As the dust settled in the aftermath of the battle at the Valley of the End, a profound darkness consumed Naruto. His heart was heavy with the weight of his decisions, and the sight of Sasuke, his closest friend, siding with Danzo, had shattered his spirit.
Meanwhile, back in Konoha, news of the fierce confrontation had spread like wildfire. The village was deeply divided. A minority of villagers, including some shinobi and close friends, believed in Naruto and his intentions to protect the village. However, the vast majority of the village, fueled by years of prejudice against the Nine-Tails, saw Naruto as little more than a monster in human form. His recent actions, including his battle with Sasuke and the accusations of harming Sakura, only strengthened their belief in this perception.
Hokage Tsunade, after receiving the reports, summoned a council meeting to address the situation. Among those present were Kakashi, Sakura, and other prominent figures from the village who still believed in Naruto's goodness. The atmosphere was tense as they discussed Naruto's actions and the implications for Konoha.
Sakura, still nursing her injuries from the battle, spoke up, her voice filled with determination. "We can't abandon Naruto. He went through so much to bring Sasuke back. We have to find him and bring him home."
Kakashi, with his customary calm demeanor, nodded in agreement. "Sakura, you're right. Naruto may have lost control, but we need to understand his perspective and help him."
However, some members of the council, influenced by Danzo's subtle manipulation and the fear of Naruto's newfound power, voiced their dissent. They accused Naruto of harming Sakura during the battle, presenting false evidence and testimonies to support their claims.
Danzo, still concealed by his Sharingan illusion, played his part well, further swaying the council's opinion against Naruto. "It's clear that Naruto has become a threat to the village," he declared. "We cannot allow someone who endangers our own to go unpunished."
The council, now deeply divided, decided to label Naruto a rogue ninja, citing charges of harming a fellow Leaf ninja as justification for their actions. They issued a "kill on sight" order, viewing Naruto as a danger to Konoha.
Naruto, who had been absent from the council meeting, was unaware of the accusations and the grim fate that awaited him in the village he once called home. His path had taken a darker turn, and he remained on a solitary journey, away from the judgment and condemnation of those he had sought to protect.
Back in Konoha, the village was now in turmoil, torn between those who believed in Naruto's innocence and those who saw him as a threat that needed to be eliminated. The shadows of manipulation and betrayal hung over Konoha as the village grappled with the consequences of its actions, all while Danzo's influence remained hidden, a puppet master pulling the strings from the shadows.
