"Are you sure this won't come back to bite me?"
After everything was finished, Shion rubbed her soft, pale stomach, suddenly feeling a wave of fear.
An unchanging appearance was certainly attractive, but now that she had so much negative energy sealed inside her, she was really afraid it would one day affect her, turning her into a monster like Mōryō.
Yami rolled his eyes.
"You've already done it. What's the point of regretting it now? Are you going to give birth to a monster?"
"Besides, you can doubt yourself, but don't doubt my ability. It's just a mass of pure energy. You'll digest it in time."
Shion was still anxious. "Will I really not be influenced by the monster?"
"Not at all."
Yami patted her back, and Shion instinctively jumped onto his back again. The two slowly walked out of the temple together.
"If you want to be completely safe, stay in Konoha. Don't even think about running around."
"So that's what you were after all along!"
Shion gritted her teeth and punched Yami, but given her constitution—where walking briskly would leave her winded—the punch came off more like her being bashful.
Outside, with the disappearance of Mōryō, the undead legions also turned to dust and returned to the earth, leaving no trace behind.
Konan and Ajisai immediately realized Yami must have succeeded and were waiting at the entrance.
After walking out, Yami set Shion down again.
"Go back to the capital with them for now. Tomorrow, return to Konoha. As for the handover of government affairs, just leave it to your minister."
"What about you?"
Seeing Yami about to leave, Shion suddenly felt a sense of loss.
Even though they had only spent a total of less than three hours together, Yami gave her an unmatched sense of security.
It was something women often needed, especially someone like Shion, who had grown up witnessing death and had carried enormous pressure ever since her mother's passing. She hadn't felt safe in a long time.
Now, seeing Yami was like finding her final lifeline. If he had taken her back to have a child right then and there, she might not have resisted.
"A daimyō came to Konoha. I need to return and receive him properly."
Yami waved his hand, then turned to Konan. "Don't waste too much time. The Shinobi Alliance is already beginning to assemble. I need to prepare the moment I return."
Konan's heart trembled. She nodded.
Konoha.
Inside the Hokage's Office.
The impatience on the Fire Daimyō's face was already visible to the naked eye.
Three hours. Did anyone know how agonizing those three hours had been?
He drank six pots of tea and went to the bathroom eight times!
This Shimura was too arrogant!
No Hokage had ever dared ignore the Daimyō like this. Even the legendary God of Shinobi had to secure the Daimyō's approval before founding Konohagakure.
Not to mention, the Daimyō's office was Konoha's largest financial backer and its nominal leader.
He could understand Yami not visiting the capital since taking office, but even when the Daimyō himself came in person, he still refused to appear?
Unforgivable!
Danzō, who had been keeping him company, had a stiff look on his face. He could clearly see the resentment building in the Daimyō's twisted expression.
But what could he do?
His grandson had grown up and didn't listen to him anymore…
Wait.
Danzō's calm old face twitched slightly.
Come to think of it, Yami never listened to him, not even as a child. So what was there to be sentimental about?
Click.
The door to the office opened.
Yami, who had just returned from resolving a crisis that could've destroyed the world, strolled in from the Land of Demons.
The Fire Daimyō was startled and quickly signaled his two bodyguards.
One of them stepped forward and angrily pointed at Yami.
"Hokage! I've never seen someone as disrespectful as you. His Excellency has already—"
Pfft!
Before he could finish, a dagger pierced straight through his heart.
"Accusing the Hokage?"
"Who do you think you are?"
Danzō appeared behind the man like a ghost and calmly wiped his hands clean.
"You… Danzō! Hokage! What… what are you doing?!"
The Daimyō's whole body trembled. He gripped the chair tightly to keep from collapsing.
"Nothing at all."
Yami sat back down in the Hokage's seat and smiled faintly at the Daimyō. "Didn't the old man just make it clear? Someone like that—who doesn't understand respect—doesn't deserve to live in this world."
"He was simply helping the Daimyō eliminate the traitors around him. That's what Konoha should do. No need to thank us."
Thank you?!
Who would say such a thing?!
"Don't mind such trivial things. It's rare for the Daimyō to leave the capital and visit Konoha personally. You must have something important to say, right?"
His arrogant tone made the Daimyō furious, yet also oddly familiar.
Wasn't this the same way he treated his subordinates?
But the bloody corpse on the floor was a stark reminder—this was Konoha, not the Daimyō's palace.
The Daimyō took a deep breath and attempted to speak in a diplomatic tone.
"As the military force of the Land of Fire, the Daimyō's office does not interfere with Konoha's external affairs in principle… but surely we have the right to be informed, yes?"
"Yes, you're right."
Yami nodded casually.
"Shikaku did mention that in my two-hour crash course on being Hokage."
The Daimyō's eye twitched violently.
Two-hour crash course?!
What kind of joke was this?!
The Daimyō continued questioning. "Then can you explain what's happening now? The Land of Fire has become the enemy of the entire ninja world. Over a dozen nations and villages are forming a Shinobi Alliance."
"How did Konoha become a global enemy? Shouldn't you, as Hokage, reflect on this?"
"…Hmm."
Yami sighed. "Lord Daimyō, at a moment this critical to the Land of Fire's survival, you're not doing your duty, and instead you're helping the invaders question the shinobi defending the nation."
"What do you call that kind of behavior?"
"Treason!"
Bang!
Yami slammed the desk. The sturdy wooden surface splintered and exploded into pieces.
"Guards!"
Two Anbu broke open the door, subduing the Daimyō and his last remaining guard before they could even react.
"The Daimyō is plotting rebellion. Take him away—no, forget it. Just bury him."
