Chapter 195: Konoha as a Colony

The rain had ceased.

With the signing of the peace agreement between Konoha and the four major ninja villages, the Fourth Great Ninja War, which lasted less than a month, came to its conclusion.

Night fell, stars twinkling in the sky.

Throughout Konoha, camps were set up, and the warm glow of lights illuminated countless tents. Whether Konoha ninja or members of the Allied Shinobi Forces, after a full day of brutal combat, their strained nerves finally relaxed. Exhaustion was evident in each of them.

Konoha was unusually quiet that night; everyone desperately needed rest.

Come dawn, a crimson sun rose on the horizon, casting a golden brilliance over Konoha Village, symbolizing hope and a new beginning.

Early in the morning, both ninja and villagers of Konoha began emerging from their tents and shelters, bustling about.

There was no time for grief or sorrow.

Burying the dead, clearing ruins, rebuilding their homes... An immense list of tasks awaited them, and they all worked hand-in-hand to accomplish them.

However, the people of Konoha soon noticed something odd.

By logic, after signing the peace agreement, the four major ninja villages should have withdrawn from Konoha as per the agreement. Yet, the Allied Forces showed no signs of leaving.

Subsequently, as the details of the peace agreement surfaced, it stirred unprecedented unrest among the people of Konoha.

It turned out that the condition for the four major ninja villages to agree to a ceasefire was for Konoha to sign a series of unequal treaties.

For instance, politically:

Danzo agreed to employ advisers from the four major ninja villages to form a high-level advisory council, replacing Konoha's elite, to govern alongside the Hokage. Meaning, any significant decisions for Konoha would now require consultation and voting by this council.

Furthermore, ninjas, officials, and merchants from the four villages would enjoy extraterritorial rights in Konoha, even if they committed crimes.

Additionally, Konoha pledged to reduce its ninja forces, especially among the chuunin and genin ranks. Many would have to relinquish their forehead protectors and revert to civilian status.

Even Konoha's Ninja Academy would hire teachers from the four major villages.

Economically:

As is common post-war, Konoha faced territorial concessions and reparations.

Much of the Land of Fire's territories were annexed by the four major ninja villages and their respective countries. As for reparations, Konoha, the invaded party, had to pay a massive sum to the four villages.

This nearly depleted Konoha's treasury.

Moreover, Konoha granted numerous trade concessions to the four villages, such as tax exemptions and exclusive product rights.

Lastly, militarily:

The war had left Konoha in ruins, needing reconstruction. Specific areas designated during this rebuild would serve as military bases for the four major villages.

Indeed, they would have a permanent military presence in Konoha, supposedly to "jointly maintain peace." The costs associated with these stationed troops would be borne by Konoha.

Upon reading these terms, the people of Konoha realized that this wasn't a peace treaty but a subjugation pact.

Danzo, without informing anyone, had effectively sold Konoha out, making its citizens and ninja subservient to the four major ninja villages. As Hokage, he had become their puppet.

Outraged, the villagers took to the streets demanding Danzo's resignation. However, they were quickly suppressed by the combined might of Danzo and the four villages.

The protest soon fizzled out without making any significant impact.

...

Walking through the streets of Konoha, one would notice a stark contrast. Konoha's ninja wore expressions of humiliation and discontent, while the ninja from the four villages strutted around triumphantly, even the lowly genin exuding arrogance.

Dan noticed a spectacle unfolding.

Nearby, a group of Sunagakure ninja was taking over Ichiraku Ramen. Miraculously, amidst the war's destruction, Ichiraku was one of the few establishments that remained unscathed.

Sadly, unable to meet the immense war reparations, Konoha had no choice but to appropriate businesses like Ichiraku and hand them over to the four major ninja villages as payment.

"From now on, this shop belongs to Sunagakure. Get out!" an impatient voice bellowed. Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku, and his daughter Ayame were forcibly evicted by the Sand ninja.

Many Konoha ninja witnessed this, their fists clenched in anger. However, given the current circumstances, none dared confront the arrogant Suna ninja on behalf of Teuchi and Ayame.

All but one.

"What are you doing?!" a passionate voice rang out from the crowd. A man clad in green tights, with bushy eyebrows and a bowl-cut hairstyle, stepped forward, fury evident on his face.

It was Konoha's Blue Beast, Might Guy.

Guy tried reasoning with the Suna ninja, but they dismissed him. "Have a problem? Go talk to your Hokage. He's the one who ordered these properties be given to us as war reparations."

With that, one of them shoved Guy aside.

"Damn it!" Infuriated, Guy retaliated with a powerful kick aimed at the offending ninja's face.

Dynamic Entry!

