Chapter 87: CHAPTER 87
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Morning broke over Konohagakure with a golden hue spreading across the village's rooftops and the distant mountains casting long shadows.
At the village's entrance, a large convoy bearing the emblem of Uzushiogakure slowly approached.
Its presence was heralded by the rhythmic march of Uzumaki shinobi flanking the caravan, their faces worn yet resolute from the long journey.
Awaiting them were Konohagakure's most distinguished figures.
Among them stood the esteemed elder Mito Uzumaki, her regal posture exuding wisdom and authority, flanked by the venerable Senju clan elders.
At the forefront stood Hiruzen Sarutobi, clad in his white robe, and by his side, a striking red-haired woman whose presence radiated grace and strength.
With a sharp flicker, Hiruzen and the woman appeared via Flying Thunder God, causing murmurs to ripple through the gathered shinobi.
As they approached, Mito's sharp gaze settled on the unfamiliar red-haired woman standing confidently beside Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen," Mito inquired, her voice steady yet curious, "Who is this guest accompanying you?"
Hiruzen smiled warmly and responded, "She is Riasu Uzumaki... my wife."
A wave of shock rippled through the gathered shinobi and elders. Murmurs intensified as they processed the unexpected revelation.
Before anyone could recover, Riasu stepped forward gracefully and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Lady Mito. It is truly an honor to meet you," she said with genuine warmth.
Mito's eyes widened briefly before she composed herself. "The honor is mine, Riasu. I did not expect this... development. But I am glad Hiruzen chose wisely."
Her tone softened. "You must visit the Senju estate sometime."
"Certainly, Lady Mito. I would be honored," Riasu responded sincerely.
"Congratulation's Hokage - sama and Lady Riasu Uzumaki."
The surrounding clan leaders and villagers, still reeling from the announcement, quickly stepped forward to offer congratulations to the Hokage and his new bride.
Despite the initial shock, respect and admiration filled their expressions.
The Uzumaki caravan finally halted, and from its front emerged Kazuki Uzumaki, the clan head, accompanied by his elders and ANBU commanders.
Without hesitation, they knelt before Hiruzen in a gesture of gratitude and respect.
"Well done, all of you," Hiruzen declared. "Rest and recover from your long journey. Collect your due rewards."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" they chorused before dispersing.
Kazuki remained behind, stepping forward. "Hokage-sama, we are eternally grateful for Konoha's assistance during our darkest hour."
Hiruzen's gaze softened. "You have nothing to be grateful for. We are allies. I've already designated a section of the village for your clan's new home. Let me know if anything further is required."
After formalities concluded, the Uzumaki were guided to their new district.
In the solitude of his Hokage office, Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, reflecting on the day's events.
Suddenly, a long-forgotten voice echoed in his mind:
DING!
Congratulations to the host for conquering his first village!
You have been rewarded with 5 S-rank Ninja Advancement Slots! Keep up the good work!
His eyes widened in disbelief before joy spread across his face. "System... is that really you? It's been so long... I missed you."
He quickly composed himself. "Five S-rank advancements... quite the reward. This will significantly bolster the village's power. But who should I choose?"
After contemplating, Hiruzen made his decision. "I'll empower the seven ANBU division commanders. They've proven themselves time and time again."
Among the seven commanders One is Kage-level, and another one is Quasi-Kage.
With a mental command, he allocated the advancement slots to the last five ANBU commanders, enhancing the commanders potential from elite jonin to formidable Kage-level shinobi.
Later that afternoon, Might Dai appeared in the Hokage's office, bowing respectfully.
"Hokage-sama, the representatives from Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure have arrived. They seek to negotiate for their captured shinobi and Jinchuriki."
Hiruzen's expression hardened. "Let's proceed."
With a flicker, he and Dai appeared in the grand meeting chamber.
Waiting inside were six high-ranking shinobi from the three villages. Iwagakure was represented by Akatsuchi and Natsu Kamizuri, both Kage-level.
Kumogakure's envoys were Dodai and their ANBU commander, while Kirigakure's delegation included Elder Fuzuki Hozuki and his second-in-command.
On Konoha's side stood esteemed figures: Elder Mito Uzumaki, Advisor Kagami Uchiha, Ashina Uzumaki, Kazuki Uzumaki, Setsuna Uchiha, and Hanaku Senju, the Senju clan head, and some of the ANBU commanders were also present.
After curt formalities, Hiruzen spoke, his voice sharp and commanding. "Quite the audacity from the so-called Great Nations, attacking like a cowards hnn...."
The atmosphere grew tense as his words sank in.
Dodai rose with barely contained anger. "Hokage, we demand the release of Raikage-sama, Seruyi, and the Two-Tails Jinchuriki! Immediately!"
Akatsuchi and Fuzuki echoed the demand, their chakra rising in intensity.
Hiruzen smirked coldly. "Certainly... for 10 billion ryo each, as compensation for the destruction caused to Uzushiogakure and our forces. Consider it a generous offer."
"Additionally, your remaining ten jonin prisoners will be returned free of charge."
Their faces twisted with fury. Dodai roared, "Hokageee! Don't push your luck! Release our people, or we will unleash our armies standing at the border, do you think you can fight against three great village alone."
Before anyone could react, an overwhelming wave of killing intent crushed down on the room.
The six envoys buckled under the immense pressure as their chairs shattered beneath them. Chakra surged from the peoples present in the room from Konoha side.
"Oh well then lets start war?" Hiruzen chuckled darkly.
"I wonder what will your village will do if they lose you all 6 here and now, along with your kage and tail beast?"
"Will your village survive this war, without any kage and just 3 tail beasts who are not fully developed?"
"Other small village will jump at that moment to bring you down and slaughter your village just like you do to them."
He then turned towards Iwa deligation, "Imagine sunagakure will first advance towards iwa and slaughter your forces, with your half assed sealing jutsu done on jinchuriki, if you released it one time to fend off, after that can you capture it again without your kage"
"I wonder how with just over 7000 ninja from each village, will you defend yourself"
Dodai and the others trembled, realization dawning upon them.
Setsuna Uchiha's Sharingan glowed menacingly. "Hokage-sama, shall we eliminate them now? Their villages violated the tailed-beast treaties. Ending them would strengthen our position."
Mito Uzumaki added coldly, "My husband entrusted those beasts to preserve balance. You shattered that trust and also started the first ninja war. You deserve nothing."
More and more voices rose in agreement, sending a wave of dread through the envoys.
They realized the sheer precariousness of their situation—one wrong move and their villages would be obliterated.
Their fate now hung on Hiruzen's next decision.
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A/N: Should I let the timeline remain same or change it.