Compared to the peace and prosperity of Konoha, the Land of Fire was in turmoil.
As policies were gradually implemented, Danzo personally stepped in to guide the process.
After all, the nobles had been indulging in luxury for centuries—some of their habits needed correction.
Danzo offloaded all Root's administrative responsibilities in Konoha onto Yakushi Nono.
Meanwhile, Aburame Ryoma oversaw affairs in the Land of Rivers, eliminating any need for concern.
Root's 532 new members were uniformly assigned to the law enforcement squads across the Land of Fire.
Danzo also requested a batch of skilled genin from Minato.
Wherever they went, the nobles trembled in fear…
To the commoners, they were enforcers of justice, to the nobles, they were demons and executioners.
Over the span of six months, like ink spreading across a canvas, Konoha's influence expanded from the southern regions of the Land of Fire.
Under the pretense of enforcing the nation's laws, they established four major strongholds and over two hundred smaller outposts. Whenever manpower was insufficient, Danzo simply requested more from Minato.
The cost of maintaining these outposts? Funded entirely by the local nobility.
Minato's attitude shifted from initial support to enthusiastic endorsement.
By the time these outposts were fully operational, Konoha had unknowingly seized control of over half the Land of Fire's territory.
And its influence continued to deepen and solidify…
It was only then that Minato realized—Danzo was playing a grand game of strategy.
And the greatest beneficiary of this game was Konoha itself.
In the northern Land of Fire stood a majestic castle, its walls adorned with the crest of the Tokugawa family—a lineage that had ranked among the most powerful for centuries.
Inside the palace, the Tokugawa patriarch trembled as he bowed before a masked woman, reporting on the state of his domain.
Had it been the past, at the sight of such a voluptuous woman, he would have long since pounced on her, eager to indulge himself.
But now, he was filled with nothing but terror, not daring to show a hint of disrespect.
After all, the two corpses lying beside him made it clear what happened to those who did.
"...Since the heads of the Mukawa and Shimoike families failed to appear, allow me to handle their affairs in your stead. Please, my lady, rest well here…" His face was drenched in cold sweat, his words filled with flattery, terrified of provoking her ire.
The Tokugawa family had not been this subservient in ages—the last time he could recall was when he was vying for the position of clan head, groveling before his father.
"There's no need. Just manage your domain properly. The matters of the nobility will be handled by our enforcement squads," the woman replied, her voice carrying a lazy yet seductive undertone that sent chills down their spines.
None of the nobles dared to raise their heads—instead, they cowered in fear.
That same alluring voice had filled the air when she executed two of their own just moments ago.
Ikawa Kamimi slowly ascended the steps to the Tokugawa family's throne, looking down at the gathered nobles, who quivered like frightened quail.
Draped in their silk garments, symbols of noble status, they now knelt at her feet in utter submission.
Back when she was merely a jōnin, even she had to kneel and bow before them, enduring their lecherous stares.
But now…
Beneath her mask, her cheeks flushed with color, her eyes dazed with an inexplicable pleasure—this was what she had long desired.
"This castle is now under the jurisdiction of the law enforcement squads. You may leave."
"Yes, yes, my lady…"
"..."
As if granted amnesty, the nobles hurriedly scurried out of the lavish palace.
"Captain, our forces are in place. Konoha's reinforcements will arrive in three days." Two figures appeared at Kamimi's side.
"Danzo-sama is watching us. Follow the plan—we must fully seize control of the northern Land of Fire within a month."
"..."
Once everyone had left, Kamimi sat alone on the throne, gently tracing the Root insignia on her mask.
"One day… I will take you off…"
Within a secluded courtyard in Konoha, furious shouting and cursing echoed through the air.
"Who do they think they are?! They're going to drag Konoha and the Land of Fire into the abyss! Damn it…!"
Across the table, the Third Hokage, looking as though he had aged ten years, silently puffed on his pipe.
"Calm down, Asuma… You are a shinobi."
Those words only fueled Asuma's rage further—he swept the shogi board off the table in frustration.
"A shinobi? I can't even leave this courtyard! What kind of shinobi am I? I'm nothing more than a prisoner!"
During the attack by Kumogakure and Iwagakure, Asuma and Kazuma had led the daimyo's personal shinobi force in an assassination attempt on the Fourth Hokage.
In the end… only Asuma survived. Minato had spared him, but only out of consideration for Hiruzen.
Yet, he was placed under strict surveillance, with ANBU operatives monitoring his every move.
Watching his enraged son, the Third Hokage could only take another silent puff of his pipe. A storm of emotions swirled within him, making it impossible to find the right words.
Konoha was growing stronger—he should have been pleased… And yet…
"Minato has promised me—once this situation settles, you will be free. In the meantime, use this period to hone your strength."
"..."
The Third let out a deep sigh.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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