shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 45: Uzumaki Mito's Recommendation

Uchiha Tsukiko felt his heart tremble.

He had never expected that Uzumaki Mito would entrust him with the entire Uzumaki clan.

What a heavy burden this was!

Yet, he also understood her helplessness. As the strongest remaining Uzumaki, she no longer had the strength to bear this responsibility alone.

"Lady Mito, rest assured, I will do everything in my power to protect the Uzumaki clan," Tsukiko solemnly vowed.

"The Uzumaki have made enormous contributions to both Konoha and the entire ninja world. I will not allow their bloodline to be severed."

A faint smile appeared on Mito's face, her eyes glistening with gratitude.

"Tsukiko, thank you… I believe that under your protection, the Uzumaki clan will overcome this hardship. The survivors will stand with you, no matter what decisions you make in the future."

Tsukiko nodded.

This was not just a responsibility—it was an immense trust placed upon him.

As he bid farewell to Mito, his heart felt heavy, yet resolute.

The Uzumaki's path forward would be filled with challenges and struggles, but he had already made up his mind.

He would not fail Mito's expectations.

"The Uzumaki bloodline must not disappear," he vowed silently.

"No matter what obstacles lie ahead, I will do everything to protect them and help them rebuild."

From this day onward, Tsukiko's path had gained new purpose.

His goal was no longer just to become a powerful shinobi—it was to provide shelter for those in need of protection.

---

Konoha's High Council Visits Uzumaki Mito

Not long after, Konoha's high-ranking officials decided to visit Uzumaki Mito.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, all carried deep guilt in their hearts.

As a longtime ally of Konoha, Uzushiogakure had been annihilated right under their watch.

This was not only a major strategic failure for Konoha, but also a severe blow to their leadership's reputation.

Hiruzen, as Hokage, felt especially responsible.

He knew that Konoha had failed to act in time, allowing the Uzumaki clan to suffer near-extermination.

This failure left him feeling deeply ashamed—not only toward Mito but also toward the ideals left behind by Hashirama and Tobirama Senju.

Standing before Uzumaki Mito, Hiruzen bowed deeply, his voice filled with remorse.

"Lady Mito, what happened to Uzushiogakure was our failure. As Konoha's allies, the Uzumaki should have been better protected. We failed you, and we failed Lord Hashirama."

Beside him, Koharu and Homura also lowered their heads, their voices tinged with guilt.

"Lady Mito, we deeply regret what has happened. We have never forgotten the kindness and contributions you have given to Konoha. We are ashamed that we could not save your homeland."

Even Danzo Shimura, despite his calculating nature, expressed regret—though his true thoughts remained hidden.

As the leader of the ANBU Root, Danzo had his own agenda.

While he spoke words of apology, his mind was already working out how to turn this situation to his advantage.

---

Uzumaki Mito, though still grieving, knew that blaming Konoha's leadership would not change anything.

She understood that the true masterminds behind this disaster were Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure.

Konoha had tried to help, but by the time they intervened, it was already too late.

Having witnessed countless wars and deaths, Mito knew that dwelling on blame would not undo the past.

She sighed heavily before offering a small, weary smile.

"Hiruzen, Koharu, Homura… you do not need to blame yourselves."

"The destruction of Uzushiogakure was a carefully orchestrated scheme by the other villages. Konoha did what it could. Though I mourn for my people, I do not hold you responsible."

The Konoha officials felt a slight sense of relief at her words.

However, what Mito said next left them deep in thought.

"But… there is something I must discuss with you."

Her tone turned serious.

"I have seen the potential within Uchiha Tsukiko."

"During this crisis, he demonstrated remarkable courage and wisdom. He has the compassion of Hashirama and the tactical insight of Tobirama."

Hiruzen's eyebrows lifted slightly.

He, too, had taken note of Tsukiko's extraordinary abilities.

Not only did he possess Wood Release, but he also showed exceptional leadership and intelligence.

Hiruzen nodded.

"Mito-sama, I agree. Tsukiko is an exceptionally talented young man. I believe he could become an important pillar of Konoha in the future."

Mito nodded approvingly, then spoke with firm conviction:

"Tsukiko has inherited the power of the First Hokage. Given time, he may rise to become a figure akin to Hashirama himself—a 'God of Shinobi' who can protect Konoha from the shadows."

Then, she delivered her strongest declaration:

"I believe Tsukiko is a worthy candidate to become Hokage in the future. I ask that you guide him well and allow him to serve Konoha to the fullest."

---

Hiruzen paused, clearly weighing the gravity of her words.

After a moment, he gave a slow, thoughtful nod.

"I will do my best to cultivate Tsukiko's potential, Lady Mito."

---

However, standing silently beside them, Danzo Shimura's expression darkened.

A flicker of hostility and doubt passed through his eyes.

He had never trusted the Uchiha clan.

To him, the Uchiha were a dangerous, cursed bloodline—an inherent threat to Konoha's stability.

More than that, Danzo desired the position of Hokage for himself.

He had long resented how Hiruzen had outmaneuvered him in the past, stealing the opportunity to succeed Tobirama.

Now, hearing Tsukiko's name tied to the future of the Hokage seat, Danzo felt a deep sense of unease.

"That Uchiha brat…" he thought coldly.

"If he grows too strong, he will threaten my path to becoming Hokage. He must be dealt with before that happens."

Despite the rising storm in his heart, Danzo remained silent, masking his true intentions.

For now, he would watch and wait.

---

As the meeting concluded, Konoha's leaders left Uzumaki Mito's home, feeling somewhat relieved.

Though they still mourned Uzushiogakure's fate, they now had a new focus—Tsukiko's potential as Konoha's future guardian.

After they left, Mito sat alone in deep thought, gazing out at the sky.

She knew that Tsukiko's path would not be easy.

Many challenges and dangers lay ahead.

But deep in her heart, she believed in him.

She believed that this young man, who carried both Uchiha and Senju blood, could rise to protect Konoha—just as Hashirama once did.

"Tsukiko, the future of Konoha is in your hands now…"

With that final thought, Mito closed her eyes and prayed for his success.

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