Konoha.
The Sarutobi, Shimura, Mitokado, and Koharu clans had all moved to their new clan territories. At the same time, under the heavy snowfall of winter, a brand-new Security Police Division was established nearby.
This division was a newly independent department of the police force, akin to the relationship between the Anbu and the Root.
Under the heavy goose-feather snow, as the war ended and the village rapidly recovered its vitality, a sense of oppression and dissatisfaction permeated the four clans.
At the Security Police Division, the department head, Minato Namikaze, and deputy head, Asuma Sarutobi, worked tirelessly to ease the current rift between the village and the four clans, firmly believing in their cause.
Hokage's Office.
"Hokage-sama, Jiraiya-sama and Tsunade-sama have gone to the Sarutobi clan."
Kakashi Hatake, who was responsible for secretly monitoring the four clans, knelt on one knee and reported solemnly.
Sitting at the desk, Shirou raised his head with a smile after hearing the report:
"It seems some people still want to rely on their seniority."
Although Kakashi Hatake came to report, Minato Namikaze and Asuma Sarutobi accompanied him. As the heads of the newly established Security Police Division at the gates of the four clans, it was impossible for them not to be aware of the situation.
Minato scratched his head awkwardly. If he said anything, it might be seen as instigating, but he couldn't avoid reporting the facts.
Meanwhile, Asuma wore a resolute expression, as though he couldn't tolerate the slightest grain of sand in his eyes when it came to Konoha.
"And Kakashi, remember to address me as acting Hokage until the formal succession," Shirou teased with a light laugh. Listening to their reports on the efforts of the Security Police Division, he couldn't help but sigh:
"You've worked hard. Despite the immense pressure, the Security Division has managed to operate so quickly. Minato, you and Asuma deserve the most credit."
Asuma Sarutobi suppressed his emotions, but his excitement was unmistakable.
During this time, he bore the heaviest burden—being the son of the Third Hokage while ultimately betraying his clan and father.
However, the changes in Konoha during this time had not escaped his notice. The Uchiha were not as vile and corrupt as the ugly rumors suggested.
After taking power, Shirou did not greedily seize control of every important department, nor did he recklessly provoke a war.
There was no brutal purging of dissenters!
Instead, his broad-mindedness and skill shocked even Asuma. First was the decentralization of the ninja academy, followed by the reorganization of Konoha's six main departments, where capable and meritorious ninja clans were assigned positions appropriately.
More importantly, there was an arrangement for graduating ninjas—Kekkei Genkai users from various clans were assigned as mentors, significantly increasing their survival rates.
Even for clans considered guilty, Shirou adopted a conciliatory approach.
"Hokage-sama!"
At this moment, Kakashi reported with a serious expression:
"Among the four clans, the Shimura clan is the most grateful and deeply repentant. They have shown exceptional performance in the Security Division and are the most motivated.
However, the Mitokado and Koharu clans clearly follow the Sarutobi clan's lead, with a lot of dissatisfaction and complaints emerging within their ranks."
Despite Asuma Sarutobi's presence, Kakashi did not hold back, directly reporting the current intelligence about the four clans.
This made Asuma's face darken. He wasn't angry at Kakashi but rather at the people of his clan. Why couldn't they follow the Shimura clan's example?
Hearing this, Shirou appeared thoughtful. After glancing at Minato and Asuma, he sighed:
"Starting is always the hardest part. But I believe that with you, Asuma, acting as a bridge, the three clans will gradually come to accept these changes."
Asuma Sarutobi nodded repeatedly, moved:
"Thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama!"
With the evidence of their crimes—just the secret theft of the Sharingan and Wood Release techniques alone—both the Senju and Uchiha had enough grounds to wipe out these clans.
Yet Shirou's magnanimity was evident.
However, behind Shirou's composed smile, he knew that outright destruction would cause too much trouble and offer no benefit to him.
In contrast, keeping the four clans around had far more value.
"Since the Shimura clan has performed well, let them know that the forested area we previously marked for the Aburame clan's relocation can be theirs instead.
Tell them that within two years, as long as they remain true to their repentance, the Shimura clan will be allowed to move there."
Hearing this, Minato and Asuma both smiled gratefully.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
For Minato, this was an act of gratitude to the Third Hokage.
For Asuma, despite everything, this was still his clan.
Shirou's actions demonstrated his magnanimity—even the Shimura clan, if sincerely repentant, could be forgiven.
While this seemed like an act of goodwill, Shirou understood one thing well:
"I may forgive you, but whether the many ninjas in the village forgive you is not my concern."
The Shimura clan had never been in high-ranking positions, as Danzo had used them to strengthen the Root. Naturally, there was a little backlash.
On the contrary, the clan's few dozen members were eager to see Danzo gone.
The Sarutobi, Mitokado, and Koharu clans, however, were different. Their clans had influential ninjas in high-ranking positions, and now they had fallen to this state.
People's greed would not be easily satisfied. Instead, such gestures of goodwill might give them the illusion that the Hokage feared them—that their combined strength could challenge him.
Perhaps they could reclaim their lost power or even take back the Hokage seat?
