Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 328 Iron-Blooded

The old man and some ninjas who had been clamoring for Tsunade's removal were stunned by the sudden turn of events. Their eyes widened, their mouths gaped, but no sound came out. Just then, a group of ninjas dressed in black ninja uniforms and wearing headbands appeared like ghosts around them, tightly surrounding them. These ninjas wielded various weapons, their eyes cold and resolute, as if they could take their lives at a single command. The old man and the other ninjas watched this scene in terror, their bodies trembling uncontrollably, completely unsure how to deal with this unexpected situation.

Meanwhile, the same scene was playing out in every corner of Konoha Village. Whether in bustling streets or quiet alleys, everyone involved in this event that had unsettled Konoha was being closely monitored by ninjas hidden in the shadows. Those who dared to resist were mercilessly killed on the spot, with no intention of capturing them for trial. This decisive action plunged those who had relied on their status and position into endless panic. When they finally saw the true faces of the ninjas surrounding them, their fear reached its peak. It turned out that these ninjas were all from various ninja clans. They remembered how Hiruzen Sarutobi had repeatedly suppressed these clans and encroached on their interests during his reign. Now, these clans had clearly reached their breaking point and were retaliating. This made them realize the danger of their situation, and they could only hope that the newly appointed Hokage, Tsunade, would show mercy and stop the ninjas' actions in time, giving them a chance to reform.

However, Tsunade's subsequent orders made them realize for the first time the Hokage's unyielding attitude, causing them to feel deep regret. Tsunade looked coldly at the uninvited guests, her eyes flashing with anger and determination. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, as if to vent all her rage. She took a deep breath and said in a low, firm voice, "Take down all those who threaten the village's safety. Anyone who dares to resist will be killed without mercy! Don't hesitate, I will bear all the consequences." Tsunade's words exploded in the air like thunder, leaving everyone stunned. Her eyes revealed a resolute and courageous spirit, as if she was prepared to face any consequences. Hearing Tsunade's order, the guards sprang into action. They quickly surrounded the uninvited guests, weapons in hand, watching them warily. No one dared to easily challenge Tsunade's authority, because they knew that once the Hokage made up her mind, she would never back down. The uninvited guests were intimidated by Tsunade's imposing aura, their faces showing fear and unease. They had initially believed they could act with impunity in Konoha based on their strength and status, but now they realized they had underestimated Tsunade's resolve and methods. At that moment, they realized they had made a grave mistake—daring to challenge the Hokage of Konoha. However, it was all too late. Tsunade's mind was made up; she would not give these people any chance. She would prove with her actions that Konoha would not tolerate any behavior that threatened the village's safety.

Those who had long held high positions in Konoha clearly hadn't truly grasped the consequences of this incident. They remained basking in their past glory and power, believing that Tsunade would, as before, mercifully let them go, at most only weakening their power once more. However, they underestimated Tsunade's resolve and methods.

"How dare you lay a hand on us?" One of the elders glared at the ninjas who were about to capture them and shouted, "Do you know who I am? I am a high-ranking official of Konoha!" He tried to intimidate the ninjas with his status and position, hoping to make them back down.

Another old man chimed in, "That's right, we are all important figures in Konoha, you can't treat us like this! Lady Tsunade will not allow you to do this!" His voice was full of anger and dissatisfaction, as if he had forgotten what he had done before.

The behavior of these individuals shocked and disappointed the surrounding villagers. They had initially assumed these high-ranking officials would consider the village's interests, but now it seemed they only cared about their own power and status. The villagers began to murmur amongst themselves, expressing their dissatisfaction with the actions of these officials.

The ninjas who were about to capture them remained expressionless and unmoved. They knew in their hearts that this was Lady Tsunade's order, and they had to carry it out. Moreover, they had long been furious with these useless people who held high positions but only knew how to suppress their own clans. No matter how these people threatened or intimidated them, they could not change their minds.

