Naruto: Uchiha's Resolve

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"You want to become Hokage? The biggest obstacle lies in Konoha's noble clans. The Uchiha clan is the first hurdle," Uzumaki Mito declared.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. His teacher, Tobirama Senju, had reportedly been killed during the last negotiation, and Hiruzen believed the Uchiha clan might be aware of more than they let on. Although Hiruzen trusted Uchiha Kagami, he recognized that some in the Uchiha clan had their own methods of obtaining information.

It was possible that Tobirama had anticipated an ambush. The Uchiha clan had always harbored ambitions for the Hokage title, even when Tobirama was in power. At that time, there were voices within the Uchiha who opposed Tobirama's leadership. But whenever someone took a stand against him, that person would soon meet a mysterious end on the battlefield. The Uchiha could never directly prove Tobirama's involvement, but the pattern became hard to ignore.

After a few such incidents, those advocating radical actions within the Uchiha quieted down, realizing they couldn't challenge Tobirama so easily. Tobirama maintained fairness and didn't reduce the resources or honors allocated to the Uchiha, which in turn strengthened Konoha as a whole. The other clans had come to accept and support Tobirama's leadership. However, Tobirama's death changed everything. His passing created an opportunity for the Uchiha to make a serious bid for the Hokage position.

"I am confident that the Uchiha clan won't stand in our way for long," Mito continued. "They follow power—nothing more. Hashirama defeated Madara, and even though Madara left the village, the rest of the Uchiha didn't go with him. There isn't anyone among them who can challenge me now, not unless they want to risk their lives."

Her voice was calm, but Hiruzen could feel the intense power behind her words. With the immense chakra of the Nine-Tails sealed within her, Mito could rival anyone who dared confront her. Seeing her determination, Hiruzen felt a surge of respect for her and the older generation of Konoha's strongest shinobi.

However, Mito turned the conversation to a more pressing concern. "The Uchiha aren't the only obstacle. The Senju clan itself will resist your path to Hokage."

Hiruzen's eyes widened. He had assumed Mito fully supported him and saw the Senju clan as his allies. The thought that they might oppose his rise to power left him speechless.

"Do you think I represent the entire Senju clan?" Mito asked, sensing his confusion. "Tobirama gave me considerable influence, even allowing me to override him on certain matters, but now that he's gone, things are different. The Senju clan expects the next Hokage to come from their ranks. They've grown accustomed to holding this power. In their eyes, the position of Hokage belongs to the Senju."

Mito paused, watching Hiruzen absorb the revelation. "How to convince the Senju clan to accept you is the real challenge," she added.

The Senju clan had been instrumental in founding Konoha, and both previous Hokage had come from their family. They had also sacrificed greatly in the First Ninja World War, often assuming the most dangerous assignments. Their loyalty to Konoha was absolute, and they naturally expected the title of Hokage to remain in their family.

Extreme factions within the Senju even believed that they, more than any other clan, embodied Konoha's ideals. Now that victory was within reach and the village was close to securing peace, many Senju clan members felt that their sacrifices entitled them to keep the Hokage title. The fact that other clans, like the Sarutobi, could benefit without facing the same losses was bound to stir resentment.

Mito sighed, sensing the frustration brewing within the Senju's older members. Many of the clan's elders had survived the harsh era before the founding of Konoha and were fiercely loyal to the Senju's legacy. Their dedication often surpassed their personal ambitions. These were individuals who had stood beside Hashirama and Tobirama, and who saw the future of their family as the ultimate purpose of their lives. They would never allow the title of Hokage to leave the Senju clan without a fight.

These elders had already chosen a successor in the Senju ranks: Senju Haruto, Hashirama's own son. Haruto had been a formidable leader during the war, holding a key front against Iwagakure and earning the respect of the Senju. It was inevitable that they would see him as the rightful candidate.

"Haruto has grown up modeling himself after his father and dreams of becoming Hokage to protect Konoha," Mito said quietly. "In his eyes, he's fulfilling the legacy that Hashirama and Tobirama left behind. The Senju elders would be willing to risk anything to secure his path."

Mito hesitated, visibly torn. "To defeat Haruto fairly in front of the Senju is the only way. Only then will I be able to influence the clan to consider an outsider like you. But I cannot—and will not—help you undermine my own son."

Hiruzen fell silent, realizing the scale of the challenge before him. For all of Mito's support, there were limits to what she could do. Her loyalty to her son and her clan made it impossible for her to take his side unreservedly.

"If I were to even suggest otherwise," she continued, "I would face severe backlash, not only from the clan elders but from my own conscience. The Senju would view it as a betrayal of Hashirama's vision and sacrifice. Some of those elders would willingly give up their lives to see the Hokage position remain in the family. Even my strength wouldn't dissuade them. They've lived through countless battles, and death holds no fear for them."

Hiruzen understood that Mito had already done more for him than he could have asked. "Thank you, Mito-sama. Your guidance alone means a great deal to me."

End of the Chapter.

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