In the Hidden Leaf Village, within the Hokage Office eting room, after Uchiha Shirou proposed the opportunity to end the war, the clan leaders and head Jonin present all displayed solemn expressions.
Even the hawkish faction, who were typically aggressive, recognized the scars left by war; it was ti for the village to recover and rebuild.
"If we can draw the Sand and Cloud villages into this, it would indeed be a rare opportunity to end the war."
In the end, countless Konoha ninja silently nodded their heads. Even those aligned with the Third Hokage showed expressions of longing.
"Negotiating peace with the Mist Village cannot be delayed. However, in this negotiation, the Mist Village's Seven Ninja Swords can be a bargaining chip. They might even ignite hatred among the Cloud, Sand, and Mist villages if we use the swords and the Tailed Beasts strategically…"
As the discussion about ending the war began, a civilian Jonin from Konoha furrowed his brow and voiced this opinion.
Seeing this, Shirou sneered inwardly. As expected, this old group's sches were just as he had anticipated. However, he had already seized the upper hand.
It was clear this Jonin aligned with the Third Hokage's faction.
At this mont, Uchiha Shirou frowned slightly, then spoke in a deep voice:
"All the spoils of war obtained during the conflict have already been generously rewarded to our ninja. After all, this was the fastest way to increase combat strength. But for the sake of the village's peace!
Third Hokage! As the Deputy Head of the Police Force and the Head of the dical Division, I, Uchiha Shirou, am willing to personally persuade this ninja. For the village, I believe no one would greedily cling to these ninja swords."
What a move!
Shirou's words directly caused the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, to flush with embarrassnt. Looking at Uchiha Shirou before him, Hiruzen could only laugh in anger.
Well done! Well done indeed!
Having lived most of his life, he had never been cornered like this before.
After Shirou's statent, the Konoha ninja who had received the Mist Village's ninja swords were initially delighted. But now they realized they were going to lose them.
Although it was for the village's peace, the emotional gap was undeniable, and any dissatisfaction was bound to be directed at the Third Hokage.
anwhile, Shirou played the role of the good guy, repeatedly aligning himself with the Hokage's intentions. He even appeared apologetic, as though sacrificing for peace, which only enhanced his reputation.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, slowly raised his head, his expression somber. He nodded before speaking in a deep voice:
"The Mist Village's ninja swords are indeed a great asset to our ninja's combat strength. Even if the Mist and Sand villages withdraw from the conflict, we still face the Stone and Cloud villages as enemies.
Negotiations with the Mist Village cannot be delayed. The ninja swords can serve as a bargaining chip, but the timing of their return will be decided by us in Konoha. When the war is truly over, we can discuss it then."
At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced deeply at Uchiha Shirou before continuing in a calm tone:
"When that ti cos, I'm afraid we'll have to trouble Captain Uchiha Shirou to handle the matter personally."
The two of them had already begun a subtle confrontation.
The Third Hokage's stance was clear: the ninja swords could be kept for now, but what would happen after the war ended would depend on Uchiha Shirou.
"Naturally! For Konoha!"
Uchiha Shirou replied firmly without hesitation.
Who could predict what would happen in the future?
At the sa ti, the others in the eting room weren't fools. They could sense the underlying tension.
Shortly after the Third Hokage announced the end of the war, rumors spread that he would retire and allow a new Hokage to take his place.
Shirou's sharpness during this eting was unmistakable, clearly signaling his ambition to everyone.
The eting eventually shifted to discussions about stabilizing the village and addressing issues related to the reserve forces.
After all, among the four major reserve units, Sarutobi Shinnosuke's unit had suffered over 50% losses, and even Shinnosuke himself had been left disabled.
The eting finally adjourned…
Hokage's Office.
"Hiruzen, Uchiha's ambition is no longer hidden!"
In the Hokage's office, Koharu Utatane's face was pale with anger as she spoke about today's Jonin eting.
Since becoming an advisor to the Hokage, she had never been humiliated like this in decades! Today was nothing short of a public slap in the face!
By her side, Homura Mitokado was calr. At this mont, he frowned as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and spoke in a deep voice:
"Hiruzen, setting aside the Uchiha na, if this man truly rises to power, the influence of the clans behind him will undoubtedly grow stronger.
