In Front of the Memorial Stone
On September 20th of the 50th year of Konoha, the Hokage summoned all the ninja of Konoha to hold a memorial ceremony to commemorate the heroes who died in the Ninja War while protecting Konoha.
The sky was somewhat overcast, and a light drizzle was falling.
Memorial Stone, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, dressed in a black robe, silently held a bouquet of chrysanthemums, a symbol of remembrance and mourning, and placed it Memorial Stone engraved with countless names.
The somber and sorrowful scene seemed to be felt even by the heavens. The continuous drizzle and the thousands of villagers dressed in black robes, their expressions grief-stricken, some even with tears streaming down their faces, created a deeply mournful atmosphere.
The war between Konoha and Hidden Mist Hidden Sand has ended, and both sides have signed an agreement to reach a reconciliation. Naraku's reputation has soared on the battlefields of Hidden Mist and Hidden Sand, but the reputation of the Third Sarutobi Hiruzen, has declined significantly.
In particular, Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision not to pursue Hidden Sand angered many villagers and ninjas, whose relatives and friends perished in the war.
The battlefield of Hidden Sand suddenly entered the Land of Fire. Sunagakure Ninja were especially skilled in using poison, and many Konoha Ninja who were supporting Kikyo Castle clashed with Hidden Sand on their way there. Many Konoha Ninja who could not arrive in time died painfully from the torment of poison.
Even with staggered reinforcements and piecemeal tactics, the Konoha Ninja remained resolute and obeyed the Hokage's orders to go into battle.
The war between Konoha and Hidden Sand resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, and the enmity between the two sides ran deep. A large number of Konoha, middle-aged and young ninjas were killed, and the village's strength was greatly weakened.
For the sake of peace, and also because Konoha was already exhausted, Sarutobi Hiruzen that Konoha could not continue fighting. Forgetting war would lead to danger, and being fond of war would lead to destruction. Konoha was surrounded by war on all sides, and in its current situation, it could no longer fight.
However, even if Sarutobi Hiruzen's strategy was for the benefit of Konoha, hatred is not so easily resolved. Amid the villagers' doubts and insults, Sarutobi Hiruzen silently endured their criticism.
Nearly a thousand Uchiha ninjas, dressed in black robes, stood silently. Naraku stood at the very front of the Uchiha ranks, his eyes filled with sadness.
Konoha is the village Uchiha Nara lived for many years. Although the relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha is sometimes good and sometimes bad, and there are many underhanded dealings, at present it is limited to a few people in the Uchiha and Konoha High Command engaging in open and covert power struggles.
These villagers and ninjas of Konoha were innocent. On the battlefield, they obeyed Naraku's orders and fought bravely, but many more died tragically in the war...
Sarutobi Hiruzen accepted the peace negotiations with Hidden Sand. During the negotiations, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not demand the compensation he was entitled to and showed great goodwill by releasing Uchiha Nara, a high-ranking Hidden Sand official captured by Naraku Ebizo, and Pakura, a Hidden Sand hero. This eased the tension between Konoha and Hidden Sand, and Chiyo, the Chiyo behind Hidden Sand, greatly reduced her hatred for Konoha.
Of the Five Great Nations in the Ninja War, Hidden Sand, Hidden Mist, and Kumogakure had entered the era of the Fourth Hokage. Iwagakure and Konoha, which were ruled by the Third, had the strongest cohesion due to their leaders' long-term rule and extremely strong control over the villages. However, they also suffered the most casualties.
During the peace negotiations between Konoha Hidden Sand, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, has been criticized by many villagers, with some even going to the Hokage Residence to shout and weep.
Sarutobi Hiruzen suppressed and dealt with the villagers, and sent envoys to prepare for Kumogakure talks with Iwagakure, to lift the declaration of war, restore peace, and allow the villagers to recuperate.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's peace talks with Hidden Sand have been criticized by many villagers. Countless villagers have a blood feud with Hidden Sand, and it is not so easy to resolve.
