Naruto: Uchiha's Resolve

After Senju Tobirama's burial, the selection of Konoha's Third Hokage became the village's most urgent matter. Uchiha Hirito and Hyuga Takuma, representing their clans, convened a meeting with Konoha's major families to discuss the issue.

The Senju clan received an invitation as well. Refusing to attend wasn't an option; if they failed to show up, Uchiha Hirito would likely declare himself the Third Hokage the very next day, with unanimous support from the families he had rallied.

The conference room was packed as clan heads and high-ranking representatives from each family gathered. The air was thick with tension, and everyone knew this meeting would determine Konoha's direction for years to come.

Hyuga Takuma was the first to speak.

"The Second Hokage is gone, but Konoha cannot remain leaderless. We must select the Third Hokage to lead us into the future."

His words were met with murmurs of agreement. All eyes turned to Uzumaki Mito, who stood as the arbiter of Tobirama's final will.

"Tobirama left clear instructions before his passing," Mito began. "He chose Sarutobi Hiruzen as Konoha's Third Hokage."

Her declaration was met with stunned silence. Most of the clan leaders had treated the rumors of Hiruzen's candidacy as a joke. But now that Uzumaki Mito had confirmed it, disbelief turned to incredulity.

Hyuga Takuma broke the silence.

"Lady Mito, is Sarutobi Hiruzen truly a suitable candidate? Does he have the qualifications to lead Konoha as Hokage?"

His tone was measured but firm. He wasn't alone in his skepticism.

"I agree with Hyuga," another clan head chimed in.

"So do I!"

Soon, the room echoed with voices of dissent.

"Enough!" Mito's voice cut through the noise, silencing the room.

"Whether you agree or not, this is the choice Tobirama made. At the very least, Hiruzen deserves the chance to present himself and explain his vision for Konoha."

Mito glanced at Hiruzen, her expression unreadable. She had cleared the stage for him—now it was his time to perform.

Hiruzen, seated beside his father, Sarutobi Sasuke, took a deep breath. This was the moment he had been preparing for. Rising from his chair, he stepped to the center of the room, his heart pounding.

"Honored clan leaders, I stand here today not as a simple candidate but as a man devoted to Konoha's prosperity and peace," Hiruzen began.

He launched into a speech that drew heavily on Tobirama's teachings and his own interpretation of the Will of Fire. He spoke of unity, sacrifice, and the need for Konoha to stand together in the face of adversity.

In the midst of Hiruzen's impassioned oration, Hirito leaned toward Uchiha Inahori, seated beside him.

"It's your time to shine," Hirito whispered with a sly grin.

Inahori, one of the more outspoken members of the Uchiha clan, nodded confidently.

"Don't worry, I've got this," Inahori replied.

---

As Hiruzen reached the climax of his speech, Inahori stood abruptly and pointed at him.

"Sarutobi Hiruzen!" Inahori's voice boomed, cutting Hiruzen off mid-sentence.

"Who do you think you are?" he sneered. "You're nothing but a coward who fled the battlefield, and you dare dream of becoming Hokage?"

The room fell silent as Inahori continued his tirade.

"Hokage? You're not fit to speak the name! Do you think the position is for just anyone?"

His words were scathing, and the room erupted in laughter. Even Hirito couldn't suppress a chuckle, his voice ringing out over the commotion.

---

Hiruzen's face flushed red as the mocking laughter surrounded him. He glanced around, hoping for support, but saw only smirks and shaking heads.

This was worse than anything he had imagined. Every word Inahori hurled at him felt like a dagger, cutting away at his confidence.

---

"Gentlemen, let us maintain decorum," Hirito said, his tone dripping with mock politeness. He rose from his seat, commanding the attention of the room.

"The Uchiha clan has always been devoted to Konoha's protection," he began. "And as head of the Uchiha, I believe I am the most qualified to become the Third Hokage."

The room fell silent once more as Hirito continued.

"However," he added with a dramatic pause, "Tobirama's choice cannot be ignored. If Sarutobi Hiruzen truly believes he is the right man for the job, I will give him a chance."

Hirito's gaze locked onto Hiruzen, his Sharingan flashing for a brief moment.

"Fight me, Sarutobi," Hirito declared. "If you can defeat me, the Uchiha clan will stand behind you as Hokage."

End of the Chapter.

Read Chapter's Ahead in:-

patreon.com/Novelmaker