20 The Aftermath

"Ahahahaha" Orochimaru's crazy laughter rang out as he dodged Jiraiya's punch and kicked him in the sides making him slide down the rough ground.

"See, this is what happens when people start to enjoy peace way too much. We were the Legendary Sannin, and we got that title because of the blood spilled those decades ago. And yet what are we now. The strongest hidden village known to mankind yet now ran by a group of idiots.

Look around, it took me a single day to tear it down. A single day to kill the strongest and in this very day, the Konoha shall fall" Orochimaru said as he picked Jiraiya by his hair and pointed him towards the village.

Today's fight had cost them a lot with damage to infrastructures and countless loss of life both civilians and Shinobi whether from our or enemy's team.

"You defeated me, I'll admit that but what about your pawns. The sand village has already surrendered and Sound Shinobi are mostly dead. I'm Hokage a protector of the village and if I fall, there will be another one to take my place. Despite the loss, it is still Konoha that will come on top. Jiraiya said with a weak but determined voice.

"Hahaha, Like I said a village run by idiots. Do you think I'm the only snake the village have to look out for? The village has been rearing the most poisonous snake in their own back yard for decades now. I just have to leave this place and watch as the village destroys itself from the inside. I'm pretty sure you know who I'm talking about." Orochimaru said with a grin.

Jiraiya face revealed a defeated expression. Of course, he knew who he was talking about. With Hiruzen dead and his life on Orochimaru's fate the one who won here the most would be Danzo. The real poisonous snake of the village.

"Well, then my job here is done. I'll send you to accompany our teacher in hell Jiraiya" Orochimaru said and took out his sword from his throat. Just as he was about to cut down Jiraiya his danger alarm went off but before he could react he was already kissing the ground.

Naruto dropped down from the sky like a meteor and grabbed Orochimaru's head and smashed it right into the solid ground. Naruto's whole body was covered in blood as he came all the way of killing anyone not belonging to the Konoha and his only regret was not being fast enough to reach the arena in time.

From the forest to the village his flight didn't even take 2 minutes and his slaughter on the way didn't even reduce a single fraction of his speed but he was still too late. He was at the village walls when Orochimaru ended Hiruzen's life and he was relieved to make it time before Orochimaru could kill Jiraiya.

Naruto had his Sage mode activated so he easily drove Orochimaru to the ground with a single hand and lifted him from the ground grabbing his neck.

"You, who are you?" Orochimaru still alive from the impact said in a weak voice. Naruto didn't reply but looked around especially in the place where a body nearly in ashes lied. The face was of a horrified Sound village Shinobi who was used as a live sacrifice to reanimate his father.

"Sigh, All of this for what Orochimaru? I don't see how you gain anything out of this pointless attack." Naruto said as his rage had already subsided. His anger wouldn't do any good here.

"Hmf, It's none of your business. I asked first, brat introduce yourself. Danzo never said there was such character in the village." Orochimaru said in a pissed tone. He didn't really like being manhandled right now but Naruto's hand had stopped him from circulating Chakra within the body so he couldn't really do anything.

"You're right it's none of my business. But it's my business when your actions to achieve your goals implicates me and those that I hold dear. I'll see you soon Orochimaru" Naruto said driving his black sword into Orochimaru's heart. He knew Orochimaru would be revived by Kabuto or his henchmen later on with the curse mark.

Dropping Orochimaru's dead body in the ground, Naruto walked towards Jiraiya and took him towards the hospital.

"You're Naruto!" Jiraiya said with a weak voice seeing Naruto walking towards him. "Yes, It's nice to meet you Lord Fifth but let's talk sometime later. I'll take you to the hospital first." Naruto said carrying Jiraiya on his back.

The day that was filled liveliness and joy suddenly became a day filled with grief as many people lost their lives.

The fight quickly ended in an hour or so with the victory on the side of Konoha but there wasn't really anything to celebrate about. Gennins, Chunnis, and Jonins ran around helping out clearing the mess as they started to clean up the dead bodies and the blood.

