After having Hiashi and Shikaku return to Konohagakure.
Shōji also specifically instructed Ogata, Bunya, and several other Jōnin slated for Iwagakure's upper ranks to enter Konohagakure ahead of time and maintain order. With the Allied Forces routed, they had to prevent unnecessary chaos from breaking out within Konoha.
Never assume that everyone in Konohagakure would behave themselves just because the Iwagakure army was stationed outside. Never underestimate the depths to which certain people could sink. No matter the era or place, there would always be fools lacking the sense to know better, people who would try to "make a fortune" amid such circumstances! Or who simply wanted to vent certain emotions.
Such people were never scarce in any era, country, or ninja village. They had to be strictly monitored. Then there were Konoha's special facilities—prisons, the Anbu, the Hokage Tower, the Secret Research Institute, and the like—all of which had to be forcibly taken over first.
There was also the issue of the remaining prisoners, which needed proper arrangements. Naturally, none of this could be handled perfectly in a short time. But so long as the necessary measures were put in place first, there would be no need to worry about unexpected problems. The rest could be dealt with gradually later.
Shōji gave only a few concise orders, yet Ogata, Bunya, Hoshino, and the other Iwagakure Ninja quickly got the message from their Lord Tsuchikage.
"Yes, Lord Fourth! We obey your command!"
After bowing in acknowledgment, they shot away at top speed, heading for their respective destinations to carry out Shōji's orders. Only after settling these necessary preliminary matters did Shōji turn his gaze toward Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo, and the others who had been brought in under guard.
"Heh. Four years. Just four years, and we meet again under such