LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 31: Perpetual Guardianship
The clash between Madara and Hashirama wrought profound changes upon the landscape, giving rise to the newly formed chasm known as the Valley of the End. Beyond this dramatic creation, extensive areas suffered severe vegetation damage, leaving swathes of land uninhabitable and affecting numerous villages and towns.
In response to the plight of the homeless refugees, the Fire Daimyo reluctantly accepted the recommendation of Tobirama to allow these displaced people to resettle in Konoha Ninja Village. This decision highlighted several additional matters that needed discussion during the Daimyo's stay in the capital before arriving at Konoha to accommodate the refugees.
Despite Konoha Ninja Village being responsible for their loss, the displaced villagers harbored no ill will towards the village. They perceived their misfortune as an innocent calamity and appreciated Konoha's humility in admitting fault and offering land. Their willingness to accept Konoha's generosity underscored the villagers' practical acceptance of their new circumstances.
Fortunately, due to early warnings prompted by the battle between Hashirama and Madara, the villagers managed to evacuate in time, sparing lives despite losing homes. Even in cases where fatalities occurred, families chose to settle in Konoha, recognizing the pragmatic advantages over nursing grudges against the village.
According to Fumori Masaki, these villagers were fortunate to live in the Land of Fire, where even displaced individuals found refuge. Living in Konoha ensured fair treatment without fear of exploitation, a stark contrast to other feudal lords who derived their wealth from labor.
Among the displaced villagers were those from the mission site where Masaki and his team had operated, including Ichiro and the farmer girl. Ichiro's unwavering loyalty to Konoha reflected the village's earnest goodwill, while Masaki's reputation among the villagers as a skilled ninja reinforced their sense of security.
These sentiments were widespread among the villagers who, despite their disrupted lives, recognized Konoha's prowess and stability. Their resettlement was facilitated by the lands generously provided by the Senju and Uchiha clans, albeit causing minor discord within the latter due to differing opinions on the extent of land allocation.
Understanding the dissent within his clan, Uchiha Kagami remained resolute as clan leader, supported by a majority who endorsed his decisions. Minor dissent notwithstanding, the Uchiha's contribution underscored their commitment to collective stability amid post-battle reconstruction.
For the displaced villagers, Konoha's willingness to allocate land and resources demonstrated the village's commitment to rebuilding lives and fostering unity. Ichiro's presence among the new settlers served as a reminder of the village's promise to protect and provide for all its inhabitants, reinforcing the sense of security and community.
With Konoha restored to its former state after extensive reconstruction efforts, villagers resumed their daily routines. The younger generation's growing fascination with ninjutsu prompted Hashirama to consider revamping Konoha Academy. Its current curriculum, tailored to family heirs and their retainers, required overhaul to cater to civilian interests in basic ninja skills and broader education.
The reconstruction of Konoha Academy signaled a new era of education and opportunity for the village's younger generation. Hashirama and Tobirama envisioned a future where all children, regardless of their background, could learn the principles of ninjutsu and contribute to the village's prosperity.
Following his confrontation with Madara, Hashirama sensed significant changes within himself, a premonition of his impending mortality. Despite plans to retire and delegate responsibilities to Tobirama, he resolved to undertake one last mission. Aware that his life's end would diminish Konoha's deterrent effect on rival nations, he proposed a radical solution: utilizing tailed beasts as eternal deterrents.
Recognizing the endless chakra of tailed beasts, Hashirama believed their presence could ensure perpetual deterrence against conflict among nations. His plan involved capturing and distributing tailed beasts to maintain a balance of power, thereby preventing wars and preserving peace.
Subsequently, ninja clans provided intelligence on tailed beasts to Hashirama, who analyzed their locations. Apart from the Nine-Tails sealed within Mito and the One-Tail in the Wind Country's temple, other tailed beasts roamed freely. This prompted Hashirama to initiate preparations for their capture, marking the beginning of a crucial phase in maintaining regional stability.
Accepting his physical limitations, Hashirama confided in Tobirama, entrusting him with Konoha's future and the protection of its children from the perils of war. With a solemn promise to fulfill his brother's vision, Tobirama reassured Hashirama of his confidence in the village's future under his stewardship.
As the village continued to heal and grow, Hashirama's final mission loomed ever closer. The capture and distribution of tailed beasts represented a bold strategy to maintain peace and deter aggression among the great nations. Hashirama's legacy would be one of wisdom, strength, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the future of Konoha.
In the twilight of his life, Hashirama's thoughts turned to the bonds he had forged and the dreams he had for the village. He trusted Tobirama to carry forward his vision and ensure that Konoha remained a beacon of hope and stability in a turbulent world.
With resolve and determination, Hashirama set out to complete his final mission, knowing that his actions would shape the course of history and safeguard the village he loved. The Valley of the End stood as a testament to the epic battle between two powerful shinobi, but it also symbolized the enduring spirit of Konoha and the promise of a brighter future for all its inhabitants.