After Returning To The Village

Above the Hokage Rock in Konoha Village,

Sarutobi Hiruzen sat alone on the ground and looked at the village below.

He silently said: Panel

Sarutobi Hiruzen – Status

Body: 12/12

Spirit: 99/99 ↑

Elemental: 41/41 ↑

Combat Skills:

Advanced Taijutsu Mastery

Advanced Combat Instincts

Ninjutsu Mastery:

Fire Style – Primary Mastery

Earth Style – Primary Mastery

... etc

Energy Control:

... etc

Hiruzen smiled, finally he figured out the

working principle of this panel.

A Jonin typically has 10 in Body, Spirit, and Elemental attributes. An Elite Jonin is defined by mastering multiple advanced-level skills.

Genin have elementary proficiency, Chunin have intermediate proficiency, and Jonin have advanced proficiency. However, a ninja's level isn't just about forming the body, spirit, and elemental stats, they form the foundation. Actual combat strength depends on how well a ninja uses their abilities. For example, child Naruto had 40 times of Kakashi's chakra, but he still couldn't defeat him due to lack of skill.

Mastery means complete control over a particular ninjutsu type, allowing a ninja to use it effortlessly and with greater power than the average user. For example, Madara's Great Fire Annihilation is far stronger than a regular Uchiha's Great Fire Annihilation due to his mastery of Fire Release.

In order to advance from proficiency to mastery, you need to study and absorb ninjutsu experiences which your mind will naturally process and refine the knowledge, keeping what is useful. Once enough understanding and practice accumulate, your skill level will improve.

It's been three days since I returned to the village, and nearly ten days since the news of the Hokage's death was sent back. Yet, the clan leaders are still locked in endless debates, with no decision made. Even though a successor was named, the elders refuse to acknowledge them.

It's been three days since he returned to the village, and nearly ten days since the news of the Hokage's death was sent back. Yet, the clan leaders are still locked in endless debates, with no decision has been made. Even though a successor was named, they still manage to refuse to acknowledge them.

Konoha's system is flawed, resembling a tribal co-leadership model. The Hokage acts as a leader, but power is shared with clan heads, elders, and elites. The First Hokage and Madara founded the village but didn't establish a unified structure. The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, saw this issue and created systems like the Anbu and Ninja Academy to centralize power. Now that he's gone, the leadership of the village is uncertain as each clan focuses only on its own interests, and no one family can control the others.

"Hiruzen, haven't the clan leaders provide their decision yet?" Homura walked up and sat side by side with Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Hiruzen waved behind him, "Come and see, this is our village."

"Yes, this is our village. Konoha has been established for 19 years," Shimura Danzo said. Uchiha Kagami, Akimichi Torifu, and Utatane Koharu, all wearing eye masks, took their seats one by one.

"In the past, during the clan wars, the clans fought each other, and even children had to go to the battlefield. Then, Lord Hashirama and Madara came together to establish the Hidden Leaf Village. Lord Hashirama's strong leadership and charm manage to unite the clans and they all joined forces to protect the village. Now, with both Lord Hashirama and Tobirama sensei gone, look at the clans. They are like a pile of loose sand. There's no longer any sense of unity, no feeling of being the first village in the ninja world. They're all just fighting for their own interests, even the families behind us," Sarutobi Hiruzen said to his five companions.

Danzo plucked a leaf and played with it in his hand, "We are also a member of the clan, and each one of them has a clan leader, what can we do?"

"Sometimes, I keep thinking, what is a clan? What is a village? What are the interests of the clan? What are the interests of the village? It's so hard to weigh them in order to make them balanced." Uchiha Kagami looked distressed.

"Lord Hashirama created the village for peace, so that the young and the elderly can have a place to rely on. Although wars are still unavoidable in the past 20 years, it is much better than the days full of wars every three days and every five days. So it is right to build a village where the interests of the village are greater than the interests of the clan. But those clan leaders and elders can't see it. If this continues, our village would probably fall apart." Mitokado Homura said to Uchiha Kagami.

Torifu said while eating potato chips, "Why do you think so much about it? We can't change the decision of our respective clans."

Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly stood up and said, "It shouldn't be this way. The clans are part of the village, but the village doesn't belong to the clans. The previous generation was shaped by war, and while they have integrated into the village, their mindset remains tied to that era. I've made my decision, from now on I will stand with the village. Although I can't change where I come from, I can choose the kind of person I want to be. Neither the village nor the clan can dictate its future, but I will give my all. One day, I will make the village what it was meant to be."

Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as he watched his companions quietly absorb his words. "I can't change my birth, but I can choose the kind of person I want to be, . ." Kagami muttered, his eyes beginning to shine with renewed determination. The others, Homura, Danzo, Torifu, and Koharu seemed lost in thought, processing the weight of the words.

Hiruzen, however, couldn't help but smile to himself. It feels so good to be the one shaping their minds, he thought, reveling in the moment. After all, in this world of ninjas, how could they compare to the great thinkers of his past life? He knew that, in time, his companions would become his strongest supporters, guided by his vision for the future.

