Konoha and Kirigakure's Adjustment Period

Konoha.

Two banners, one red and one blue, were hung on the left and right sides of the Hokage Office Building, respectively, symbolizing the Land of Water and the Land of Fire.

"The ninjas of Mist Ninja and Konoha Ninja are integrated, and so are the various departments. Even if there are many frictions in the early stages, we must continue."

"I'm not even ruling out the possibility of appointing Kisame Hoshigaki and Uchiha Itachi as the new Anbu Captain Anbu."

"Kakashi Hatake and Uchiha Shisui are the Hatake Kakashi and vice-captain of the Konoha Jonin team."

Inside the office, Uchiha Yoru exuded confidence and composure. Facing the merger of the two ninja villages, he showed no sign of trouble, but rather a confident smile.

As if they had planned it all along, the series of policies they issued surprised everyone, and the headache-inducing problems suddenly seemed less daunting.

"Hehe, I must say, no wonder he's the man Mei Terumi has her eye on."

At this moment, Mei Terumi on the left side of the office, saw that her headache had been resolved so easily, and a seductive smile immediately appeared on her face.

The tea-making was completed in one smooth motion, but Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but twitch his eye as he looked at Mei Terumi serving him. If only there weren't stacks of official documents on either side of him.

Meanwhile, Tsunade casually toyed with playing cards, a broad smile on her face, and said, "Not bad, as expected of the God of Shinobi. Just look at your efficiency in reviewing government affairs; even the Five Kage combined can't match yours."

Seeing the two of them enjoying their leisure time while leaving all the political affairs to him, Uchiha Yoru's smile was somewhat unnatural, but his eyes revealed tenderness.

He knew this was a compromise between the two sides. After all, this was a critical time, and who would handle these important political affairs, the Mizukage or the Hokage?

If nothing happens, it's fine, but if something does, what then? It could be exploited by malicious individuals, or even sow the seeds of future trouble.

On the contrary, Uchiha Yoru a sensation in the Shinobi World because of his book "My Struggle," especially the policies contained therein, which made Mei Terumi's Mist Ninja army love it.

It can be said that Uchiha Yoru's Prestige was also quite high in the eyes of these Mist Ninja.

Furthermore, Uchiha Yoru is above the Kage level and directly responsible for their existence, so naturally, there wouldn't be any problems with the documents he approves.

Of course, this is currently a period of adjustment for the ninjas from the two villages to integrate with each other; things will get better once this period is over.

"I must say, your Mist Ninja's Bloody Mist Policy directly accelerated the integration of the ninja from the two villages."

Faced with this question, Mei Terumi, who was standing to the side, also let out a long sigh. This time, she was no longer alone. The strength that she used to have to maintain no longer needed to be a pretense.

Mei Terumi rubbing her temples wearily.

"The Bloody Mist Policy alienated many Mist Ninja, causing them to feel oppressed and resentful even in their birth villages. This was especially true for Kekkei Genkai Ninja, who were ostracized and ultimately exterminated."

"This time, almost all the leaders in the Mist Ninja were Kekkei Genkai ninjas, especially during their fusion with the Konoha Ninjas. These once arrogant Kekkei Genkai ninjas all showed their goodwill."

Even Mei Terumi couldn't help but sigh at this, realizing that these once arrogant and even bloodthirsty Kekkei Genkai families were now all eager to smile at anyone they met.

Everyone knew that this group of Mist Ninja only wanted to merge quickly, but it had a miraculous effect.

Having suddenly moved from the hostile and despised environment of Kirigakure to this place, where there is no hatred or disgust, only unfamiliarity, their most urgent task now is to transform this unfamiliarity into familiarity.

"This is a new rule I've established regarding the Forehead Protector for the two villages, Mist Ninja and Konoha."

Looking at Mei Terumi and Tsunade, Uchiha Yoru said with a smile, "The Mist Ninja and the Konoha represent the customs and cultures of two different countries. Changing the Forehead Protector to one would create the potential for conflict over who is superior. Designing a new Forehead Protector might not satisfy the ninjas of both villages."

"After all, it's hard to part with one's hometown, so I'm preparing to issue a new decree that Forehead Protector Mist Ninja and Konoha will serve as representatives of their hometowns. For example, Konoha Ninja born in the ruins of the Land of Water or the Land of Land of Whirlpools will be required to wear Mist Ninja Forehead Protector."

"Similarly, for those below Jōnin, all ninjas' choices will be respected, while for those Jōnin, new Forehead Protector will be established, and all Jōnin from Konoha and Mist Ninja will be replaced."

Jōnin level is already considered high-end combat power, and Uchiha Yoru also had to keep these people in check. Although the Forehead Protector was small, it represented a subtle psychological change.

