The First Hokage's original intention in establishing Konoha Village was to eliminate the rifts between clans, viewing all villagers as his own kin. Although this philosophy attracted many ninja families from the Land of Fire to join, it was fundamentally impossible to eradicate the influence of clans in a short period.
For some smaller ninja families, they naturally embraced the First Hokage's ideals. In an era like the Warring States period, the annihilation of countless small families was merely a matter of today or tomorrow.
And with the village established by the foremost ninja clan of the Warring States period, these smaller families were naturally happy to have such a powerful backer. So, although various clan emblems still existed, they had already set aside their prejudices and fully integrated into Konoha.
However, there was still a portion of larger families that, despite joining Konoha Village, would not abandon their clan's honor. Among them, some might have been influenced by the First Hokage's ideals, but others joined to ride the coattails of the Senju clan, thereby ensuring their own family's continued growth and prosperity.
The Hyuga clan, for example, was one such case. They even restricted their clansmen to marrying within the clan, forbidding them from marrying out or taking spouses from outside. But there were also large families that supported the First Hokage's ideals, such as the Sarutobi clan.
Today, although the Sarutobi clan's residential area in Konoha still existed, it had gradually been assimilated by the village, and the boundaries of their clan's territory were no longer so distinct.
In a corner of the village, within the Sarutobi clan's territory, in a slightly larger courtyard, sat an old man with white hair. Before him was a tea table, and beside it, tea water was already boiling.
Around the courtyard, several oddly shaped stones of various sizes were scattered here and there. A man-made stream wound around the stones. On the moss-covered ground, a few squirrels cheerfully gathered pine nuts that had fallen from the pine trees.
Everything looked so peaceful. Living here for an extended period would undoubtedly refresh one's entire being.
Suddenly, the squirrels, which had been gathering pine nuts, seemed to be startled by something and instantly scampered out of sight. And this originally vibrant scene was suddenly left with only an old man with white hair.
"You've come," the old man said, looking at the young woman approaching from the corridor. "Sakura."
"Mm," Sakura Haruno nodded. "Lord Third Hokage, you were looking for me?"
"Sit," the Third Hokage said, pointing to the stone stool opposite him.
Sakura Haruno didn't stand on ceremony and sat down opposite the Third Hokage. She then secretly sized him up, wondering why he had sought her out. Logically, he had already retired. Even if there was something important, it should have been Tsunade-sensei who came to find her.
Confused, Sakura Haruno looked at the Third Hokage. The Third Hokage also didn't speak, his cloudy eyes merely staring at Sakura.
After a long while, Sakura Haruno began to feel restless. No one could endure being stared at like that for half a day. So, she spoke softly, "Lord Third Hokage? Is there something you wanted to see me about?"
The Third Hokage's gaze sharpened slightly, as if he were just snapping out of a daze. He then smiled apologetically. "My apologies, Sakura. When one gets old, one tends to reminisce about the past. I was lost in thought just now."
"...It's, it's alright. Is there something you wanted to see me about?" Sakura Haruno's mouth twitched slightly. This was the third time she had asked. Although she was indeed quite free, she couldn't just sit here and have a staring contest with the Third Hokage.
"Time passes so quickly," the Third Hokage said, not answering Sakura's question, but sighing with emotion. "When I first knew of you, you were only two years old. Now, you've grown so much."
"Er..." Seeing the Third Hokage suddenly start making small talk, Sakura Haruno was suddenly at a loss for words. Back on Earth, she had disliked nothing more than relatives making small talk. She had thought she would never encounter it again in this world, but unexpectedly, today she was subjected to small talk by the Third Hokage.
"Back when you first entered the Ninja Academy, among the crowd, only your eyes were exceptionally clear. You didn't have the confusion that most children have when they first start school," the Third Hokage continued.
"Later, as expected, you didn't disappoint my expectations. You were very clear about what you needed to do and how you should do it." The Third Hokage took a deep breath. "From that moment on, I knew that you would definitely become an outstanding ninja in the future, a remarkable ninja capable of protecting the village."
Protecting the village, huh? Sakura Haruno silently repeated in her heart, then a mocking smile touched her lips. Perhaps in the past, but not now.
"From the time you started interacting with Naruto, I knew... cough, cough..." The Third Hokage suddenly coughed violently, his face instantly flushing crimson.
"Lord Third Hokage, what's wrong?" Sakura Haruno stood up and asked hurriedly. No matter what the Third was like, at least in the beginning, when she was at her most difficult, he had provided her with help, allowing her to smoothly pass through her period of weakness.
"It's nothing," the Third Hokage waved his hand, stopping Sakura's movement. "I'm fine. When people get old, they always have this ailment or that. It's not a big problem."
"Is that so..." Sakura Haruno looked skeptically at the Third Hokage. If she remembered correctly, after the last Chunin Exams incident, there had been rumors that the Third Hokage's health was failing.
"It's alright." The Third Hokage's aged, withered hand trembled slightly as he took out a pipe from his robes, then took out a box of matches and slowly lit the pipe.
