Naruto: The Shadow Behind The Scenes

The following morning, the five strongest hidden villages received files containing information about the newly formed International Shadow Guild and the ambitious Mall project. As the documents landed on the desks of the leaders, each village reacted differently based on their unique perspectives and concerns.

---

Land of Fire – Konohagakure (The Village Hidden in the Leaves)

In the Hokage's office, the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, was roaring with laughter, his usual jovial nature on full display.

"Imagine that!" he exclaimed, reading the file. "Someone else out there wants to keep the peace, just like me, by controlling the rogue and wandering ninja. If this had existed earlier, I might've even sold them a tailed beast!"

Across from him, his brother and Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, wasn't sharing his enthusiasm. His expression was hard, eyes narrowed at the mention of the guild.

"They could become a threat to the village, elder brother," Tobirama said gravely. "If they gather enough rogue ninjas, they could challenge the power of the five great villages. I don't care about the Mall—let them sell whatever they want. But this guild... it's dangerous."

Hashirama waved off his brother's concerns, smiling warmly. "Come now, Tobirama. We command more ninja than they ever will. Besides, not every rogue will take on their missions. It's not as bad as you think."

Tobirama clenched his jaw, not convinced. "You don't understand. Something feels off about this, but I can't put my finger on it."

Hashirama, sensing his brother's unease, softened his tone. "I believe this guild might do some good for the world, Tobirama. Who ever is the person behind this is must be very intelligent and interesting—he might be an ally for peace."

Tobirama was about to protest again when Hashirama raised a hand. "No need to argue further. The Fire Daimyo is already behind this, so we'll keep a close watch, but we won't interfere."

Despite his brother's reassurances, Tobirama couldn't shake the feeling that something dark was brewing, something out of his control.

---

Land of Thunder – Kumogakure (The Village Hidden in the Clouds)

In the Raikage's office, the Second Raikage quietly read through the file, his face expressionless.

"Hmm..." he murmured to himself. "The Daimyo is funding this operation, so it won't affect our village's resources. And if we need more funds, we can always send our ninja disguised as rogues and collect the bounties ourselves."

The Raikage wasn't worried about the guild or the Mall. His focus was on how to turn this development into a financial opportunity for his village.

"As long as they don't interfere with our operations, we can use this to our advantage," he concluded, setting the file aside with little concern.

---

Land of Wind – Sunagakure (The Village Hidden in the Sand)

In the Kazekage's office, the Second Kazekage sat in deep thought as he read through the documents. Sunagakure had always struggled with limited resources, and the guild presented a chance to change that.

"This Shadow Guild could strengthen our position," he mused. "With our lack of resources, this is an opportunity we can't afford to miss. If we play our cards right, we can use this guild to our advantage and increase our influence in the ninja world."

His thoughts echoed those of the Raikage, focusing on how the guild could bolster his village's strength. The Kazekage was already planning how to leverage this new organization for Sunagakure's benefit.

---

Land of Water – Kirigakure (The Village Hidden in the Mist)

In the mist-shrouded village of Kirigakure, the Second Mizukage was more intrigued by the Mall than the guild itself. As he scanned the file, his mind fixated on the economic potential it offered.

"Our isolation on these islands has always made trade difficult," he muttered. "But this Mall... it could be the solution. We could establish trade channels to bring in much-needed resources."

He leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "Weapons, supplies—if we can use this Mall to open up trading routes, it will benefit Kirigakure immensely. The guild? That's a minor concern. What we need is access to the mainland's markets."

The Mizukage saw the Mall as an opportunity to break the isolation of his village and create a new channel for economic growth.

---

Land of Earth – Iwagakure (The Village Hidden in Stone)

In Iwagakure, the Second Tsuchikage read the file with a calculating look, his mind quickly analyzing the situation. He knew his Daimyo well—cunning and always playing political games.

"What is our Daimyo up to now?" he muttered under his breath, suspicious of the sudden support for this guild. "He's always scheming, but this... this seems different."

The Tsuchikage suspected that there was more going on behind the scenes than the file suggested. "If this is part of a larger plan, I'll go along with it. But if this is some sort of trap, we'll need to be prepared."

What he didn't realize was that his Daimyo had already been manipulated and controlled by Yuto Watanabe. If he had known, he would have realized just how deep the intrigue went.

---

Smaller Countries and Villages

Across the smaller nations and hidden villages, reactions were mixed. Many saw the International Shadow Guild as an opportunity to hire skilled ninjas without going through the powerful Five Great Nations. It was a chance for them to gain some autonomy and take on missions that would benefit their people.

Others, however, were more cautious. They feared that they might pay for missions that would never be completed, with rogue ninjas disappearing with their money. The uncertainty of dealing with such a guild was both exciting and terrifying for the smaller powers.

---

Public Reactions

As rumors of the Shadow Guild spread through the ninja world, reactions were varied. At first, disbelief was the common response—many couldn't believe that such an organization for rogue and rebellious ninjas could exist. But when the rumors were confirmed, the reaction shifted to excitement. Rogue ninjas saw the guild as a way to gain legitimacy and make a living without being hunted. Civilians saw it as an opportunity to hire ninjas for protection or dangerous tasks, bypassing the influence of the Great Nations.

For many, the International Shadow Guild represented hope. For others, it was a source of fear.

---

The creation of the International Shadow Guild and the Mall project sent ripples through the ninja world. Some saw it as an opportunity for growth, while others viewed it with suspicion and fear. But one thing was certain—the balance of power in the ninja world was shifting, and Yuto Watanabe stood at the center of it all, silently guiding the course of events with his unseen hand.

The leaders of the Five Great Nations knew this would not be the last they heard of Yuto Watanabe and his growing influence.