398. The Kazekage is Still Moving Bricks

"Konoha, December 4th, 55th Year of the Konoha Calendar – Joint Shinobi World United News."

"Under the leadership of the great 'Father of the Nation,' Elder Shimura Danzō, Konoha has successfully completed its first four-year plan."

"In terms of transportation infrastructure: Over the past four years, Konoha has successfully constructed the 'Muta Railway' connecting Konoha to the Land of Rice, the 'Capital Railway' linking Konoha to the former capital, the 'Muu Railway' connecting Amegakure and Konoha, and the 'Minami Railway' linking Konoha to the southern coast of the Land of Fire."

"These projects have significantly improved the railway network within the Land of Fire, promoting domestic trade and the flourishing of commerce and industry..."

"In terms of industrial development: Konoha has introduced various policies to strongly support technological research and breakthroughs, fostering the growth of heavy and light industries, and creating a favorable environment for industrial development..."

"In terms of commerce and trade: Konoha has vigorously stimulated commercial growth, encouraged competition among various industry guilds, actively ensured the safety of trade, maintained market fairness and stability, and improved legal regulations to bring more order to the market..."

"In terms of legal system construction: Konoha has issued a large number of legal documents, striving to build the Land of Fire into a nation governed by the rule of law, ensuring that the people have laws to abide by..."

"In terms of talent recruitment: Konoha has actively improved the living conditions for various talents and provided ample living resources..."

"In terms of domestic security: Over the past four years, Konoha has established more than twenty new security management offices nationwide, adding four hundred security personnel, effectively strengthening grassroots governance..."

"In terms of military reform: Konoha has established multiple military districts, conducted military training, effectively enhancing the combat effectiveness and operational efficiency of the shinobi forces, and improving the ability to respond to military provocations and invasions from other nations..."

"And all of this is thanks to our 'Father of the Nation'—"

"Elder Shimura Danzō!!"

Under the directive of Hokage Minato and the active cooperation of various departments, the Shinobi World United News has lavished praise on Danzō, elevating him to a status comparable to that of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.

If Hashirama Senju is likened to the founding emperor, then Danzō can now be considered a ruler who has brought about a revival.

In fact, for the majority of the populace, Danzō's status in their hearts may even surpass that of Hashirama...

After all, his actions over the years have tangibly and significantly improved the daily lives of the people.

To name just a few, his improved grain seeds have greatly increased the food production of the Land of Fire, and indeed the entire shinobi world, saving countless lives!

Not to mention the groundbreaking reforms he has implemented—

Such as overthrowing the oppressive nobility that loomed over the people...

Enacting laws to build a legal system...

Clearing out bandits and establishing security offices to protect the property and safety of the people...

Resisting foreign enemies and maintaining the peace of the Land of Fire...

Each and every one of these deeds has made the title 'Father of the Nation' shine brightly above Danzō's head.

Although he has never held the title of Hokage, in the hearts of most Konoha villagers, and indeed the people of the Land of Fire, he has long been the undisputed leader.

Thus, when this report was published, the entire Konoha erupted in cheers.

No one felt that Danzō was unworthy of the title 'Father of the Nation.'

On the contrary, they believed that the title 'Father of the Nation' was far from sufficient to match the contributions Elder Danzō had made to the people of the Land of Fire...

Of course, reactions to Danzō being honored with the title 'Father of the Nation' varied among others.

For example, the former Hokage, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had long since abandoned all responsibilities to focus on gardening in his courtyard.

Since the incident of the assassination attempt on Danzō, he had confined himself to his home and never stepped out again.

However, even without leaving his home, he could still glimpse the rapid development of the outside world through newspapers.

For instance, right now, he was holding a copy of the ' Shinobi World United News.'

Seeing the six characters 'Father of the Nation: Shimura Danzō' on the page, he seemed to finally understand the dream that Danzō had been steadfastly pursuing all these years.

"'Father of the Nation'... That title sounds much better than Hokage..."

He sat in his chair, taking a deep drag from his cigarette.

But immediately, he was choked by the smoke and began to cough violently.

As he coughed, the corners of his eyes, already lined with crow's feet, unexpectedly moistened.

Amidst the hazy smoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, his voice hoarse:

"Homura, Koharu, it seems we were wrong."

"We've been walking down the wrong path all along."

"I'm sorry for what happened to you."

His voice grew increasingly hoarse, and finally, he looked up at the gradually rising rooftops around him, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes.

"Fortunately, it was us who were wrong."

"Fortunately, Danzō has led the entire Land of Fire down the right path." —————————

In fact, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't the only one paying attention to this news.

There was also Danzō's old rival, the 'Tsuchikage' Ōnoki!

If Hiruzen's attitude toward this matter was one of regret and relief, Ōnoki's was pure jealousy.

After all, comparisons are odious.

Before the Third Great Shinobi War, one was known as the 'Fence-Sitter' who would trade anything, and the other was the 'Darkness of the Shinobi World,' infamous for his cunning and villainy.

Neither was a good person, both equally notorious.

How did the situation suddenly reverse, with Danzō becoming the so-called 'Father of the Nation' of the Land of Fire?

Meanwhile, he was still struggling to outwit the damned nobles in his own country!!

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but clutch his aching back...

Over in Kumogakure, the Fourth Raikage, A, was also feeling restless after seeing the development data released by the Land of Fire.

Not to mention the mess in the Land of Hot Water.

The entire Hot Water Village had been destroyed!

If they wanted to maintain it, Kumogakure would have to step in directly...

In the Land of Water, Mei Terumī was also at a crossroads.

She had repeatedly visited the hospital to seek advice from the elder, hoping to gain some guidance from him.

But the elder's response could be summarized in one sentence—

"The experiences of the past are no longer applicable. From now on, it's the era of you young people. Do as you see fit!"

Faced with the Elder Genji's complete relinquishment of authority, Mei Terumī's inner balance began to tilt.

Coupled with intelligence from Konoha suggesting that the Blood Mist faction might have colluded with the Land of Water's daimyō, a certain idea in her mind grew increasingly strong.

As for the Land of Wind, their Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, was still moving bricks...