered beneath the surface.
With that, Naruto said, "If there's nothing more to discuss, then let us part. It was nice meeting you all."
Hiruzen, after briefly asking if anyone had further matters to raise, confirmed that the meeting would be concluded. After all, the summit had been largely uneventful—everything the Kage had intended to bring up had already been addressed earlier by their respective Daimyos.
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Dark clouds gathered outside the windows of Konoha's High Council Hall, as though reflecting the tempest brewing within. The Fire Daimyo himself was present, a rare event, summoned by the turmoil that threatened to tear the village's foundations apart. This timed bomb Naruto plated in their compromise. His last laugh. Alongside him stood Hiruzen, tense lines etched into his face, and an array of clan heads and advisors. Their grim expressions attested to the shock of watching Yamanaka and several minor clans depart, the price of the political compromise forced by Uzushio.
A heavy hush hung in the air as the council meeting resumed postponed earlier by the Daimyo's emergency decree. Now, with the formal signing of various Senju property contracts and partial restitution, tension crackled with every breath.
The large hall was filled with clan representatives. Every clan head had an aura of unease. Anger simmered among those who felt betrayed by the exodus of the Yamanaka. Others murmured about the cost of repaying old Senju loans, an expense that would even cripple some even though assurance were given. Hiruzen and the Daimyo tried to maintain order.
Daimyo raising a hand, voice weary, "Let us not descend into chaos. The contracts have been signed, the decrees ratified. We must move forward."
But forward was not going to be simple. The hush of tension lingered, thick enough to cut with a blade. That was when Torifu Akimichi rose to his feet, the floor creaking under his weight. The large, normally jovial man looked grim and resolute.
Torifu's voice low but carrying through, "My clan, the Akimichi, wishes to make a formal statement… We, too, shall be leaving Konoha. We intend to move to Uzushio."
The hall erupted in gasps with shock then outraged murmurs. Shikaku Nara, who had been leaning back against the chair with arms folded, snapped upright, shock sparking in his eyes.
"Lord Torifu… that's… you can't be serious!"
Even the Daimyo leaned forward in shock, brow creased. Hiruzen's staff tapped the floor, trying to bring immediate order.
"Silence, all of you. Lord Akimichi… explain yourself, what just said is treason."
Torifu exhaled, shoulders squaring as he addressed the entire council.
"Our assimilation into Uzushio was always conditional upon the Senju clan. Long ago, the Akimichi forged ties with the Senju for protection, trade, and certain seal-based enhancements that were particularly beneficial to our clan. When the Senju's assets were frozen, we became stuck here. But now, with the unfreezing of those contracts, we can finally fulfill the arrangement made decades ago.
We are not bound to Konoha, we never were. We are bound to the Senju."
"Also… we have discovered disturbing evidence that our clan, too, has been interfered with. If we remain in Konoha, we may have to end up 'branding' our own people, just like the Hyūga do, to keep them from Danzo's clutches and we will never stoop to that. We don't want to open ourselves to infiltration either. And there is also that if we don't follow the Senju alliance, they could demand huge compensations for many deals and dept we made in the past."
An immediate storm of voices broke out, swirling with half-formed accusations, pleas, and condemnation.
A Clan Head exclaimed, "Are we going to stand by and watch the Akimichi walk away too? This is outrageous…"
Another Clan Head said, "We can't keep haemorrhaging clans! The whole founding structure of Konoha is at stake."
Shikaku's eyes narrowed at Choza, "You can't do this. If you leave, we lose a major pillar to village, one of the four noble clan. Inoichi's departure was a blow, but we still have our old ties to keep us strong. Don't you see we need your presence more than ever?"
Choza's gaze flickered with guilt, he had known Shikaku for years, fighting side by side. Yet the clan loyalty to the Senju overshadowed personal bonds.
Torifu Akimichi said "Speak to me not my son Nara… you know I value bond. But what do you want me to do? Turn my clan into a caged tribe, forced to brand our children so Danzo or some hidden root doesn't harvest them? Or remain here, at the mercy of old contracts that the Senju might exploit, forcing us into debt? My ancestors gave me a vow to keep, if the Senju left, we had a path out as well."
Shikaku raked his hand through his hair, muttering under his breath. He was still grappling with the blow that Inoichi had departed. Now Choza was walking away, too, fracturing the synergy that had defined Ino–Shika–Chō. He turned his eyes toward the Elders, hoping for some stable ground.
"Elders, you can't let this happen. We're losing our core clans. With Yamanaka gone, and now the Akimichi… what's next?"
An uneasy hush followed. Koharu and Homura exchanged glances. Danzo sat in stony silence. The Daimyo frowned deeply.
Lord Akimichi suddenly pointing at Danzo, "He is part of the reason. We found proof that his network targeted our clan, seeking to mark our members with his a-cursed seals, or manipulate our logistics to funnel resources away from us. We have the evidence, my advisors compiled documents. If we remain, we risk becoming yet another Root puppet. We refuse to stoop to the Hyūga's methods, enslaving our own with a brand."
He produced a scroll, offering it to Hiruzen. The Hokage's face tightened, scanning the contents. Murmurs swept the floor as clan heads leaned in to glimpse or overhear.
"Danzo… is this true? Another infiltration attempt on the Akimichi?" Hiruzen asked, his voice low and tight.
Danzo's eye narrowed.
"Hiruzen, you know well that in times of war, we gather intelligence from every clan to ensure no one conspires against the village. If the Akimichi see that as infiltration, then they're misinterpreting the bigger picture."
Torifu let out a scoffing laugh.
"Misinterpret? We found your men tampering with our supply scrolls. They placed an Isaribi no Fūin—the Tongue Enslavement Seal. Our clan will never accept that."
