Chapter 103: The Sun
No matter what happens, the sun still rises.
The Second Hokage Tobirama, Konoha's advisor Aizen Sosuke, Orochimaru of the Legendary Sannin, one-third of the Konoha Ninjutsu Research Institute's members, nearly half of the Uchiha clan, and a third of the Hyuga clan—all had defected.
Even from a legal standpoint, it was difficult to determine who truly betrayed whom, or whether Konoha's legitimate authority had been quietly removed from the normal political order. Because of the overwhelming impact, all information was sealed off, and no reliable reports could be released to the outside world. Still, one thing was certain: Konoha had fallen into chaos.
And yet, Minato endured.
Perhaps even this had been foreseen by Aizen, but regardless, the blond young man who had once been overlooked by nearly everyone had grown rapidly since that day.
With overwhelming strength, Minato suppressed all opposition within Konoha. Using the authority and trust granted by the Third Hokage, he achieved a peaceful transition of power and minimized the news of Aizen's defection through strict information control.
Aside from those directly involved, even the shinobi stationed on Konoha's borders were unaware of the magnitude of what had transpired. Under Minato's direction, Aizen was officially reported to be conducting a classified operation with a portion of the Research Institute, and that he could return to Konoha at any time if needed.
The official explanation for the Third Hokage's resignation was revised to "old age and declining strength," temporarily passing the leadership role to Minato. If any emergencies occurred, the Third Hokage would retain advisory power.
Beyond the inner circle, no one knew the truth of that night's storm, nor why so many had been hospitalized afterward.
The affairs of shinobi rarely concern the villagers, and the stories of shinobi even less.
The boy who once smiled warmly now sat in silence, dressed in a white robe, his decisions sharp and precise—qualities seen by others as the natural demeanor of an elite.
As long as the truth remained hidden, there would be no panic. Rumors were swiftly silenced by the Anbu, and any concerns voiced by other shinobi were dealt with openly. Through this, Konoha maintained a fragile stability.
Furthermore, the research into Moon Dream and several other projects entrusted by the Third Hokage continued. In some respects, Konoha's usable power had not decreased significantly. In fact, in the long term, it had even increased.
But from any angle, no one could truly take pride in that increase.
Aizen Sosuke—the man who had always smiled gently—had finally left the village that raised him.
Like a classic villain from an old tale, he had spoken a few chilling words and departed.
Why he had said those words, what he had been thinking, and why it had come to this—no one knew. All that remained in everyone's hearts was resentment. A deep, invisible hatred that refused to fade.
As though a spring had been wound tight, Konoha, under the weight of that hatred, began to rebuild—and to evolve.
"The reconstruction of the Seireitei is underway. The recovery and research of the remaining structures have begun. So far, we've rediscovered the Eleventh Division barracks, the Twelfth Division research facility, the Sixth Division quarters, and the Fourth Division medical wing. Under Lady Tsunade's command, the cleanup is progressing smoothly."
"Good. If you discover any other special areas or materials, report them immediately."
"The information on Zanpakuto, Kido, and Shunpo has been preliminarily compiled, Fourth Hokage."
"Understood. Have the execution unit conduct live trials. As for theoretical validation, the research division will handle reverse verification. Once confirmed stable, volunteers may begin practical use."
"Sir?"
"This isn't a major issue. Konoha itself was built upon his work. If there were truly any hidden traps, we'd have lost more than a third of our people by now."
The Fourth Hokage sat calmly behind his desk, his expression unreadable as he regarded the young jonin standing before him. His tone was even, yet carried quiet authority.
"Besides," Minato added softly, "if Aizen truly intended to harm us, he would have destroyed this data before leaving. If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility myself. Our task now is to absorb what he left behind—piece by piece—and show the world that Konoha still stands."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
The ninja bowed deeply, then vanished in an instant, leaving Minato alone beneath the morning light filtering through the rain-streaked window.
Although Aizen had betrayed Konoha and left, many things did not simply vanish with him.
The systems he built for the village, the industries and policies he implemented, the intricate administrative framework, and the countless documents and data he left behind—all these tangible remnants of his influence still persisted.
