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[NTU] [ARC-16] Chapter : 209
🕑 Added 2024-11-14 16:58:47 +0000 UTCThe changes Shisui spoke of were clearly tied to his transformation over the past two years.
During this time, Shisui had immersed himself in routine missions, often at the expense of his clan and his responsibilities with the Uchiha police force. This shift had drawn significant criticism within his clan.
"Hokage!" Shisui's eyes lit up with determination as he met Itachi's gaze. "Itachi, my goal is to become Hokage!"
After a conversation with Toshiro that had initially left him conflicted, Shisui had carefully reconsidered the complex ties between his clan and the village higher-ups. He had come to a powerful realization: only by becoming Hokage could he truly resolve the tension between the Uchiha and the rest of Konoha.
"What, even you seem shocked by my new goal?" Shisui teased, noticing Itachi’s stunned expression. He couldn’t resist playfully tugging the small braid at the back of Itachi’s head.
Itachi, usually composed and unshakeable, now wore a rare look of surprise—a look that Shisui found unexpectedly endearing.
"Ho-Hokage!" Itachi stammered. "Shisui... are you serious?"
So this was the reason for Shisui’s recent transformation. The realization left him both impressed and taken aback.
"Absolutely," Shisui replied, withdrawing his hand and meeting Itachi's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I want to become the village’s Hokage. By doing so, I can resolve the tension between the clan and the village elders and also serve the village in a meaningful way."
"Itachi, accomplishing this will be incredibly difficult, and I’ll need your help!" Shisui admitted, his voice both hopeful and firm.
A task this monumental couldn't be achieved through effort alone. Although Toshiro would support him, the journey was fraught with opposition and potential setbacks. Itachi, however, was his most trusted ally.
"No one has ever said that a Uchiha can’t become Hokage," Shisui continued, his eyes shining with resolve. "I want to be the first Uchiha Hokage!"
"Hmm! I’ll do my best!" Itachi replied, equally moved by Shisui’s determination. Seeing Shisui’s unwavering ambition inspired him, and he resolved to support his friend’s vision for the future.
As Itachi visited Shisui, discussing this new dream, the Hokage’s office remained brightly lit late into the night, where the Third Hokage, Hiruzen, continued working diligently on matters concerning the village.
As I age, my stamina just doesn’t compare to what it was in my earlier years. I feel my energy waning; handling these documents would be so much easier if I could simply use the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu. But at this stage, that kind of strain is too much to bear.
Looking at the portraits of my mentors, I can’t help but feel a bit disheartened—it’s difficult to find a suitable successor I can truly rely on.
Taking a deep draw of his pipe to stay alert, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen, was about to dive back into the endless paperwork when a knock interrupted his thoughts.
Knock, knock!
“Come in,” he called.
At his word, a figure dressed in a traditional black-and-white kimono, leaning on a cane and with one eye covered by a bandage, stepped into the room.
“Danzo, is there a reason for your visit at this late hour?”
The Third Hokage was somewhat taken aback—what could have brought Danzo here at this hour? Could something serious have happened?
“I heard that Uchiha Shisui has returned,” Danzo stated before Hiruzen could speak. He seated himself across the desk without waiting for an invitation, launching immediately into his topic. Hiruzen felt puzzled by this approach.
Why is Shisui’s return prompting a late-night visit from Danzo?
“I understand he executed the mission excellently—not only did he fulfill the objective, but he also earned unanimous praise from his teammates,” Danzo continued, his tone measured but intent.
Danzo’s remarks kept coming back to Uchiha Shisui. “After he debriefed, he even went out to dinner with his teammates. It seems they’ve formed quite the camaraderie.”
Obviously, he came prepared, and Shisui's every move today did not escape his eyes.
“Danzo, what exactly are you planning?” The Third Hokage, sensing Danzo’s intentions in his tone, quickly intervened. “I won’t allow any reckless actions!”
The situation wasn’t like before. In his youth, Hiruzen had the backing of Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and even the White Fang. But now, Konoha’s most powerful assets had either left, fallen, or defected—and he himself was aging.
At this point, moving against the Uchiha clan would be a dangerous gamble. Even just dealing with Uchiha Toshiro would be challenging, let alone the entire clan. The risk to the village’s unity was simply too great.
Danzo, seemingly aware of Hiruzen’s thoughts, replied calmly, “I understand.”