After Minato, Kakashi, and Asuma left, Shirou narrowed his eyes.
These four clans still held significant value—there were many things to extract from them.
...
Sarutobi Clan.
Bright sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the room. Two figures sat in wheelchairs, while another figure seated behind them in the light added a sense of oppression to the room.
"Old man, it's all over now..."
Jiraiya sighed helplessly. With more and more hidden truths being uncovered, it was no longer a question of whether they could be redeemed.
However, seated in the wheelchairs, Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane glared at Jiraiya and Tsunade, their faces filled with resentment and anger.
"Jiraiya, Tsunade! You have no right to deny our contributions! Nor does Uchiha Shirou!"
"Konoha exists because of us. In times of crisis, we took power. You think we acted out of self-interest, but do you even know what Konoha was like back then?
At the time, the great clans held all the power, and commoner ninjas had no chance to rise. We strengthened our clans to resist you great clans and give the commoners a chance to breathe..."
Homura and Koharu bitterly recounted their lifelong sacrifices for Konoha, only to be met with rejection and ostracism.
Tsunade, arms crossed, sneered coldly at the two old fools, mocking them without mercy:
"Really? From what I recall, it was my granduncle who founded the ninja academy to help commoners rise."
Tsunade's blunt ridicule turned Homura and Koharu's faces ashen as they glared at her with wide eyes.
"Tsunade! You've forgotten the teachings of the Second Hokage! Not only do you fail to guard against the Uchiha, but you've also been swayed by them and even helped them seize power! How can you call yourself a Senju?"
The room erupted into intense arguments. Homura and Koharu, knowing that Jiraiya and Tsunade wouldn't harm them, vented their anger with reckless abandon.
They struggled their entire lives, only to have everything denied. Even their clan was ostracized into this corner. Yet now, they all believe they have done their duty to Konoha.
"Enough talking!"
"Tsunade, say no more…"
Jiraiya, caught awkwardly in the middle, quickly tried to mediate the situation. Meanwhile, Sarutobi Hiruzen, his arms now blackened, silently watched the two of them, saying nothing during the earlier argument.
"Jiraiya, Tsunade, have you come here just to mock my current state? Or are you saying that there's no longer any place for the Four Clans in Konoha?" After a long silence, Sarutobi Hiruzen's hoarse voice echoed. This made Jiraiya scratch his head awkwardly, while Tsunade stood silently for a moment before speaking in a serious tone:
"According to the evidence collected, as well as the incriminating information extracted from Danzo's mind, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, as former advisors to the Hokage, not only failed to fulfill their responsibilities of cautioning the Hokage but even covered up for the Root's wrongdoings…"
Are you kidding me?!
The two old advisors, who had just been berating Tsunade and Jiraiya with their seniority, immediately widened their eyes in disbelief.
They're already half-paralyzed, yet they still won't let them go?!
"Tsunade!"
At this moment, both Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu showed expressions of frustration and grievance. Gone were their earlier angry faces; instead, their reddened cheeks and darting, pleading eyes were now visible.
However, Tsunade ignored them. She raised her head, looked directly at Sarutobi Hiruzen, and continued coldly:
"Former Third Hokage, for condoning the Root's crimes of harming fellow Konoha shinobi, conducting human experiments, and stealing Kekkei Genkai… Considering the influence of your status, I hereby ask that you remain confined to the Sarutobi Clan's shrine and never step outside again!"
House arrest!
Tsunade's words caused the expressions of all three to change drastically, especially Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. They were not fools and immediately realized the implications.
No matter what, Sarutobi Hiruzen was still a former Hokage. If he were to be imprisoned or executed, it would have an enormous impact.
In other words, the majority of the blame would now fall on them and Danzo, who would be sent to prison to pay for these crimes!
Realizing this, Utatane Koharu, who often relied on her status as a woman, glared at Tsunade with reddened cheeks. Though her expression seemed fierce, her tone was significantly weaker.
"Tsunade! We watched you grow up! No matter what, we've always been respected figures. You can't send us to prison…"
Having been overthrown in a coup was already humiliating enough as losers, yet now they were to be thrown in prison. This was akin to nailing them to the pillar of shame.
"Tsunade! We've shed blood for Konoha and made indelible contributions to its development. You can't treat us like this…"
For these once-proud individuals, being sent to prison was worse than death.
For a moment, both Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu's expressions changed drastically. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen's face showed frustration and unwillingness.
How ruthless!
This was even crueler than killing them outright!
"The matter of the Root and the Nine-Tails must have an explanation," Tsunade said calmly, though she sighed inwardly. Back when they did these things, they should have anticipated the worst possible outcome.
If they wanted to conduct human experiments on Kekkei Genkai, fine—do it on shinobi from other villages. Use other villages' shinobi for research.
But instead, they used their people to study Wood Release and the Sharingan. That was simply asking for death.
As for the Nine-Tails incident, although they knew there was a mysterious enemy behind the scenes, to stabilize the situation and avoid causing panic, this was the only choice.
Anyway, the Root could shoulder a bit more blame at this point.
