Naruto: After Seclusion Becoming Naruto Grandfather

Jiraiya's concern had been growing steadily, not just over Konoha's escalating tensions but also from a more personal issue—his hair. Stress seemed to be taking its toll, thinning his once-lustrous locks. As a result, he decided to limit his use of jutsu that manipulated his hair. After all, hair loss was a nuisance no man wished to endure.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen's analysis of Shin Konoha's potential had proven accurate. Once the village met the necessary population requirements, it could formally establish itself without the need for approval from any nation. With the backing of the mysterious figure supporting Shin Konoha, official recognition felt like a mere formality.

"How do we address Shin Konoha's growing population?" Hiruzen mused aloud during a tense meeting in the Hokage's office.

"Let's issue a mission to intercept Shin Konoha's escort teams," he suggested, his gaze hardening. There was a flicker of cruelty in his eyes—a stark departure from the man many once knew. The repeated losses and the erosion of Konoha's influence had left Hiruzen increasingly bitter.

Jiraiya and Danzo exchanged uneasy glances. This wasn't the Hiruzen they remembered.

The proposed mission meant targeting escort teams comprised of ninja, but it would inevitably endanger civilians as well. Such an act went against the principles Konoha once stood for.

Jiraiya watched silently as Hiruzen issued the order. He struggled to reconcile this directive with the man who had once been his revered teacher.

As Hiruzen disappeared into the shadows, retreating to his private sanctuary, Danzo sighed heavily. Placing a hand on Jiraiya's shoulder, he attempted to offer silent consolation. Yet even Danzo, who often took a more pragmatic view of leadership, couldn't deny his unease at Hiruzen's descent into extremism.

In truth, Danzo felt that if Hiruzen had adopted such ruthlessness earlier, Konoha might have reached greater heights. But now, with Uzumaki Chito's return, Danzo had no interest in meddling further. He wanted no part in provoking a being as powerful and enigmatic as Chito.

The burden of Hokage weighed heavily on Jiraiya. Though nominally in charge, Hiruzen's lingering influence as an advisor complicated every decision. Danzo, too, seemed content to withdraw from active leadership, tending to his garden and watching events unfold from a distance.

Danzo even suspected that Uzumaki Chito had spared Hiruzen precisely because he foresaw the chaos that would follow should Hiruzen's presence persist in Konoha's leadership. It was a bitter irony that didn't escape him.

Ultimately, Jiraiya relayed Hiruzen's order with reluctance, modifying it slightly to mitigate the damage. The mission would aim to halt the escort of civilians to Shin Konoha and disperse them without unnecessary harm. Thus began the growing conflict between Konoha and Shin Konoha.

Tsunade, having traveled extensively, focused on locating displaced civilians in need of resettlement. Meanwhile, Might Guy's team prioritized recruiting war orphans, viewing them as promising candidates for loyal ninja. Together, they worked to bolster Shin Konoha's population.

Naruto's recent actions in the Land of Rain had drawn Konoha's attention, especially along the route connecting the Land of Rain to the Land of Whirlpools. This distraction allowed Tsunade and Might Guy's operations to proceed largely unimpeded.

But as Shin Konoha's movements became more evident, Jiraiya and Konoha's leaders convened again.

"We can't allow this to continue unchecked. We need a solution," Jiraiya urged, voicing the concern shared by many within the Hokage Building.

"Attack Shin Konoha directly," Hiruzen commanded through gritted teeth, his frustration boiling over.

Danzo and Jiraiya immediately vetoed the suggestion.

"Hiruzen, if you want to die, don't drag me down with you," Danzo warned coldly. The thought of challenging Uzumaki Chito, who presided over Shin Konoha, was nothing short of suicidal.

Attacking Shin Konoha outright was beyond Konoha's capability. Even with the village's proud history, Uzumaki Chito's power was an insurmountable obstacle.

"Sensei, please calm down," Jiraiya implored. His respect for Hiruzen was being tested by his former mentor's increasingly erratic decisions. The darkness of Hiruzen's secluded stone chamber and his growing resentment toward Uzumaki Chito seemed to be clouding his judgment.

Danzo, ever pragmatic, opted for passivity, retreating to his garden to reflect. Meanwhile, Konoha began issuing missions to neighboring villages, requesting their cooperation in intercepting Might Guy's and Tsunade's teams.

This move highlighted Konoha's desperation. Once, these villages might have relished the prospect of Konoha's downfall. But now, many seemed content to watch both old Konoha and Shin Konoha destroy each other.

Despite the escort provided by Amegakure ninja, Naruto noticed something troubling. The number of civilians arriving at Shin Konoha was smaller than expected. Many perished along the way, while others fled in fear of becoming collateral damage in the escalating tensions.

Naruto stood on the outskirts of Shin Konoha, surveying the latest arrivals. His hand, bandaged from a recent skirmish, throbbed—a painful reminder of the growing aggression directed at his fledgling village. As the attacks intensified, his resolve only hardened.

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