Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Reforms of the Leaf Village!

What followed needs little explanation. With the support of powerful figures such as Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Sasuke, Naruto, and the great families of the Hyuga and Nara clans, Tsunade forcefully pushed through a sweeping reform.

First, the crimes of Danzo and his Root Division were made public, along with the results of their experiments and the corpses they had hidden away. The countless Sharingan eyes and the bodies from various clans used for bloodline research instantly sealed Danzo’s reputation as a historic criminal, his name etched onto the tombstone of infamy.

Furthermore, the Third Hokage, who tacitly allowed Danzo to create Root and conduct human experiments, was derided as the most worthless Hokage in Konoha’s history. Not only was his face collectively removed from the Hokage Rock by the people, he was denied even a funeral. His own son Asuma and grandson Konohamaru silently agreed with the public’s actions, burying the Third’s body in an unmarked location. All rituals, offerings, and memorials were canceled.

Next, the Elder Council was dismantled. Members of the same squad as Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo, both now reviled, had nearly ruined their families and were almost expelled from the village. The other elders from their team—Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu—naturally became targets for public outrage. Now, not only did they lose all power, they could hardly leave their homes without being pelted with rotten leaves, tomatoes, and eggs. Life in Konoha had become unbearable.

The third wave of measures brought the Land of Rain into the fold. This was straightforward; with Nagato’s presence, the Land of Rain surrendered unconditionally, and even the Land of Waves joined Konoha, becoming one of its protected territories.

Fourth, new agricultural techniques and high-yield crops were made mandatory for farmers. Farming tools were reformed, and technology was promoted, ushering in a thriving era for all of Konoha. At the same time, a Research Division was established, led by Orochimaru, with Tsunade as deputy, dedicated to developing new technologies and medical ninjutsu. After understanding the division’s role, Sasori and Deidara volunteered to join, pioneering the Puppet and Explosives sub-divisions.

Fifth, Tsunade led a team with the new Head of the Anbu, Uzumaki Nagato, and Deputy Jiraiya to the capital of the Land of Fire. After an open discussion with the daimyo, the daimyo voluntarily surrendered all power, becoming an honorary figurehead, and released the governing authority of the Land of Fire.

A governing party was then formed, led by Konoha with representatives from noble families and the populace, taking full control of Konoha’s power. The first act of the new administration was a complete legal reform, with the first article of the new constitution: The interests of the nation are inviolable.

Sixth, military reform. A Fire Country army was formed, led by ninja, with military training and regulations integrated into education. The entire military’s appearance, intelligence, strength, and character became channels for advancement.

Seventh, under the banner of “Red,” a new party was founded using the quotations of Mao, Leninist thought, and Marxist doctrine as its guiding principles. Henceforth, all officials would be selected from party members, and the people of the Land of Fire would have both electoral and candidacy rights.

Eighth, universal education. Earth Style and Wood Style ninja (Yamato) were dispatched to build elementary schools in every village, secondary schools in every city, and universities in Konoha and the capital. Ninja and scientific curricula were unified, allowing everyone to choose whether to learn ninjutsu to protect their homeland, pursue science and technology to change the world, or both, becoming versatile talents like Tsunade and Orochimaru.

Tenth…

Eleventh…

A series of reforms swept through, radically changing the atmosphere of the Land of Fire. By the time Black Zetsu and Obito returned to their own affairs, the Land of Fire had become utterly unrecognizable.

At the border, Black Zetsu and Obito watched the neatly marching ninja patrols from afar. They had only been gone for less than a year, yet not only was Akatsuki gone, the Land of Fire itself had become something they could no longer comprehend.

Who was behind all of this? Where was Nagato? What about Konan? And the unruly members of Akatsuki—why were none of them to be found?

“You infiltrated Konoha, what intelligence did you get? What happened in the Land of Fire?” Black Zetsu couldn’t help but speak as soon as he saw Obito.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to send White Zetsu for reconnaissance, but now every squad in the Land of Fire had at least one Hyuga ninja, and there were others—origin unknown—who had mastered the Mind’s Eye of the Kagura, a ninjutsu for scouting. The distinctive appearances of White Zetsu and Black Zetsu made them too easily identifiable, so he dared not risk exposure.

After all, the head of the announced Research Division was Orochimaru, who knew his secrets all too well.

Obito’s expression was complicated. He had tried to infiltrate Konoha, but as soon as he emerged from his Kamui space, he was forced back by countless diamond seals. Behind him, a swarm of kunai marked with Flying Thunder God tags followed. He barely escaped the Land of Fire, let alone obtained any intelligence from Konoha.

“I don’t know, I have no idea, I truly can’t get in.” Obito admitted helplessly. “Now, everywhere in the Land of Fire there are trigger barriers. Any spatial fluctuations are immediately detected… I think you should go instead. White Zetsu has chakra; transformation jutsu might work better for infiltration than I can.”

“You think I haven’t tried? Transformation jutsu is useless against the Byakugan!” Black Zetsu replied miserably. “Not to mention the Mind’s Eye of Kagura—there are all kinds of dojutsu that see through disguise. There’s really nothing I can do!”

“So what now? Akatsuki is gone, the Land of Rain is part of Konoha, do we abandon the plan?” Obito’s eyes burned with hatred. Without Rin, the world held no meaning for him. He would never allow the Moon Eye Plan to fail.

“With such profound changes in the Land of Fire, the other hidden villages are bound to grow wary…” Black Zetsu pondered and offered a suggestion that startled even Obito.

“The Land of Fire is now united as one. If it continues to develop, the entire ninja world may not be able to oppose it. I think we should, before it grows too strong, pause the tailed beast collection plan and incite the other four great hidden villages to attack Konoha!”

“You want to start a world war?” Obito hesitated; he only wanted to enact the Moon Eye Plan… He didn’t want Kakashi, Guy, and the others to die in a world war. At least, not to die in battle.

“Obito, are you regretting this?” Black Zetsu reminded him, “Don’t forget how Rin died!”

“I… Fine!” Obito hesitated for a second, recalling the moment Rin was pierced by Kakashi, and nodded fiercely. With their hundred thousand White Zetsu, another world war would be enough to unify the world. Once the ninja world bowed, they could collect the nine tailed beasts. When the Moon Eye Plan unfolded, Rin would return. Then, even if Kakashi, Guy, and others died, they could be revived in the illusion.

“Then let’s act!” Black Zetsu clapped his hands. “The Hidden Mist is already under your control—starting a war there is simple. So, we need to persuade the Hidden Sand, Hidden Cloud, and Hidden Stone. As for the reason… Isn’t it said that the Land of Fire’s aristocracy has been abolished and the daimyo was forced to give up power? Use this as your argument to persuade the other three daimyo!”