Chapter 225: Shifting the Blame, Attacking the Land of Grass!

Shimura Danzo's death was not covered up. On the contrary, under Uzumaki Raiden's deliberate arrangement, news of Danzo's demise spread throughout Konoha.

Everyone knew Danzo as a hero who died protecting the village. Before long, the identity of his murderer was also revealed—ninja from the Land of Grass. Fueled by Raiden's subtle instigation, the entire village erupted with anger and grief.

The common ninja were unaware of the complex political schemes behind the scenes. All they knew was that their village hero had sacrificed himself, and they needed to avenge him. That was enough.

Shortly afterward, during a Jōnin Council meeting, Uzumaki Raiden dismissed all opposition and formally declared war on the Land of Grass. Even before the meeting had adjourned, Konoha's military machine was already in motion. Within hours, a force of thousands had crossed the border, led by none other than Hatake Sakumo.

The speed of Konoha's response left the entire ninja world stunned. It was evident that Raiden had orchestrated this campaign well in advance.

The decision to mobilize had not come from the daimyo, allowing Konoha to act swiftly. The Land of Grass, a minor nation with limited military strength, had focused its defenses on the northern border due to the ongoing conflict between the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning. They had not anticipated an attack from Konoha, which was still recovering from the Third Great Ninja War.

By the time the Grass shinobi received news of Konoha's invasion, they had already lost most of their territory.

When the Hidden Stone and Hidden Cloud forces finally realized what had happened and contemplated intervening, they were already too entangled in their own war. Their brief hesitation sealed the Land of Grass's fate—by the time they considered their options, the Konoha banners were already flying over the entire country.

The ninja force led by Raiden consisted of war-hardened elites, and with the rallying cry of "avenge Hero Danzo," their morale was at its peak. Thus, the campaign of revenge (or aggression, as some might argue) proceeded smoothly.

Konoha's strict discipline ensured that once they had secured the territory, they immediately began relocating the population.

Soon, waves of civilians from the Land of Grass arrived near Konoha, and new settlements began to emerge within the Fire Country. The oppressive ruling class of the Land of Grass had fostered little national loyalty among its people, and many welcomed the stability Konoha offered.

After years of war, the people of the Land of Grass were exhausted and sought peace. The invasion provided them with an opportunity to leave their war-torn homeland behind.

With the population surge, Konoha embarked on large-scale infrastructure projects, expanding the village and recruiting workers for construction.

The Konoha Orphanage also underwent major reforms. After purging spies with altered consciousness, Raiden expanded the orphanage and established a school within it to instill the "Will of Fire" in the next generation.

With Danzo's death, Raiden faced no further resistance in consolidating his power. The disbandment of Root allowed him to expand his control over Konoha significantly, increasing the number of Anbu under his command and strengthening his authority.

Additionally, Raiden discovered numerous talented individuals within Root and, using both incentives and force, brought them under his wing after altering their Curse Seals of Absolute Obedience. The expansion of the Anbu force under his control proceeded seamlessly.

Morning at the Hokage's Office

The morning sun shone over the village, melting the remnants of frost and snow. Uzumaki Raiden sat by the window, basking in the warmth while diligently working on official matters.

Next to him, a small table held a young Uchiha Itachi, sitting upright and focused on a large ninjutsu scroll. Some portions of the scroll were spread across the table, while most of it lay rolled up on the ground.

The scroll bore the words "Scroll of Seals."

Uchiha Itachi had recently enrolled in the ninja academy, but with the current vacation, Raiden had taken him under his wing, providing mentorship firsthand.

On the opposite sides of the office, two more desks were nearly buried under towering stacks of documents, obscuring the figures of Namikaze Minato and Nara Shikaku, who were deeply engaged in paperwork.

Konoha had been undergoing rapid changes. With the village's power structure consolidated, Raiden had launched an ambitious plan for development. Despite the support of Minato and Shikaku, the workload remained overwhelming.

At that moment, the door to the office opened, and Kakashi entered quietly.

"Hokage-sama, the deputy captain of the infrastructure team is here with a report," Kakashi said in a low voice, careful not to disturb Minato and Shikaku. "Also, the captain of the expedition force, Hatake Sakumo, has returned and is waiting in the reception room."

Despite referring to his father in an official tone, Kakashi maintained a strictly professional demeanor.

"Let them in," Raiden said, setting aside his work. He glanced at Itachi's notes before getting up and moving to the sofa in the office's reception area.

Since Raiden had taken over, the Hokage's office had been redesigned, with a large sofa set up to receive important guests.

Soon, Kakashi reentered with two individuals—Hatake Sakumo, still covered in dust from his travels, and a young shinobi standing beside him. The young man, slightly younger than Kakashi, was none other than Yamato—one of the hidden talents Raiden had recruited from Root. Now serving as the deputy captain of the infrastructure team, Yamato was also a skilled user of Wood Release.

"Fourth Hokage!"

"Lord Hokage!"

Sakumo bowed slightly, while Yamato knelt down respectfully. Raiden quickly waved them over with a smile.

"No need for formalities. Come, have a seat."

"Senior Sakumo, congratulations on successfully avenging Elder Danzo. Your victory has showcased Konoha's strength once again!" Raiden praised.

"Yamato, you've been working hard too. Under your leadership, Konoha's infrastructure projects are progressing smoothly. The expansions of the orphanage and ninja academy are proceeding well!"

Raiden personally poured them tea, and his words caught Itachi's attention. He briefly looked up from his scroll, his eyes filled with curiosity as he observed Sakumo and Yamato.

"Hokage-sama, you overpraise me. It's my duty," Yamato responded humbly.

"I came to report on the construction progress. Here is the detailed information."

"Hokage-sama, I will take my leave now," Yamato added. Noticing Sakumo seated nearby, he quickly finished his tea, handed Raiden the report, and left respectfully.

Raiden praised him once more and let him go, placing the report aside to focus on Sakumo.

Compared to construction updates, Sakumo's battlefield report took priority.

"Fourth Hokage, the ninja forces of the Land of Grass have been completely neutralized by my team," Sakumo reported.

"Their medical staff have been spared and escorted back to Konoha. Many of them are not originally from the Land of Grass but displaced civilians from the Third Great Ninja War."

"Among them, we captured a woman with a special ability. According to the captured Grass ninja, she possesses a unique power that enables rapid healing of others."

Raiden's expression turned serious upon hearing this, his mind already considering the potential of such an ability.

(End of the chapter)