One week later, a ceasefire agreement was finally reached.
The Land of Fire handed over a population of one hundred thousand civilians, and Konoha was tasked with escorting them safely all the way to the eastern port. Every civilian had to be transported under strict supervision, ensuring no one was lost or harmed along the way.
On the same day, the army led by Hōzuki Gengetsu arrived at the port. The fighting on behalf of Uzu Shio Village had already ceased. The village had been acting independently at first, but now that Konoha—the big brother of the ninja world—had signed the ceasefire, Uzu Shio Village naturally followed suit.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood on the pier, puffing calmly on his pipe as he watched the boatloads of civilians being loaded and transported away. Smoke from his pipe curled lazily in the cold wind, twisting and dissipating into the gray morning air.
"The war is over," he said softly, almost to himself.
Uchiha Su, standing beside him, echoed the words in a low, reflective voice.
"Yes, the war is over…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a long drag from his pipe. The smoke swirled around his deeply lined face, emphasizing the weight of years and battles. Though still young by some standards, the war had aged him visibly. His calm eyes watched the departing civilians, yet a faint shadow of sorrow lingered in his gaze.
"Tell me, how is Konoha's Western Army faring? That shouldn't be a secret, right?" Uchiha Su asked with a subtle smile.
Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled softly, a sound that carried both weariness and resignation.
"Even if I didn't tell you, the information will reach you within three days. You've planted quite a few spies in the Land of Fire, haven't you?"
Uchiha Su's smile widened slightly, as if satisfied by the observation.
"Isn't that obvious?" he said lightly. "I don't believe for a second that the people of Konoha haven't infiltrated Hidden Mist. Perhaps there are even ninjas hidden among the civilians you transported this time. Am I right?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression did not change at all. Despite the implications of Uchiha Su's words, the Jonin's composure was flawless. Yet, without revealing any unnecessary information, he still responded candidly.
"It's fine to tell you. The war in the west may continue for a while longer. The only good news is that at least the battlefront has extended into the Land of Rain, and some of the Konoha forces have even managed to push toward the border of the Land of Wind."
Uchiha Su's eyes sparkled with interest.
"Jonin Sarutobi, how much longer do you think the war between Konoha and Sunagakure will last?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, reflecting carefully.
"At most, it should end within a year. Sunagakure has suffered heavy losses. However… two formidable ninjas have emerged there. One is called Ebizo, and the other is Chiyo. Both are highly skilled in Puppet Jutsu and poison arts. Their techniques make them extremely troublesome opponents. Especially their poisons—at this point, Konoha has no reliable countermeasures."
Uchiha Su arched an eyebrow, slightly amused.
"Jonin Sarutobi… aren't you worried the Hokage will suspect you for revealing all this?"
Hiruzen shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Hokage-sama will not suspect me," he said firmly.
Uchiha Su grinned, clearly enjoying the subtle tension.
"Colluding with rogue ninjas, intending to overthrow the Second Hokage's rule—how does that accusation sound to you, Teacher Sarutobi?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained composed.
"Alright, Uchiha Su. Now, it is time for you to board the ship and leave the Land of Fire."
The ships transporting the civilians had already departed. The operation had been executed with unprecedented speed, facilitated by the temporary requisition of vessels from the Land of Water and the Land of Waves. Even small fishing boats belonging to local fishermen were pressed into service to ensure every civilian reached the ships safely.
"Jonin Sarutobi, until next time!" Uchiha Su waved as he stepped onto the ship, his smile confident and mischievous.
"The next time war breaks out," he continued, "it won't be a small skirmish like this. I promise you that."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was steady, but it carried the weight of authority.
"Next time, I will never let you leave the Land of Fire so easily."
"See you!" Uchiha Su responded casually, the words light yet brimming with intent. A simple wave was the only farewell Hiruzen received as the ship pulled away.
Return to Hidden Mist Village
By February 1, Year 20 of Konoha, Uchiha Su had safely returned to his loyal Hidden Mist Village.
