"Hey, do you guys know what the police department is doing? Why are they building such a big stage?"
"Seriously, man? You haven't heard? The police department posted a notice three days ago."
"Yeah, they're holding a celebration to showcase the success of the Police Department's reform."
"I heard from my cousin's wife's brother's sister-in-law—she's with the 49th Unit of the Police Department—that after the event, Akimichi's Barbecue will be open for everyone to eat and drink for free tonight! The Uchiha Police Department is footing the bill!"
"Are you sure your... sister-in-law's info is reliable?"
"Of course! Like I said, she's already part of the 49th Unit. This is solid gossip!"
The three villagers stood not far from the entrance to the Uchiha Police Department.
Dozens of people bustled about, putting up decorations and reinforcing the stage in front of the building.
They weren't the only curious onlookers. Groups of villagers had gathered in twos and threes to see what today's Uchiha celebration was all about.
Hokage Building – Office
"Hiruzen! How could you approve something like this? Letting the Uchiha hold a public event? Do you understand how dangerous they are!?"
Danzo stormed into the Hokage's office, slamming his cane against the floor, its sharp clack echoing in the room.
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't look up. He calmly lifted his pipe, took a slow puff, and blew out a stream of smoke.
"Danzo, you're overthinking it. The Uchiha event was approved by me. They've reported everything in advance, and ANBU is already monitoring it. There's no danger."
Danzo scowled, his jaw clenched.
Damn it. That night... if only I hadn't hesitated. I should've become Hokage!
But of course, he didn't say that aloud. He could only curse silently in his mind.
"What's the point of a celebration by the Police Department, anyway? It's a waste of village resources. We barely have enough funding for Root's operations. Since when did Konoha become this rich?"
Hiruzen's brows began to furrow. He removed the pipe from his mouth.
"The Uchiha are paying for everything themselves. I've reviewed the finances personally."
"And don't talk to me about Root's funding. Do you think I don't know you've been targeting major clans again? You kidnapped children for Root and forged my seal to do it!"
He slammed the pipe down onto the desk.
"I'll overlook a lot, but not this. Return Hyuga Neji. His father, Hizashi, already gave his life for this village—how dare you abduct his son?"
Danzo sneered, unrepentant.
"Hmph."
"It's too late, Hiruzen. I've already placed the Tongue-Cursing Seal on them. They'll never leave Root. Ever."
He stood abruptly, shoving his chair aside with a crash. Hiruzen rose too, pointing a shaking hand at Danzo.
"You treat children like tools! You've gone too far this time. I'm ordering you—return them!"
To Danzo, Hiruzen's outrage was empty noise. The Tongue-Cursing Seal was absolute. Once applied, the victim could never reveal Root secrets—not unless either caster or victim died.
Danzo's tone grew icy.
"What do you want, then? Should I kill myself just to break the seal? I am the root of the village. Where there is light, there must be shadow. Where there are trees, there must be roots. You can't survive without me, Hiruzen."
He believed Hiruzen couldn't act. After decades of co-dependence, he knew Hiruzen's weakness—his indecision.
And he was right.
Hiruzen sighed. He had allowed Danzo to grow too bold, too twisted. He had failed to stop him years ago. Now it was too late.
"Then forget it… but Root's funding is being halved starting next year."
"What?! You're cutting Root's budget? On what grounds?!"
"To clean up the mess you made! That money will go to compensating the families you violated!"
Danzo went silent, then tapped his cane harshly on the ground again.
"Don't forget the Second Hokage's will! I do all this for the village! The Uchiha are inherently unstable—a clan of inherited evil!"
Hiruzen sat back down and looked toward the clouds outside his window, silent for a moment.
Then, from deep within memory, the voices of his mentors returned.
"Monkey, the Uchiha are dangerous by nature. But their love is deeper than anyone else's. If you can learn to balance that—then you're worthy of being Hokage."
Those were Tobirama Senju's final private words to him—an entrustment from the Second Hokage to the Third.
Hiruzen's eyes opened slowly.
They were no longer sharp or youthful, but they gleamed with clarity—this was the will of fire burning in an old man's heart.
"Danzo. The Uchiha have always been part of this village. Yes, we've had to take precautions in the past—but now they show signs of true integration. I won't let you sabotage that."
"You must remember—I am the Hokage!"
Danzo's face twisted. He could hardly suppress the storm of resentment boiling inside him.
"Hiruzen… you'll regret this!"
He turned sharply and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Hiruzen remained still for a long time, then slowly swiveled his chair to face the window.
From here, he could see the stage rising in front of the Police Department.
A small smile formed on his weathered lips.
The past resurfaced…
"Monkey, try not to end up a gambling addict like me, hahaha!"
"Your hand seals are still slow! Your chakra is too wild! Go climb that tree ten more times!"
"Monkey... keep training with Tobirama. You're the future of Konoha…"
"Monkey, from now on, you're the Hokage. Protect the next generation—that's the Kage's true duty! Let's go!"
"Tobirama… forgive me… Madara, too… I want to believe in the future of this village…"
"Monkey, I mishandled the Uchiha. The tensions haven't exploded yet, but it's only a matter of time. That's why I took Uchiha Kagami as my student—I hoped he'd be a bridge between our world and theirs. I entrust this hope to you, Third Hokage…"
His eyes opened again—faded gray, clouded with age—but something bright still flickered inside.
He whispered into the sky.
"Shodai-sama… Tobirama-sensei…"
"Have I finally… fulfilled your wish?"
"Can I still be called a ninja with the Will of Fire?"
A single tear slid down his wrinkled cheek, falling silently onto the paper-strewn desk of the Hokage of Konoha.