Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou [186]

Inside the Hokage's Office.

 After Shimura Danzo assumed an air of "who else but me can be relied upon," Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado frowned.

It seemed that, apart from Danzo, there truly wasn't anyone else at the moment who could step up and command authority.

"Hiruzen…"

The two hesitated as if they wanted to say something, but Sarutobi Hiruzen calmly interrupted them.

"This time, the major decision-making failure is a heavy responsibility that I cannot shirk. However, in this time of war, I must continue to shoulder the great burden of Konoha. Once the war is over, I will step down from the position of Hokage…"

When Sarutobi Hiruzen mentioned stepping down as Hokage after the war, Shimura Danzo's face brightened with joy. Who else but me deserves the Hokage position?

However, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado's expressions drastically changed. It was fine as long as Sarutobi held the position, but if someone else—especially Danzo—took over, their comfortable days would come to an end.

Looking at the state of the Shimura Clan, could they count on Danzo to show leniency for old friendships?

If he could exploit even his clan, what wouldn't he dare to do?

"Hiruzen, this time it was the intelligence division's failure…"

The two tried to dissuade him, but Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head and sighed:

"Someone has to take responsibility for this battle. Let's not bring it up again. For now, during the war, I remain the Third Hokage. I will personally take on the role of the commander of the Reserve Forces!"

When he said this, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turned resolute, making Shimura Danzo feel stifled. Monkey! Even after all this, you still won't give me a chance?

However, in the next moment, Danzo's hope was rekindled with excitement.

"But this war is so widespread that it may not be any less intense than the First Great Ninja War. Therefore, we also need to appoint four Reserve Force Captains to manage reinforcements across the major battle zones…"

At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced out of the window at the Hokage Rock. His eyes showed a determined light. He would not give up because of a temporary failure—he would lead the village to victory in this war.

"I have decided to appoint Uchiha Shirou, Namikaze Minato, Shimura Danzo, and Sarutobi Shinnosuke as the four Reserve Force Vice-Captains, forming elite squads that can undertake support and assault missions. Each squad will consist of 100 members!"

As Sarutobi Hiruzen laid out his plan, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado seemed to understand his intentions, while Shimura Danzo's face lit up with a motivated and excited smile.

"That's a good proposal, Hiruzen. Shinnosuke's injuries have mostly healed, and with his training in the Anbu, he is capable of taking on such a heavy responsibility," Homura Mitokado was the first to agree.

Meanwhile, Koharu Utatane frowned as if she had thought of something, and said in a serious tone:

"Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru are each holding down the fronts against the Kumogakure, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure. Who will handle the Kirigakure?"

Now, for the four battlefronts, there was still a need for one more commander.

Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at the three of them without revealing any emotion and said in a low voice:

"I think the Hyuga Clan will not want to miss this opportunity."

As Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice echoed, the three of them smiled knowingly.

A brilliant move!

For years, the Hyuga Clan had been overshadowed by the Uchiha Clan. Faced with the temptation of becoming a battlefield commander—and potentially gaining a stepping stone toward higher positions such as Hokage or the upper echelons of power—would they refuse?

More importantly, the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan was a natural counter to the Kirigakure's techniques.

The major clans might not easily sacrifice their own, but with the allure of fame and power, could they resist? Especially the Uchiha and Hyuga—if even one of them started vying for this, how could the others hold back?

"Hiruzen, I agree!"

No one expected Shimura Danzo to agree so readily.

"While the Mangekyo Sharingan is powerful, its excessive use leads to progressive blindness. This Reserve Force strategy is the perfect temptation for the arrogant and self-centered Uchiha—there's no way they'll refuse.

Coincidentally, Root has discovered a large number of puppets appearing in Roran, within the Land of Wind's borders. These might be the Sunagakure's secret weapons. Let the Uchiha handle it!"

Shimura Danzo, who harbored deep animosity toward the Uchiha, would never miss such an opportunity.

From the outset, letting Uchiha Shirou join the Reserve Forces was meant to both help the village in battle and deplete the Mangekyo Sharingan's power.

At the same time, the Mangekyo Sharingan was a subject they least wanted to discuss.

"The Mangekyo Sharingan… Hiruzen, I think Danzo's proposal makes sense."

"The Uchiha are the root cause of instability in the village. Now that they've awakened the Mangekyo, we absolutely cannot indulge them!"

Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, like Danzo, formed a united front when it came to dealing with the Uchiha.

"Moreover, appointing the Hyuga to command the Kirigakure front can also create division among the major clans," Koharu added with a cold smile. "These clans support Tsunade only because they currently have no chance themselves. But if they see an opportunity, they'll act without us lifting a finger."

