The farce quickly came to an end. Seeing that he and his men were completely surrounded by Konoha, Rasa did not stay behind to cover their retreat like Tobirama or the Third Raikage had in history. Instead, he decisively raised both hands—his movements crisp and clean, assuming an extremely standard surrender stance.
The Sand shinobi present looked at each other after seeing their Kage's actions, and then they all dropped their weapons in unison. The clattering sound echoed as Kunai and shuriken were thrown all over the ground.
The Otogakure shinobi, on the other hand, were far more tenacious. Even though Orochimaru had long since vanished, they still fought desperately against the Konoha-nin with bloodshot eyes. However, they were simply too few in number and were soon overwhelmed and eliminated by the converging Konoha forces.
The giant snakes summoned through Ninjutsu were also turned into puffs of smoke and completely dispersed by the combined efforts of Jiraiya and the ANBU.
Before long, all that remained near the gates of Konoha were the surrounded Sand shinobi and the furious Konoha-nin.
In just this short span of time, the Suna and Oto forces had already claimed the lives of many Konoha shinobis and civilians.
What's more, this was Konoha's home turf—a place that had remained untouched through all three Great Ninja Wars. Yet now, enemies had come knocking at their very doorstep.
How could they not be enraged?
Hiruzen sighed, ignoring Rasa's pleading gaze. He turned to a nearby ANBU and instructed, "Invite the Fourth Kazekage back to the village as our guest."
He placed particular emphasis on the word "invite," then continued, "As for the other Sand shinobis, escort them all to maximum-security detention and keep them under strict watch. At the very least, let them contribute some Ninjutsu to Konoha. And whether they can leave depends on what Sunagakure offers in exchange."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
The nearby ANBU took their orders, and the other Konoha shinobis on the scene also stepped forward, preparing to capture the Sand shinobis who had already laid down their weapons.
Hearing that, Rasa felt a great weight lift from his heart. It seemed that Hiruzen still did not want to go to war with Sunagakure.
What came next would simply be a matter of reparations and signing unequal treaties. He could produce gold dust, so money was no issue. As for his subordinates… that would depend on their luck.
Rasa voluntarily walked up to two ANBU operatives, and the other Sand shinobis likewise accepted being taken into custody by Konoha. The group slowly made their way into the village. The scene looked less like a group of captives and more like a tour group sightseeing.
Jiraiya noticed the strange atmosphere between Hiruzen and Tsunade and, not wanting to get involved, made the excuse of escorting the Kazekage and slipped away as well.
Before leaving, he shot Hiruzen a meaningful glance.
'Old man, you're on your own now.'
Hiruzen watched Jiraiya's retreating figure, the corner of his mouth twitching. This disciple of his ran faster than a rabbit.
Only then did Hiruzen feel the belated fear. Even though the Sky Screen had already revealed during its evaluation that Orochimaru would execute the Konoha Crush Plan within the year, he had still been negligent in patrolling the Land of Fire.
Still, fortunately, he had called Jiraiya and Tsunade back. Otherwise, the outcome… he didn't dare to imagine.
After all, he was already over sixty years old.
Facing Orochimaru plus the two reanimated bodies of the First Hokage and his own sensei would have been difficult enough on his own, let alone with the addition of a vigorous Fourth Kazekage in his prime.
And as for that fellow Danzō… he would probably be glad to see Hiruzen die sooner rather than later. He would certainly offer no help.
While Hiruzen was lost in thought, the others wisely slipped away one by one, leaving the space to him and Tsunade.
By the time he came back to his senses, only Tsunade remained, her arms crossed over her chest, looking at him.
Her stance made it seem as if she was the teacher and Hiruzen the student.
Seeing this, Hiruzen's facial features scrunched together as he looked at his disciple, who had left the village for so many years, with a complex expression.
Or rather—
The future Fifth Hokage.
In truth, in his heart, Tsunade truly was the best candidate for the Fifth Hokage.
As the granddaughter of the First Hokage, even though the Senju clan had nominally dissolved, its people hadn't all died off, and their influence was still massive.
Add to that the medical-nin system she had pioneered, which had earned the gratitude of countless Konoha shinobis, she was indeed a very suitable choice.
Although he didn't know how well Tsunade would perform during her tenure, judging from the information on the Sky Screen, Konoha had still endured.
For a Hokage, that alone was the greatest political achievement—more than enough.
In the end, it was Hiruzen who spoke first. "Tsunade, welcome back. It seems your hemophobia is cured."
Before Tsunade could react, he continued, "I know you have your grievances with Konoha, but this is still the village that raised you. I'm truly glad you've returned."
Tsunade pursed her lips. "Heart sickness must be treated with medicine for the heart. I've thought a lot during this time. I will inherit Nawaki and Dan's dreams!"
"Old man, get to the point. When are you stepping down?"
Hiruzen was choked up, opening his mouth but momentarily not knowing what to say.
But then, he smiled.
He laughed with unbridled joy, his voice echoing in the empty space and startling the birds on the rooftops into flight.
"Right this very day!"
Tsunade was startled, her eyes widening.
"That's not funny, old man."
Hiruzen grew serious, "I'm not joking. Danzō's Root has been ordered to disband. Koharu and Homura will also step down from their advisory positions starting today. These old bones of mine have been waiting for this day for a long time. Starting today, you will serve as Acting Hokage. We'll hold the Jonin confidence vote shortly."
"Starting today, you are Konoha's Fifth Hokage! The village... is being completely handed over to you."
"As for the Daimyo's side, I'll lead a delegation to report to him. We'll choose a suitable date later for the formal succession ceremony. But for now, the responsibility is yours."
Without giving Tsunade any time to react, Hiruzen continued handing over the duties as if he were settling his final affairs.
Tsunade finally snapped out of it. "Old Man, hold on—"
Hiruzen waved his hand, cutting her off: "If the Sky Screen hadn't revealed the future threat of Nagato, I had originally planned to deal with Orochimaru myself. But now, he's just a minor nuisance. The Akatsuki is the real threat!"
"These old bones of mine must contribute what little is left of them."
Tsunade was silent for a few seconds. Then she raised her head, her eyes filled with resolve.
"You're right. I came back because of them too. No matter what, I will never allow anyone to destroy Konoha!"
"Good."
He turned around, his back to Tsunade.
"The village... is in your hands."
Tsunade looked at his hunched back and opened her mouth.
But in the end, she said nothing—just nodded slightly.
In the distance, Jiraiya hid behind a tree, half his head peeking out to watch.
Seeing this scene, he grinned.
"The old man finally retired? Not bad, not bad."
Then, remembering something, his face fell.
"Wait... does that mean I'll be the one taking the fall from now on?"
*****
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