For a few days Konoha celebrated and recovered, but a large number of people mourned. Wives were left widows and children orphaned. The celebrations took away from it, but it was clear that a significant number of people had died and as they waited for their family to return they could only wail as they realised. Hollow words were spoken, things they already knew about duty and honour. But it wouldn't bring them back, the most they could do was be proud. Konoha held a memorial for the countless lives lost, Uchiha Obito being one of them. The entire village came out to mourn them, dressed in black clothes. Even the skies joined as they wept. Speeches were delivered from figures like the Hokage, the man being propped as the next one even if unofficially, Minato, as well as the man they all looked up to, Katsuro. It was a sombre mood, but it reminded them of the sacrifice they made and why they made it. With the compensation from Iwa soon to arrive, Konoha at the very least could ensure their family would be taken care of.
Certain hot headed Uchiha clan members tried to make a scene with a Sharingan not belonging to their clan, but it was shut down immediately by Fugaku and the presence of Katsuro nearby. Fugaku had already explained that Obito had given it to Kakashi of his own volition and it was accepted. With the relation to Katsuro, Sakumo, and Minato even the most hardline elders could let it go for all they had done.
Compared to other clans the Senju and Uzumaki had shockingly low death tolls, and this was despite being in the middle of all the chaos. It was the clear sign that their evolved system worked, and led many to consider adopting similar ones. With that being said, they took a deserved break. The most amount of work Katsuro did was with the Uzumaki clan grandmaster, Minato and Kushina in designing a seal for Kakashi. Kakashi's sharingan was an immediate boon, but it limited his long term potential. It was something he conveyed to Sakumo and Kakashi himself. Due to not being an Uchiha clan member, the Sharingan would be much more difficult for Kakashi to use, and greatly increase his chakra expenditure. It would be so bad, that an absolute genius like him who became a Chunin at 6 and a Jonin at 12 wouldn't even reach Kage level unless something happened.
Of course, Kakashi was understandably completely against removing his dying friend's last gift. So they decided on a compromise that would make the best of both worlds. They'd design a seal to place on the Sharingan which would essentially 'turn it off' from its always active state by 'cutting it off' Kakashi's system. It would mean it wouldn't constantly be a drain and hindrance to his chakra and chakra growth. They would also implement a method for Kakashi to be able to turn it on easily, so that he could get the absolute benefit out of it without sacrificing his potential.
With 4 Fuinjutsu grandmasters and several more Uzumaki masters, the project was completed fairly quickly. And from that point Kakashi could simply raise his headband to unveil the Sharingan as the 'key' to unlock it once again.
But it had been put off long enough, and soon the missions to sort out the treaties were given. It was a prelude to the true change of times. It had become common knowledge that the Hokage would step down. No matter how it was framed, everyone knew it was because he was forced out. It had been obvious who the next one would be, but the war had introduced multiple more candidates.
Before they set off for their respective lands, Katsuro had a conversation with Minato.
"Be careful out there, the new 4th Raikage doesn't strike me as the type to make things easy. But try to get as much as you can, his elders won't let him fight another war before they re-gear. A successful stint here could secure your position for Hokage."
Hearing those last words Minato gave his teacher a complicated look. "Why don't you take the position? You are perfect for it, Sensei, and I don't mind waiting to be the 5th."
Katsuro replied with amusement evident on his face, "I've fought and given my time for the village and my clan, don't you think I deserve some time off to laze around? And besides, Tsunade keeps pestering me to spend time drinking and go gambling with her. If I leave her, our entire fortune will be squandered. But, Minato, from when I first met you, you've wanted to be the Hokage. And I know more than anyone else, that you'll be the best one yet. I truly believe that."
The sincere words touched him, for Katsuro a man being compared with legends to think he would be a better Hokage than even the founder and genius Second motivated him even more. And it was something Katsuro truly believed in, for all he respected his predecessors, they weren't perfect Hokage.
The First created the first village by bridging a gap caused by generations of hate and blood, but despite his talent in battle and compassion for people, the man wasn't the smartest. He had good intentions, but Katsuro will always question his motive of giving away the Tailed Beasts for peace. Tobirama was much more intelligent, but his hatred for the Uchiha blinded him. He created a rift that would spread leading the village to be divided from within. He did much for the Village, created countless Jutsu and introduced beneficial policies like the Ninja Academy. But he also placed the Uchiha in the Police Force knowing full well the effects it would have.
Katsuro was certain that Minato would overcome these mistakes, and if he stumbled he would be there to catch him.
Not long after, all the delegations set off for their respective countries. Katsuro had the luxury of 'wasting' his chakra by using set relays to reach the edge of the land of Hot Water where he fought not too long ago. He did this, even with Fugaku, Kaito and their respective squads. A total of 9 people on this S rank mission, and teleporting them so far took a lot of Katsuro's chakra. Luckily, despite people forgetting, he was still very young, still in his early 20s. That meant he was still peaking even if his body had now finished growing. His chakra growth had slowed down considerably, but the recent stimulation had boosted it once more.
Unlike during the war, Katsuro simply made a large boat using his Wood Style, after a couple failed attempts which sank from being too dense. A sight all too amusing to the Senju and Fugaku, but the Uchiha who weren't too familiar with him didn't dare openly laugh. Luckily his sarcastic remarks soon had even them opening up.
Finally after a few days of travel, they made it to Kirigakure. As they walked up to the gates Katsuro could see the nervous expressions of the guards, as well as the marks he had left on their walls. A large section was clearly absent, but had been cleared up and construction had clearly restarted. With Shinobi it wouldn't take long. But it was a reminder of what had happened, and the Kiri shinobi were all too aware of who had caused it.
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