"Since you've already proclaimed yourself the God of Shinobi, you've exposed your ambition to the ninjas. Moreover, in the rules you've established, the status of Jōnin can be explained to outsiders as a messenger of God."

"This also declares your ambition: now it's Mist Ninja and Konoha, but in the future, other villages might not be so bad."

As she spoke about political tactics, Tsunade toyed with the cards in her hand while letting out a meaningful laugh.

"Indeed, this time you simultaneously issued a notice to the entire Shinobi World, recruiting all wandering Kekkei Genkai ninjas/clans, and even clans using secret techniques. One purpose was to demonstrate your power to the Shinobi World, and the other was to alleviate the issue of merging the two major ninja villages of Konoha."

"These Rogue Ninja clans and ninjas are like the lubricant and buffer during the break-in period between Mist Ninja and Konoha."

At this point, Mei Terumi couldn't help but show admiration.

"The Kamizuru Clan, expelled from Iwagakure, is a clan that uses insect-based secret techniques, just like the Aburame Clan. In fact, they have fallen from grace, and after so many years, only a few members remain. Now, for the sake of their clan's survival, they have chosen to join."

"There are also the Fuma Clan and the Spider Clan recommended by Orochimaru, the Sannin Orochimaru. These so-called secret technique clans actually consist of only a few people, at most a few dozen ninjas, and ninjas with Jōnin strength are extremely rare."

These small clans are pitifully weak, lacking even Jōnin. Chunin level is considered top-tier combat strength, and their so-called secret techniques are incredibly weak. Although there are various reasons why they wander the Shinobi World, the fact that they haven't been targeted suggests that their strength is not worth taking action against.

Regarding these Rogue Ninja clans, Mei Terumi couldn't help but chuckle, saying, "After passing the inspection, these wandering clans have indeed played a buffering and lubricating role within the village, and their value is greater than ever before."

"The Intelligence Department, I've decided to have Hizashi Hyuga Juzo Biwa jointly in charge. As for the Medical Department..."

At this point, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but smile, looking at Mei Terumi and shrugging.

"There are indeed no outstanding Medical Ninjas in Mist Ninja right now, so I plan to appoint Yakushi Nonō as the Medical Department."

Mei Terumi did not object to this resignation. In terms of overall strength, the number of Mist Ninja who joined Konoha was no more than three thousand.

Almost every important department has the presence of Mist Ninja, though this is all based on strength. While Mist Ninja are generally weaker, their ninjas are of such high quality and individual combat skills that they are in no way inferior to Konoha Ninjas.

Therefore, neither side had much of an opinion about the presence of Mist Ninja in these positions. After all, in addition to whether the ninjas' intellect and personality were suitable, the most important factor for these departments was their strength.

Without real ability, nothing you say matters.

In terms of combat, the Mist Ninja are among the top tier, but in terms of Medical Ninjas, their situation is truly appalling.

"The Shinobi World is a little too quiet right now."

After finishing almost all the trivial administrative tasks, Mei Terumi narrowed one of her exposed eyes and spoke with a smile, but there was a clear hint of seriousness in her eyes.

Tsunade, standing nearby, scoffed and said disdainfully, "They're all a bunch of old foxes. Faced with overwhelming power, naturally no one will be the first to step forward."

"But you see, everyone in the Shinobi World is watching Kirigakure now. After all, Yoru's rise to power was a declaration to the entire Shinobi World that Kirigakure of the Land of Water, was under his jurisdiction."

"This First Shinobi War is for the Shinobi World to observe our strength. Even if our strength is slightly weaker this time, as long as the combined power of Wood Release and Mangekyo is 80% of my grandfather's, the entire Shinobi World will accept it."

After Tsunade directly exposed the ugly face of self-interest in the Shinobi World, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but smile and nod in agreement.

"That's right. Faced with absolute power, they will only keep a low profile and even act subservient until they are fully prepared, provided that their interests are not threatened."

"Once the line is crossed, it's like a herd of cattle facing a pack of wolves. You can eat a little bit without any problem, but if they try to take over the whole herd, the seemingly harmless herd will launch a final charge."

Mei Terumi and Tsunade were both Fifth Generation in the original story, so they were not ignorant of politics; on the contrary, they were extremely adept at it and could see things clearly.

"Hey, kid, this time it's for the peace of the Shinobi World."

Suddenly remembering something, Tsunade's face showed a stubborn look. After all, her status was the most noble, and yet she had pulled this stunt.

"I believe we should announce this to the Shinobi World and invite envoys from all the major nations and ninja villages to Konoha once again."

When she said this, Tsunade's eyes darted away for a moment, but after thinking about her plan, greed still took over.

"A generous gift is required!"

Good grief, it seems Tsunade is clearly just trying to squeeze money out of people—I mean, to make money! She's going to such lengths to squeeze money out of people again?