The battlefield in Northwest Iwagakure was no less devastating than that in Hidden Sand. Even Naraku's Uchiha clan suffered heavy casualties, and other Konoha Ninja forces must have fared even worse.
The Yellow Flash's guerrilla warfare in the Northwest and Northeast, Kumogakure Village battlefield, due to the strength of the Yellow Flash Namikaze Minato, did not see any particularly fierce battles. However, small-scale guerrilla warfare between the two sides never stopped. The Northwest Iwagakure only began to weaken Battle of Kannabi Bridge.
While Sarutobi Hiruzen's Kumogakure negotiations with Iwagakure and Iwagakure were strategically correct, people are not immune to human compassion. A correct strategy doesn't guarantee the villagers' understanding. Only if the enemy returns their loved ones or hands over the murderers will they be likely to show any sympathy.
Naraku didn't comment on Sarutobi Hiruzen's actions, but it was clear that Sarutobi Hiruzen, as the Third Hokage, couldn't continue. Someone had to take responsibility, and there was no one else but Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Naraku, should we retrieve Hatake Kakashi's Sharingan?"
Uchiha Inabi tugged at Naraku's sleeve and asked softly.
The solemn and sorrowful atmosphere Memorial Stone, along with the drizzling rain, stirred a sense of sadness in Naraku. Hearing the words of those around him, Naraku glanced at Hatake Kakashi, who was standing in the distance next to Sakumo.
Uchiha Obito Sharingan, which had been withdrawn, was now soaking in nutrient solution. Naraku, having made his own plans, replied softly.
"No need. Since it's Obito's wish and he's Sakumo's son, let's leave it at that for now."
Naraku explained softly to Inabi.
It wasn't that Naraku was kind-hearted or not strong enough; if Naraku remembered correctly, Obito's Sharingan would evolve into the Mangekyo, which would require someone to provide Chakra and nourishment.
While nutrient solution can maintain the Sharingan's activity, it's impossible to truly nourish it with human intervention. Fresh Chakra and emotional stimulation are the best nourishment for the Sharingan. This Sharingan, placed on Kakashi, can be nourished by Kakashi.
If Naraku needs it and we want to take it back then, we can do so at that time. The current stage is not a good time to take it back.
Furthermore, Kakashi cherishes this Sharingan Kakashi, a gift from his dearest friend. If it were transplanted to another Uchiha clan member, the future would be unpredictable.
Naraku was fully aware of the power of this Kamui Sharingan. Meanwhile, Hatake Kakashi was a student of Namikaze Minato Hatake Sakumo.
Although Naraku doesn't need to worry about these two, and retrieving the Sharingan is only natural, the current situation and Naraku's plan make retrieving the Sharingan against Naraku will.
If Uchiha Obito Konoha, then this Sharingan will undoubtedly be returned to its rightful owner.
However, at this stage, Naraku considered various factors and believed that there was no need to rush to recall him. Especially Obito, Naraku's choice for the Fifth Hokage. If he was beyond redemption, Naraku would have to find a way to deal with someone who had already gone mad and degenerated.
Uchiha Shisui's Kotoamatsukami is a backup plan, a supposedly incredibly powerful Genjutsu, but its effectiveness will depend on how it performs.
If Obito returns to Konoha, Naraku might not dare to return the Sharingan to him. If he turns evil again, the trouble with the dual Kamui will be truly immense.
Seeing that Naraku seemed to be in a daze, Uchiha Ruofeng and Uchiha Inabi tugged at Naraku's sleeve.
"Um?"
Naraku to his senses and realized it was time for him to offer the flowers.
Naraku led a large group of Uchiha members forward, placed a bouquet of lilies Memorial Stone, and remained silent.
The lily, a flower in the Land of Fire that symbolizes the connection between Heaven and Hell, represents immortality and transcendence, and is used to express mourning and respect for the deceased.