“That may be true, but how did it come to this point?” Danzo muttered, frustration evident in his voice. “If only you had listened to my counsel sooner, we might have avoided this entirely.”
He sighed, then continued, “The Uchiha have been producing outstanding talents over the years, haven’t they? How long has it been since Uchiha Shigeyama passed away? Now, Fugaku and Toshiro are pillars of the current generation.”
“And the younger ones aren’t lacking either. Shisui, who is barely out of his teens, and even Itachi, who awakened his Sharingan at just eight years old.”
“When they mature fully, have you considered what could happen?” Danzo’s tone sharpened. Though the Third Hokage had already rejected his proposal, Danzo was far from deterred. He was confident he could sway Hiruzen’s opinion.
“But the Uchiha clan… they’re also part of this village!” the Third Hokage countered, his voice laced with quiet conviction.
"They are our comrades… our allies!" The Third Hokage’s voice softened, yet his resolve was clear. As Hokage—especially one nearing the end of his tenure—Hiruzen had given much thought to these matters.
The rising power of the Uchiha had indeed become increasingly hard to contain, a concern he couldn’t ignore. If Jiraiya, Tsunade, were still available, he might feel more confident about addressing the delicate situation. But with only Kushina left, he hesitated, knowing the risk of any hasty action.
Danzo's tone shifted, almost amused. "Well, I should thank you in part for Shisui’s reputation. 'Shisui of the Body Flicker'—it's a remarkable title. If you hadn’t assisted in promoting him, how else would that kid have gained such fame in the ninja world at his age?"
By the time Shisui was just twelve or thirteen, his reputation had already reached far beyond Konoha, spreading throughout the ninja world.
Shisui’s achievements were due, in part, to his remarkable skill. Yet equally important was the support he received from the Third Hokage. Without Konoha’s resources aiding in building his reputation, he wouldn’t have attained such recognition so quickly.
"I've watched that boy grow," Hiruzen mused. "He’s inherited Kagami’s 'Will of Fire' well, and I trust he is a true Konoha shinobi. His actions have consistently validated that trust."
The Hokage had taken note of Shisui’s potential years ago, especially when Shisui had first volunteered for duty on the border of the Land of Water. Shisui not only inherited Kagami’s blood but also his spirit—a Uchiha with a vision that extended beyond the confines of his clan.
Seeing this, Hiruzen had resolved to mentor Shisui much like his own sensei, the Second Hokage, once guided him, hoping Shisui could become a bridge between the village and the Uchiha clan. Of course, this was also a subtle way for the Hokage to keep some influence over the Uchiha.
"He's not Kagami," Hiruzen said, "and it’s not yet time for any succession."
Danzo knew that Hiruzen harbored hopes for Shisui, but he couldn’t help but push further. "Shisui’s performance has gone far beyond your expectations," he replied, his single visible eye glinting with intensity. "He's started to build quite a following, which—surely you, as Hokage, understand the implications of."
Danzo certainly knew how to protect his position well. Anyone who posed a threat to his chance of becoming Hokage was quickly identified, and he would take immediate steps to deal with them.
Since Shisui's rise to prominence, he had been notably active in missions. Surprisingly, the Third Hokage had failed to notice, while Danzo, ever the shrewd characeter, had already taken precautionary measures and moved first.
He promptly approached the Third Hokage with the news.
"Shisui, he..."
Upon hearing Danzo’s words, Hiruzen found himself at a loss for how to respond.
In promoting the 'Will of Fire,' Hiruzen had encouraged the ninjas of Konoha to fight for the village's future, inspiring the younger generation to strive, struggle, and sacrifice for the Hokage's ideals. But now, seeing an Uchiha clan member fully embrace this path and work toward this goal, Hiruzen's heart grew heavy and conflicted.
Especially with the backing of figures like Uchiha Toshiro, Uchiha Fugaku, and the entire Uchiha clan, thoughts that should never have surfaced began to creep into his mind. He quickly pushed them away, one by one.
Konoha's current situation didn't allow for internal conflict, particularly when facing powerful figures like Uchiha Toshiro.
Hiss!
Taking a deep drag from his cigarette, Hiruzen's mind wandered, the sharp smoke filling his lungs as he thought of many things. There were the teachings of his own mentor, the Second Hokage, the camaraderie with Uchiha Kagami, the voice and presence of the Fourth Hokage, and the unyielding nature of the Uchiha clan.
