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[NTU] [ARC-14] Chapter : 186
🕑 Added 2024-10-09 18:35:32 +0000 UTCWinter's bitter chill is slowly fading, and the warmth of spring begins to stir. It’s as if the world has awakened overnight, with Konoha’s landscape quietly revealing the passage of time.
In the early mornings of spring, sunlight breaks through thin clouds, casting a golden glow over the tranquil village. Snow melts under the warmth, merging into streams that flow gently through the valleys, their soft murmurs echoing through the air. The biting cold of winter gradually gives way to a gentle spring breeze, brushing against the skin with a touch of warmth.
As the days pass, spring takes hold. Dormant branches sprout tender buds, swaying in the breeze, and fresh green leaves begin to flourish, covering the once bare trees. Wildflowers bloom along the paths, painting the earth with splashes of color.
With each passing season, time’s quiet rhythm brings new beauty to the world.
"Is this really final?"
In the Uchiha Clan head residence, Fugaku, seated at the head of the room, stared at Toshiro, who wore a faint smile. The corners of his mouth twitched in disbelief.
"Yes, it’s decided. After all, this is my dream!"
"…"
'What kind of nonsense dream is this?' Fugaku thought. Isn’t it just an excuse to wander aimlessly and never come back?
He still couldn’t quite wrap his mind around it. How did his clan end up with someone like Toshiro, who boldly announced he wanted to go on a journey to roam the elemental nations?
And to make matters worse, after being called out, the man shamelessly admitted it.
"That’s... something to take up with the Hokage."
"Don’t worry! That old man probably wishes I’d just disappear!" Toshiro casually picked up his teacup, blowing on it before taking a sip. He had to admit, the tea prepared by Mikoto-san was excellent.
"I think it’s not just the Hokage. Even you, Fugaku-san probably wishes I’d leave Konoha sooner," Toshiro added calmly, setting the teacup down and locking eyes with Fugaku.
"Did you notice?" Fugaku sighed, not bothering to deny it.
As Toshiro’s strength had grown, so had the restlessness of certain factions within the Uchiha clan. Each clan meeting made Fugaku more uneasy, knowing there were many outside the clan who saw Toshiro’s power as a threat, and many inside the clan as a factor fanning the flames of a coup.
"I fear that if things aren't handled carefully, unnecessary conflict could erupt between the clan and the village."
"Fugaku-san, I don’t oppose your desire to foster a better relationship with the village, but I feel the need to remind you of a few things." Toshiro leaned forward slightly, his tone thoughtful yet firm.
After years of observing Fugaku, Toshiro had come to understand that the head of the Uchiha clan was one of the rare few who embraced the village’s Will of Fire ideology. The irony of it all almost made him want to laugh.
Considering Fugaku's beliefs, Toshiro couldn't help but think it made sense why things played out the way they did in the original story.
"What do you think of this 'Will of Fire'?" Toshiro asked, a trace of amusement in his voice. "It’s one thing for a young ninja to believe in ideals like that—it shows they're kind and reliable. But as you grow older..."
"However, if you still cling to this belief at your age, as a clan head, it only proves one thing—you’re far too naïve."
Toshiro’s voice was calm but sharp. "Don’t just listen to what the Third Hokage says; watch what he does."
"Are you really that wary of the Third Hokage?" Fugaku asked, frowning slightly.
"Ahh... He’s still the Hokage," Toshiro acknowledged, sipping his tea. "While I don't agree with all his methods, I can understand why he does what he does."
"But I’m not the Hokage, and being cautious of him is only prudent."
His tone grew more serious as he fixed his gaze on Fugaku. "But you, Fugaku, especially your eldest son—if you align yourselves too closely with the Hokage, you may end up being used as a tool against the Uchiha."
Toshiro’s eyes narrowed slightly. "What will you do then?"
"Don’t worry, something like that will never happen!" Fugaku said firmly. "Itachi is a smart boy. He’ll undoubtedly be the pride of the Uchiha one day!"
Hearing Toshiro’s warning, Fugaku was briefly startled but quickly brushed it off. He couldn’t imagine his son ever turning against the clan, so he hastily defended him.
"I hope you're right," Toshiro replied.
Later, back at his home, Toshiro sat on his living room sofa, deep in thought. With his presence in this timeline, could the Uchiha massacre plan still happen in a few years?
After a long moment of contemplation, finding no clear answer, Toshiro’s gaze shifted toward the door. Standing there was fourteen-year-old Uchiha Shisui, just stepping inside.
"Toshiro-senpai, what did you want to speak with me about?" Shisui asked respectfully as he entered, offering a polite bow before taking a seat on the sofa across from Toshiro. His gaze was calm but curious.
"Shisui, have you ever considered becoming the Hokage?" Toshiro asked without preamble, getting straight to the point.
"...What?" Shisui nearly dropped the teacup he had just picked up, his eyes widening in disbelief. He stared at Toshiro, unsure if he had heard correctly.
"I see that the idea hasn’t crossed your mind before," Toshiro remarked, observing Shisui's shocked expression. It was clear to him that the young Uchiha had never entertained such a thought.
"Shisui, apart from Hatake Kakashi, none of the younger generation in the Hokage faction stand out. If you're interested in pursuing this path, there’s still a real opportunity. Have you considered it?"
Toshiro's gaze remained steady as he continued. "The tension between the Uchiha clan and the village—you’re well aware of it. If you were to become Hokage, many of these conflicts could be resolved."
Shisui remained silent, clearly startled by the suggestion. Unlike Toshiro, who had no aspirations in that direction, Shisui was a man with ideals, and the role of Hokage could be the perfect fit for him.
Shisui's usual composed demeanor broke. His eyes, normally bright and calm, now widened in surprise. His signature smile had faded, and his face showed only confusion and disbelief.
"What’s the matter? You don’t even dare to consider it?"
Toshiro, noticing Shisui’s hesitation, pressed on, refusing to hold back. "Isn't it your dream to protect everyone in the village and uphold the Uchiha name?"
He leaned forward slightly, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "What better way to achieve that than by becoming Hokage? It would allow you to fulfill those ambitions in the most complete way."
Unlike himself, who had no grand aspirations, Toshiro had witnessed Shisui’s dedication over the years. Shisui was someone who embodied the ‘Will of Fire,’ a true believer in its ideals.
"Could it be that all your dreams and words... have just been talk? Or have you never seriously thought about becoming Hokage, about protecting the villagers and safeguarding the Uchiha’s honor?"
Shisui found himself at a loss for words. Toshiro’s unexpected challenge had caught him off guard, and for a moment, he couldn't quite gather his thoughts.
