Root dispatched numerous ninja squads under the guise of the Fire Nation Enforcement Corps, carrying out the Fire Daimyō's decrees across the country.
With this, the power of shinobi was formally injected into the conflict between commoners and nobles.
The result was simple—those who complied thrived, those who resisted perished.
With power far surpassing that of ordinary people and the backing of the Fire Daimyō's orders, every location they reached saw nobles being arrested—or even executed.
As word of this spread…
Many nobles had no choice but to yield, reluctantly accepting the new decree within their territories.
After all, Konoha had made it clear—they were more than willing to execute nobles on the spot.
Compared to shackles of authority, life was far more precious.
In just three months, all opposition within the Fire Nation had been silenced.
In their correspondence, the nobles expressed both deep resentment and fear toward Konoha.
Countless letters flooded the capital, begging the Daimyō to punish Konoha. But these pleas vanished without a trace, like droplets sinking into a vast ocean.
The cheers of commoners and the mourning of nobles became the dominant melody of the Fire Nation.
Although this decree was merely words on paper, its true impact had yet to be seen…
Yet, its very existence seemed to shatter something fundamental.
The growing conflict between nobles and commoners in the Fire Nation drew many eyes.
Some within the shinobi world began to notice how fragile the hierarchy of commoners, shinobi, and nobles truly was.
For as long as history remembered, the Daimyō and nobles had ruled everything, while shinobi and commoners served them.
No one questioned it—because that was simply the way things had always been.
But that illusion, that thin veil of deception, had been torn apart by a single decree and Konoha's iron-fisted actions.
Those ruling at the top of the pyramid… perhaps they weren't as noble or powerful as the world had been led to believe.
The shinobi world remained outwardly calm, yet an undercurrent of unease began to spread.
Dark clouds loomed overhead, light rain drizzling continuously. Inside a peculiar high-rise structure…
...
"I'd like to meet Konoha's Hokage… If Yahiko were still alive, he would have been thrilled to see someone who shares his ideals."
Konan, an orphan since childhood, understood better than anyone what this decree meant for the common people.
But the thought of Yahiko cast a shadow over her emotions.
"Cough… Cough… Those in power cannot be trusted. Today's decree… tomorrow, it could be nothing but waste paper… Cough…"
Nagato, frail and emaciated, lay motionless. Black metal rods protruded from his body, leaving him incapable of movement.
Konan hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"…But I don't think that man calling himself Uchiha Madara can be trusted."
"He's just a shadow in hiding. We're merely borrowing his power… Cough… We will create the world Yahiko dreamed of…"
A violent coughing fit left Nagato's face flushed, his body looking even weaker.
Summoning the Gedo Statue had nearly drained him dry.
If not for the masked man's appearance, his guidance in developing Yin-Yang Release, and refining Nagato's control over the Six Paths…
Nagato would never have been able to defeat Hanzo the Salamander and unite Amegakure.
"Nagato…" Konan softly reassured him, concern filling her eyes as she looked at his frail body.
"Cough… Don't worry. I won't collapse until Yahiko's wish is fulfilled… Once I fully master these eyes, the shinobi world will know eternal peace under the gaze of a god…"
...
Inside the Hokage's Office…
Hearing the news from Minato, Danzo's expression stiffened for a brief moment.
"What's wrong, Elder? You don't seem very happy about Kushina's pregnancy."
Noticing Minato's puzzled expression, Danzo quickly regained his composure and spoke calmly:
"Congratulations, Minato. You're about to become a father. Your responsibilities will only grow heavier… I was merely thinking about the Nine-Tails."
Minato's expression turned serious. Aside from being his wife, Kushina was also the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.
And childbirth was the moment when a Jinchūriki's seal was at its weakest—a fact recorded as far back as Uzumaki Mito, wife of the First Hokage.
For a Jinchūriki, giving birth was a matter of life and death.
"Don't worry, Elder. I'll be by her side the entire time. I've already mastered all of the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques."
A gentle yet resolute smile appeared on Minato's face. "I won't let anything happen to either Kushina or Konoha."
Danzo nodded. "I believe in you, Minato… But my greater concern is external threats. There are those who don't want Konoha to grow any stronger, and they might seize this opportunity to strike… To be safe, I suggest calling Jiraiya back."
In all his time knowing Danzo, Minato had never seen him lose his composure. No matter the situation, the elder always remained calm and unshaken. But today…
"Elder, is there something specific you're worried about? Or something you know?"
Danzo didn't answer directly. The story had already deviated significantly from its original course—far beyond the impact of a mere butterfly's wings.
"Just a precaution. Konoha cannot afford any mistakes right now."
And as for your foolish traitorous student… who knows if he'll try to return for revenge?
But with Minato, myself, Pakura, Shisui, the Uchiha clan…
And Jiraiya back as an extra safeguard…
If that damn traitor dares to return, perhaps…
I'll make sure he stays in Konoha. Permanently.
"Elder, why don't you come over for dinner? Celebrate with me? Kushina even went out to buy groceries this morning."
Minato's hopeful expression was almost childlike.
"After the baby is born."
Danzo declined without hesitation. Was he really supposed to trust Kushina's cooking?
With her fiery personality, he imagined every time she stepped into the kitchen, the place would need a complete renovation afterward.
Minato, however, didn't seem discouraged. Instead, he smiled at Danzo's response.
"It's a promise, then."
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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