Naruto: North and South

What exactly the Akatsuki encountered after venturing into another world, and what schemes Otsutsuki Shibai might be weaving, no one in the present world knew. Not Orochimaru, burdened with quiet, nor Otsutsuki Toneri, nor even those who simply did not care.

Shimura Danzo did not trust the tailed beasts. So when Kurama, no, rather Sasuke Uchiha, relayed the information, he did not believe it. That Akatsuki had gone to the world of the Otsutsuki clan, to do something far beyond their supposed responsibility.

Responsibility? No, perhaps that wasn't the right word. If this world were invaded, then every living being had the duty to take up arms against outsiders. But this, this was different. This was striking into another dimension, attacking the heavens themselves. What should have been justified had now become unnecessary.

But this was not the time to debate the value of Akatsuki's actions. What mattered was this: the same intelligence had also come from the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. And so, Danzo considered two conclusions. First, Akatsuki was no longer in Amegakure. Second, they had truly gone to confront the Otsutsuki.

The former was an opportunity for expansion. The latter earned a faint trace of respect. Choosing between them was not difficult. From the perspective of the Hokage, the answer was obvious.

But unfortunately, Danzo still believed he was human. And humans possessed emotion. Hatred. When Konoha was attacked by Akatsuki, he had fought with everything he had. Yet he had failed, and worse, he had lost two precious Sharingan. They hadn't belonged to him originally. But now they had been his. That was how his mind worked. And now, that lingering hatred clawed at him. Even knowing what should be done, that small, human part of him screamed in defiance.

And then someone pushed him forward. "I heard something interesting."

The speaker: the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. In that instant, a thousand thoughts flashed through Danzo's mind. The conclusion he reached was the worst one.

"Akatsuki has left Amegakure." How unfortunate, Danzo thought.

The Daimyo knew of Akatsuki largely because of their past actions, interfering in other nations' affairs, upsetting the balance of power. Rules were built upon rivers of blood. They were unwritten, yet deeply ingrained in the hearts of shinobi and rulers alike. And those who broke them could not be tolerated.

"Quite an interesting group," the Daimyo said lazily. "Fair prices, reliable work. I might've liked to keep them around, but I dislike those who can't be controlled." The young ruler lounged casually, his tone almost playful. Danzo found him far more dangerous than his predecessor.

"Curious how I know this?" The Daimyo smiled, but did not elaborate. Instead, he gestured. Servants entered, laying out a large map. A map of the Land of Fire. "I drew this myself," he said. "How long do you think it took?"

"Remarkable craftsmanship, Daimyo-sama."

"Heh." A meaningless laugh. "I once thought ruling a small territory would be enough. But life felt dull. So I decided to travel. To see every corner of this country."

Danzo did not want to hear this.

"I thought it would take ten years," the Daimyo continued. "It took me two." Two fingers raised. "I've seen starving lands, and decadent cities. I once resented my father for giving me such a poor domain. Now I realize, it was luxury compared to the north." A pause. "There are too many countries in this world."

Danzo replied carefully. "And how many would be appropriate?"

The Daimyo only smiled. Then, abruptly, he changed the subject. "This year's harvest was good. I've reduced palace expenses. Use the surplus for Konoha, no need to be stingy in times of abundance."

Danzo remained silent. Then, "Oh, right. I heard the Nine-Tails is gone?"

That crossed a line. Even without Uzumaki Naruto housing the Nine-Tails, he was still vital to Konoha's future. Danzo spoke firmly. "Daimyo-sama, if war breaks out now, countless lives will be lost."

The Daimyo smiled. "And if half die, the other half still remain, don't they?"

Mistake. Danzo understood immediately. Speaking of lives to a ruler like this was meaningless. Like speaking of mercy to an executioner. That small, human part of him finally fell silent. I've done enough, he told himself. I tried. That's enough, isn't it? Even he knew, that was a lie. A way to deceive himself. Humans truly are strange.

As he left the Daimyo's residence, one thought lingered: how does Uzumaki Naruto live so simply?

Back in Konoha, he stood by the window of the Hokage's office. Looking out at the Hokage Rock. At the face of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Hiruzen, what did you think of me?

The monument remained unchanged, yet not unchanged. Five faces stood. A sixth was meant to be carved.

A figure knelt instantly. "Halt construction of the Sixth's face."

Shock flickered across Yamanaka Inoichi's expression. "But, Hokage-sama, that was your dream."

"My dream is Konoha's prosperity. The village is rebuilding. There's no need to waste resources." A pause. "And from now on, there will be no Sixth face carved."

He turned away. "Go. Bring Uchiha Sasuke to me."

……

The complete fanfic (Chapter 261) is already available on P@treon(.)com/Crimson_Lore

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