The allure of the Hokage position!

It had to be said that while Konoha's leadership was often poor in external conflicts, they were masterful at internal power plays, calculating human nature to perfection.

At this moment, the four of them exchanged glances, recalling their past days of working together. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen showed a reminiscent expression. After a moment of hesitation, he shook his head and said in a deep voice:

"In that case, issue the orders. The elite members of the Reserve Forces will be selected by the appointed leaders themselves. They are not allowed to recruit active frontline forces but can include any available ninja who agrees to join.

Also, increase the training intensity for graduates of the Ninja Academy. Even members of the major clans must participate…"

Ordinarily, the instruction of Ninja Academy students was tightly controlled by the Third Hokage and not easily opened to the major clans. After all, training students was akin to nurturing loyal followers. The already powerful clans could not be allowed to grow even stronger.

When Koharu Utatane heard that Hiruzen was allowing the major clans to participate, her expression changed.

"Hiruzen, this…"

"During wartime, everything is for Konoha!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's heavy voice echoed. To stabilize the major clans, they had to make sacrifices and show them hope.

Allowing the major clans to participate during wartime was essentially a way to have them use their resources to train cannon fodder for the war. As for nurturing loyal followers?

First, they had to win the war—who knew how many would even survive?

"I understand. Everything for the war effort!"

Koharu Utatane nodded solemnly. This time, Konoha faced the combined threat of four Hidden Villages—they were truly short on manpower.

"Danzo, you are also responsible for monitoring the smaller nations. Root must ensure that these smaller nations do not become involved."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's commanding tone left no room for argument, and Shimura Danzo nodded gravely.

"Hiruzen, rest assured. The root will do everything to stir unrest and conflict among the smaller nations. We'll ensure that the war takes place on their soil."

"For Konoha!"

"For Konoha!"

With their resolute voices echoing, a series of orders and appointments were issued from the Hokage's office.

As the rising sun shone into the office, Sarutobi Hiruzen instinctively lowered his Hokage hat, hiding his gaze in the shadows.

At this moment, it felt as though he had transitioned from a Hokage who basked in the sunlight to someone who avoided it, watching the light from the darkness.

"Hokage-sama!"

After Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Shimura Danzo left, the silent office was suddenly filled with a voice.

Under the sunlight, a figure radiating golden brilliance stood with a resolute expression on his face. Upon seeing this figure, Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes grew complicated.

"Minato, you're here. You must have received your appointment, right?"

The person who arrived was none other than Namikaze Minato. At that moment, he respectfully knelt on one knee before the Hokage's desk and nodded with deference.

"Thank you for your trust, Lord Hokage. Namikaze Minato will not disappoint the village!"

Looking at Minato, Sarutobi Hiruzen revealed a gratified smile, but then he sighed with melancholy:

"Minato, after this war, I will take full responsibility for everything. You young people represent Konoha's future. Among you, you're the only one I can entrust everything to with peace of mind."

This heavy tone of expectation moved Namikaze Minato deeply.

"Lord Hokage, I..."

Before Minato could finish speaking, Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand and shook his head with a sigh:

"A Hokage's vision cannot be limited to their clan. I admit there are many powerful shinobi in the village. But among them, how many truly hold the entire Konoha in their hearts?

If the Uchiha, the Hyuga, or even Tsunade became Hokage, it would bring turmoil to the village because what they hold in their hearts is only their clan..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's heartfelt words echoed as he encouraged Namikaze Minato further:

"Minato, you have learned the Second Hokage's space-time ninjutsu. From now on, Konoha's resources will be fully open to you. Your task now is to perfect your Flying Thunder God Technique as quickly as possible.

Konoha needs you in this time of war! I cannot entrust the village to someone narrow-minded and self-serving. But you, Minato, with your background and your broad perspective, are undoubtedly the most suitable candidate!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's resolute voice reverberated in the room. He had decided to shoulder the responsibility for the war, knowing he could no longer be Hokage. But he would never allow someone who could destabilize the village to succeed him.

Only Namikaze Minato, who fully embodied the Will of Fire, was the one he trusted the most.

"Minato, as the true inheritor of the Will of Fire, you are the most reliable person to entrust this heavy responsibility to. For now, focus on your training. With your talent, as long as you achieve enough merits in this war, I will take care of the rest to pave your way!"

Faced with such trust from the Third Hokage, as well as being regarded as the successor to the title of Hokage, Namikaze Minato was so moved that words could not express his emotions. He could only nod firmly.

"Lord Third Hokage, for Konoha, Jonin Namikaze Minato will not betray your trust!"

