Konoha: Reforge the glory of Uchiha!

**Night**

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched as the Senju family ninjas left the reception hall one by one. The vast room felt uncomfortably empty, the sound of crickets echoing in his ears, amplifying his unease.

Uzumaki Mito had dismissed everyone, leaving only the two of them in the room.

Observing Uzumaki Mito's expression, Hiruzen noted her calm demeanor, devoid of any anger. It seemed her earlier fury had been an act.

"Mito-sama, please don't take my earlier comments personally. I just wanted to..." Hiruzen began, feeling the need to mend his image in Mito's eyes.

"Okay, sit down. I know what you're trying to say," Uzumaki Mito interrupted, gesturing for him to take a seat.

Hiruzen complied, sitting on the edge of the stool, ready to stand at a moment's notice, unsure of Mito's intentions.

Seeing Hiruzen's cautious demeanor, Mito felt a smile tug at her heart. Her expression softened, adopting the kind visage of a grandmother.

"Monkey boy, your actions earlier surprised me. You're not as ordinary as I thought. You possess something beyond the norm," Mito praised Hiruzen. Throughout her long life, she had witnessed many geniuses blessed by fate—Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, and Izuna Uchiha. They were the luminaries of their era. In comparison, Hiruzen's talents seemed as unremarkable as a roadside stone.

However, Hiruzen's character was commendable. He had been well-mentored by Tobirama and embodied Konoha's Will of Fire.

"Mito-sama, you're too kind. I only did what was right," Hiruzen replied modestly. Mito now appeared serene, a stark contrast to her earlier intensity, easing his tension.

"Don't be too modest. You're admirable, but do you believe you deserve to be the Hokage of Konoha?" Mito's question doused the fire of pride kindled by her praise.

Do I deserve it?

Hiruzen wanted to claim he was worthy of being Hokage. It had been his dream since becoming a ninja, an ambition undeterred by the trials of life and death.

Yet, reality was harsh. He wasn't worthy.

"I will do my best to become a qualified Hokage," Hiruzen answered, unable to outright deny his worthiness.

"Hmph, it seems you're self-aware," Mito said, standing and gazing at the Konoha emblem on the wall, her eyes deep with thought.

"There are many in Konoha more suited to be the third Hokage than you, like me or my son, Senju Momorama."

"Even Uchiha Kagami is more suitable than you. You lack the military might to command Konoha, the prestigious lineage, and the strong family backing."

"I've pondered why Tobirama chose you as the third Hokage. I can't fathom his reasoning. He left me with a burden, just like his brother, the late Hashirama," Mito mused, her tone tinged with nostalgia. The weight of protecting Konoha now rested on her shoulders, a heavy burden.

Hiruzen sat silently, not daring to interject. Mito had criticized two Hokages in one breath; how could he interrupt such a conversation?

"Though I can't comprehend why Tobirama passed the Hokage mantle to you, I will support you. It was his final wish. I hope I'm wrong and that there's something extraordinary in you I haven't yet seen," Mito said, causing Hiruzen's heart to race with joy.

"Mito-sama, I will do my best."

"Don't celebrate too soon. I said I'd help, not guarantee you'll be Hokage. You still have a long way to go," Mito cautioned.

Hiruzen nodded, aware of his limitations. But Mito's willingness to assist was a blessing.

"I intended to conceal Tobirama's death, suppress the Konoha clans, and announce it once everything settled."

"Unfortunately, the Uchiha are ever vigilant. News of Tobirama's death has spread across Konoha, along with rumors that you abandoned him. Your reputation may suffer."

"Mito-sama, we didn't mean to abandon Tobirama. It was..." Hiruzen began, intending to explain that ninjas must follow orders, even if they contradict their duties.

Especially orders from the Hokage—Tobirama's commands were beyond question.

Mito gestured for Hiruzen to calm down. "I understand, no need to explain. Tobirama was decisive, especially in battle. You had to obey."

"But the villagers won't understand. With the Uchiha steering the narrative, you need to be prepared," Mito warned. Hiruzen still held Tobirama's last will and the righteousness of the Will of Fire, which could help salvage his reputation.

If managed well, it could be repaired.

Ultimately, the villagers' opinions wouldn't determine the Hokage. Konoha's ninja clans would.

"I understand, Mito-sama," Hiruzen said, his tone full of gratitude. He was fortunate to have Mito's help; otherwise, the villagers' disdain alone would overwhelm him, let alone the prospect of becoming Hokage.