If things truly developed for the worse, then Hiruzen Sarutobi would undoubtedly be unfit to serve as Hokage.
But right now, the Shinobi World War wasn't over yet.
Changing the Hokage in the middle of it was no small matter—it would definitely affect the village.
If anything changed on the battlefield, say, other villages thought Konoha was panicking and switching leaders mid-war, they might seize the opportunity to prolong the conflict.
In that case, she would become the sinner who doomed the village.
However, if she allowed Hiruzen Sarutobi to remain in power after such betrayal, it could also shake morale.
After all, shinobi were risking their lives at the frontlines—imagine coming home only to find out your child was gone. Who could bear that?
If those responsible weren't punished, it could even lead to rebellion.
This impossible dilemma left Mito Uzumaki caught in hesitation.
Then, she let out a helpless laugh and shook her head.
She had already hesitated so many times today.
It made her wonder—'Are there really no perfect answers to some things?'
Uchiha Hikaru knew how this war would end: all five great nations would end up battered and bruised.
So much so that more than a decade would pass before the Second Shinobi World War began.
And even then, it wasn't initiated by the five great nations, but by Hanzo of the Salamander from the Hidden Rain Village.
This proved that the five nations were already spent forces.
They simply didn't want to bear the cost of defeat, so they kept fighting, hoping to determine a winner.
What was missing now for peace… was just a catalyst.
And as the wife of Hashirama Senju, and someone who could forcibly extract the power of the Nine-Tails, Mito Uzumaki—
She had the strength and prestige to become that catalyst.
As long as she exercised the authority of a Kage and convened a Five Kage Summit, the war could end immediately.
So, the one Mito Uzumaki had been hoping would break the stalemate… was actually herself.
Seeing her deep in thought, Uchiha Hikaru tugged lightly at her sleeve.
When Mito Uzumaki came back to her senses and looked at him, he said:
"Grandma Mito, why can't you be Hokage?"
That one sentence struck her like a lightning bolt, making her suddenly realize the crux of the matter.
Right—why couldn't she be Hokage?
Back when the position of Third Hokage was being decided, she didn't vie for it for two main reasons.
First, to avoid suspicion—if the First, Second, and Third Hokage were all from the Senju clan, it would make Konoha look like it belonged solely to them.
Second, to honor Tobirama Senju's last wishes.
Third, Mito Uzumaki herself never had the desire to become Hokage.
But now, things were different. Whether for the sake of village stability—
Or to end the war as soon as possible—she was an ideal candidate.
Even if Mito herself had no desire for the title, the weight of responsibility could change that.
Thinking this through, she smiled again and patted Uchiha Hikaru's head.
"You're right, Hikaru. But we haven't reached that point yet. Let's give the Third Hokage a little more trust. Maybe… just maybe… he'll choose the right path."
Uchiha Hikaru didn't believe that for a second.
Just think of all the evil Danzo would go on to commit—spreading rumors to drive White Fang to suicide, conducting inhumane experiments, kidnapping orphans, colluding with Obito and Itachi to wipe out the Uchiha Clan, even plotting the Hokage's assassination.
And yet, Hiruzen Sarutobi forgave him every time, letting Root grow stronger again and again.
In the end, Danzo died, but Root still stirred up chaos in his name.
So Uchiha Hikaru was certain—this time, Hiruzen Sarutobi was on the path of no return.
Seeing Hikaru's expression of disbelief, Mito Uzumaki said with some exasperation:
"All right, everything is more or less arranged. Is the witness you mentioned in a safe position?"
Hikaru smacked his forehead—he'd been a bit careless.
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't know who the witness was, but Danzo… he'd personally gone after her. Of course he'd know.
Hikaru quickly looked up at the sky.
They had acted swiftly, so the ninja academy probably hadn't dismissed classes yet. Nonō Yakushi should still be safe for the moment.
But knowing Danzo's ruthlessness, he'd definitely strike on her way home.
So, just like Uchiha Ang earlier, the moment Hikaru said his goodbye—he was already gone.
Mito Uzumaki chuckled at the sight, then turned and left as well.
She needed to prepare for the worst, to be ready before anything happened.
Uchiha Hikaru rushed to the ninja academy, where classes were still in session.
Just as he reached the classroom door, he heard Toki Chi roaring inside.
"You have the nerve to skip class on your second day?! Next time he shows up, I'll make him run a hundred laps! No—more!"
Hikaru gave a bitter smile but still knocked on the door.
Wham!
The door flew open, and Toki Chi's fierce face looked even more terrifying when he saw Hikaru.
He let out a low laugh and said darkly:
"Uchiha Hikaru, huh? You sure got guts, skipping class on your second day?"
But Hikaru ignored the threatening tone—it wasn't important right now.
He glanced into the room. Nonō Yakushi was sitting inside, listless.
That let him breathe a sigh of relief. Danzo wouldn't dare attack the ninja academy.
But if the man really lost it, who knew what he'd do?
The teachers here wouldn't stand a chance against Root's assassins.
"Chūnin Toki Chi, I need to take Nonō Yakushi to meet with Lady Mito for something important. Please let us pass."
His formal tone made Toki Chi's expression shift immediately.
As a battlefield veteran, he understood.
If Hikaru wasn't joking, then this was something truly serious.
He stepped aside and said gravely:
"Do you need me to escort you?"
Hikaru shook his head, waved to Nonō and Tsunade, then turned to Toki Chi:
"You wouldn't be much help. Something major is happening today—just grant them a day off."
"Also, assign a teacher to escort every student home. Every single one. Understood?"
Toki Chi straightened his back and shouted:
"Yes, I'll see it done!"
Tsunade walked over with Nonō Yakushi and stood by Hikaru's side.
"You're both in danger right now. I'm taking you with me. Don't resist."
Saying that, he scooped Tsunade up in his arms and gestured for Nonō to climb on his back.
Tsunade let out a startled yelp but quickly regained her calm.
Nonō hesitated—but considering what had happened to her and the serious look on Hikaru's face—
She realized he wasn't exaggerating. She really was in danger.
Blushing, she climbed onto his back.
Hikaru didn't think much of it.
Just two bratty kids—nothing to feel about. If anything, they were kinda poky and uncomfortable.
Once both were secure, he quietly told them to hold on tight—then leapt away.
After they left, Toki Chi began organizing the other teachers to escort students home in an orderly fashion.