Chapter 126: The Third Hokage
In the end, I still stayed in Konoha.
Looking at the two Hyuga brothers practicing Gentle Fist before him, Masahiko let out a sigh.
Knowing that Tobirama did not have much time left, Masahiko ultimately chose to remain in the village. In his heart, his only remaining close kin were Tobirama, Mito, and his three disciples. As for Kenji, Dozan, Tsunade, and Yuna, they were merely the younger generation. Although he was close to them, his feelings were more akin to a senior's protective concern for his juniors.
As for the Uzumaki Clan, because of the unreliability of the three clansmen during the previous Joint Jonin Exam, Masahiko had no choice but to send a Shadow Clone back to the clan to provide personal guidance.
"I can't always rely on my protection to keep the Uzumaki safe. I blocked the Second Great Ninja War, but I hope by the time the Third War arrives, they will have their own strength to protect the clan."
This was Masahiko's true thought.
Nearly half a year had passed since he returned from Mount Myoboku, and with Year 26 of Konoha approaching, Masahiko had not been idle. Since his other abilities had reached their limits and could not be improved further, he poured all his energy into Gentle Fist.
Perhaps it was because of his vast prior experience, but after only six months of focused training, Masahiko had raised his Gentle Fist to Level 6, nearly Level 7.
Status Update
Gentle Fist: LV6 (588,990/600,000)
After reaching Level 6, the Hyuga Clan Head confirmed that Masahiko's level was now comparable to his own. However, even though Masahiko had asked for the secret techniques of the Gentle Fist, he was still unable to practice them. There was no way around it—he couldn't exactly swap his eyes for a pair of Byakugan. It simply wasn't worth it just for techniques like Rotation (Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven). He also had no intention of going to the moon to obtain a Tenseigan, nor could he perform the Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack.
"However, the experience points for Gentle Fist are actually the same as those required for the seven basic nature transformations. This suggests that if I keep training it, there might be a surprise waiting for me."
This thought was what kept him motivated to continue practicing.
The two little guys in front of him had finished their round of Gentle Fist and were looking at him expectantly, hoping for some guidance. However, Masahiko's thoughts had drifted so far just now that he hadn't noticed how they were practicing at all.
"You practiced well. I'll perform it once; watch carefully to see where you're lacking..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a familiar Anbu appeared before them.
Masahiko smiled. "Sakumo, what is it?"
"Masahiko-grandpa, Lord Hokage is looking for you."
Sakumo Hatake had now become the messenger between Tobirama and Masahiko. After several encounters, Sakumo had become quite comfortable calling him "Grandpa."
"Looking for me?" Masahiko pondered for a moment and then nodded. "I understand."
Watching Sakumo leave, Masahiko felt a surge of emotion. "It's finally time to select the Third Hokage, isn't it?"
The Final Meeting of the Elders
Arriving at the Hokage Building, Masahiko saw the three Elders gathered together for the first time in a long while, alongside Tobirama.
The three Elders shared a common trait: they all had heads full of white hair. Among them, the youngest, Uchiha Kagami, was already 57 years old. Except for the Hyuga Clan Head, who saw Masahiko regularly, the other two looked at him with complex expressions.
"Masahiko-grandpa, your body is still so healthy," Uchiha Kagami said slowly.
Masahiko nodded with a smile. "It seems none of you will outlive me." He knew that while they didn't know his exact age, they likely guessed he was at least nearly ninety years old.
Despite this, they could only marvel at his longevity. As for the reason behind it, they speculated it was either his strength or some special sealing technique of the Uzumaki Clan, but no one dared to ask him for his secret. It was awkward to ask openly, and in secret, no one was Masahiko's match.
Seeing the heavy atmosphere, Tobirama spoke up.
"I believe everyone can guess why I've called the Elders here today. The annual festival is approaching. After the festival, we must select a Third Hokage, and the members of the Elder Council will also need to change."
None of the three objected, and Masahiko did not interrupt.
Tobirama looked left and right. "As for the candidates for Hokage, I nominate Hiruzen and Danzo. What about you?"
The three Elders exchanged glances. Uchiha Kagami hesitated, but eventually shook his head and remained silent. In his heart, he hoped Kagami might become Hokage, but he knew that was merely a wish.
The Nara Clan Head felt it was a pity as well. Akimichi Torifu was not the same kind of genius; among Tobirama's six students, aside from the medical ninja Utatane Koharu, he couldn't even compare to the civilian ninja Mitokado Homura.
As for the Hyuga Clan Head... with no successor in the Hyuga family yet, he felt quite desperate.
"In that case, everyone go back and prepare. Inform the other clans as well to see if they have any candidates they wish to nominate," Tobirama added.
Masahiko was confused. "Tobirama, it doesn't seem like there's anything for me to do. Why did you call me?"
"Great-Uncle, this is the second thing I wanted to discuss. I hope that during my term, I can re-sign the alliance treaty with the Uzumaki Clan."
Masahiko paused, understanding his intent. Tobirama was worried that in future wars, without his personal connection, Masahiko would no longer help, and the Uzumaki would eventually drift away from Konoha.
Masahiko shook his head. "There's no need. Mito is still here..." Moreover, in his heart, he knew that the Uzumaki and Konoha would become even closer because of Kushina and Minato. A piece of paper was entirely unnecessary.
Tobirama instantly understood Masahiko's meaning. He hesitated for a moment and said, "Alright then."
The elder meeting concluded—it was the final meeting for this older generation.
The Succession
One month later, Masahiko looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was wearing the Hokage robes and hat, and felt slightly dazed.
Watching him stand on the stage and declare to all the residents of Konoha:
"Wherever the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames. The fire's shadow will illuminate the village, and once again, tree leaves shall bud anew. When one wishes to protect those precious to them, a ninja's true strength will manifest!"
The familiar figure and words caused Masahiko's thoughts to drift far away.
As the ceremony ended and the civilians began to disperse, Hiruzen received congratulations from Tobirama, Mito, and his other teammates and students. Danzo was also beside him; though there was a hint of resentment in his expression, his genuine joy and congratulations caught Masahiko off guard.
"Danzo... what exactly turned a hot-blooded youth into a conspirator?"
The long-awaited text flashed across his vision, interrupting his speculation.
*Witnessed and slightly changed the Naruto world Main Story: The Third Hokage. Received 30 (2) Witness Points.
"A slight change? Is it just the timing?" Masahiko thought about it and nodded. "If I had let Danzo become Hokage, I probably would have gained 300 points, but it's better this way."
As time moved forward, Masahiko gained some unexpected rewards. Because of Uchiha Kagami and Masahiko's influence, the Elder Council of Konoha had completely changed, with the exception of Danzo. The other two members were now Uchiha Kagami and the father of the Hyuga brothers.
This change actually brought him an income of 20 Witness Points.
"As expected, the closer we get to the timeline of the original plot, the more opportunities there are to gain Witness Points... assuming the plot doesn't collapse entirely, that is..."
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