No one could have ever imagined that the Joint Chunin Exams of the Six Nations would end in such a fashion.
After ruthlessly suppressing the troublemakers from Iwagakure and Konoha, the Ice-Fire Clone, positioning himself as the victim, was the first to condemn them.
He accused Onoki and Danzo of colluding in a heinous terrorist attack against the Village Hidden in the Rain, resulting in immense casualties.
The Ice-Fire Clone also publicly expressed his gratitude to the helpful villages of Suna, Kusa, and the Silver River, stating that it was only with their assistance that Danzo and Onoki's conspiracy was foiled.
Currently, the primary culprit, Danzo, had been executed, while Onoki and the others remained in custody in Amegakure.
Once this explosive news was released, it sent shockwaves through the entire shinobi world.
Never before had the Kage of a major nation been taken captive. Onoki had set a precedent and was now destined to be nailed firmly to the pillar of shame.
Konoha, Hokage's Office.
Upon hearing the news of Danzo's death, the Third Hokage's breath caught in his throat, and he nearly collapsed in his seat.
He and Danzo had known each other since they were children; they were, in the truest sense, childhood friends.
Although Danzo had made things difficult for him time and time again, in the Third's nostalgic heart, he was still a trustworthy companion.
But now, that companion had met a tragic end in a foreign land.
For a moment, the Third Hokage was overcome with grief.
In the room, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane's expressions were equally grim, but they quickly composed themselves.
They glanced at the Third Hokage, who was sitting stunned in his chair, and offered words of comfort. "Hiruzen, we know Danzo's death is difficult for you, but the most urgent matter now is to deal with the fallout as quickly as possible."
After a long silence, the Third Hokage let out a heavy breath and sighed. "Yes, I understand. In the world of shinobi, death is a common occurrence, though I've never been able to get used to it. Still, I know that if Danzo were here, he would scold me for being so soft-hearted."
"Danzo died for Konoha. We will carry the flame he lit and ensure it continues to burn."
After mourning Danzo, the Third Hokage quickly regained his composure. He looked at his two remaining companions and said, "I was the one who approved Danzo's plan. Unfortunately, we were outplayed, and the mission failed. Now, faced with Amegakure's accusations, how do you think we should respond?"
"We absolutely cannot admit that this was Konoha's crime!"
Koharu Utatane answered decisively. "We must separate Danzo's actions from Konoha. We'll claim it was his own personal initiative. That is the best course of action for the village."
"Mm," Homura agreed. "If we admit this was Konoha's doing, Amegakure will certainly demand enormous reparations. For Konoha, whose finances are already strained, this would be like adding salt to the wound."
Neither of them suggested the other option—to use their status as a major nation to turn the tables and accuse the Land of Rain of conspiracy.
Firstly, besides the Land of Rain, other nations like the Land of Wind were involved. Their testimony would easily dismantle such a flimsy argument.
Secondly, with the Land of Lightning harassing them and the Land of Water watching like a hawk, Konoha could not afford a war with another nation.
"Huuu..." The Third Hokage hesitated. "Doing this will tarnish Danzo's reputation. He won't be able to rest in peace."
"Danzo's only concern was Konoha. He would give his life for the village, so why would he care about his reputation?"
"...Mmm, there's some truth to that." The Third Hokage was persuaded and reluctantly agreed to the proposal.
"Then there's the matter of the Root organization. Now that Danzo is gone, should the organization he founded be disbanded and merged into the Anbu?"
"Well, Root serves a purpose distinct from the Anbu. I think it's necessary to keep it," Homura replied.
"As for who should lead Root, I propose we let Orochimaru take over."
At present, Orochimaru was still seen as a model heir to the Will of Fire and a strong candidate for the next Hokage. No one could find fault with him taking over Root, an organization similar to the Anbu.
"Alright. Orochimaru has been working closely with Danzo recently, so he understands Root better than anyone else. Let's give Root to Orochimaru," the Third Hokage decided.
"Yes!"
"Additionally, we need someone to go to the Village Hidden in the Rain to negotiate with Kaito about ransoming the prisoners. Do you have anyone in mind?"
"Jiraiya is currently away, and Tsunade is busy training in senjutsu. Let's send Sakumo Hatake."
"Mm, that's what I was thinking as well. We'll have Sakumo make the trip."
Compared to Konoha, Iwagakure, whose leader had been captured, was in a much more painful position.
Just as the Ice-Fire Clone had predicted, they couldn't ignore the threats from the Land of Lightning and the Land of Wind to send troops to attack the Land of Rain while they were leaderless.
That left them with only one path: to pay their way out of the disaster.
However, Kaito had no intention of letting the Land of Earth stabilize so quickly. He deliberately quoted them an unacceptable price, initiating a long and drawn-out haggling process.
Until the negotiations were complete, Onoki could only remain in a cell in the Village Hidden in the Rain, singing the jailhouse blues.
Meanwhile, Konoha's response was exactly what Kaito had expected. When he deliberately announced the Third Hokage's personal letter with great fanfare, Nono Yakushi, who considered Root her home, was lost.
Even Lord Danzo, after his mission failed, was abandoned without a second thought. Is it really worth it? The home I worked so hard for... will it be cast aside and scorned just like Lord Danzo? No, it's more likely I'll just die quietly in a corner, unknown and uncared for.
At that moment, a thought of leaving Root flickered in Nono's mind.
After several days of being lost in thought, unable to eat or sleep, Nono took the initiative to find Kaito.
"Lord Kaito, I've come to answer your three questions from before."
"Oh? You've finally found your answers?"
"Yes." Nono nodded. Just as she was about to speak, Kaito stopped her.
"It's enough that you yourself know. Go on. Go where you're supposed to be."
Nono was stunned for a moment, then a smile spread across her face. She nodded. "Thank you, Lord Kaito."
She turned and left cheerfully, soon arriving at the orphanage where she found Granny Rong.
"Oh, it's little Nono. What can I do for you?"
"Granny Rong, after I graduate, I want to work here at the orphanage. To me, I was born in this orphanage, so my home should be here as well. For the rest of my life, I will strive to give children who have lost their parents, just like me, the small happiness they deserve to experience."
Granny Rong listened quietly until Nono finished, then smiled and nodded. "Very good. I'll approve your application in advance."
"Thank you, Granny Rong."
"No, it is I who should be thanking you."
Nono smiled as she looked up at the sky. Though it was still covered in dark clouds, she felt as if she could see a brilliant light shining through.