The village, which has been stable for decades, will see clans like the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka… all face challenges. This will undoubtedly bring turmoil to the village…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a deep breath of smoke before replying hoarsely:
"I understand all this—the clash between the old and new powers. But that's not what worries the most. What worries is the Gunbai."
At this, Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his head and looked at the two of them, his voice heavy:
"Summon Danzo back. The village cannot be without the Root at this ti. If Uchiha Shirou truly inherits the will of that man, then even if the war ends, the village will face a disaster."
The Gunbai—could it signify that Uchiha Shirou had inherited the will of that man? Was that why he had gained such montum?
Prejudice in people's hearts is like a mountain that cannot be moved, no matter how hard one tries.
No matter how much effort the Uchiha clan made, what others first saw and thought of wasn't their efforts but the negative associations tied to them.
"Danzo!"
At the ntion of Danzo, even Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane nodded gravely. Hiruzen Sarutobi himself couldn't help but feel a pang of sentint.
Without Danzo by his side, without the omnipresent Root, they truly felt powerless.
After all, sotis the knife needed to be wielded by the Root.
...
Hokage Monunt.
Under the night sky of Konoha, the eastern horizon was already tinged with a faint red glow. Standing atop the Hokage Monunt, Shirou wore an expression of contentnt, as though he already held Konoha in his grasp.
"I thought you'd already left. I didn't expect you to still be waiting for here."
Shirou spoke lightly. Beside him, a figure with blond hair smiled—it was none other than Minato Namikaze, who had not attended the Jonin eting.
"Mm, I had already left, but I couldn't help feeling uneasy. So, I left a shadow clone here through the Flying Thunder God technique to wait for you."
Minato also smiled as he gazed at the sunrise over Konoha, his eyes filled with a sense of happiness.
This was the ho where he was born and raised.
"What do you feel now?"
The two stood side by side atop the Hokage Monunt, looking down at the entire village of Konoha as if the village was already in their grasp.
Shirou's expression was calm, as though he were discussing sothing trivial.
Minato's smile gradually faded. After a mont of contemplation, he raised his head and spoke deeply:
"Heavy. Now, I can feel how heavy the responsibility for Konoha truly is."
For the first ti, Minato's expression revealed an unprecedented sense of gravity. He truly felt the weight of the Hokage's responsibility.
"What you consider heavy is probably more about guilt and not wanting to let certain people down."
The two of them continued to overlook the whole of Konoha. Shirou spoke indifferently.
"The Third Hokage taught you, and even in this incident, he was willing to sacrifice his son, who had already lost his qualification as a ninja, all for your sake.
So, the burden you carry in your heart is the Third Hokage's expectations. You can't face the sacrifices he made for you, which is why you feel so heavy…"
Facing Shirou's words, Minato Namikaze remained silent for a mont, nodding lightly before shaking his head and responding:
"You are correct, but only partially. I admit that the Third Hokage's perspective had flaws and was unfair, but the idea of stability for Konoha is not wrong.
At this mont, whether it's you, Shirou, or Lady Tsunade who becos Hokage, what will happen to the many clans behind you? They will demand greater benefits."
At this point, Minato turned his head, looking directly at Shirou with a serious expression, and said:
"Have you considered the conflict between the old and the new forces? The current shinobi world is in turmoil. If Konoha plunges into chaos imdiately after the war ends, all the advantages we once held will vanish. Haven't you worried about this?"
In response to Minato's concerns for the future, Shirou shook his head resolutely.
"No. I do not carry the sa weight for Konoha as you do. What I feel is only excitent because this is Konoha's blessing. They will no longer have to endure the cyclical peace of a re dozen years, only to then plunge into war again.
This repetitive cycle, where each generation relives the sa fate, will end with . I will be the one to lead them into a new era..."
At this mont, Shirou's eyes glimred with confidence and pride, a sight that instilled unprecedented fear in Minato.
"The Third Hokage wasn't wrong when he said you are terrifying. I admit your dream is grand—not only do you want to bring change to Konoha, but you aim to transform the entire shinobi world.
