Within the clan, Kaede's place was irreplaceable. If he had wanted the position, he would already be clan head.
"Lord, news that the Hyūga and Senju are joining the village has stirred mixed feelings," Tajima reported. "Everyone welcomes the Hyūga. But about the Senju—there's resentment. Our hands bear each other's blood. If… if we don't get along, war could break out. The village was just born—it could be shaken apart."
"It's fine," Kaede said. "At the beginning there will be friction. But if we can set aside grudges, merge, and endure a little, things will improve. As for war—so long as people live, they desire; where there's desire, there's conflict, and there's war. After unifying one nation, some will wish to unify the world. Ambition and desire grow bit by bit. If we fear that endlessly, how can we build anything now?"
"Yes, we understand," Tajima answered, visibly relieved.
Three days later, the Hyūga and the Senju arrived with their people. While they unpacked and raised houses, Kaede summoned every clan head to the council room.
"I have several announcements," Kaede said. "First: the village's name—Konoha. Where leaves dance, the fire burns ever brighter. That flame is our spirit—vigorous and rising.
"Second: the village's highest office will be Hokage. Third: we will found a ninja academy to cultivate talent. Now that we all live together, we act as shinobi of one village. When handling matters—when facing former foes—think first of the village, not narrowly of clan.
"Also: aside from the Hokage, no clan may hold private troops. Elders may not secretly raise other organizations.
"Break this, and you betray the village—anyone may cut you down."
"Yes!" Tajima nodded. Madara and Izuna nodded as well; they agreed with every word.
"Then the first Hokage should be you, Lord," Tajima said at once. "With your strength, you can lead us to prosperity and stand against covetous nations."
No one objected—Sarutobi Sasuke, the Yamanaka, the Nara, the other small clans were all silent. They had been defeated by Kaede; they had no face to oppose him. Even among the Senju, Butsuma couldn't refute the plan. Every rule served the village—especially the ban on elders' private soldiers, which would keep the Hokage from being hollowed out. And since the Uchiha had founded the village, it felt natural that the Hokage be chosen from among them. They had worried Tajima might become the First, stirring dissent; but if it was Kaede, who could complain?
"No. I won't be Hokage," Kaede said. "Choose among yourselves. The Hokage cannot be hereditary—ability decides. Whether clan-born or civilian, if he can shield the village and contribute to it—become its pillar—he may be Hokage."
Heads bobbed in agreement, but unease flickered. If Kaede declined, and either Butsuma or Tajima took the seat, the other side would hardly submit.
"The First Hokage will be Madara," Kaede said, without hesitation.
"Me? Sensei—why? I—I'm too young, and…" Madara froze. He had gained some renown, yes, but compared to everyone here his years and experience were few. Even his own father seemed more suitable.
"If I say you can, you can," Kaede answered. "You're my disciple—no one knows you better than I do. You are young, so the ones beside you will assist."
"Yes!" Tajima cut in quickly before his son could protest further. To have Madara as the First was the best outcome he could imagine; in the long run, it would make the Uchiha flourish all the more.
"As for the council of elders—" Kaede began.
The clan heads' faces finally relaxed into smiles, ready to speak—
A sudden peal split heaven and earth like the sky itself had cracked. The cloudless blue went black with storm; a power unlike any before pressed down on the world. Everyone felt the weight of it.
"What… is that?" They turned toward the blast, eyes disbelieving. Far away, thunderheads churned, the horizon like the end of days.
"Sensei—" Madara began, but when he turned, Kaede was gone.
He looked to the window. Kaede already stood where the shock had erupted. Opposite him: a man in white robes, eyes a blood-red that seemed to drown the air itself. Even at a distance, breathing grew tight beneath his presence.
"Ōtsutsuki Isshiki. You've come, just as I expected," Kaede said, arms folded, smiling lightly. "I've been waiting for you for quite some time."
"You…" Isshiki stared, shock breaking across his face.
(End of Chapter)
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