Even Jiraiya remained silent. This matter, no matter who it concerned, was a betrayal of the village. And given the four individuals' significant statuses, the situation became even more complicated.
If it had been anyone else, they would have long been labeled as rogue shinobi. Of course, Danzo had already received a punishment worse than being declared a rogue ninja.
Stripped of his Konoha shinobi status! In other words, within Konoha, if a dog bit Danzo, Danzo would still have to apologize to the dog for dirtying its mouth.
"You can't do this!"
At this moment, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu finally snapped, glaring at Tsunade. How could she do this to them?!
But the more these two old relics acted this way, the more irritated Tsunade became. She snapped impatiently, "Now you feel regret? Where was this regret when you did those things?"
"You've long since lost your faith!"
"How dare you!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been silent this whole time, finally erupted in anger. He raised his head, his murky eyes now fierce as he glared at Tsunade in rage.
"Tsunade, you're the one who's lost faith! We upheld the Second Hokage's policies! Konoha's current prosperity is something we built!
And you, Tsunade! You bear the Senju name, yet you conspire with the Uchiha and allow yourself to be manipulated by them…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen could no longer hold back. He accepted being overthrown in the coup.
Victory and defeat are part of life.
But he had dedicated his entire life to Konoha, and now they were denying everything about him!
This was denying his very faith!
Just as Jiraiya was about to try and calm things down, Tsunade, furious, slammed her fist into the wooden door in front of her, shattering it. She roared:
"Shut up! You bunch of self-important old relics! Always talking about doing things for Konoha! Well, let me, Senju Tsunade, tell you: This Konoha! This village!
It was built by my grandfather, my granduncle, countless members of the Senju Clan, and the Uchiha Clan working together! It was their generation of shinobi who sacrificed their lives and shed their blood to create it!"
Tsunade's voice was so loud that it echoed outside.
"Not you!"
Tsunade sneered as she pointed at the three old relics in front of her and mocked:
"You're nothing more than beneficiaries of their hard work! When you became the Third Hokage, the First Shinobi World War was already in its final stages. You old relics have no right to lecture me! And you have no right to bring up the Senju name!
Are you a member of the Senju Clan? Do you even understand the Will of Fire?!"
Tsunade, brimming with authority, pointed toward the direction of the Hokage Rock and shouted:
"The Uchiha! Was my granduncle's vision for them to be ostracized and suppressed like this? Back then, my granduncle wanted to slowly integrate the Uchiha into Konoha using the Police Force!
But what did you do?! The Uchiha already saw Konoha as their home! Yet under your suppression, you forced the entire village to ostracize them!"
Tsunade's angry outburst continued. If it weren't for these foolish decisions, Konoha wouldn't have faced so many issues.
Even Jiraiya felt awkward standing there. On the surface, the matter involved the Uchiha, but the higher-ups all knew the truth.
The Senju and Uchiha were simply too influential, and the new generation of Hokage couldn't control them.
"Lady Tsunade!"
As Tsunade continued her tirade, a squad of elite ANBU appeared around the area with a rustling sound.
Tsunade glanced coldly at the three of them, particularly Sarutobi Hiruzen, whose furious gaze no longer interested her. She waved her hand and commanded coldly:
"Take Konoha's criminals, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, and escort them to prison. They are to be classified as S-rank high-risk offenders, alongside Danzo!"
"Yes!" The dozen or so ANBU members responded firmly. Among them, three ANBU masks revealed crimson Sharingan eyes beneath.
The Uchiha, long oppressed, had finally seen the tables turn.
"You! You can't do this, Tsunade! We're Hokage advisors; you can't…"
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu shouted desperately, especially since this was happening in their clan's territory. Around them, members of the Sarutobi, Mitokado, and Utatane clans were filled with anger and frustration at witnessing such a scene.
To act so brazenly in their clan's territory!
"The Third Hokage, guilty of serious crimes, is hereby confined to the Sarutobi Clan's shrine. Without an order from the Hokage, he is not to take a single step outside!"
"Law enforcement by the Police Division shall oversee compliance!"
When speaking the last sentence, Tsunade gave a cold glance at her former mentor, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
She was already showing some sentimentality!
However, after Tsunade issued this order, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face turned extremely grim as he stared at Tsunade with intense anger.
"I have dedicated my entire life to Konoha!"
His gums had already been bitten to the point of bleeding, and his hoarse voice echoed with the unwillingness of a proud shinobi.
"Old man!"
Jiraiya let out a melancholic sigh. Although he had already known about Tsunade's decision, he came here in hopes of calming the three clans down and avoiding any conflicts.
The ANBU, cold and emotionless, directly detained Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, dragging the two elderly figures away. Hiruzen Sarutobi, seeing the ANBU glaring at him with hostility, could only maintain some dignity thanks to Jiraiya's intervention.
Jiraiya personally escorted his teacher to the Sarutobi clan's shrine.
However, outside the clan grounds, a ninja battalion led by the elite Uchiha forces stood coldly, watching the area.
If there was any sign of unrest, they were prepared to ruthlessly suppress it as an act of rebellion.