Leaf Whirlwind!

Leaf Rock Destroyer!

Guy's taijutsu sent the Sand ninja flying, their cries of pain filling the air.

"Guy, stop! Don't make things worse for us," Teuchi pleaded, rushing to Guy's side, hoping to defuse the situation.

But it was too late.

In an instant, several figures clad in gray armor and animal masks surrounded Guy.

The ANBU Black Ops of Konoha.

"Might Guy, you are under arrest for inciting violence," one of the ANBU announced, advancing with chains in hand.

"But it was them! They were trying to take over Teuchi's ramen shop. You should be arresting them!" Guy protested.

The ANBU paid no heed, restraining Guy with the chains.

"Move!" With a stern command, Guy was led away, facing potential imprisonment.

This heavy-handed response from the ANBU served as a warning to other Konoha ninja, who now dared not follow Guy's example.

The Sand ninja, once again arrogant, dusted themselves off.

"Why has it come to this? Sunagakure was always beneath Konoha, and now they're walking all over us!" a Chunin, a veteran of the Third Great Ninja War, lamented.

"If only we had fled like the Uchiha clan. They must be living the good life somewhere now," a Genin spat bitterly.

Konoha was sealed off, resembling a vast prison. Any attempt to leave was seen as betrayal, leading to immediate arrest. Clearly, this was Danzo's move to prevent mass defections to allies like the Third Hokage and the Daimyo.

As for the Uchiha, someone added, "If the Uchiha were still here, with their Mangekyō Sharingan, maybe the four villages wouldn't dare invade. I might've disliked them, but they were always better than these outsiders."

Many nodded in agreement.

Sighs filled the air as many began to regret and even miss the Uchiha. With them, Konoha was undeniably the dominant force, and other villages wouldn't dare challenge them.

As they discussed, a resonating march echoed through the streets. Hundreds of Iwagakure ninja were heading towards the Uchiha district.

Despite the war's havoc, the Uchiha district remained untouched.

However, with the demise of Uchiha Dan, the protection over the Uchiha district ceased.

Under the command of Tsuchikage Ohnoki, the Iwagakure ninja planned to take over the Uchiha district and transform it into a military base for Iwagakure.

Observing this, Dan decided to investigate further.

Before departing, he clapped a Konoha ninja on the shoulder, offering a reassuring smile, "Don't lose hope. Better days are still ahead." He then left, leaving the Konoha ninjas in astonishment.

Ten minutes later, Dan covertly followed the Iwa ninja to the entrance of the Uchiha district. However, as soon as they entered, they were violently ejected.

With screams of pain, more than a dozen Iwa ninjas were sent flying, with the remaining quickly retreating to the district's entrance, staring in disbelief at the woman before them.

It was Tsunade.

With her monstrous strength, a single punch kept the Iwa ninja at bay.

"Get lost," Tsunade coldly snorted. She then turned her back, heading towards the Medical Department.

Facing this formidable opponent, the Iwa ninja hesitated, deciding to report the situation.

Back at the Medical Department, Tsunade began packing. She had witnessed Konoha's decline firsthand, with the village now a colony under the four major ninja villages, having lost its pride and spirit.

In her eyes, such a fate was worse than complete annihilation. A glorious death in battle was preferable to this dishonorable existence. She imagined her grandfather, Hashirama Senju, being devastated by Konoha's current state.

This place held nothing for her anymore.

"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune rushed in, panic evident on her face.

"What is it?" Tsunade inquired, though she had an inkling.

As expected, Shizune anxiously reported, "The Fifth Hokage has accused you of conspiring with the Uchiha, labeling you as Uchiha Dan's accomplice. They plan to imprison and interrogate you. You must flee now!"

Without showing panic, Tsunade asked, "What about you? You risked a lot to inform me."

"I'll be careful," Shizune reassured.

"Take care then, and hopefully, we'll meet again," Tsunade said, giving Shizune one last deep look. She then leaped out of the window, disappearing into the forest.

Following the Naka River downstream, Tsunade recalled the spot where she last bade farewell to Shizune. A little further, and she would be outside Konoha.

Looking at the flowing river, memories of Uchiha Dan resurfaced. She recalled their conversation about Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara, and their playful contest.

Lost in her thoughts, Tsunade was snapped back to reality when she sensed a presence.

A group of Konoha's ANBU emerged, weapons drawn, surrounding her.

"We didn't expect you to be captured so soon," the leading ANBU captain remarked, his tone assertive.

"Hmph." Tsunade scoffed, activating her crimson Sharingan. A powerful surge of chakra emanated from her.

The ANBU members tensed up, preparing for the impending clash.

The battle began.