Main World.
Konoha Year Twenty-Two, spring.
Konoha, Hokage Building.
It was now the fifth day since the internal strife sparked by Shimura Danzō had ended.
A heavy, oppressive atmosphere still hung over all of Konoha, refusing to lift.
The soot stains on the Hokage Building's walls had long since been scrubbed clean, restoring its former neatness and solemnity. But the ninja who had fallen and the clansmen who had died in that brutal conflict were forever etched into the hearts of every Konoha villager and every senior official, impossible to erase.
Tobirama Senju lay in a hospital bed in an inner room, his body swathed in bandages. His face was still deathly pale, his eyes still sunken, his silver hair still dull and lifeless. But his eyes were open, his red pupils fixed on the ceiling, as though he were thinking about something.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat beside the bed, holding a newly delivered intelligence report. His expression was grave, his brows tightly knitted, his lips pressed into a thin line.
"Sensei, something... major has happened with the Toyotomi Clan. We've received the latest news."
Tobirama Senju's brow furrowed slightly.
"Speak."
Hiruzen Sarutobi drew a deep breath and unrolled the intelligence scroll.
"Members of the Toyotomi Clan disappeared without explanation. Toyotomi Yinglang previously went to Sunagakure to negotiate, but afterward, the situation spiraled completely out of control-the Second Kazekage of Sunagakure, Shamon, was killed in battle. The entire village has been completely conquered and occupied by the Toyotomi Clan."
Tobirama Senju's pupils contracted slightly.
"What?!"
"The intelligence is confirmed. Shamon is dead, all of Sunagakure has fallen, and it is now entirely under the Toyotomi Clan's control."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was very low.
Tobirama Senju fell silent for a long time.
"Is Toyotomi Yinglang... planning to install himself as Kazekage? He's