Tamura Hiroshi trusted Black Zetsu's ability to get things done. After handing Momoshiki and the other two over to him, he stopped asking questions and paid little attention to the Empire's affairs. He only made an appearance when Uchiha Shisui passed the title on to Kabuto Yakushi.
Kabuto's reputation had already begun to spread. Once the Fusang Divine Tree Plan was unveiled, everyone learned that he was the one who had spearheaded it. Over the past two years, they had all enjoyed the benefits the Fusang Divine Tree brought, making Senjutsu training easier and faster.
With such an achievement to his name, Kabuto naturally had overwhelming support to become the Seventh Sage Ninja. Although the Empire had plenty of talented young people with considerable strength and prestige, such as Uchiha Itachi and Hatake Kakashi, none of them could compare with the one who had spearheaded the Fusang Divine Tree Plan when it came to accomplishments.
When Shimura Danzō, who had long been hiding overseas, learned that the lackey he had planted had become the Seventh Sage Ninja of the Sage Ninja Empire, he was dumbfounded.
"Danzō, can you still control that man, Kabuto?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a drag on his pipe, finding the whole thing surreal too. The spy his old friend had planted had actually become the Seventh Sage Ninja of the Sage Ninja Empire. It just didn't seem real.
Shimura Danzō remained silent. He honestly couldn't say.
"The Sage Ninja Empire is growing stronger by the day, and its people are constantly expanding outward. They're even exploring the oceans. Sooner or later, they'll discover us."
Mitokado Homura got down to business. Based on the intelligence they had gathered, the Sage Ninja Empire's growth could only be described as terrifying. With Senjutsu training, even Kage-level Experts could be mass-produced.