Upon hearing this, Mei Terumi narrowed her eyes and began to make her own plans.

"Tsunade, I think it's possible. We can even inform the Shinobi World first. As for the date... after we've swallowed up the entire Kirigakure of the Land of Water, hehe, I think that's when..."

Mei Terumi and Tsunade exchanged a glance, then simultaneously licked their lips, their eyes gleaming with golden light, unable to conceal their excitement.

It's obvious that given their status, this wedding couldn't be anything less than spectacular, and they even seemed intent on taking advantage of the Shinobi World.

After annexing the Kirigakure of the Land of Water and suppressing the rebellion, the power they display will be enough to shake the Shinobi World.

Then, naturally, envoys from all the major ninja villages would come to the wedding.

Don't be fooled by the difference between the two; the gap is huge. If you invite the Shinobi World now, they will definitely come, but the monetary gift—no, the congratulatory gift—will be significantly less valuable.

If they defeat the Mist Ninja, their revealed power will shake the Shinobi World. The congratulatory gifts sent then will obviously be of the highest standard.

"You!"

Seeing the golden light shimmering in the two women's beautiful, large eyes, Uchiha Yoru was somewhat taken aback, but upon reflection, it seemed to make sense.

Maximize profits, why not take advantage of it?

"I think it's good too."

Uchiha Yoru, stroking his chin, also wore a meaningful smile. The three of them exchanged glances and then burst into laughter.

"For the peace of the Shinobi World."

The three men burst into laughter and shouts, seemingly celebrating something, before enthusiastically joining in on government affairs.

The outer perimeter of Konoha is a remote area surrounded by forests, truly a perfect place for self-cultivation.

Surrounded by forests, a vast clan territory emerged, and from the architectural perspective, the buildings on the surface were all newly constructed.

Judging from the clan crests of the surrounding buildings, there are families such as Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, with the Sarutobi Clan being the largest.

Scattered together, these clan territories could barely form a commercial street, but there was an oppressive atmosphere here that was not found in other parts of Konoha.

One by one, the ninjas fell silent, clearly indicating that something was amiss.

Inside a quaint house.

"Sigh, how similar this situation is to that of the Uchiha Clan back then."

In the dimly lit room, Jiraiya wore a complex expression. He had sensed an unusual, oppressive, and unsettling atmosphere as soon as he entered.

After the Nine-Tails' Rampage, he returned to attend the Fourth Hokage's funeral and witnessed the Uchiha Clan's migration. The atmosphere was the same, only now it was reversed.

Inside the room, Hiruzen Sarutobi had lost his former sharpness. His dejected aura made him look like an old man, and even his eyes were somewhat dull, as if he had dementia.

"Old man, look at Konoha now. It's a force to be reckoned with in the Shinobi World, and no one dares to challenge it. Although this is only temporary, and I don't know if it's right or wrong, Konoha has truly become powerful."

Jiraiya muttered to himself with a sigh, "The Land of Water's Bloody Mist Policy has left these Kekkei Genkai ninjas and clans with no desire to join Konoha. Not a single one of them misses the Land of Water."

"Now that these Kekkei Genkai ninjas from the Land of Water have joined Konoha, I can see that they genuinely want to integrate into the village. Moreover, with the powerful Uchiha Clan above them, these clans won't cause any trouble."

"With its current Konoha -Kage Level and Jōnin -level combat power, Konoha is already the strongest in the Shinobi World. At present, relying solely on military strength, neither Stone Ninja nor Cloud Ninja can individually contend with it; only by joining forces can they succeed."

Jiraiya muttered to himself, he poured himself a full glass of wine and gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"Back then, when faced with Konoha's quagmire, we all chose to run away, never imagining that a young brat would change the landscape of the Shinobi World. Whether it was right or wrong, perhaps this brat was the chosen one."

Jiraiya was talking to himself about the changes in Konoha and the situation in the Shinobi World, while Hiruzen Sarutobi opposite him had a blank stare and seemed indifferent to everything.

Seeing this, Jiraiya gave a self-deprecating, bitter laugh.

The old man, perhaps due to the immense shock and mental trauma he suffered, had become senile since the Hokage succession ceremony.

Even Tsunade and sighed. This was a blow to her spirit, perhaps caused by her not wanting to face reality and choosing to escape from it.

"Old man, I'm leaving. This brat has orders. I never thought I'd have this day, haha."

"Tsunade is really something, taking advantage of such a young woman, haha. I'll come back to see you at Tsunade's wedding. Bye!"

The wind caused the curtains to sway.

In the dimly lit room, there were only empty wine glasses and an old man with a blank stare. But after some time, a glint of light flashed in the old man's eyes.

Okay, I've revised the somewhat awkward sentences from the beginning. If you want to see them again, you can refresh the page and go back to the previous chapter, haha.