Chapter 5: Konoha is invincible! Who is for and who is against?

The words just spoken were by no means alarmist.

According to the original timeline, Uchiha Kagami and Tobirama Senju were both supposed to die here—Kagami at the age of 25, and Tobirama at 60.

Immediately after, the Second Shinobi World War would break out.

Hiruzen Sarutobi would rise as the Third Hokage, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado would serve as advisors, and Danzo Shimura would lead the Root organization, assisting the Hokage.

This power structure would divide the authority of the Hokage into four parts.

Although the Third Hokage appeared to be highly respected, in reality, his power was heavily constrained. The infighting among the upper ranks would directly shape Konoha's political trajectory for decades to come.

The Second Shinobi World War ended in victory.

The Third Shinobi World War was also won, but only with great difficulty.

Yet, despite being the victors, Hiruzen Sarutobi was so timid that he didn't even dare demand reparations.

Later, Kumogakure came to Konoha under the pretense of signing a peace treaty but attempted to kidnap Hinata Hyuga, the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan's main family. In the end, the head of the Kumo delegation was killed on the spot by Hiashi Hyuga.

And yet, instead of backing down, Kumogakure doubled down, demanding that Konoha provide an explanation.

The aging Hiruzen Sarutobi, desperate to avoid another war, sacrificed Hiashi's twin brother, Hizashi, as a scapegoat.

Hizashi's death only deepened the rift between the Hyuga main and branch families.

And as for the Uchiha?

Their fate was even worse than the Hyuga's.

It must be noted that during the Second Hokage's rule, his policies towards the Uchiha were relatively lenient. There was only basic surveillance, and Tobirama himself wasn't particularly vindictive.

In his eyes...

As long as the Uchiha didn't betray the village, he had no reason to target them.

Besides, with Uchiha Kagami serving as a bridge between them, the clan was at least able to get by. It wasn't until the Third Hokage's tenure that things became unbearable.

Under Hiruzen's tacit approval, Danzo systematically oppressed and marginalized the Uchiha, employing one underhanded tactic after another.

The Uchiha, already a proud and somewhat unstable clan, had no intention of betraying the village at first. But they were backed into a corner, with no way out.

And to make matters worse…

Two prodigies finally emerged from the clan—both of whom, under Uchiha Kagami's influence, could have become "normal" shinobi.

Yet, thanks to Danzo and Hiruzen's manipulation, they were brainwashed into madness.

Shisui, trusting Danzo, committed suicide. Uchiha Itachi, driven to the opposite extreme, wiped out his entire clan.

During the Third Shinobi World War…

Danzo also instigated Hanzo of Amegakure to destroy the Akatsuki, which was, at the time, a peaceful mercenary organization focused on negotiation rather than violence.

With Yahiko's death, Nagato transformed into "Kami" (God) on the spot, vowing to make the world feel his pain.

Well done.

Look at these two fools—what a perfect match.

Submissive to enemies, ruthless to their own people. The chaos of the shinobi world can be traced directly to their reckless scheming (Black Zetsu aside).

Some may ask: Were Nagato and his comrades really "Konoha's own people"?

How could they not be?

They were Jiraiya's direct disciples.

The Akatsuki was founded by Nagato's team—was that not equivalent to Konoha's influence over them?

With just a little foresight, the Akatsuki could have been recruited as an ally. Instead, Danzo's interference turned them into a villainous organization. What a joke.

Uchiha Kagami now realized…

His and Tobirama's survival was critical to changing the course of future events.

Right now, he and the Second Hokage were like brothers. As long as he was alive, the Uchiha clan would never face extermination.

And if he lived…

With the Mangekyou Sharingan, his position as clan leader would be undisputed, which meant he could guide both Shisui and Itachi toward a more rational path.

As for Tobirama…

His unparalleled political acumen made advisors and strategists unnecessary.

He was the greatest statesman, educator, and military leader the shinobi world had ever seen—nearly every major village modeled their systems after his ideas.

Without political infighting, Konoha would become a unified force.

If Kagami became the Third Hokage, not only would the Uchiha be spared from extinction, but their integration into Konoha would accelerate.

But the problem was…

Was Tobirama serious about this?

Would their "brotherly bond" truly make him overlook Kagami's Uchiha lineage and allow him to become Hokage?

Kagami was skeptical.

After all, gaining someone's favor doesn't mean it can't be lost.

And relationships were ranked on a scale of 100 points, divided into five tiers:

[Stranger](0-20) → [Superficial Friend](20-40) → [Close Friend](40-60) → [Like Brothers](60-80) → [Life and Death Comrade](80-100).

He and Tobirama had just stepped into the "Like Brothers" tier, but their bond wasn't solid yet. Every action and word could shift his standing.

Especially in a village where the Hokage often had a tradition of "killing their master" to rise to power. If he overstepped, brotherhood or not, he could still be eliminated.

At this moment, Kagami had his answer.

Raising an eyebrow as if surprised, he hesitated before saying, "Lord Tobirama, while I understand many things… I lack the capability to govern as you do. I fear I am not suited for such responsibility."

"Besides, to me, it doesn't matter who becomes Hokage, as long as Konoha is protected."

Tobirama smirked. "So, you're not just trying to save me—you're doing this to protect Konoha. On a personal level, you refuse to watch me sacrifice myself. On a collective level, saving me ensures Konoha doesn't decline."

"Yes, Lord Tobirama."

"No wonder I favor you. And what's with this 'Lord' nonsense? Didn't I tell you to call me 'big brother'? If you keep this up… I won't be happy."

"…Alright, big brother."

A rare smile crossed Tobirama's usually stern face.

Meanwhile, Kagami let out a silent sigh of relief. It was clear that Tobirama had been testing him, trying to gauge whether he truly had ambitions of becoming Hokage.

And how did he know for sure?

Because Tobirama's favorability had not decreased—in fact, it had increased by two points.

That proved the Second Hokage still harbored some concerns about his Uchiha heritage. But by demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to Konoha, Kagami had slightly eased his suspicions.

"Let's go. Back to the village."

Tobirama's gaze turned sharp. "The war is about to begin. We need to get back and prepare Konoha. If anyone dares challenge us… I'll make sure they understand—Konoha is invincible."

Konoha Village – Hokage's Office

The Sarutobi Four and Akimichi Torifu were gathered.

Along with many of Konoha's elite Jonin, all were simmering with rage. The atmosphere was heavy.

Moments ago, they had received news of the Second Hokage's sacrifice. As Tobirama's students, they knew this couldn't be false.

"What do we do now? Lord Tobirama is gone. We must demand reparations from those damn Kumo shinobi! We won't let this slide!"

"Reparations? That's it? That's pathetic!"

"Enough arguing!"

Danzo stepped forward, his expression solemn. "The most important thing right now is ensuring Hiruzen succeeds as the Third Hokage immediately. Konoha cannot be without a leader. Only then can we handle both war and diplomacy with stability."

"You're right, but the Hokage's succession isn't something that happens overnight. By the time Hiruzen takes office, it'll be too late. Besides, he isn't familiar with handling administrative affairs—he might be overwhelmed." Akimichi Torifu's voice was deep.

"I understand."

Danzo declared righteously, "That's why I propose Hiruzen serve as acting Hokage, with me assisting him. Koharu and Homura can act as advisors. This way, Konoha will remain stable."

"Who agrees? Who objects?!"

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