Konoha: Reforge the glory of Uchiha!

"If you want to become Hokage, the biggest obstacle is the ninja clans of Konoha, with the Uchiha being the most prominent," Uzumaki Mito said.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. He knew the news of Senju Tobirama's death had been leaked by the Uchiha. Although he believed Uchiha Kagami wasn't responsible, he understood that the Uchiha had their own channels for information.

It's even possible that Lord Tobirama was aware of the impending attack during the negotiations.

The Uchiha's desire for the Hokage position had always been clear. Even during Tobirama's tenure as Hokage, there were whispers of rebellion within the Uchiha clan. However, those individuals often met untimely deaths during missions or wars, leaving no trace of Tobirama's involvement.

The deaths of several extremists had subdued the Uchiha's fervor.

Moreover, Tobirama was fair in distributing resources, ensuring the Uchiha received their due. The other ninja clans of Konoha thrived under his leadership and fully supported him as Hokage.

Unfortunately, Tobirama's unexpected death during negotiations presented the Uchiha with a golden opportunity to pursue the Hokage position.

"I have confidence in the Uchiha. They always follow whoever has the bigger fist. When Hashirama defeated Madara, the Uchiha didn't follow Madara when he left Konoha."

"And no one in Konoha's Uchiha clan can challenge me now. Unless they recklessly send their elite, they can't defeat me."

"But they don't have the courage," Uzumaki Mito said confidently. No one in Konoha could rival her. With her own formidable power and the Nine-Tails within her, she was a walking natural disaster.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, witnessing Mito's confidence, felt the grace of the older generation's strength. He had experienced her power firsthand and found it overwhelming.

"The Uchiha aren't the only obstacle. Why would the Senju clan want you to become Hokage?" Mito sighed. The real challenge came not from the Uchiha but from within her own clan, the Senju.

Hiruzen widened his eyes, having assumed Mito's support meant the Senju clan was on his side.

"You don't think I can represent the Senju clan, do you?" Mito asked, noticing Hiruzen's expression.

"Normally, my status allows me to lead the Senju clan, and even Tobirama respected me. But with Tobirama gone, you're vying for the position of Konoha's Third Hokage."

"Two Hokages have already come from the Senju. The clan is accustomed to the prestige and benefits of this role and expects the third Hokage to be one of their own," Mito explained, allowing Hiruzen time to process.

Convincing the Senju clan to accept Hiruzen was her greatest challenge.

The Senju founded Konoha, and two Hokages had hailed from them, dying in service. This legacy was significant.

During the First Ninja War, the Senju clan contributed the most, often occupying the most dangerous positions. They were willing to sacrifice for Konoha, and many believed the third Hokage should also be a Senju. Some even viewed their clan as synonymous with Konoha.

With the war nearing its end, the Senju had shed much blood, only for the Sarutobi clan to potentially take the spoils.

Mito couldn't fathom the resentment this would invoke. Elders from the Warring States period still lived, prioritizing family over themselves.

Some were older than Hashirama, having dedicated their lives to the Senju. They might even slap Hashirama if he suggested otherwise.

Mito imagined their anger if she revealed Tobirama's choice of Hiruzen as the Third Hokage.

Even if Tobirama were alive, they'd likely berate him, let alone herself.

As an Uzumaki, she knew they wouldn't accept her involvement in Senju affairs and might lash out.

These elders, fearless in the face of death, might even offer their necks to her if it meant ensuring a Senju as Hokage.

"Mito-sama, this..." Hiruzen was at a loss. The Senju's opposition was daunting, and he couldn't challenge his teacher's family.

He couldn't defeat them, and from a rational standpoint, it was untenable.

"The Senju elders have chosen Senju Momoma as the Third Hokage."

"He's Hashirama's son and a leader in the Senju clan. He excelled in the war, commanding a front against the Rock Shadow Village."

"He's on his way to Konoha now," Mito explained, scrutinizing Hiruzen. She could shield him from the Uchiha's pressure but not the Senju's.

Not supporting either side was her limit. Senju Momoma was her son, aspiring to be Hokage like his father.

Mito wasn't selfless enough to help an outsider over her son.

"If you want to be Hokage, you must defeat Momoma. Prove yourself to the Senju clan, and only then can I help persuade them," Mito continued, expressing her limits. She knew how hard Momoma worked to become Hokage.

Tobirama, you troublesome man, more so than Hashirama, you've really burdened me, Mito thought, wishing she could drag Tobirama from the afterlife for a scolding.

"Mito-sama, I understand. You've done more than enough," Hiruzen replied, grateful. Mito had been more than fair, even considering her son was involved.