As with many things in life, people only ever remember the first, never the second.
Most in Kenya's previous world knew Everest as the tallest mountain, yet few could name the second.
They knew China was the most populous nation, but far fewer knew who ranked second.
Konoha villagers were no different. To them, there was only one power that mattered — Hokage.
Whoever stood second-in-command was easily forgotten.
That was why Aizen had been able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Kazekage in Sunagakure, even surpassing him in influence. For four years, the "Kazekage" rarely appeared in public. It was Aizen who carried out all leadership duties.
And so, with time, the people of Sunagakure unconsciously equated the title "Aizen" with "Kazekage."
Konoha, however, was the opposite.
The return of the "Legendary Sannin" Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage, to take the mantle of Fifth Hokage had electrified the entire village. Her reputation was so great that even shinobi of Naruto's generation had heard of her before meeting her.
Her appointment was so solid that even Danzo, master of scheming, could not find grounds to oppose it.
That was exactly why Kenya chose Tsunade as Hokage, rather than himself.
He had no desire to drown in paperwork and village management again. But more importantly, someone like him could never be "Number One," no matter how he tried to whitewash his past.
Instead, the reconstruction of the Ministry of Shinobi Affairs and Kenya's appointment as its head drew little objection from the general villagers.
Over ninety percent of Konoha's population only cared about one thing: Who is Hokage?
The rest meant little to them.
But among shinobi, his appointment sent ripples.
Who was Uchiha Kenya?
To many, he was still remembered as an S-rank missing-nin, presumed dead for four years. Only now, with Tsunade lifting his warrant, could they even attach the word "former" to that status.
The truth of the Uchiha Clan Massacre remained known only to a select few: the elders and Danzo. Fewer than ten people in all.
To explain his sudden reinstatement, Tsunade spread a convenient story:
"Kenya never betrayed Konoha. He was on a secret mission ordered by the Third Hokage. To deceive our enemies, he was branded a traitor. Now that his mission is complete, he has returned to reclaim his place."
It was no more far-fetched than the excuses Konoha once used with Kumogakure after the attempted kidnapping of Hinata.
Most villagers and even lower-ranked shinobi accepted it without question.
But the major clans — Hyūga, Nara, Akimichi, Inuzuka, Aburame — were not so easily fooled.
A "secret mission"? That ended with him wearing a different face in Sunagakure, ruling as second-in-command?
And upon returning, nearly destroying the Sarutobi and Shimura clans?
If the late Sarutobi Hiruzen could crawl from his grave and hear that excuse, he'd have died again from outrage.
Still, like Shikamaru had realized — now was not the time to oppose Kenya. Not openly.
After the Hokage succession ceremony, Tsunade dispatched a team to escort Kenya back to the Uchiha district. Once a thriving clan compound, it now lay in disrepair.
Renovations began immediately. The moss-covered Police Headquarters was torn down and transformed into the Konoha Ministry of Shinobi Affairs.
Many of Konoha's great clans sent their members to assist, and one by one, they came offering their congratulations.
"Minister Kenya, congratulations!"
"At last, your name is cleared."
"The Hyūga clan will prepare a proper gift to celebrate."
Kenya accepted them all with a smile.
He knew the truth — sincerity was rare, perhaps nonexistent. But it didn't matter.
If he only wanted admiration, he could have remained "Aizen," the de facto Kazekage.
But respect was never his goal. Vigilance was.
With so many skilled hands assisting, the transformation was swift. Within two days, the Ministry building stood complete. The restoration of the ruined Uchiha district itself would take longer — but there was no rush.
Kenya stood before the new headquarters, gazing up at the sign. No longer the Uchiha fan. Now, the Konoha leaf, etched with the word "Shinobi."
"This," he murmured, "is what the Uchiha once looked like at their peak. The Police Force… was the start of our downfall."
It was a cruel irony. The clan that had once thrived now had but one survivor. Himself.
"But," came a teasing voice from behind, "right now you're still a polished commander without soldiers. Maybe you should report to Lady Hokage?"
Only two people in Konoha would dare speak to him in such a tone.
One was Tsunade.
The other, of course, was Kurenai.
Kenya glanced sideways. Sure enough, the graceful kunoichi was walking up to him.
He chuckled, slipping an arm lightly around her as he led her into the grand, incense-scented halls of the new Ministry.
"Don't worry," he said with quiet confidence.
"They'll come soon. More than enough."