Yami originally planned to act polite for form's sake, but now he couldn't be bothered.
He waved his hand casually.
The two Anbu gagged the Daimyō and his guard and dragged them out. Screams soon echoed from a luxurious villa. Blood spilled. Then, silence.
Would a Daimyō really travel with just two bodyguards?
Of course not. He had over 200 retainers, aides, and servants in total.
Back in the office, Yami gave Danzō the task of purging the Fire Capital's power structure.
Things had already reached this point. Danzō also understood that cutting the grass meant pulling up the roots.
If they won, the Shimura Clan would reign for eternity. If they lost… what did it matter whether they acted or not?
Might as well take a few more people down with them. That would at least be worthwhile.
Dealing with the Daimyō was just a minor event. It wouldn't cause any ripples.
Across the ninja world, chaos reigned.
Shinobi from the Land of Wind and Land of Water quickly rushed to the rendezvous point. Supplies were crammed into storage scrolls and transported at any cost.
Ōnoki and Terumi Mei both understood—now wasn't the time to be frugal or hesitate. If they lost this war, no matter how much wealth they'd saved, it would all become Konoha's spoils. They had no choice but to go all in.
Each village's high-level seal masters also gathered in secret to study techniques to counter Impure World Reincarnation.
Because once the war began, their greatest threat wouldn't be Konoha itself… but Uchiha Madara, resurrected by Impure World Reincarnation.
Raikage A confronted the masked man who claimed to represent Madara and the Allied Shinobi Forces.
When it was confirmed that Kisame had taken Killer Bee to Konoha, both men—supposed enemies—shared a strange sense of sympathy.
They cursed Yami for a full hour and swore to make him pay.
The Shinobi Alliance was moving fast, but with over a dozen nations involved, coordination was slow compared to a single village like Konoha.
Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and the other strategic advisors had long anticipated this day.
As soon as Yami gave the order, preparations were made.
In just one day, all supplies and troops were gathered. With a single command, the army could march.
The Hokage's office had been transformed into a full-scale war command center. A massive blackboard displayed a map of the world, covered with arrows marking the enemy's movements.
Nara Shikaku pointed at the map with a baton.
"Based on Iwagakure's movements, the last of their main forces will arrive in about two days."
"This time, the rally point is at this border. There's a strait that allows the coalition to send forces from several northern countries directly into the Land of Fire."
"It's impossible to defend. The battlefront is too long. Especially when we're vastly outnumbered."
That was putting it lightly.
According to intelligence, the Shinobi Alliance had around 80,000 troops, all Chūnin-level and above.
And Konoha?
Including retired veterans, their total combat force above Chūnin level was only about 8,000.
No amount of refined ninja tools or chakra armor could bridge a 10-to-1 gap.
"So if we want to win, we have to take the initiative and use our strength to break their will to resist."
As he said this, Shikaku looked at Yami. The implication was obvious.
Boss, it's time for the Uchiha under your command and the young ladies of your household to stretch their legs.
"The Land of Hot Springs..."
Yami sighed. "That battlefield is where I left my mark. So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. I really have to admit I'm getting old."
Everyone in the room had dark expressions.
If he was already nostalgic at 20, shouldn't the rest of them just crawl into their graves?
Even Izumi gave him a helpless pat. Yami's sigh made her feel like she had become an old lady.
"Wasn't that just reminiscing about our glory days?"
Yami curled his lips, then grew serious. "I never planned to defend. We'll strike first."
"The chances of the enemy splitting their forces are low. They'll likely fight in one place. Splitting up carries the risk of being defeated individually."
Nara nodded. He had merely listed the possibilities so Yami could decide, not because he truly believed the enemy would divide their troops.
Though their Hokage liked to stir up trouble, he really did have a good head on his shoulders.
"They need five days to gather, right? Let's move before they're ready."
Yami's eyes swept over the map, finally locking on a certain location.
"We'll attack from the Land of Iron. A so-called neutral country dared to join this mess? Let's hit them with a dart."
"Then cross the strait and strike directly at the coalition headquarters?" Shikamaru followed his train of thought. Shikaku agreed too.
"Then it's decided."
Yami stood. "You guys handle the details. Plant a large number of Flying Thunder God marks in that area. Me, Sasuke, and the Second Hokage will serve as the emergency response team. Contact us if needed."
"Second Hokage?"
Everyone was stunned.
Yami blinked. "Didn't I tell you? The Second Hokage was worried about Konoha's situation, so I brought him back with Impure World Reincarnation."
Everyone: "…"
Nara Shikaku gave a dry laugh. "As expected of a former Hokage. His love for Konoha runs deep."
Hizashi, Chōza, and the others looked on with admiration.
You really deserve the title of Hokage's advisor. That improvisation was flawless.
Just then, an Anbu arrived to report that the troops bound for the battlefield were already assembled.
"Let's go."
Yami took Izumi and stepped out onto the Hokage Tower's platform.
The scene mirrored the day he first became Hokage—except this time, the troops were more organized.
The 6,000 combat-ready shinobi stood in tight formation. Behind them were Genin and the village's civilians.
At the vanguard stood Sasuke, Naruto, and several Uchiha with Mangekyō.
Shisui, used to operating in the shadows, quietly blended into the ranks.
Naruto had a serious look. Sasuke's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
He had already heard of Uchiha Madara's resurrection. He couldn't wait to challenge him.
We both have Eternal Mangekyō. Why should I fear you?
As Yami raised his hand, the once-noisy crowd fell silent.
Yami spoke slowly.
(To be continued.)
***
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