A storm of change swept through, and a new era dawned.
The Hokage building, not the most artistic structure, still stood tall. After bidding farewell to the previous ruler, a new leader had taken their place. How long this new master would stay remained unknown, but alongside the towering Hokage Rock, it would witness more cycles of victories and defeats.
In the Hokage's office, sitting in a specially made, extra-wide and large new chair, was a massive figure. He wore the Hokage's hat and draped over his shoulders was the white Hokage robe. He had just returned from his inauguration ceremony. Although he was only the Acting Hokage, for the foreseeable future, he would be Konoha's supreme ruler.
No one dared to suggest simplifying the proceedings.
On the contrary, the ceremony was held with as much grandeur as possible, thanks to the strong support of various clans. The event even surpassed the Fourth Hokage's inauguration, which had taken place just after the end of the Third Great Ninja War, a time when Konoha was war-torn and far from the prosperity it now enjoyed.
"Have the arrangements been made?"
The Fifth Acting Hokage took off his hat, gently placing it on the desk, carefully brushing off invisible dust with great affection. These were all children who had grown up in Konoha, and students of the Second Hokage, at least in name. Many, like Danzo, had long dreamed of becoming Hokage, but most gave up on that dream, realizing the reality of their situation. Even Akimichi Torifu had accepted this.
He never imagined that, at his age, with one foot already in the grave, he would have a chance to achieve his dream of becoming Hokage.
Even if it was only "Acting."
But that still meant he was Hokage, didn't it? Even when the true Fifth Hokage took over, his name would still be remembered in the history of Konoha.
"Yes, we've placed him in the northwest corner of the village, where the Root organization's base used to be. The barrier team has set up a small barrier, and the guards from the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Aburame clans are all in position," Nara Shikaku respectfully replied.
"Guards, indeed," Akimichi Torifu nodded lightly. They certainly needed to protect the village from Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, who might act irrationally after his impeachment and forced retirement.
The question of how to deal with Sarutobi Hiruzen had stumped many in the village. Even though they had dug up all of Danzo's dark deeds, there was little that could directly implicate Hiruzen. Sarutobi had mostly turned a blind eye to Danzo's actions, neither condemning nor endorsing them. If successful, the glory was shared; if they failed, Danzo took the blame.
Of course, the evidence of wrongdoing was irrelevant. Creating incriminating evidence wasn't difficult.
The real issue was Sarutobi's status as a former Hokage. No one dared suggest executing him. Throughout the history of the Five Great Ninja Villages, while some Kages had died in battle, been assassinated, or disappeared, none had ever been publicly executed.
Danzo had already been sentenced to death, and Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had been stripped of their advisory roles and sentenced to life imprisonment. Yet, a verdict for Sarutobi Hiruzen remained elusive.
In the end, Akimichi Torifu made the final decision. Sarutobi would receive the same punishment as his advisors—life imprisonment. The decision would not be made public, as Konoha couldn't afford the disgrace of tearing down a former Hokage. Would they also have to destroy his face on the Hokage Rock?
Konoha couldn't endure such shame.
As Hyuga Hiashi had pointed out, while Sarutobi had made grievous mistakes, it couldn't be denied that Konoha's true prosperity had begun during his reign. His contributions could not be erased.
Thus, the best choice was to let Sarutobi Hiruzen leave this world quietly.
"Relay to the guards: No one is allowed near him without my permission—especially the heads of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. Let them know not to make things difficult for me."
Nara Shikaku nodded. "The envoy from Kirigakure is causing trouble again. They're demanding we give them an answer today or face war."
Akimichi Torifu furrowed his brow. His role as Acting Hokage was far from peaceful. On top of internal conflicts, there was now a looming threat of war with the Hidden Mist.
Even now, the envoy from Kirigakure remained in the village, issuing threats of war.
"I opposed Sarutobi's decision to forgo war reparations after the Third War. Those ingrates would never appreciate our mercy; they only see us as weak! Now, even those sea dogs dare to bark at Konoha. Tell them that if it's war they want, then war they shall have!"
Akimichi Torifu's voice was filled with murderous intent.
Despite his round and friendly appearance, his temperament was anything but gentle. Like the Akimichi clan's fighting style, they were known for their boldness and fearlessness.
But—
After his strong words, he found himself in a dilemma.
"Now, the biggest problem is... where do we get the troops?"
Akimichi Torifu rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
It had only been five or six years since the end of the Third Great Ninja War. That wasn't enough time to fully replenish the losses from the war. And the Nine-Tails' attack had not only killed the Fourth Hokage but also claimed many ninja lives.
Konoha was still suffering from a shortage of manpower. After assuming office, Akimichi Torifu had taken stock of the village's forces and found that he had less than 2,000 troops he could freely mobilize.
It wasn't that Konoha was in such dire straits; it was that Konoha maintained a massive border defense force. To the northeast, they had to guard against the Hidden Cloud, to the northwest, the Hidden Stone, and to the west, the Hidden Sand. There was even a contingent stationed along the eastern coastline to watch for the Hidden Mist. This last group could be considered part of their available forces.
After maintaining the village's internal defense, they could muster about 2,000 additional troops. Konoha's reserves were still impressive.
"Shikaku, gather the clan leaders."
Akimichi Torifu gave his order.
Without the support of the major clans, this war with the Hidden Mist couldn't happen.
(End of the chapter)