Danzo sneered. "The so-called 'proof' you're presenting is purely circumstantial. You're pointing fingers because you're jealous—jealous that you're no longer in power."
And as much as it hurt, some knew there was truth in that—so far, the evidence was circumstantial.
Torifu's voice grew cold.
"This is exactly why we're leaving. As long as Hiruzen remains Hokage, these kinds of illicit actions will continue in Konoha. After all, he has never punished Danzo. And why? Because you'll always ask for proof. Proof that's impossible to get—because Hiruzen himself will stonewall any attempt to find it."
The hall descended into a cacophony of angry voices. Some clan heads demanded Danzo's censure, others urged Torifu to reconsider. A few argued the necessity of Root's actions to protect Konoha from traitors, while many jeered at that excuse. The Daimyo banged his staff on the floor to restore order.
The Daimyo intervened. "Enough! We cannot allow this to devolve into anarchy. The Akimichi have requested the right to depart for Uzushio, citing binding contracts with the Senju. I accept this request. Now, I want the official stance from the Hokage… Lord Hiruzen?"
What remained unsaid, yet understood by many in the room, was this: the scroll presented included a signature and guarantee from the Daimyo's own great-grandfather. It clearly stated that the Akimichi would remain in Konoha as a noble clan only as subordinates to the Senju. Should the Senju sever their ties with the Daimyo, as it was a insurance that daimyo will never take inn all the Senju allies and throw Senju's themselves out.
Hiruzen inhaled, clearly torn. The last few hours had battered Konoha's pride. But as the village's leader, he couldn't risk painting himself as a tyrant, forcibly imprisoning an entire clan against law and at same time he cannot allow the clans to leave. Perhaps reading these sentiments, the Daimyo added quietly:
"We do not want another fiasco like with the Uchiha. The world is watching."
With an air of resignation, Hiruzen lowered his gaze to the table.
"Torifu… if your clan truly sees no other choice, then, under the new Accord hammered out with Uzushio, I cannot in good conscience deny you. But know that you are giving up decades of shared comradery. The day will come when we may stand on opposite sides."
Torifu's voice didn't wavered.
"I pray that day never comes, Lord Hokage."
A slender figure, a representative from a minor clan aligned with the Akimichi, rose in protest.
"And how do you plan to handle the property or farmland we share with the Akimichi? If they leave, do we lose our holdings too?"
Torifu shook his head.
"We'll pay compensation. But we must abide by the partial unfreezing of the Senju agreements. The farmland belongs to them not to you or me. Once we step away, you're free to renegotiate with whoever remains in Konoha, if you prefer. Or you can follow us, if you seek a stable alliance under Uzushio.
As for the other properties, I've already sold most of them over the past week. The remaining ones can be taken by Konoha, as the Daimyo will reasonably compensate for them according to the contract." For Naruto, even before the Uchiha incident, he had already assured Torifu that he would unfreeze the Senju assets. The Uchiha incident merely oiled the process.
That sparked another wave of heated debate: questions about farmland rights, clan leases, whether the Hokage could halt the clan's exodus by withholding certain documents. Each time, either the Daimyo or Hiruzen reaffirmed that the new accord allowed clan autonomy… lest they provoke another confrontation like the Uchiha incident.
Throughout the storm of arguments, Danzo's face grew darker. Eventually, he raised his voice.
"You will regret fleeing Konoha in its time of need. If we lose too many clans, we become vulnerable. I wonder if Uzushio can truly shield you from all threats."
Torifu replied "If it can't, at least we'll die free without branding our kin. We've seen how you 'shield' clans, Danzo. I would rather take my chances with Uzushio's Emperor."
Danzo's mouth pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing more. The Daimyo once again tapped his staff, finalizing the matter.
"So be it. The Akimichi have exercised their right. Lord Hokage, notify the administrative offices to release any relevant documents that is kept hidden of the Akimichi and remove potential legal hurdles. We do not want to repeat old mistakes."
Shikaku lowered his head, sadness in his eyes. He knew the Ino–Shika–Chō triumvirate was now well and truly broken.
So be it Danzo we will face the back lash head on.
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The next day at noon, a large contingent departed Konoha—led by the Emperor himself. Alongside him were members of the Uchiha, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Kurama, and several minor noble clans, including the lesser-known Clan of Furen. Its leader, Lord Uendao Furen once a hunter and butcher by trade had feuded with the Mitokado clan and lived in poverty due to it, until Naruto extended them aid and welcomed him into his alliance back then.
This was no small procession, it was a force the size of a well-formed army.
Their departure stunned the village. Shock, disbelief, and even horror rippled through the streets of Konoha, soon giving way to bitterness and resentment from its people.
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To be continued. Stay tuned and let me know your thoughts! Like and comment! 🙏🔥
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Chapter 26: A New Turn. IS OUT!
Chapter 27: A Turn ON A Turn. IS OUT!
Chapter 28: Farewell. IS OUT!!!!!!!!
Chapter 29 – The Oath of the Oath-Keeper. IS OUT!!!!!!!!! (End of the Arc)
Chapter 30 – Aftermath.
Chapter 31: The Growing Crown, The cracking Roots.
Chapter 32: The Wandering Monk. 8k long
Chapter 33: A New face Or phase. 8k long
Chapter 34: Chinamaki. 5.5k long
Chapter 35: Cross Roads. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 9K LONG
Chapter 36: The New Field. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9k LONG
Chapter 37: Loyalty. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7 K LONG
Chapter 38: Diversion. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 7K Long
Chapter 39: Destruction. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 12K Long
Chapter 40: Power of a God. 10K Long (NEW)
Chapter 41: Perspectives. 12K Long (NEW)
Chapter 42: Confluence of Storms. 18K (NEW)