Konoha New Era : Third Hokage Ascends

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When Madara's body completely disappeared in the flames, Masaki Fumori thought to himself, "Goodbye, Madara-sama. In the future, there is no need for someone like you to participate."

With Madara's dead and his Mangekyo Sharingan gone, Black Zetsu would have to wait for another person with the same eyes to appear. While this might prompt Black Zetsu to take unpredictable actions, affecting the future of the ninja world, the benefits outweighed the risks. Facing a younger Uchiha with a Mangekyo Sharingan was preferable to dealing with Madara's experience and cunning.

Additionally, the Uchiha clan was now part of the village, making it easier for Masaki to monitor potential reincarnations of Indra within the clan. This surveillance would make it more challenging for Black Zetsu to operate unnoticed. The rare conditions required for a non-blinding eternal Mangekyo Sharingan would also make any new wielder more conspicuous.

The downside was that Black Zetsu would go back into hiding, ceasing his activities as Zetsu. As long as Black Zetsu lived, his schemes against the reincarnations of Asura and Indra would persist. Eliminating Black Zetsu remained a priority, but finding an effective method to do so was challenging.

Uchiha Kagami carefully collected Madara's ashes and sealed them in a scroll. He then instructed the others, "This is a secret between us. To everyone else, we say that Madara's body was destroyed in the battle. Once we return to the village, I'll find a place to bury the ashes."

Everyone understood this was to prevent disturbances to Madara's rest and agreed. The ashes held no research value, eliminating concerns about Madara being resurrected or exploited. The group left the scene, contemplating the aftermath.

As they returned, Hashirama noticed the destruction around them and sighed deeply. "I didn't expect the battle to cause such devastation."

Masaki Fumori, recalling the nearby mission site, expressed concern. "I wonder if the nearby village was affected."

"Ah!" Uchiha Kagami also remembered. "We need to check on them."

Tobirama frowned, having tried to divert the battle away from the village, but now worried about other areas. "If other places were damaged, the village might face trouble."

Villagers losing their homes could blame Konoha, and the Fire Daimyo might be displeased, potentially punishing the village. Tobirama cursed Madara silently, frustrated at the mess left behind.

Hashirama took responsibility, suggesting, "If people come seeking compensation, the village should provide it. We can allocate some land from the Senju clan to help them and allow them to settle in the village."

"The Uchiha clan will also contribute land," Uchiha Kagami offered. "Madara's actions affect us all. We won't ignore it."

Hashirama smiled, appreciating the gesture. This shared burden would help maintain balance and reduce dissent within the Senju clan.

Masaki Fumori, though wanting to help, had little land of his own, managed by the Senju family. Contributing land would strain his resources, so he decided to wait until the village had more tasks and he could support his family independently.

Returning to Konoha, they saw the village recovering. Sarutobi Sasuke and others asked about Hashirama and Madara. Sticking to their story, they claimed Madara's body was unrecoverable, convincing everyone with Hashirama's genuine sadness.

With Hashirama and Tobirama back, the village began rebuilding. Hashirama's wood release provided materials, though his current state prevented direct rebuilding efforts. A high-level meeting focused on three issues: the reaction of neighboring villages and the Daimyo, Kyuubi's sealing in Mito, and the Uchiha clan's situation.

The Uchiha clan, fearing backlash, was relieved that Hashirama did not blame them. Instead, the meeting focused on appeasing the Daimyo and managing Kyuubi.

Hashirama requested ninjas to search their records for traces of other tailed beasts, though he didn't explain why. Trusting their Hokage, they agreed.

Hashirama's decision to aid displaced villagers faced some opposition, but with Senju and Uchiha providing most of the land, dissent was minimal. Other clans contributed symbolically to show loyalty.

Shortly after, the Fire Daimyo inquired about the incident. Many homeless people had gone to the capital. Hashirama personally visited the Daimyo, downplaying the event's impact and persuading him to accept the displaced people.