The unrest in Konoha had ended.
Ninja casualties numbered over a hundred, and civilian casualties over a thousand.
It was Konoha's greatest catastrophe since Pain's assault.
But unlike Pain's assault, this time there was no Rinne Rebirth to resurrect the dead.
Those who had died were truly gone.
An investigation into Guoshang's origins began.
It brought to light Tsunade's private treatment of Kabuto Yakushi.
Tsunade took full responsibility and stepped down!
The following day, at the memorial service for the victims.
Tsunade attended and laid flowers for the dead.
The victims' families unleashed a torrent of accusations at her!
"It was you... you killed my family!"
"And to think we trusted you so much!"
"So the rumors were true! Pain's attack on Konoha was a conspiracy you and Naruto Uzumaki planned together!"
"Your protection and indulgence of the missing-nin Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha led to this tragedy!"
"Did you think stepping down would make everything all right?!"
"Get out! You don't deserve to live off the taxes we pay with our hard-earned money!"
"Tsunade, get out of Konoha!!"
"Get out!! Never come back!!"
Tsunade silently endured their verbal attacks. She knew the villagers needed an outlet for their resentment. Only then could she clear the obstacles to Kakashi's administration once he took office.
"Lady Tsunade..." Shizune gazed heartbroken at Tsunade, who was drowning in their abuse, tears streaming down her face.
Some ninja wanted to step forward and say something, but Shikaku stopped them.
He knew Tsunade had long since prepared herself.
She was prepared to step down at any moment and bear the consequences.
The memorial service ended in gloom.
This day could be called the darkest moment since Konoha's founding. Public trust in the Hokage had fallen to its lowest point!
No one could have imagined that