397. The Father of the Fire Nation

The gaze returns to the familiar yet revitalized land of Konoha.


Since Danzo pushed through a series of bold reform proposals against all odds and gradually implemented them, the Fire Nation's economy, technology, military, and many other fields have taken off simultaneously.

The emergence of transportation such as trains and cars has significantly changed the way people travel.

Convenient transportation has allowed Konoha to gather specialty goods from all over the ninja world, effectively reducing the prices of some imported goods and greatly promoting commercial development across the ninja world.

The various new drugs developed by research institutes have effectively improved the efficiency of Konoha Hospital. Diseases that previously required medical ninjutsu to treat can now be cured with medication.


The ubiquitous public security offices have strengthened Konoha's grassroots management, providing people with a sense of security.

Coupled with the issuance of various laws and the official operation of the court, Konoha has been transformed into a society governed by the rule of law... truly a model of rule of law and order!

With these comprehensive enhancements, Konoha quickly radiated an unparalleled attraction.

Not only the capital but also surrounding towns and even people from other countries have come to settle in Konoha, becoming new residents.

As a result, Minato had to impose stricter review regulations on these immigrants to prevent the new capital from falling into chaos due to overpopulation.

Despite this, the population here continues to swell rapidly like a snowball, soon surpassing the former capital of the Fire Nation and claiming the title of the largest city in the ninja world.

Today's Konoha is lined with high-rise buildings, bustling commercial streets, and has become the undisputed forefront of technological research, a hub for financial capital, and a core of commercial trade in the ninja world.

Various cutting-edge technological products and specialty goods flow from Konoha to all directions, with everything thriving.

Meanwhile, the military reforms led by Danzo have also been remarkably successful, garnering more than expected positive responses.

After several discussions, the Konoha high command selected a vast and strategically located area outside the village for a large-scale military district.

After months of construction, a grand military zone with high walls, strict fortifications, and complete internal facilities including training grounds, barracks, and armories was established.

The first batch of 3,000 carefully selected ninjas moved in, officially becoming the vanguard of Konoha's military reform.

They bid farewell to the traditional lifestyle of enduring hardships and relying on mission rewards, embracing the reform to become professional ninjas of the new era.

In addition to regular high-intensity training and simulating various complex battle scenarios to hone tactical coordination, they have ample time for personal cultivation.

This scientific and reasonable arrangement not only allows them sufficient time to refine their skills but also accumulates rich combat experience through simulated battles, enhancing their overall strength.

Perhaps to prove the correctness of this military reform, Konoha even held a friendly competition at Danzo's suggestion, inviting traditional ninjas and new-era ninjas of similar strength to compete.

The results showed that those who chose to join the military district first had made significant progress, while those who adhered to traditional methods had not only made little progress in strength but also earned limited mission rewards... Such a stark contrast naturally attracted many ordinary ninjas, who then appealed to the Konoha high command to expand the ranks so they could also join and enjoy the benefits of development.

The high command did not hastily agree but required these ninjas to first submit applications to the military department, with only those passing the rigorous screening and approval process becoming official ninjas.

Under such arrangements, those ninjas who previously scorned this new form quickly changed their attitudes, abandoning so-called traditions and eagerly signing up...

On the newly built Hokage building, Hokage Minato Namikaze stood quietly, looking down at the thriving village below, his face filled with satisfaction.

"Indeed, Senior Danzo's methods are effective," Minato thought.

He had initially worried that military reform would be the most challenging part of the various reforms, as ninjas had been accustomed to living off missions since the founding of the village and even during the Warring States period.

Changing such a tradition was no easy task.

Unexpectedly, Danzo's deft handling smoothly resolved the issue...

Hearing this, Nara Shikaku beside him also showed a relaxed smile, sincerely said: "Yes, thanks to Lord Danzo, otherwise, this mess in Konoha would have been hard to manage."

Hearing Shikaku's words, Minato nodded deeply in agreement.


Without Danzo, perhaps he and Kushina would have died in the Nine-Tails' rampage?

Maybe Naruto would not have survived, and the Nine-Tails would have caused even greater destruction to the village.

Not to mention later defeating the Cloud Village so decisively, overthrowing the nobility's rule, implementing such earth-shattering reforms, and making Konoha the center of the ninja world...

All of this was because of Danzo.

Thinking of this, Minato's admiration for Danzo grew even stronger.

He suddenly turned to Shikaku and asked, "With the recent reforms completed, shouldn't the Shinobi World United News publish a phased summary?" Shikaku nodded, "Indeed, Lord Hokage, what are you planning?"

Minato smiled gently, "Although Danzo-sama has no interest in fame, I cannot take all the credit for myself. We should be truthful and let the people know how much effort Elder Danzo has put into these matters, right?"

Shikaku immediately understood Minato's deeper meaning but still hesitated, "That's true, but now that Lord Jiraiya is in charge of the propaganda department, could there be..."

Minato laughed heartily, understanding Shikaku's concern, "Don't worry, Danzo-sama's contributions to the village are well known to all. I believe Teacher Jiraiya is not petty and will understand."

With Minato's assurance, Shikaku nodded, "In that case, I will communicate well with Jiraiya-sama."

Minato slightly nodded, looking at the village before him and then at the face on the Hokage Rock behind him, saying, "Elder Danzo's contributions to the Fire Nation deserve the title of 'Father of the Nation'."