"It's been a long time since I last smoked," the Third Hokage seemed to be talking to himself. "Not since... not since the last Chunin Exams."
"You should smoke less. It's not good for your health," Sakura Haruno advised, her heart aching a little as she looked at the suddenly aged Third Hokage.
Although the Third Hokage was old, in Sakura Haruno's impression, he was someone who wouldn't lose even when facing Orochimaru at his peak.
"Haha, I'm very happy that you care about me," the Third Hokage suddenly laughed heartily.
"Time passes too quickly. In the blink of an eye, you've already grown into a ninja capable of standing on your own." The Third Hokage's eyes were filled with reminiscence. "When Naruto was regarded as a demon fox by everyone in the village, only you accepted him, gave him the care he had never experienced. Sasuke... after that day, only you cared for Sasuke."
"You were always so outstanding. I'm truly very happy. Where the leaves of the village dance, fire will also burn eternally." As the Third Hokage spoke, a line of clear tears suddenly streamed down from the corner of his eye.
Sakura Haruno was completely bewildered, not knowing the Third Hokage's intention in summoning her. However, she didn't interrupt, quietly waiting for the Third Hokage to speak.
"My apologies, I lost my composure," the Third Hokage said, wiping his tears and looking at Sakura. "I know you harbor resentment regarding Danzo's matter, resentment towards Tsunade, and even resentment towards me..."
"No," Sakura Haruno interrupted faintly. "I don't want to bring that up again. I have no resentment towards you. It's just that our standpoints are different."
"Sigh~~~" The Third Hokage sighed. He knew that Sakura actually still harbored resentment towards them in her heart. But even so, today's objective had to be achieved, because...
"I understand," the Third Hokage said. "The root cause of that incident was ultimately because I didn't keep a close enough watch on Danzo, which caused you to suffer such pain..."
"Third Hokage, what exactly did you want to say by summoning me today?" Sakura Haruno truly didn't resent Tsunade-sensei or the Third Hokage. After all, she had known about Danzo's wolfish ambitions from early on, so there was no basis for resenting the Third or her master. The only one she resented was herself. If her strength had been a little greater back then, such a thing would never have happened.
"Do you still remember the incident when you broke into the Hokage's building for Naruto's sake?" The Third Hokage continued without waiting for Sakura Haruno's answer. "Is your original intention still there?"
After speaking, the Third Hokage stared intently at Sakura Haruno.
"Original intention..." Sakura Haruno was taken aback. Is he referring to risking everything for one's comrades? Would I still do that now? Probably not.
The Third Hokage looked at Sakura Haruno's silence and probably knew the answer. He changed the subject. "Karin Uzumaki, Yakumo Kurama, and you. A truly excellent team combination."
Sakura Haruno was instantly alarmed, her pupils constricting. However, she asked without batting an eyelid, "What are you talking about? I don't quite understand."
The Third Hokage didn't reply. He closed his eyes, concentrating for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Genjutsu, sealing jutsu, medical ninjutsu, and you, with your extraordinary strength. Indeed, a very good combination."
Could it be? No way!!! Sakura Haruno was greatly shocked. Could the Third Hokage have seen through something? Ordinary people shouldn't make such connections. But judging by the Third Hokage's meaning, he sought me out today specifically for this matter. That means he has sufficient reason to suspect.
No, I can't panic. I mustn't panic. The plan that just started to show some promise can't be aborted like this.
"I really don't quite understand what you're saying. I was just too bored in the village, and Tsunade-sensei is usually quite busy, so I wanted to guide Karin's ninja training. As for Yakumo, I met her by chance, so I just included her as well," Sakura Haruno explained, her expression relaxed.
The Third Hokage didn't reply, his sharp eyes staring at Sakura Haruno for a long time. Then, his gaze suddenly softened.
Sakura Haruno watched the change in the Third Hokage's demeanor, her heart instantly breaking out in a cold sweat. It seemed she had managed to muddle through. However, the Third Hokage's next words plunged Sakura Haruno into an icy abyss.
"Tailed Beasts are indeed very troublesome things. Back then, Lord First Hokage's Wood Release sealing jutsu and Madara Uchiha's Sharingan genjutsu were the only abilities that could subdue Tailed Beasts. Although Karin and Yakumo's abilities are not comparable to those two, with you joining them, it makes up for their lack of combat power. It's not impossible for such a team to capture Tailed Beasts."
The Third Hokage analyzed nonchalantly.
Sakura Haruno stared blankly at the Third Hokage, momentarily speechless. She hadn't expected the Third Hokage to actually guess correctly. Wait, perhaps only the Third Hokage could have guessed this.
The Third Hokage was from the same era as the First Hokage. Karin was an Uzumaki, a distant relative of the Senju clan, and possessed powerful sealing jutsu. She herself was Tsunade's disciple. To put it bluntly, Creation Rebirth was a ninjutsu Tsunade developed by imitating the First Hokage's Sage Body.
As for Yakumo Kurama, the Third Hokage must have experienced the glorious period of the Kurama clan, so he definitely knew how powerful this clan's kekkei genkai was after awakening.