These ninjas, who were attached to the higher-ups, had their own agenda: with the higher-ups backing them up, they only needed to follow along and cheer them on. Moreover, for so many years, these higher-ups had been the undisputed rulers, and the clan ninjas certainly wouldn't dare to easily attack them. This was a golden opportunity! They could both impress the higher-ups and lay a solid foundation for future gains and higher positions. So, one by one, they stepped forward, putting on a righteous and awe-inspiring appearance, trying to stop and surround the arriving ninjas, even hoping to use the opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty.

But Tsunade, standing on the high platform, glared with even more murderous intent. She never imagined these ninjas would be so audacious, daring to openly defy her orders at this crucial moment! Had they forgotten the village's interests and honor? Were they only driven by personal gain and ambition? This situation filled Tsunade with immense disappointment and anger. She had once believed that as ninjas of Konoha, everyone should possess unwavering faith and loyalty, but now it seemed these people had long since lost their love and loyalty to the village.

At this moment, almost everyone's gaze was focused on Tsunade on the high platform, as if she were the center of the entire world. The clan ninja stood quietly to the side, their eyes revealing unwavering resolve and loyalty. They were prepared; at Tsunade's command, they would act without hesitation. They knew that Tsunade's decisions would directly impact the future of Konoha and their own fates. Therefore, they chose to trust Tsunade and were willing to give everything for her.

The former Konoha high-ranking officials wore sly smiles. They didn't believe Tsunade would continue to order these ninjas to act. They secretly wielded considerable power within Konoha, and if Tsunade ordered an attack, it would plunge the village into chaos and cause further heavy losses. Therefore, they were certain Tsunade wouldn't order the ninjas to act. In the end, the only recourse would be negotiation; they would pay a price to appease Tsunade's anger and let the matter drop.

However, what they didn't know was that Tsunade had already made up her mind to teach these people a lesson. She knew these people were a cancer in Konoha and had to be eliminated, otherwise Konoha would never have peace.

"Make your move!" Tsunade said coldly.

Upon hearing Tsunade's order, the clan ninjas rushed forward without hesitation and launched an attack on the former Konoha high-ranking officials.

The former Konoha high-ranking officials panicked; they hadn't expected Tsunade to actually dare to order an attack. They began to regret their decision, but it was too late.

The battle erupted instantly, with both sides engaging in fierce combat. Although the former Konoha high-ranking officials had a considerable number of affiliated ninjas and controlled many powerful departments within Konoha, they quickly found themselves at a disadvantage against the combined onslaught of powerful clan ninjas.

This time, Tsunade mobilized the most elite ninjas from the ninja clans of Konoha. Each ninja was exceptionally skilled, and all were highly proficient in their clans' secret techniques. These secret techniques were far more powerful than ordinary ninjutsu, so the powerful clan ninjas quickly gained an overwhelming advantage. Moreover, the oppression and threats these clan ninjas had suffered over the years had already fueled their rage. If it weren't for the greater good of the village, they would have long ago shown these useless former high-ranking members that sheer strength was the cruelest reality of the ninja world.

At this time, Konoha Village was filled with bloodshed. Countless powerful figures who were usually high and mighty were immediately killed if they showed any resistance. Their status and power did not help them at all, but instead became their death warrant.

Tsunade stood aside, quietly watching the battle. She knew this was a necessary struggle; without destruction, there can be no construction. Konoha was terminally ill and needed to completely eradicate these cancerous elements within the village. Only in this way could Konoha regain its vitality.

Tsunade's iron-fisted orders plunged the entire Hidden Leaf Village into a reign of terror and carnage. However, the elite clan ninjas she mobilized displayed astonishing efficiency and ruthlessness. They swiftly moved through the village's streets and alleys, slaughtering those who dared to resist. Those villagers who dared not resist were captured and imprisoned without mercy.

This time, Tsunade disregarded all sentimentality. She knew that only an iron fist could quell the unrest and ensure the village's stability. Anyone involved in instigating the unrest would face execution or capture. They would either be shot on the spot or imprisoned to await their final judgment.

As time passed, the situation in the village gradually stabilized. Those who had tried to disrupt the village's peace had received their due punishment. Tsunade, meanwhile, remained in her office in the Hokage Building, calmly considering her next plan. Although the village had temporarily returned to tranquility, she understood that the real challenge had only just begun.