NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: The Hokage's Speech
"Everyone, please welcome the honorable, Third Hokage!" Iruka said to the students at the courtyard.
Everyone became quiet and turned their heads to their right where the sound of footsteps could be heard.
*Tak* *Tak*
The sound of the footsteps came closer and closer as the figure of an elderly figure approached.
"Oh-oh my god!"
"I-it's really him!"
"I can't believe it!"
"Sshh! Quiet down! It's..."
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Hiruzen had a smile on his face as he made his way up to the platform. He then looked at the students and flashed a gentle, grandfatherly smile.
Then, he began his speech.
As Hiruzen addresses the fresh, eager faces of the new academy students, his tone is calm and warm, his words carefully woven to inspire loyalty and pride.
"Welcome, young ones," he begins, his voice carrying a grandfatherly warmth. "You are the future of this village, the next generation of protectors. Here, in Konoha, we live by something sacred: *The Will of Fire.* This will is what binds us all, like family."
He pauses, watching the students' faces light up, captivated by the idea of a village united by love and loyalty. But as Hiruzen's gaze sweeps over them, it catches on one student who stands slightly apart from the others—Uchiha Ryuuji. Unlike his classmates, Ryuuji's eyes are narrow, his expression unreadable.
"The Will of Fire," Hiruzen continues, "is what makes our village strong. It is a bond of unity, one that teaches us to put each other above ourselves. It is what drives each shinobi to protect the peace we cherish. As long as we are bound by this will, there will always be peace and strength in Konoha."
Ryuuji listens, his face growing colder. He knows that this so-called unity and peace come at a cost, one that most of these students don't yet understand. To him, Hiruzen's words seem hollow—designed to create unquestioning loyalty in these young minds.
"We are a family," Hiruzen says, his voice unwavering. "We must look out for one another, care for each other, and be willing to make sacrifices for the village. It is this spirit that brings true peace—a peace we protect with our lives if necessary."
Ryuuji scoffs internally. He sees through the Hokage's message: they are being primed to be soldiers, to accept a life where they might one day sacrifice everything for the village, without question or hesitation.
"Peace is a treasure, but it is also fragile," Hiruzen continues. "Each of you will one day bear the responsibility of preserving it. To become a shinobi is to understand this duty, to carry it with pride."
The young students around Ryuuji look inspired, even moved, but he can't ignore the unease twisting in his stomach. Hiruzen's words feel like a tool—a way to mold these children into loyal protectors of the village, no matter the cost to their individuality or freedom.
"Remember," Hiruzen says, his voice softening, "Konoha is your home, and each person here is part of your family. When we stand united, we are invincible. The Will of Fire flows through each of you, connecting us all."
As he finishes, Hiruzen smiles, but Ryuuji sees something else in that expression—a calculated satisfaction, as if he knows his words have done their work. Ryuuji, however, feels only a cold, hard resolve forming within him. To him, Hiruzen's speech is not inspiring; it's a reminder of the subtle chains that the village uses to bind its people, cloaked in words of love, peace, and unity.
***
After the speech, the students were dismissed and went back to their homes.
Meanwhile, Ryuuji walked back to the Uchiha compound with Shisui beside him. The silence between them was heavy, each step punctuating the lingering thoughts from Hiruzen's speech. The themes of unity, loyalty, and bonds weighed on Ryuuji's mind, but a sense of skepticism clouded his impression.
'Unity,' he thought,
'But at what cost?'
Shisui, noticing Ryuuji's quiet demeanor, broke the silence with a light-hearted tone. "Something on your mind, little brother?"
Ryuuji glanced up and forced a small smile, though his gaze was thoughtful. "Just thinking about the Hokage's speech. Do you ever feel there's more behind what he says?"
Shisui laughed softly, his face reflecting genuine admiration for the Third Hokage. "You're sharp for your age. But Hiruzen-sama is a great leader. He's seen the village through so much, and I think he really believes in unity and compassion. He knows what's best for everyone here."
Ryuuji's smile faltered slightly, though he tried to hide his reservations. He gave a slow nod. "Maybe…"
Shisui ruffled his hair, chuckling. "You don't have to overthink it, Ryuuji. The Hokage's words are meant to guide us. Unity, loyalty—those are what make us strong as shinobi of Konoha. Hiruzen-sama has a way of seeing the big picture."
Ryuuji nodded politely, though his mind continued to wrestle with his own doubts. If Hiruzen's speeches were about binding everyone to Konoha, he would be careful to shape his own path within those bonds. In his mind, he resolved one thing:
'If unity is the game, I'll play it my own way'
***
In a dimly lit room within the Hokage's office, two figures sat in quiet discussion. Danzo Shimura, leader of the Root, stared down at a report detailing Ryuuji Uchiha's early awakening of the Sharingan. Across from him, Koharu Utatane, a senior village elder, read the same document, her brow furrowed.
"This Ryuuji Uchiha," Danzo muttered, his voice low and calculating. "A Sharingan activated at six years old. He's bound to attract attention."
Koharu, her lips pursed in concern, nodded. "Another Uchiha prodigy. Just like Shisui. But this boy... he could be more than just another asset. He's too young to already possess such power."
Danzo's gaze darkened. "The more the Uchiha strengthen, the more dangerous they become. Their bloodline is volatile. Hiruzen's reluctance to act decisively on the issue is reckless."
Koharu glanced at the report again. "But he's just a child. He hasn't been involved in any clan politics yet. There's no immediate threat."
Danzo leaned forward, his voice growing colder. "Young, yes. But this is the moment to ensure his loyalty lies with Konoha, not with his clan. The Uchiha are known for their intense loyalty to each other. We must make sure he understands where his true allegiance should lie—before he becomes a liability."
Koharu's eyes narrowed. "Do you think Hiruzen will let us act? If Ryuuji grows stronger, and his influence expands…"
Danzo's one visible eye gleamed with a cold resolve. "Hiruzen will keep preaching about unity and peace, but he's blind to the true nature of the Uchiha. I'll act when the time comes. If the boy's loyalty falters, we'll step in."
Koharu sighed. "Be careful, Danzo. Hiruzen has already suspected your dealings in the past. Acting against a child—even one from the Uchiha clan—could draw too much attention."
Danzo's lips curled into a thin smile. "I know what I'm doing. I'll be patient. But if it becomes necessary... I'll protect Konoha from anyone who threatens it—whether it's Ryuuji, his clan, or anyone else who might seek to destabilize us."
Koharu didn't respond, her mind drifting to the weight of Danzo's words. The shadow of impending conflict loomed over them, and the pieces of the Uchiha puzzle were beginning to shift in unsettling ways.