Uchiha Hayashi and his fellow academy students were enjoying a rare moment of peace. Most of them were too young to realize that the footsteps of war were drawing closer, and no one would be spared once it arrived.
Far away, inside the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, walked the long corridor toward his office.
The Hokage Building was one of the oldest structures in Konoha, raised during the village's founding. Here, missions were assigned, and the weight of leadership pressed heavily on its walls.
As Hiruzen moved down the passage, a faint unease stirred within him. Even as Hokage, compromise was sometimes necessary—he had learned that years ago. Today would be another such test.
Wearing his white ceremonial robe, Hiruzen offered a rare smile to the masked Anbu guarding the corridor.
"How is it? Are you tired?" he asked gently.
The young ninja immediately straightened, voice ringing with pride. "Hokage-sama, thank you for your concern! I am not tired!"
"Relax," Hiruzen said, patting the guard's shoulder. "There's no need to be so tense."
"Have the advisors arrived?"
"Yes, they are already inside."
Nodding, Hiruzen continued his slow pace, his thoughts heavy. His instincts told him this conflict would not be a minor skirmish.
He had lived through the end of the Warring States era, fought in the First Ninja World War, and inherited leadership after the Second Hokage sacrificed himself during an ambush. Those were years when Konoha had nearly collapsed under the weight of internal rivalries and external threats.
Even then, he had borne the mantle, growing quickly into the role his teacher entrusted him with. He had lived up to Tobirama's expectations. And though decades had passed, he was still relied upon to protect the village.
But now, the world teetered on the edge of another great war.
Pushing open the door to his office, Hiruzen found his old comrades—Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Danzō Shimura—already waiting.
"You're here," Hiruzen said as he moved to the Hokage's seat.
"Homura, how is the situation in the Land of Grass?"
"Reports say both sides are holding back for now, though there are skirmishes," Homura replied, passing him a neatly compiled scroll.
"Good," Hiruzen said after scanning it. At least the situation had not spiraled further.
Homura added, "But there's a problem. Hanzō claims Grass shinobi have captured his men from the Rain Village. He demands their release."
"Tch, Grass shinobi are cowards swaying with the wind," Danzō sneered. "They curry favor with anyone stronger. How dare they provoke Hanzō?"
Koharu frowned. "What does Hanzō intend? Does he really have the nerve to challenge the Five Great Nations?"
"What wouldn't he dare?" Danzō's tone was sharp. "He has always compared himself to the Kage. He believes Rain's small borders cannot contain his ambition. This is his excuse to elevate the Land of Rain as a sixth great power."
"Whether or not Grass shinobi are guilty, Hanzō now has a reason to strike," Homura said grimly.
Hiruzen sighed. "Even as one of the great powers, we cannot provoke a chain reaction. Peace is fragile. We must not spark conflict needlessly."
"Hiruzen, you're too soft," Danzō shot back. "The Land of Grass is our vassal. If we let this go, Konoha will appear weak, and every nation will test us."
The Hokage's expression tightened. Danzō was not entirely wrong. After years of recovery, every nation was strong again, their eyes on the fertile Land of Fire. Still, Hiruzen would not throw away peace unless there was no choice.
"For now, Homura, send envoys to negotiate with Hanzō and apply pressure. We must push him toward talks," Hiruzen ordered.
"Koharu, contact the Kazekage. Tell him I wish to continue our alliance discussions."
"And Danzō—have your Root agents monitor the border closely."
After issuing his orders, Hiruzen rubbed his temples. The room fell silent.
Then Danzō broke it. "Hiruzen, what did that old fox Uchiha Yama want from you?" His eyes narrowed.
"It was about Hayashi," Hiruzen admitted.
"Hayashi? Kagami's son? What's going on?" Koharu immediately pressed.
"Nothing serious. He's doing well. Yama only raised the matter of Hayashi's jōnin instructor after graduation."
"Wasn't it already settled that Tsunade would lead his team?" Koharu asked.
"Yama insists that only an Uchiha jōnin should mentor him," Hiruzen said quietly.
Koharu's eyes flashed. "Ridiculous. That boy has been ostracized by the clan for years. Now that they realize his talent rivals his father's, they suddenly want him back? They won't have it so easy."
"Yama's stance is firm," Hiruzen replied with a sigh. "And his argument is sound. No one understands the Sharingan better than the Uchiha. It's hard to refute."
Koharu shook her head. "No. Tsunade's medical ninjutsu could save his life in the field. That is what matters."
Danzō's voice cut in coldly. "For his safety, he belongs in Root. I could personally guide Kagami's orphan. In time, I would make him my disciple."
The sudden crash of wood made everyone jolt. Koharu's fist had splintered the table.
She had always been composed, the calm center of their team since the days under Tobirama. Rarely did she show anger—but now her eyes burned.
"Danzō! Don't think I don't see through you. As your teammate, I've turned a blind eye to your methods in Root. But if you lay a hand on Kagami's son, I will not forgive it!"
Danzō's face darkened. He tugged at his collar, swallowing the fury rising in his throat.
"Kagami is dead!" he suddenly snapped. "You know it! He's been gone for years. And I know how you felt about him…"
Koharu seized him by the collar.
"Shut up. Don't speak of that again. What was between him and me is none of your concern. Say it once more, and I'll kill you where you stand. You know I can."
The room was tense, silence pressing heavier than steel.
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