But Konoha is no longer enough to satisfy your ambition and dreams. Ambition must match one's strength! Have you considered the possibility of failure?"
Minato, overwheld by the potential disaster of Shirou's ambition, spoke passionately. What if you fail?
"Failure?"
Hearing this, Shirou slowly turned his head, his Mangekyō Sharingan erging, his gaze exuding unwavering confidence.
"I will not fail! And even if I do, could it possibly be worse than the current situation?"
As he spoke, a mocking smile appeared on Shirou's face, and he pointed toward the desolate Konoha Academy.
"Look at those children over there. If this war doesn't end, they will graduate only to be sent straight to the battlefield. This is Konoha now.
The Konoha that Uchiha and Senju built together, with the other clans, was ant to prevent children from going to war. Regardless of how the First or Second Hokage acted, they at least accomplished one thing!"
"And that was standing at the forefront, protecting the children and the holand behind them. This is what makes them worthy of the title of Hokage. This is the true aning of the Will of Fire!"
At this point, Shirou's finger slowly shifted, pointing toward the Hokage's office building and the territories of the Senju and Uchiha clans. His tone was full of disdain as he continued:
"And what about our Hokage now? During the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars, he didn't even step onto the battlefield. The reason was supposedly valid—to oversee Konoha. While you may understand this, what was the original intention behind founding Konoha?
If the Hokage's role from the beginning was like this, do you think the Uchiha and Senju would have ever joined forces?"
Shirou's tone grew firr as if recounting an undeniable truth.
"What Konoha needs is not a Hokage who sits within the safety of the village but one who charges to the front lines. Perhaps such a Hokage would be less responsible or less composed.
But the very foundation of Konoha was built on this principle!"
"This is a world where the strong can change and suppress everything. That's why we need such a Hokage. If we are to claim the title of the strongest shinobi village, then we must be worthy of that honor!"
This was not a debate of right or wrong, but a clash of perspectives.
Or rather, in politics, there is never a clear distinction between right and wrong, good and evil.
Faced with Shirou's conviction, Minato took a deep breath, his gaze equally resolute.
"I agree with your perspective, but I align more with the Third Hokage's view. What Konoha needs now is stability. If you can promise that there will be no turmoil in the village—"
"Promise what?"
Shirou interrupted Minato with a mocking smile. How naïve, how foolishly simple.
"Promise not to bring chaos to Konoha? After I beco Hokage, everything will remain the sa? That the Abura or Hatake clans who support will remain as they are, unchanged?
And I should continue to rely on the Third Hokage's inner circle to give Konoha 'stability'? Minato, you are ridiculously naïve."
Looking at Minato, Shirou shook his head and glanced toward the Senju and Uchiha territories, speaking calmly:
"The Senju have declined. Many in the village believe the Senju shouldn't monopolize so many resources for Konoha's sake, but no one asks why the Senju have declined.
And those who follow , while so may seek personal gain, can you deny that they also have dreams of their own? Based on your reasoning, does it an that if the Sarutobi or Namikaze clans encounter misfortune in the future..."
"...your clansn and descendants, who no longer hold as much value, should also be pushed to the village outskirts?"
The mocking tone was lost on Minato, who still didn't fully grasp Shirou's point. anwhile, Shirou sneered internally, knowing Minato's heart was blinded by the hollow Will of Fire of the current Konoha.
Everything was done under the pretense of 'for Konoha,' but in reality, it was rely a mask for selfishness.
When you, Minato Namikaze, die, your son Naruto will have his surna changed to Uzumaki, and neither of your estates will be inherited. This is what it ans to be 'for Konoha.'
In the end, Naruto will even be expected to be grateful. Only soone like the protagonist Naruto, who defies all logic, could accept this. A normal person would never understand how you could think this way.
"Thirty years ago, the Sarutobi, Shimura, Yamanaka, Nara... all these clans were here."
Standing on the Hokage Rock, Shirou pointed toward Konoha's outskirts before turning his finger toward the center of the village.
"The heart of Konoha was the Senju and Uchiha clans, followed closely by the Hyuga. But when the Third Hokage ca to power, he expanded his influence under the guise of 'for Konoha.'
