Naruto: After Seclusion Becoming Naruto Grandfather

When Danzo and Jiraiya returned to Konoha, they both knew Sarutobi Hiruzen would already have pieced together the situation.
Anyone who could rise to the position of Hokage wasn't lacking in intelligence. The auction, combined with the activities of Shin-Konoha, left too many clues for a seasoned veteran like Sarutobi to miss.
The Flying Thunder God mark on the invitation had seemed like an opportunity to return to Konoha quickly. However, they soon realized it was a one-way marker. There was no reverse Flying Thunder God Technique embedded within it.
As a result, it took Jiraiya and Danzo two full days to return, and the other clan heads arrived back in Konoha at a similar pace.
"Was the auction fun?"
Sarutobi's tone was neutral, masking the turmoil in his heart as he addressed his former apprentice and longtime comrade. He wasn't sure how to approach them—anger, disappointment, or diplomacy.
Konoha had already lost so much, and Sarutobi understood better than anyone that driving people away would only push the village closer to ruin.
The other clan leaders were still en route, but Sarutobi had chosen to wait for Jiraiya and Danzo's return first. These two were people he trusted—or at least, had trusted once.
Danzo chuckled awkwardly, trying to avoid the question. "Heh, well…"
Sarutobi sighed, knowing he wouldn't get anything meaningful out of Danzo. The man was a master of evasion when it came to direct questions.
"Jiraiya," Sarutobi said, turning to his former student. "Tell me, what's your impression of that village?"
Sarutobi deliberately refused to name Shin-Konoha, referring to it only as "that village." Acknowledging its legitimacy was a line he wasn't willing to cross.
Jiraiya hesitated for a moment before responding, his tone cautious. "With the Uzumaki clan's resources and the wealth they've accumulated, that village has already established itself as a prototype of a Great Ninja Village. And with this recent auction, they've gained another 70 million ryo in funding. I'm afraid—"
He didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.
Shin-Konoha wasn't just a fledgling village; it was a growing power that could rival Konoha itself.
Sarutobi's expression darkened as he let out a cold snort. "As long as Konoha stands, no imitator will ever surpass us."
He suppressed the anger bubbling within him, frustrated not only at Shin-Konoha's rise but also at Jiraiya's implied doubts about Konoha's future.
Danzo interjected, his voice calm but pointed. "Sarutobi, the reality is clear. Shin-Konoha has the foundation to become a legitimate village, and soon, they'll seek official recognition."
Sarutobi's pupils contracted. "Recognition? You mean they'll seek to align themselves with a nation?"
Danzo nodded solemnly. "Yes. For a village to be truly recognized, it needs a country's endorsement. And what better option than the Land of Fire?"
Sarutobi clenched his fists. The thought of Shin-Konoha being legitimized under the Land of Fire was almost unbearable.
"Do you think they'd truly align with the Land of Fire, after everything?" Sarutobi asked through gritted teeth.
Danzo sighed. "The Uzumaki clan's ties to the Land of Fire run deep. Chito Uzumaki was the First Hokage's teacher, Naruto Uzumaki is the son of the Fourth Hokage, Tsunade is the granddaughter of the First Hokage, and even Kakashi, who defected, was the Fourth Hokage's apprentice. Their lineage and connections are undeniable."
He paused before adding, "In terms of legitimacy, Shin-Konoha arguably surpasses Konoha."
Sarutobi remained silent, his jaw tight.
Danzo continued, "If Shin-Konoha aligns itself with the Land of Fire, the other nations will see it as a direct threat to Konoha. It will inevitably lead to conflict, and only one of the two villages will survive."
Jiraiya frowned. "Do you really think the other nations would stand by and allow Shin-Konoha to rise unchallenged? They'd act, just like they did with Hanzō of the Salamander when he tried to claim the title of Kage."
Danzo shook his head. "You're underestimating the other villages. They don't care who wins, as long as the conflict weakens both sides. For them, it's a matter of interests, not allegiances."
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Sarutobi finally spoke, his voice low. "If Shin-Konoha seeks recognition under the Land of Fire, it will mean war. There's no room for two villages under the same banner. Either they merge, or one of them will be destroyed."
Danzo nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, in Shin-Konoha, Naruto sat in a meeting room with Tsunade, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Why do we have to align with the Land of Fire?" Naruto asked. "Can't we choose another country?"
Tsunade sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Unless you want to be called the Tsuchikage or Kazekage, you'll need to align with the Land of Fire to claim the title of Hokage. It's the only way to maintain the name and the legacy of the Hokage."
Naruto frowned but didn't argue further. He understood Tsunade's point, but the thought of relying on the Land of Fire left a sour taste in his mouth.

Tsunade continued, "Once the infrastructure of Shin-Konoha is complete, we'll need formal recognition to solidify our position. That recognition will need to come from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire."

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