The moment he arrived, he convened a meeting with the key leaders of the village. The room was filled with anticipation. Though Su was young, his authority was undisputed; even the oldest ninjas deferred to his leadership.
"This war has ended," he began, his voice carrying across the hall. "We have lost hundreds of ninjas in total. Compensation will be distributed to the families of the fallen starting tomorrow. Furthermore, I plan to construct a memorial monument. The names of all fallen ninjas will be inscribed, so that the people of this village may pay their respects."
No one interrupted him. Returning in triumph, Uchiha Su commanded great prestige despite his youth. Every word carried weight.
He continued, outlining his vision for the village.
"Our Ninja Academy will prioritize enrolling the orphans of the fallen. A certain allocation of resources will be set aside for their education. Additionally, ninjas who have sustained serious injuries and cannot continue performing missions will be reassigned to the Engineering Department. They will be supported financially by the Village treasury."
Genshi, standing nearby, frowned slightly.
"In the long run, such arrangements may strain our finances," he cautioned.
Uchiha Su shook his head.
"It doesn't matter. In the coming years, our economy will grow rapidly. From this war, we have also seized considerable wealth, which will be redirected to fund these reforms. Furthermore, we must expand the Village. We will incorporate the three hundred thousand civilians we transported into the Village's population. This will strengthen tax collection and help identify those with potential to become ninjas."
Genshi's eyes sparkled.
"Since that is the case, I have no objections," he said. His enthusiasm was palpable. Under Uchiha Su's leadership, Hidden Mist Village had steadily grown stronger, and Genshi felt inspired to contribute to its future.
Uchiha Su's gaze swept across the room, settling on the clan leaders. His tone became more serious.
"Additionally, we will conduct a major census. All villagers and ninjas must be registered. No one is allowed to conceal population numbers. If any clan hides information, they will be dealt with severely."
He paused to ensure the weight of his words sank in.
"To set an example, the census will start with the Uchiha Clan. That is all I have to say. Who is in favor, and who is against?"
The room fell silent. No one dared oppose him.
"Since there are no objections, the motion is passed," Uchiha Su declared firmly.
For the first time, he could implement bold reforms without fear of opposition. Population concealment had long been a habit among the ninja clans. But with his prestige, even those whose interests might be affected had no choice but to comply.
He moved on to another critical issue.
"I also intend to establish a new hospital, which will be called a Psychological Hospital. It will primarily treat those suffering from stress, delusions, emotional agitation, or irritability caused by missions or battlefield experiences."
Again, there were no objections. The plan was seen as reasonable and beneficial to the village.
Uchiha Su then addressed the welfare of the civilians who had been relocated from the Land of Fire.
"The lives of these people must be secured. Everyone must have enough to eat. Those skilled in farming will be sent to farm; hunters will hunt; fishermen will receive proper tools. Genshi, this matter is in your hands. You are meticulous, so I have full confidence in your management."
Genshi nodded readily.
"No problem. I will gather a team and assess everyone's skills," he said.
Uchiha Su then turned to Uchiha Nami.
"You, Nami, will oversee the planning and construction of the Village. This is a critical task. We must incorporate all three hundred thousand people under direct Village governance. Even if the construction is massive and may strain our finances, it must be completed."
"Yes, Young Master!" Nami responded with determination.
Finally, Uchiha Su concluded the meeting with a solemn declaration.
"That is all for now. I will personally oversee the Village. If further reforms are necessary, even if they are difficult, I will implement them firmly. Gentlemen, let us work together. When Hidden Mist becomes the strongest in the ninja world, this glory will be shared by all. No one shall claim it alone."
A sense of excitement and purpose filled the room. For the first time, the Hidden Mist Village was not merely a collection of loyal followers—it was a growing, organized, and disciplined force ready to assert its influence in the world of ninjas.
Uchiha Su's words resonated deeply, planting the seeds of reform and ambition.
The war was over. The Hidden Mist Village had grown stronger—not only through strategy and power, but through careful planning, structure, and vision for the future.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)