Even now, Minato did not truly feel like he had become Hokage. It was as if he were sitting in the middle of a dizzying dream, one where he had perfectly achieved his goal—just not in the way he ever wanted.
"That Aizen kid… he really made quite a mess."
"...Lord Danzo, you've returned."
"Hmph."
A black figure silently emerged from the doorway's shadows, revealing Danzo's bandaged form as he stepped into the Hokage's office.
Minato didn't bother asking how Konoha's upper council already knew so much about Aizen's methods and networks. After conducting his own investigations, he had discovered that although Aizen had left, his influence hadn't. One by one, those connected to him continued to surface.
Tsunade was still leading reconstruction efforts amid the ruins of the Hall of No Return.
Dan Kato, once under Aizen's command, had defected entirely.
And Uchiha Kagami, found barely alive in a hidden chamber of that same hall, bore the marks of brutal torture.
Each of them, in one way or another, had been Aizen's people.
During the conflict within the Seireitei, many hidden Konoha operatives had ultimately chosen to remain loyal to the village rather than follow Aizen. They had chosen the weaker, battered Konoha over the seemingly invincible Aizen Sosuke.
Realizing this, Minato decided to place his trust only in those who had earned it—and to discard those who hadn't. Now was no time to dwell on anything else.
Compared to all that, Danzo's little trick of emerging from the shadows seemed utterly trivial.
"So, Elder Danzo," Minato said flatly, "do you have any advice for us? If possible, I'd appreciate your help in handling Konoha's current crisis."
"Konoha's problem?" Danzo scoffed. "It's just that Aizen is gone. Stop acting like your entire clan was wiped out, boy. He didn't kill a single person when he left, nor did he take a single living one. That's a debt Konoha's been carrying for a long time."
Minato's expression hardened as Danzo rapped his cane lightly against the floor.
"However," the elder continued, "I'm here to bring some fresh blood into Konoha. Nagato, Yahiko, Konan—come meet your senior brother."
"..."
Minato blinked as three small figures emerged quietly from the corner shadows.
The three children froze under the intensity of his gaze. Two of them instinctively hid behind the boy with orange hair, but Minato caught a glimpse of something that made him momentarily lose focus—within the boy's eyes swirled an ancient, divine pattern, the kind once said to bring peace to the world.
"You recognize them?" Danzo said. "Then you, as their senior brother, can spare some time from your schedule to guide them. I have other matters to attend to."
"Senior brother...?" Minato murmured.
"Hmph. Jiraiya picked up a few strays in the Land of Rain, but as usual, I'm the one who had to step in and train them."
Minato's brow furrowed slightly, but before he could speak, Danzo gestured toward the three.
"Nagato possesses eyes said to bring order to chaos. Yahiko and Konan are both exceptionally talented. After proper training, they could become your right hand. However, they are not Konoha shinobi."
"Not... Konoha shinobi?"
"That's right! We are the great Root—the foundation that will end all conflict in this world!"
The red-haired boy stepped forward boldly, thumping his chest as he declared,
"We are here to bring peace! We came because Konoha might face danger! Don't get the wrong idea!"
Minato blinked in mild disbelief.
"...My diplomatic tour went well," Danzo interrupted. "At least there won't be another war anytime soon. I will no longer serve as Konoha's elder. Instead, I will establish a borderless organization—Root."
"Elder Danzo..."
Minato looked at the older man, dressed in black from head to toe, unable to hide the complicated emotion in his eyes.
"Of course," Danzo said, his tone softening just slightly, "I still have feelings for Konoha."
As his body began to fade back into the shadows, his hoarse voice echoed through the office.
"The headquarters of Root will remain in Konoha, but I'll also set up branches in other villages. We will pursue world peace—no matter the cost. Also, Aizen's stronghold has been found. Or rather, he never really hid it."
"Where?"
"The ruins of Uzushiogakure."
The last traces of Danzo's form melted completely into darkness, his final words lingering in the air like a curse.
"They rebuilt Uzushiogakure... and they call it Hueco Mundo. That's all the information I've gathered."
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