"There is no need to worry about us, Akimichi-san. We have been sent by the Kazekage and the elder council of Suna to help our allies in their time of need," Shota said politely.
Choza along with the shinobi with him relaxed a little. Dealing with two S-rank shinobi right at their doorstep after the Nine-Tails attack was not something they wanted.
Especially when one of them was Pakura of the Scorch Release who could do as much damage to Konoha as Nine tails if not stopped.
The tension in the air eased slightly as the Leaf ninja lowered their weapons. They still kept a careful watch, but the immediate threat of a fight seemed to pass.
"We would like to request an audience with whoever is in charge of the village now," Pakura said.
"Lord Third has been reinstated as the Hokage until another Hokage can be elected. He along with Elder Homura and Elder Koharu have taken charge of the village," Choza said.
"An Anbu has already been dispatched to the Hokage to inform him about your arrival and your request. Please be patient until then," Choza continued as both Shota and Pakura nodded.
After a few minutes of waiting, An Anbu arrived and said, "The Hokage would see you in his office."
They were then led to the destroyed village and eventually to the Hokage building, which still stood and looked mostly undamaged, and walked to the Hokage office.
As soon as they entered the room, they felt a huge amount of chakra press on them.
Hiruzen was openly pressing them with his chakra. Pakura shielded her genin with her own chakra while Shota tried his best to remain calm even though he had sweat dripping from his neck.
'Dick move, Hiruzen. Dick move. I know why you are doing it but it is still a dick move. Damn, what is with his chakra... I guess there is a reason he is called the current God of Shinobi,' Shota thought.
He knew that it was just a power move by Hiruzen. If Shota so wished, he could use his Erasure to make the pressure disappear, but that would result in a battle that he did not want to take part in.
Hiruzen was simply telling them that even after the nine tails attack, Konoha was not someone to be taken advantage of, and by not attacking them Shota replied with the fact that their alliance was respected. And a small power move would not break it.
Then the pressure disappeared suddenly as Hiruzen gave them a tired smile. "Sorry about that. You know how politics work? Well, had to do it."
He said as if he was truly sorry about it, but Shota could easily tell that he was a very good politician and actor. The old Hokage had years of experience in reading people and handling difficult situations. His apology sounded sincere, but his eyes showed he was testing them and making a point.
"Please take your seats. And it is good to see you again, young Shota," Hiruzen said warmly.
"It is my pleasure to see you again, Lord Third. I am deeply sorry for what happened to Lord Fourth and the civilians and shinobi of Konoha alike during the Nine-Tails attack," Shota said with genuine respect.
Hiruzen sighed. "I am not going to lie. It was a heavy blow to both our spirits and our village." He took a deep breath and his eyes shone with determination.
"But from the flames we shall rise again. Our Will of Fire will not be extinguished so easily. The people of Konoha are strong and resilient. We have faced many hardships in the past, and we have always come back stronger. This tragedy has tested us, but it has also reminded us of what we fight for. The bonds between our shinobi and the love for our village will help us rebuild and become even greater than before."
Shota thought 'Dude, You don't have to preach your will of fire to me. I am not even a shinobi of Konoha.'
Shota could tell that the Konoha entourage that had escorted them were motivated by the motivation and probably why Hiruzen was saying this. He was trying to raise the morale of hís men.
The Third Hokage continued speaking , "We have lost many good people, but their sacrifices will not be in vain. We will honor their memory by protecting the next generation and making sure Konoha stands tall once again. The Will of Fire burns in every shinobi, civilian, and child in this village. That flame will guide us through the darkness and lead us to a brighter future. No matter how hard the times are, we will never give up. That is the spirit of Konoha."
"Nicely put, Hokage-sama. What are your plans going forward if I may ask?" Pakura asked respectfully.
Hiruzen sighed. "Konoha is very short-staffed after the Third Great Shinobi War, then what happened to Root, and now the Nine-Tails attack."
"The other villages, specifically Kiri and Kumo, have smelled the blood and are already gathering at our borders. I have been approached by Danzo about him joining back Konoha with his Root as a prisoner while he would give all his Root shinobi to protect Konoha. He would do it as a form of forgiveness for what he has done to the village," Hiruzen said.
"And seeing the circumstances, I am considering his offer," Hiruzen said.
Shota wanted to punch Hiruzen right there at that moment.
--------Author Notes---------
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