The rebellion of the Uchiha clan in Konohagakure shook the entire shinobi world to its core, sending ripples of unease and speculation through every hidden village, large and small. For those who truly understood Konoha's internal structure and long-standing contradictions, this outcome was not entirely unexpected. Many had foreseen that such an explosion was inevitable; it had never been a question of if, only when. Even so, when the final outcome became known, it still left the vast majority of the shinobi world deeply shaken, struggling to process just how violently events had spiraled out of control.
The reason for this shock lay not merely in the rebellion itself, but in the sheer number of unforeseen twists that unfolded one after another. Too many developments diverged from what anyone had anticipated, overturning established assumptions and exposing hidden undercurrents beneath the surface of shinobi politics. And among all these variables, the most decisive and unpredictable factor was undoubtedly the involvement of Kirigakure's newly appointed Mizukage,Chiba.
Although Konohagakure quickly issued its own official explanation to the outside world, attempting to frame the incident as an internal uprising that had been firmly suppressed, few villages were naïve enough to accept that narrative without question. The wording was careful, the tone authoritative, yet between the lines it was obvious how much had been obscured or diluted. Through scattered intelligence reports, whispered rumors, and the calculations of seasoned strategists, the various powers of the shinobi world gradually pieced together a version of events that came uncomfortably close to the truth.
It was widely believed that Kirigakure's new Mizukage, Chiba, had deliberately spread three shocking revelations, each one striking directly at the fragile balance between the Uchiha clan and Konoha's upper leadership. Long-suppressed resentment and suspicion were forced into the open, causing tensions to escalate rapidly until the coup finally erupted. Yet that was only the beginning. Through subtle provocation and precise timing, the conflict was driven toward its most extreme outcome, pushing the Uchiha clan into a full-scale confrontation with Konoha's ruling faction,a battle that could only end in mutual devastation.
In the end, the Uchiha clan was nearly annihilated, while the forces under Hiruzen Sarutobi suffered equally severe losses. Elite ninja were cut down, hidden reserves were exhausted, and the foundation of Konoha's strength was shaken to its core. However, what truly stunned the shinobi world was what followed: the surviving members of the Uchiha clan did not scatter or disappear into obscurity. Instead, they chose to place their loyalty in the hands of Kirigakure's Mizukage.
From every perspective, Konohagakure had suffered a catastrophic defeat. Not only had it lost an entire pillar of its power, but it had also paid an enormous price in blood, influence, and future potential. Tragedy compounded upon tragedy, leaving behind a village weakened both materially and symbolically. In contrast, Chiba and Kirigakure emerged as the clear beneficiaries of the chaos. With a single series of calculated moves, they had drastically weakened a long-standing rival while simultaneously gaining the allegiance of one of the most formidable clans in shinobi history.
For a time, the entire shinobi world could not help but regard Chiba with a mixture of admiration and dread. His methods were decisive, his vision frighteningly clear, and his resolve unquestionable. Among those most unsettled were the leaders of the great nations. On one hand, they were forced to acknowledge Chiba's extraordinary strategic acumen and personal strength; on the other, their wariness toward the rapidly rising Kirigakure deepened by the day.
This unease was felt most strongly in Iwagakure and Kumogakure. Iwagakure had recently defeated Sunagakure and stood at the height of its power, newly enriched with resources and emboldened by victory. Ambition burned brightly within its leadership, and the desire to press forward and claim even greater advantages was impossible to conceal. Kumogakure, meanwhile, was widely regarded as the strongest of the Five Great Nations at present,a village known for its militant culture and unwavering belief in strength above all else. Its history of aggressive expansion was well known, and its role in triggering the Third Shinobi World War by exploiting Sunagakure's internal chaos remained fresh in collective memory.
Naturally, these two great powers now faced difficult choices. Should they turn their sights toward the weakened Sunagakure, strike at the internally shattered Konohagakure, or challenge the newly revitalized Kirigakure? Sunagakure was undeniably the weakest and easiest target, yet it was now tightly bound to Konoha, and even if conquered, it offered little in return,no wealth, no fertile land, no significant resources. Konohagakure, by contrast, remained the fattest prize in the shinobi world, blessed with rich lands, abundant resources, and an unparalleled strategic position. Yet even wounded, Konoha was still dangerous; a starved camel was, after all, larger than a horse.
As for Kirigakure, it had only just begun its resurgence, its name echoing across the shinobi world once more. Its foundation still could not compare to that of traditional powers like Konoha, but history had already proven that underestimating it came at a terrible cost. Sunagakure had learned that lesson in blood. Iwagakure and Kumogakure, however, were far stronger than Sunagakure in every regard,economically, politically, and militarily. For a time, both nations stirred restlessly, their ambitions quietly fermenting, as if waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Across the shinobi world, the air grew heavy with the unmistakable prelude to another full-scale Shinobi World War.
Meanwhile, within Kirigakure itself, a different scene was unfolding. With Chiba personally escorting the surviving members of the Uchiha clan into the village, curiosity spread among civilians and shinobi alike. The name of the Uchiha carried immense weight,one of the most legendary clans in history, rivaled only by the Senju during the brutal Warring States Era. Though time had eroded that former glory, the reputation remained, etched deeply into the collective consciousness of the shinobi world.
Yet despite that reputation, most of Kirigakure's people did not respond with hostility. Under Chiba's rule, the village had already welcomed numerous external clans,the Tsuchigumo, the Kaguya, remnants of the Yuki, and others,without descending into chaos. Rather than becoming overcrowded, Kirigakure had grown broader and more diverse, its strength drawn from variety rather than isolation. Chiba had supported this approach from the beginning, even appointing Hōzuki Mangetsu to oversee inter-clan affairs shortly after assuming the title of Mizukage. With guidance and assistance, these clans quickly established new territories and rebuilt their lives.
The Uchiha of Konohagakure were gone.
In their place, the Uchiha of Kirigakure were being born.
As an elder and nearly the only remaining Uchiha with significant combat strength, Uchiha Yashiro took responsibility for leading the survivors as they rebuilt their home. In his heart, gratitude toward Mizukage Chiba ran deep. Back in Konoha, he had spoken many harsh words about this man, yet now, with the benefit of reflection and bitter experience, he could no longer deny the truth: everything Chiba had said had been accurate. In the end, words mattered little. What truly defined Chiba was not what he promised,but what he had done.
"I understand, Granny."
"I'll live on,properly."
After finishing the last bite of his pancake, he carefully left the money on the stall, then turned back and waved goodbye to Uchiha's. Without hesitation, he set off in long, determined strides toward the Ninja Academy of Kirigakure, his small figure gradually merging into the flow of the village.
Children came from every direction, some born into well-known clans, others raised by ordinary civilian families. They gathered together beneath the rising sun, their faces illuminated by its gentle light, exuding a sense of peace and quiet happiness that felt almost unreal. In a world perpetually scarred by conflict and bloodshed, such a scene was painfully rare, precious enough to feel like a fleeting dream.
Chiba, who had witnessed everything from beginning to end, stood quietly as he watched the children disappear into the distance. As his gaze lingered on that tranquil morning tableau, a subtle realization stirred within him at last.
In that moment, he finally began to understand the true meaning of being the Mizukage.