Ch-43 Uchiha Karan's return.
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Just like Iwagakure, Kumogakure also issued an order to flee at sight for Uchiha Karan. If any ninja spotted Uchiha Karan, they were allowed to retreat without completing the mission.
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Orochimaru, who was at the battlefront of Sunagakure with Tsunade, also received an order from the Hokage to return to Konoha. During a major commotion in the Sunagakure camp, he went with other ninjas to investigate what was happening. He was shocked upon witnessing the slaughter of Sunagakure by Uchiha Karan. Orochimaru reported what he had seen to Hiruzen, and since his task there was complete, he was ordered to return to Konoha.
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In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen, Danzo, Homura, and Koharu sat quietly.
"What should we do now, Hiruzen?" asked Koharu, and fear was clearly evident in her voice.
"We don't have to worry too much. He is someone who craves power and is intelligent. He would not behave recklessly, like staging a coup or something, for power," said Hiruzen.
"You are right, Hiruzen, but his strength is no joke. On top of that, after defeating Sunagakure single-handedly, he has become one of the most popular contenders for the fourth Hokage position," said Danzo.
"You don't have to worry too much about this matter. We are not the only ones who don't want Uchiha to become Hokage. Almost no one in the village wants Uchiha to be Hokage," said Hiruzen confidently.
Everyone nodded after hearing this, and then Hiruzen further comforted everyone present by saying, "Not to mention, I have assigned Minato and his team a mission to destroy the Kannabi Bridge. I am confident in Minato's abilities. He will surely be able to complete the mission, and this will undoubtedly force Iwagakure to retreat."
After hearing Hiruzen's reassurance, everyone present nodded and smiled.
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Two days later, another piece of news circulated in the ninja world: the 'Yellow Flash of Konoha' fought against an army of 1000 ninjas from Iwagakure. Not only did he kill those ninjas, but he also destroyed Kannabi Bridge that served as a vital pathway to Iwagakure's supply line.
Upon hearing this news, other villages understood that Iwagakure's surrender is not far from happening.
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Inside Konoha, all the discussions that were centered around Uchiha Karan's deeds immediately shifted to those of Namikaze Minato's accomplishments. The reason behind this shift was that Minato had been a civilian who, after numerous struggles, had become immensely powerful. This was in contrast to Uchiha Karan, who was born into privilege and became powerful without facing the same challenges.
Naturally, the majority of civilians were poor, and such individuals enjoyed discussing the journey of a civilian who had overcome obstacles to reach the pinnacle of success. They empathized more with Namikaze Minato, someone who had risen from humble beginnings, rather than with someone like Uchiha Karan, who had achieved a high position without the same hardships.
Hiruzen further promoted this sentiment by praising Minato's dedication and hard work, highlighting how he had reached his current position through relentless effort. Hiruzen also encouraged other civilian children who were attending the ninja academy, and this message undoubtedly reached the parents of these children, quickly spreading throughout the village.
Two more days passed, yet there was still no sign of Uchiha Karan or the remaining Konoha village army stationed in the Tea country. This puzzling situation left Hiruzen and others confused. They were aware that Uchiha Karan had departed from the Konoha camp with fellow Uchiha clan members, and they were eager to discover the whereabouts of their clan members.
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"Thoom... Thoom... Thoom..." The heavy sound of footfalls echoed, drawing the attention of the guards of the Uchiha clan stationed at Konoha's gate. They turned their gaze toward the source of the noise. From a distance, it appeared as if a massive wave of sand was approaching Konoha. Upon closer inspection, they were taken aback, and not only them, but even the ANBU ninjas were startled by the scene.
What these ninjas witnessed was Uchiha Karan standing atop the head of the one-tail, accompanied by his five subordinates. On either side of the one-tail, two clouds of sand supported Uchiha clan members.
Soon, Uchiha Karan neared Konoha. He brought Shukaku to a halt before the Konoha barrier, then leaped to the ground, followed by other Uchiha clan ninjas. Shukaku's size reduced to that of Karan's waist and followed closely behind him.
News of Uchiha Karan's return reached Hiruzen, his friends, the other clan heads, and Fugaku. They promptly set off to witness Uchiha Karan's arrival.
Uchiha Karan stood before Hiruzen, with others standing behind him, including his wife. "Uchiha Karan, I welcome you back to Konoha after your victory. Thank you for defeating Sunagakure," said Hiruzen with a smile.
Karan's expression remained calm, and he simply nodded in response.
At that moment, another voice spoke, "I also offer my condolences for your father's passing." The speaker was Biwa, the wife of Sarutobi Hiruzen. Although her demeanor didn't seem sorrowful, a careful observer might have noticed a bright glimmer in her eyes.
"I also express my condolences for the loss of your son," Uchiha Karan said.
"It has been a year since I lost my son at the hands of some bastard, but I've learned to live without him," Biwa replied, her voice tinged with grief.
"Apologies, I believe there is a misunderstanding. I am referring to your younger son, Sarutobi Asuma," clarified Uchiha Karan.
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