These clans have enjoyed preferential treatnt for over thirty years. Now that it's ti for a new Hokage, they suddenly wave the banner of righteousness and claim it's 'for Konoha'?"
At this, Shirou found it laughable. He turned to Minato, his expression dripping with ridicule.
"If the Third Hokage could do this when he rose to power, why can't a new Hokage do the sa? Why can't they use the excuse of 'for Konoha' to strengthen their faction?"
"No! There's a better way!"
Minato's firm gaze t Shirou's. While he didn't deny the Third Hokage's mistakes, he had his perspective.
"After becoming Hokage, you can proceed step by step. There's no need for such drastic asures. That will only bring chaos to the village. If Konoha falls into turmoil, stagnates in developnt, and falls behind other villages, what happens if war cos again?"
Minato left the rest unsaid, but his aning was clear.
However, upon seeing Minato's resolute expression, Shirou shook his head in disappointnt. How utterly foolish and naïve.
He had lost all interest in continuing the conversation. Minato's ideology had proven to be the sa as before.
Minato planned to maintain Konoha's status quo, slowly and steadily inheriting the past Hokage's legacy to prevent any turmoil in the village.
But this also ant no substantial changes for Konoha, reflecting the mindset of the conservative faction.
From their perspective, whether for personal gain or otherwise, it was indeed the safest approach.
After all, their vision was limited to what they knew. They had never experienced significant reform and failed to understand that only change could drive progress.
Perhaps change would bring hardship, but stagnation ant standing still forever.
"Right now, it's not just us. Other villages in the shinobi world are watching Konoha. Any signs of weakness could sow the seeds of chaos."
Faced with Minato's naïve beliefs, Shirou shook his head and waved his hand, losing all interest in the discussion.
"Our fundantal differences remain irreconcilable. I respect and understand your perspective, but please don't imitate Jiraiya by forcing your ideology onto others."
Shirou's calm yet mocking remark left Minato speechless and filled with helplessness. Everything Minato had said was an attempt to unite their efforts to prevent turmoil in the village.
Unfortunately, Minato's vision only allowed for Konoha's repetitive cycles of stagnation.
Shirou sought to bring about a revolution for Konoha, and even for the entire ninja world. For years, his ideals had reached countless people, and now, those who followed him were individuals firmly committed to this belief.
And now, you're telling them that all of this is for the sake of the village's stability... only for everything to remain the sa? Why would they support you then? Just to continue standing idly on the outskirts of the village?
"The fundantal difference between us lies here: the position of Hokage. The Third Hokage claid it rightfully and directly! You, Namikaze Minato, were led to this position by the Third Hokage, carrying the banner of 'For Konoha.'
But ! Uchiha! I walked in step by step, covered in blood, carrying the ideals of change for everyone!"
His resolute voice echoed across the Hokage Rock. At that mont, the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, illuminating Uchiha Shirou's figure, and making him shine brilliantly.
"Right now, it's not that I chose to beco Hokage—it's that these ninjas of Konoha have chosen ! What you call failure and chaos—let tell you this now!"
"If I fall, I'll rise again. But I won't fall, because with these eyes and with Tsunade, we are destined to reach the peak!"
At this mont, Shirou's face was full of determination, his confident expression glowing under the sunlight.
However, to Namikaze Minato, all this only served to show Uchiha Shirou's unshakable resolve. Minato nodded in equal determination.
"I understand. We are indeed fundantally different. But we both strive for a better future for Konoha. I won't give up either."
With that, Namikaze Minato's shadow clone disappeared with a soft "poof."
Shirou narrowed his eyes as he watched. Namikaze Minato's life had been like a script: born a commoner, only to finally be recognized through great effort.
He beca Jiraiya's student, though Jiraiya was often away. In truth, it was the Third Hokage who had personally guided Minato's growth. Naturally, growing up under his influence, Minato had inherited the Third Hokage's will.
"Co out. You've been watching for long enough."
At this mont, Shirou glanced behind him, his gaze calm and indifferent as he spoke.
PS: Minato was like our politician today. No effort for changes just following the sa old rules.
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