NOVEL NEXT Chapter 88: Aftermath
With the battles over and the Suna shinobi on their way out, I could finally start addressing the mess we had here in Konoha. Rasa left with a parting comment about sending an invitation for negotiation—after we sorted out our own problems. Fair enough; we had plenty to handle.
First, the arrest of the Hokage and his advisors. Seeing Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura locked away was surreal. I knew it was the right thing to do, but the villagers weren't as prepared for it. The crowd demanded answers, some looking at me for explanations. We assured them they'd get their answers soon enough—once we pieced everything together and laid it out in a way everyone could understand. I knew this would be the start of a long, necessary reckoning.
Then, Orochimaru. He'd slipped away, as I expected. No one was sad to see him go, though I knew better than to assume he'd leave us in peace. For now, at least, Konoha could breathe a little easier with him gone, but it felt like a temporary reprieve. I'd have to keep an eye out for him.
The Uchiha return. That was another shock for the villagers, and I couldn't blame them. The clan they thought was wiped out had suddenly returned, strong and ready to stand by Konoha's side. It was a huge moment for me, knowing that all those years of planning and waiting finally paid off. The villagers were wary, naturally, but I was here to make sure Fugaku and the others were welcomed back properly. This was our home, and we'd fought to make sure they'd have a place in it again.
And, finally, the matter of the next Hokage. With Hiruzen no longer in power, Konoha needed a new leader—someone who could unite the village and repair the damage left by all these hidden conflicts. I knew Tsunade was one of the best choices we had; strong, respected, and loyal to Konoha. But every clan would have their say, and the discussions would be intense. I had my own role to play, guiding things in a way that would heal and strengthen Konoha for the future.
As I walked through the village, looking at the faces of the people I'd sworn to protect, I felt a mix of pride and determination. Konoha had faced the worst from both enemies and its own leaders, but I wasn't going to let it crumble. Step by step, I'd see it restored—and better than ever.
The Uchiha clan began to settle into their new homes, now situated within the Senju residence, which was closer to the center of the village. This change brought them a sense of belonging, as they were no longer isolated on the outskirts. Amid the ongoing shifts, I anticipated that Itachi, too, would soon return to the village.
In the week that followed, every shinobi worked tirelessly to restore order, helping to rebuild structures and reestablish stability within Konoha. By the end of that week, everything that had been damaged was fully reconstructed, and the village was beginning to feel whole again.
With the clans casting their votes, Tsunade was soon selected as the new Hokage. Today, the entire village gathered in celebration for her inauguration, an event meant not only to honor her but to reaffirm unity and peace after recent turmoil. My mother, deemed the most fitting for the role, placed the Hokage hat on Tsunade, marking the start of her leadership.
Attending the celebration in simple attire—a black t-shirt and white pants instead of my usual ninja gear—I stood among the villagers. My mother had gone ahead to prepare for the ceremony, and seeing her pride as she stood by Tsunade added to the day's significance. The inauguration brought a hopeful feeling, a promise of stability and new beginnings for Konoha.
Above the Hokage office, my mom stood by Tsunade's side, proudly holding the Hokage hat. She was the one to place it on Tsunade's head, an honor that only felt fitting after everything she had endured and fought for. Watching the scene, I felt a sense of relief. After all the chaos and the battles, this moment symbolized a new beginning.
As Tsunade officially accepted her role as Hokage, the cheers grew louder, echoing across the village. Konoha had suffered, but now, with Tsunade at the helm, there was hope for a stronger, united future. This wasn't just a celebration of Tsunade's new title—it was the start of Konoha's recovery, a step toward restoring balance and trust in the village once again.
After the inauguration, Tsunade returned to the Hokage office, where a mountain of paperwork and responsibilities awaited her. My mom headed back home, and I decided to drop by Tsunade's office myself. The idea of seeing her reaction to all that work was amusing, and I couldn't help but chuckle a little at the thought.
Before I left, I told my friends and my girls that I'd stop by to check on Tsunade and then join them for the party we planned to celebrate her inauguration. When I entered the office, I strolled in casually, as if it were my own space. Sure enough, Tsunade looked visibly irritated, buried in the first of many piles of paperwork on her desk.