Three months ago, the ninja world was laughing at Naruto Uzumaki's naivety. Did that young, successful brat really think everyone would show him deference?
Three months later, Naruto Uzumaki, with a single surprise attack, showed the entire ninja world what happens to those who don't.
Suddenly, the world was cursing Zabuza Momochi and Mei Terumi for not knowing what was good for them. Wouldn't it have been better to just accept the Fifth Hokage's mediation? Now look what happened. The Mist Village and its rogue ninja army were wiped out, and their leaders were prisoners of Konoha.
It was a ridiculous outcome. Two people had fought for months over the title of Mizukage, and in the end, because they refused to show respect to a young Hokage, they got their village wiped out and lost the Land of Water entirely.
Besides the Land of Water, Konoha also annexed the Land of Rice Fields and the Land of Waterfalls. The entire political landscape of the ninja world had changed in an instant.
Konoha had practically unified the southern part of the continent. The Sand Village was a staunch ally, with their Fifth Kazekage still a hostage in Konoha. The Mist Village was directly annexed, and smaller nations like the Land of the Sea and the Land of Tea wouldn't dare think of resisting.
Facing a pacifist Hokage like Hiruzen Sarutobi, small countries might try to take advantage. But against a Hokage like Naruto Uzumaki, who was bent on unification, who would dare challenge him?
The ninja world was now divided into three parts.
The strongest village was undoubtedly Konoha, under the rule of the Fifth Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki. Its sphere of influence extended to the Land of Water in the east, the Land of Wind in the west, the Land of Waterfalls in the north, and the Land of the Sea in the south. It encompassed the territories of three great nations and numerous smaller countries.
Even if the Cloud and Stone Villages put aside their grudge over the Third Raikage's death and allied against Konoha, it would be hard to say if they could win. Who would have thought that in just three months, by annexing a single village, Konoha would possess the power to suppress the remaining two great nations?
The young Hokage became famous in one battle.
Compared to his previous annexations of small countries like the Land of Waterfalls and the Land of Sound, which were looked down upon, conquering one of the five great nations earned him respect.
The people of the ninja world… what a bunch of double standards.
Of course, there was one place that would always support him.
Today, Konoha was especially lively. The summer festival had just passed, and the villagers were gathered to welcome back the hope of their village. Although a Hokage's movements were typically secret, this time was different. Konoha's leadership believed that annexing the Mist Village was a resounding victory, so they had arranged for the villagers to celebrate Naruto's return and Konoha's ascent to the pinnacle of the ninja world.
Tens of thousands of villagers packed the streets, waiting. The walls were decorated with red flowers, and celebratory banners hung everywhere.
While ordinary people waited in the streets, the ninjas had a different role. Chunin and genin were maintaining order, while most of the jonin stood with Tsunade, Jiraiya, and the elders, Koharu and Homura.
Jiraiya stood at the village gate, picking his ear out of boredom. "That brat Naruto, what time is he getting here? This afternoon, the scenery at the hot spring bath is supposed to be..."
Smack!
Tsunade grabbed him by the collar and slammed him to the ground. A fair, hard fist filled his vision. The blonde Sannin gritted her teeth. "Hey, Jiraiya," she said in a low voice, "if you don't want to be here to welcome Naruto, I can have him visit you in the hospital as soon as he gets back."
"..."
Hearing her threat, an exaggerated smile instantly appeared on Jiraiya's face. He waved his hands frantically. "No, no, no… it's great here! Naruto is my most proud disciple, you know. How could I not want to be the first to see him?"
"That's good, then." Tsunade finally let go.
Standing behind them, Kakashi Hatake put a hand to his forehead.
Sasuke Uchiha raised an eyebrow and muttered, "That guy Naruto… it took him that long to destroy one Mist Village? If it were me, one day would have been enough."
Ever since he had inexplicably awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan and his visual prowess had improved to the point of summoning a Perfect Susanoo, Sasuke's confidence had grown even stronger.
Hearing this, Kakashi tapped him on the head. "Naruto was working to make the entire Land of Water submit to Konoha," he explained in a low voice.
"I know, I know." Sasuke rubbed his forehead, a smile on his face. "When he gets back, I'm going to challenge him to a sparring match. We'll see who's stronger: my Mangekyo Sharingan, or his Nine-Tails chakra."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah…" Kakashi's eyes crinkled into a smile. His two disciples could spar however they wanted, as long as it wasn't the bell-grabbing game with him. A person only has one life, after all, and it's precious.
Compared to Sasuke, who was now an ANBU, his other peers weren't so relaxed. They were responsible for maintaining order and patrolling the area.
Shikamaru Nara was lazing on a large tree with a blade of grass in his mouth. "Mmm, if that guy Naruto is coming back, Ino should be coming back too, right?"
Choji Akimichi, chewing on potato chips, nodded frantically. "That's right! After Ino gets back, our complete team can go to Naruto and apply for missions that are more suitable for us!"
Shikamaru clicked his tongue in admiration. He had previously thought about what it would take for Naruto to completely conquer a great nation. According to his calculations, Konoha would need at least twenty years.
Who would have thought Naruto only took three months?
Shikamaru guessed that for Konoha to occupy a major village, they would need to kill on a large scale to instill fear. But Naruto was a bit soft-hearted. The orders and decisions must have been made by that reanimated, iron-blooded Second Hokage. It seemed he still had a lot to learn.
Team 10 was only responsible for maintaining order, but Team 8 had it tougher. As sensory ninjas, they were responsible for detecting any enemies in the vicinity.
Kurenai Yuhi had been leading her squad on patrol for hours. When it was time for the noon shift change, they finally got a moment's rest.
Kiba Inuzuka held Akamaru and said wearily, "Sensei, when will our mission be over?"
"We have to wait until Lord Hokage returns to the village safely," Kurenai said, smiling as she rubbed his head. "After all, his safety is the most important thing. Kiba, want some soldier pills?"
"...No, no thanks," Kiba politely refused.
Next to them, Hinata Hyuga poked her fingers together. "Um, sensei," she asked, "will we miss welcoming Naruto-kun?"
Kurenai hesitated for a moment. "About that..."
Their mission was to patrol the outskirts of Konoha. They had to wait until the Hokage's party entered the village before they could return. So, yes, they would definitely miss the official welcome.
Just then, a figure appeared on a nearby tree, and guard ninjas instantly leaped to surround him.
The young Hokage looked down at Hinata and smiled. "Hey, Hinata. Are you the first one here to welcome me?"
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Bonus:
Sasuke Uchiha: I have a Perfect Susanoo!
Naruto Uzumaki: Oh, how scary...
Sasuke Uchiha: I have the Mangekyo Sharingan! It's super effective against Tailed Beasts!
Naruto Uzumaki: Oh, how scary...
Sasuke Uchiha: In taijutsu, ninjutsu, dojutsu, and genjutsu, I am invincible!
Naruto Uzumaki: You can't beat Itachi Uchiha.
Sasuke Uchiha: ...Are you serious?
Naruto Uzumaki: Serious.
Sasuke Uchiha: Then I'm going back to training...