Chapter 11 - Hokage Monument

With the standard map of the Leaf village memorized and Daichi's location and directions showing in real-time as a holographic map, reaching the Hokage mountain was easy. As he reached the base of the mountain he could see the Academy building.

It was the place where Daichi would be learning about being a shinobi starting next year. As he neared the building several blue notification boxes appeared.

[You have found The Academy. Quest progression (6/7)]

[You have found The Hokage Monument. Quest progression (7/7)]

[Quest 'Scout out the village.' Completed.]

[Rewards:

1150 Exp

Rep increases with Leaf Village citizens.

New Title: Explorer. (This title gives the ability to locate hidden Dungeons and Dungeons keys. Increases chances of finding various hidden locations by 35%)]

'Yes. I thought I would have to go to the Yamanaka flower shop to complete the quest but I'm not going to complain if my tasks get easier. Hmm, since the Academy is a special location just finding the place must have been enough for the quest to progress.'

Daichi could see the stairs that lead to the top of the Hokage monument. 'Since I'm here I might as well go to the top and take a look.'

He slowly climbed the stairs. Since it was somewhat of a long trip, by the time he reached the top he got a small increase in one of his stats.

[Due to the continued physical training, you have obtained +1 VIT]

He stood on top of the first Hokage's head, took off his exotic sunglasses and looked at the village. What he saw took his breath away. A giant magnificent village perfectly blended with nature was staring back at him. Only now did he understand how truly big the village was.

'Kishi-san created something truly beautiful. And it became a reality.'

Daichi was mesmerized by the sight. He could see the giant wall surrounding the village. Giving it a sense of security. He could see the different ninjas going about their way. The houses and shops of all shapes and sorts. The village that holds the title of the strongest and most prosperous among the great 5. He suddenly realized he was standing atop where legends once stood.

'This is where the first hokage Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha made history. 2 children of opposite sides unexpectedly met and became friends. The loss of their loved ones forced them to break the chains of their clan ideology.'

'They dreamed of a place where people could be safe and enjoy peace. And they became strong enough to make that dream a reality. They set their differences aside and together founded the hidden leaf village. For a short time they found the peace they so desperately searched for.'

'The first trained the third and the disciple of the third trained the fourth. Some mistakes were made along the way by all the four hokages… But whatever they did, they did in the belief that it would protect their home.'

'Even Madara, for all his faults and arrogance, all he wanted was to protect his clan. Even the current plan he's put in place, no matter how foolish, misguided or cruel, is in the notion that it would bring peace to the world.'

Daichi stood there looking over the village in a daze. His mind flashed through all the memories he had of this place as Daichi and as Thomas. Of living in this village and interacting with the people in it and reading about an amazing story and the sacrifices the characters in it made.

He thought about the 11 clan kids currently living a carefree life but would one day stand strong to defend the village and the world against the coming threats.

And most of all the blue eyed protagonist who despite all the hate and suffering he endured became the protector of not only the village but this entire world.

Without even realizing it a few small tears dropped from the corner of his eyes. A small smile came to his face as he closed his eyes..

'I was arrogant. I've been given a second chance and an ability that would help me become strong. But that made me arrogant. I felt like I was the center of the universe but I have to remember that I'm not. Not only that, on some small level I still regarded the people here as characters from a comic book. I didn't take them as seriously as I should.'

'This place, the people living in it. This entire world, they are real. Just as real as I am.'

'This is my story and I'll do my best to stand at the top, but… I should remind myself that I'm not the only one living in this world. This is their story too.'

Once Daichi opened his eyes he slowly let out a breath. His mind became clear and refreshed. The arrogance that he didn't even know existed inside him vanished. A new notification box appeared in front of him.

[Due to having a brief enlightenment, you have obtained +1 WIS]

"Are you alright young one?" At that moment Daichi heard someone behind him and he was slightly startled.

When he turned around his eyes widened as he stared at the man. For in front of him stood one of the most important and influential person in the world.

"Third Hokage." His voice barely above a whisper but was heard by the two.

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A few minutes ago. The Hokage's office.

The third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was looking over the reports of several Genin and Chunin teams currently active. In his hands held the file of one of his talented ninjas, Iruka Umino. He read the history of the young teenager, his capabilities, progress and his skills.

It always filled his heart with pride to see the young stand on their own feet and prosper. He imagined the day when he too would hand over the hat to someone capable and strong once more. After reading over everything a second time, he placed the file down and took the next one.

The next folder he took was a thick one. When he opened it his heart became heavy. The photo of a stoic boy who hasn't even become a teenager was on it.

'It seems Fugaku is serious about pushing his son into becoming a Chunin as soon as possible.' He looked at the somewhat thick file of Itachi Uchiha. The request for entering Itachi into the Chunin exams was in front of him.

'The relationship between the village and the Uchiha clan has not been good. Not since the attack. They have been one of the backbones of this village since its founding and yet things have turned out like this. I have to mend the hate between the clan and the people of the village. Before it's too late. Or I fear for what's to come.'

He stood from his chair and walked to the window of his office. Looking out he couldn't help but sigh sadly. 'Minato… why did you have to leave so soon.' He thought about the missions the young Uchiha has completed since becoming a genin.

'He is a talented child. He had the abilities to graduate in less than a year. A genius beyond measure. But just because a child is capable and able to graduate early, does that mean they should?'

'All the violence, ugliness and cruelty of this world… Itachi graduated in a single year and became a ninja from an early age. He had to watch his teammates die on the mission and he was forced to take lives. What does it do to someone like him. What would he turn into?'

His thoughts brought to mind the face of another genius. One he personally nurtured and loved and became one of his greatest regrets. He sighed again.

'I'm getting too tired for this…. I need to get some fresh air. I'll take a walk. Maybe visit Naruto and see how he's doing.'

He slightly flared his chakra in a particular pattern. A ninja wearing a mask with the pattern of a bull appeared kneeling. "I'll be heading out for a while. Reschedule the remaining appointments I have today for tomorrow."

"Yes lord Hokage." Came the reply.

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked out the office and slowly walked out the building. The people who saw him greeted him with smiles. And the ninjas bowed in respect. He stood near the entrance of the ninja academy and looked ahead, lost in thought.

'A new batch of students is going to join the academy soon. I need to make a decision regarding the graduation age soon.'

He mind raced about all the things he had to do. He looked up to the first two faces on the mountain. He looked at the second face.

'Tobirama sensei… I have an idea as to what your response would be to the Uchiha situation. But… Hashirama sensei...' He looked at the face of the first. 'I wonder… how would you solve this problem?'

Without even realizing it his feet took him to the top of the mountain. As he stood there he saw a young boy no older than 5 or 6 years old in his estimate standing on top of the first Hokage's head and looking a little melancholy. The Hokage could feel the agitation of his tiny chakra reserves.

'A civilian child who has yet to learn to consciously use his chakra.'

He saw a few tears rolling down the cheek and the child closing his eyes. He was about to go over to console the young child but in just a few moments Hiruzen could feel the chakra that was agitated a few seconds ago become calm.

He was astonished. 'A young child with this much control over his emotions. I have only seen a rare few.'

When he saw the child open his eyes he was once again shocked. He could see the wisdom of someone beyond their age in those eyes. His curiosity got the best of him. He had to know who this child was. He went near the boy and asked.

"Are you alright young one?"

He was slightly amused to see the startled reaction of the child. The boy turned around and when the child saw him, his eyes widened in surprise and the Hokage could see recognition in those eyes.

"Third Hokage." The boy spoke in a small voice.