And she had, intentionally or unintentionally, gathered people with various abilities for capturing Tailed Beasts. Although most people wouldn't associate this with Tailed Beasts, the Third Hokage, who had experienced the First Hokage's era, had a considerable chance of making the connection.
"I'm old now." The Third Hokage looked at Sakura Haruno's current appearance and knew he hadn't guessed wrong. However, considering his own condition, he was truly powerless. So, he had to deal with it as much as possible before the worst happened.
"Lord Third Hokage..." Sakura Haruno opened her mouth, not knowing how to defend herself. Her thoughts were suddenly in a complete mess.
"It's alright..." The Third Hokage waved his hand, picked up the pipe he had placed on the table earlier, and took a greedy puff. "This has nothing to do with Tsunade. It was... I... who found out... cough, cough... I found out."
"Don't worry... I... cough, cough... I haven't told anyone. Tsunade won't know either." The Third Hokage's face suddenly turned somewhat pale, and he coughed incessantly.
However, the Third Hokage paid no mind. Instead, he looked at Sakura Haruno with gentle eyes. "In my heart, you have always been a kind and brave child, someone who can think for others, someone who can risk her life to protect her comrades."
As the Third Hokage spoke, he seemed to stop coughing, and his complexion gradually became rosy again, but his speech became even faster.
"I know you must have your own reasons, but I believe your fundamental nature will not change. So, let this matter be a secret between the two of us. I will not interfere with you."
Sakura Haruno was stunned, her thoughts a tangled mess. She didn't know what the Third Hokage meant by this. He knew she wanted to capture Tailed Beasts, yet he still had this attitude? A rather strange attitude, indeed.
"Now, I only have one request. Answer one question for me." There seemed to be a hint of pleading in the Third Hokage's gentle eyes.
Sakura Haruno didn't understand what game the Third Hokage was playing, but she still nodded and said, "Go ahead. I will answer you truthfully."
"Is your original intention still there?" the Third Hokage asked, staring intently at Sakura Haruno.
"...." Sakura Haruno didn't know how to answer. Judging by the plan she currently wanted to complete, her original intention naturally couldn't exist; otherwise, it would only become an obstacle for her.
"Answer me, please. For the sake of... for the sake of me being about to die.... cough, cough...." The Third Hokage suddenly coughed up a large mouthful of blood, then fell heavily from his chair to the ground.
Sakura Haruno was instantly horrified. She hadn't expected things to turn out like this. She hurriedly stood up and rushed forward, grabbing the Third Hokage's wrist. But as soon as she touched it, Sakura's heart sank to the bottom. How could she still feel a pulse? This was clearly the wrist of a dead man.
Sakura Haruno raised her hand, green chakra flickering in her palm. Just as she was about to heal the Third Hokage, he suddenly grabbed her hand. "Don't waste your effort... huff, huff... I know... I know my own condition... Right now... right now I just want... cough, cough..."
Another mouthful of blood spurted out, staining Sakura Haruno's clothes with the Third Hokage's blood. At this moment, Sakura's mind was buzzing, but her hands still mechanically covered the Third Hokage's heart.
"Sa... Sakura... your... your original intention... is it still... still there..." the Third Hokage asked intermittently, lying in Sakura Haruno's arms, his eyes stubbornly looking at her.
Sakura Haruno stared blankly at the Third Hokage. He was still asking her this kind of question even at this point. But on one side was her long-planned ultimate goal, and on the other was the Third Hokage, who had shown her kindness, dying in her arms.
How should she choose? At this moment, in this scene, Sakura Haruno really didn't want to say something against her conscience. But if she did that, the Third Hokage would probably die with regrets.
And after a rough examination, the Third Hokage's internal organs were already severely damaged. Some organs had even stopped functioning. With such injuries, even if Tsunade-sensei came, it would be of no use.
If it were an ordinary person, they should have died yesterday. Yet, the Third Hokage had managed to hold on until now. Sakura Haruno didn't know how the Third Hokage had done it. The only explanation was that he had held on until now through astonishing willpower.
Was the thing that made the Third Hokage hold on with his willpower her own affair? After noticing her unusual movements, he had to get a guarantee from her, no matter what, to prevent her from potentially harming Konoha?
This was the Third Hokage, the Hokage who had given his life for the village, thinking of protecting the village even on his deathbed.
Unconsciously, tears were already streaming down Sakura Haruno's face. Although the two conflicting thoughts in her mind were still fiercely colliding, she still looked at the Third Hokage and said slowly, her voice hoarse, "It's... I've always been..."
"Is... is that so..." Hearing Sakura Haruno's answer, the Third Hokage, despite still coughing up blood, smiled faintly and whispered, "Then... then I'll... let....."
The Third Hokage didn't finish his words, but his hand had already fallen. The light in his eyes instantly vanished.
The originally clear sky became overcast in the span of a breath, thick dark clouds brewing a thunderstorm between them.
With a deafening CRACK, a torrential downpour instantly covered the ground.
The green light on Sakura Haruno's hands gradually dissipated. She quietly held the Third Hokage, motionless, like a strange stone standing tall in the courtyard....