Many houses were destroyed so they started to prepare temporary housing for those who were affected. While the village was slowly recovering from the attack, a wild discussion was ongoing between the Elder of the village.

Currently bandaged but alive Jiraiya stayed at the Hokage seat and listened to the rants of the elders.

"This is absolutely unacceptable, we must show them their place. We have been going on about peace for too long now, it is time we change our policies. We must show our aggressive side before other villages think we have become so soft that anyone can come to our front yard and shit on us. " One of the Elder cried out as it led to other Elders shouting in as well.

"Yes, we must attack Sand Village now when they are vulnerable. We must put them in their place since they dared to broke the peace treaty."

"Enough, do you all know what you're saying? This might spark another shinobi war if we act in haste. You're all old folks who have lived through the previous war. Do you want to relive it again?" Jiraiya slammed the desk in front of him in anger.

"I don't care what you guys think, right now I'm the Hokage and I'll be making decisions whether you like it or not. And regarding Sand Village, we'll wait for Kazekage respond to the manner and we will act accordingly. We have the three heirs of Sand Village so they won't make rash choices. For now, we will prepare for Third Hokage's Funeral. I don't want to hear a word about waging war for the time being" Jiraiya said and walked off from the room leaving the Elders discussing to themselves.

"Are sure you want to leave it like this? Danzo has been meeting various officials from Fire Country and holds a lot of authority in Daimyo Palace. The root's influence has been growing as well. It will be hard to erase his influence if we let him grow like this." From the side Shikaku said. Shikaku was appointed as Jiraiya's advisor after Hiruzen left the seat.

"We don't have any choice for now. Sensei should have stopped him long ago but it has grown too big now. We can't go against the Root at such time. We should let the dust settle down for now." Jiraiya said in low voice.

Jiraiya already knew about the dark secrets of the root but it was too hard to fight against the root for now. Fighting against Danzo could cost them more than they could afford. But Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief remembering Naruto. Naruto had finally returned and he had returned as a Sage. Maybe Naruto could stop Danzo's ever-growing influence over the village.

Meanwhile, at the Naruto's apartment, Naruto stood outside the door with a complex expression. He was too eager to see Yugao's face but at the same time, he was scared. Naruto finally opened the door and entered the house and went towards the kitchen.

From Jiraiya, Naruto had found out that Yugao had quit her job as Shinobi after his disappearance and started to teach the kids in the academy. But Naruto knew, she was most likely suspended because of his stupidity and greed.

"Sister Yugao!" Naruto called out softly to the person in pink apron cooking her dinner. Yugao turned around in shock as she didn't even notice someone had entered the room but her body shook hearing the familiar voice.

"Naruto!" Yugao face held complex emotion as she slowly walked towards Naruto. Sometimes anger and sometimes care and relief Yugao face showed different emotions and she slowly made her way to Naruto.

Naruto backed off step by step seeing Yugao expression but Yugao caught up to him and grabbed his collar with both her hands. "4 years, how dare you to come back after 4 years? You.. You Do know how worried I was? Do I even mean anything to you? How could you leave me for so long? I hate you. I hate you..." Yugao fair hands formed a little fist as she started to his Naruto's chest.

Tears soon started to pour out of Yugao's eyes as she complained with her crying voice and embraced Naruto into a bear hug before bursting out crying. She hadn't cried even when Naruto disappeared and she didn't cry when she got injured during her missions. She didn't even care was fired from her Jounin post.

She didn't cry when she lived her life alone for 4 years and now her tough act shield broke when Naruto appeared before her. "I..I... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry" Naruto kept repeating these words as he didn't know what to say. It was him who neglected Yugao and her affection for 4 years straight. And seeing Yugao like this what more could?

Naruto tightened his hands around Yugao as he let Yugao cry on his shoulders for hours.