Hahaha, I can't think about it anymore, I have to strike while the iron is hot.

Sarutobi Hiruzen spread his arms, addressing his five companions. "Danzo, Kagami, Homura, Torifu, Koharu. We need the power to make decisions, because only with that power can we change this village, and eventually, the world. It's time for us to step forward. I've made my decision, I'll speak with Lady Mito. We have to carry on the will of the First and Second Hokages so that their efforts won't be in vain."

"Exactly," Danzo said with a proud smile. "We should be the ones leading this era. Let the old ones, who are out of touch with the times, retreat. It's time for them to retire and focus on their grandchildren."

Kagami nodded, "I'm with you."

Torifu shrugged. "Fine, as long as it doesn't interfere with my meals."

Hiruzen turned to Homura and Koharu. Both of them quickly agreed, "We'll follow your lead."

"Then let's go and build our own era," Hiruzen said with conviction.

Sarutobi Hiruzen led his group to the Senju clan's gate and asked to see Lady Mito. The guard said Lady Mito was old and out of touch with the world, but he would ask for permission from herself. After a while, the guard returned and told Hiruzen that Lady Mito would only him.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nervously pushed open the door and saw a woman with red hair sitting on a rattan chair. She had a pair of buns, a crown-like ornament on her head, a purple diamond mark on her forehead, and talisman-like ornaments on her buns. She was dressed in a white kimono, exuding an aura of authority.

A panel appeared in front of Hiruzen:

Uzumaki Mito – Status

Body: 33/33

Spirit: 27/27

Elemental: 63/63

Combat Skills:

Advanced Taijutsu Mastery

Advanced Combat Instincts

Ninjutsu Mastery:

Fire Style – Advanced Mastery

Earth Style – Elementary Mastery

Water Style – Elementary Mastery

Sealing Jutsu – Advanced Mastery

. . .etc

Energy Control:

Chakra Flow: Advanced Mastery

Danger Rating: High

Hiruzen took note of the high chakra level indicated by the number in parentheses and the "high" danger rating, recognizing Mito's strength as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. He took a deep breath, calmed his nerves, and stepped forward to bow.

"Lady Mito," he greeted respectfully.

Inside, Mito sat quietly, looking wise despite her age. "What brings you here, Sarutobi?" she asked.

Hiruzen respectfully replied, "The village is in turmoil, and leadership is divided. I need your approval to lead and carry on the Hokage's legacy."

Mito looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with a mixture of sadness and hope in her eyes. "Your resolve... I can see it, but it's not just about taking on the title of Hokage. It's about what you do with it. You must not only protect the village, but also carry the ideals that Hashirama and Tobirama built it on."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded firmly. "I understand. I will not let the sacrifices of those who came before me be in vain. I will carry their will and work toward a future where Konoha is truly united."

Mito gave him a solemn look, then spoke softly, "You may be ready, but you will face many challenges ahead. The road won't be easy. But I believe you can do it, little monkey."

Hiruzen's heart swelled with determination. He knew the weight of what was being asked of him, but he also knew that Konoha's future depended on those willing to fight for it. "I won't let you down, Lady Mito"

With that, the two of them shared a moment of silent understanding, the weight of their roles and responsibilities clear in their minds.

"You are 25 years old this year, when are you going to get married?" Mito said.

'Uh, isn't this a big jump? Why are you suddenly talking about marriage? I searched my memory, but there is no impression in my memory. My official match is Biwako, but there is no trace of her.' Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed and replied: "Lady Mito, there is no suitable candidate yet, and now is a critical moment for the village."

"Then I will pick for you. As a Hokage, marital status and inheritance are also important plus points. Also, Tsunade is too naughty, I hope you can discipline her when you have time."

I see, this is an exchange of interests. You want me to take Tsunade as your apprentice. Well I originally planned to take Tsunade as my apprentice. He agreed without hesitation, "I'll take care of her and guide her properly"

Uzumaki Mito took a deep breath and entered her spiritual space. There, a pair of enormous eyes appeared, and a voice echoed, "No malice, very sincere." Mito smiled softly and whispered, "Thank you, Kyubi."

Uzumaki Mito handed over a large scroll, engraved with various sealing techniques. "This is for you. It contains all the ninjutsu and experiences of Hashirama and Tobirama. Take it to the Hokage Building for the meeting tomorrow."

This was the legendary sealing scroll. Sarutobi Hiruzen took it solemnly, fastening it around his waist.

"Go now. I'm tired," Mito said, signaling the end of their conversation.

As Sarutobi Hiruzen exited the Senju ancestral home, his team looked at him with curious eyes. Sensing their questions, Hiruzen patted the scroll behind him and said, "Mito-sama asked me to take this to the Hokage Building for the meeting tomorrow and all of you come along." The team nodded and followed him.