Minato's humble background naturally set him apart from the powerful clans. Combined with his perspective, most people believed that the powerful clans posed too great a threat to the civilian shinobi.

However, people seemed to forget that Konoha was originally built by the clans and that there were no civilians at its inception.

No one remembered the legend of the First Hokage, who alone intimidated the ninja world.

It was their incompetence, their inability to suppress the powerful clans of Konoha, that made them wave the banner of righteousness. Such is human nature!

As Namikaze Minato left, the Third Hokage's raspy voice echoed in the quiet Hokage office.

"The Hokage title cannot fall into the hands of the powerful clans. That would be irresponsible to Konoha..."

...

Uchiha Clan.

Ever since the news of a Mangekyo Sharingan resurfaced, the Hokage faction had grown wary, while the Uchiha clan was filled with feverish excitement.

The legend of the Mangekyo Sharingan had appeared once again within the Uchiha clan.

At the Naka Shrine,

"He's here! Lord Shirou has arrived!"

The Uchiha clan assembly had been convened since last night, awaiting his return. Yet Uchiha Shirou had spent the night at the Senju compound.

Despite such arrogance, it did not cause the slightest dissatisfaction. On the contrary, the Uchiha elites all showed expressions of excitement.

For the Uchiha clan, as long as you have strength, they wouldn't mind waiting an entire night—or even three days!

This is the Uchiha way!

"The legendary Mangekyo Sharingan!"

"Since Lord Madara, our Uchiha clan has finally witnessed the return of the Mangekyo Sharingan!"

"Haha, with the Mangekyo, plus Lord Shirou's relationship with Lady Tsunade, we Uchiha finally have a chance at the Hokage seat!"

"Exactly! At worst, Lady Tsunade can take the position first, and Lord Shirou can take the next one..."

These typically aloof Uchiha elites now wore fervent expressions, their demeanor resembling that of fanatics.

This sight filled the Uchiha clan leader, seated at the head of the room, with complex emotions.

If, before, he had hoped for his son and Uchiha Shirou to lead the Uchiha as clan head and elder, the current circumstances...

Finally, he let out a faint sigh. Time and fate were unavoidable. The importance of the Mangekyo Sharingan to the Uchiha clan was sufficient to make him step back.

If he didn't step back gracefully, the influence of the Mangekyo within the Uchiha clan would ensure someone else helped him do so.

"Lord Shirou!"

As Uchiha Shirou, dressed in white with the Kusanagi Sword at his waist, arrived late and stepped into the Naka Shrine, the Uchiha elites respectfully made way for him, creating a clear path.

This demonstrated the Uchiha's true understanding of propriety. Before, when he only had the three-tomoe Sharingan, they called him "Captain Shirou." Now, with the Mangekyo, they uniformly addressed him as "Lord Shirou."

Under the gaze of countless crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light, Shirou nodded slightly toward them and proceeded forward.

"Clan Leader."

When he reached the front, Shirou took a seat and respectfully greeted the clan leader. The clan leader, seated at the head, stiffened slightly, straightened his posture, and returned the greeting with a bow.

"Shirou, you've truly awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan..."

Even though the news had been confirmed, the clan leader still found it hard to believe until he saw those eyes for himself.

The Uchiha elites in the room also looked at Shirou with eager and fervent eyes—more specifically, at his eyes.

Facing their expectant gazes, Shirou nodded slightly, a faint, confident smile playing on his lips.

"The Mangekyo? If I am not mistaken, it should be these eyes..."

His calm voice echoed as, under everyone's watchful gaze, his Sharingan slowly appeared in his eye sockets. The three black tomoe spun rapidly before connecting into a single shape.

In that instant, a pair of dazzling Mangekyo Sharingan, resembling a perfect artistic masterpiece, emerged.

The crowd of Uchiha clan members erupted into expressions of fervent excitement.

"This is the Mangekyo!"

"Long live Lord Shirou!"

"Haha, long live Lord Shirou!"

The sacred and solemn Naka Shrine, usually quiet, now erupted into a frenzy of cheers and noise.

The appearance of the Mangekyo instantly united the Uchiha clan into a single force. To other clans, such unity might seem unbelievable.

But this is the Uchiha!

The Uchiha respect and admire strength. The absolute power of the Mangekyo, combined with Shirou's battlefield accomplishments, left no room for dissent within the clan.

During the Second Shinobi War, he had repelled Hanzo the Salamander in a stroke of luck. But this time, he had decisively severed the right arm of the Third Raikage in a confrontation. No one could doubt Uchiha Shirou's strength any longer.

PS: Next chapter is lemon.