One day later — the Fire Daimyō's capital.
After traveling day and night from Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen and his escort finally arrived within the Daimyō's domain after nearly two days of relentless movement.
"Shinnosuke, you'll accompany me to see the Daimyō. The rest of you disperse and maintain perimeter security."
There was no need to bring an entire force into an audience hall. With a subtle gesture, Hiruzen ordered the two ANBU squads to scatter into the shadows.
"Yes!"
The masked shinobi vanished in flashes of movement.
"Shinnosuke," Hiruzen added after a pause, "remove your mask. This isn't an ordinary mission. There's no need to conceal your identity before the Daimyō."
"Lord Hokage… that violates protocol."
Sarutobi Shinnosuke hesitated before voicing his concern.
Hiruzen sighed inwardly.
His eldest son was capable in every respect—except one.
Too rigid. Too bound by rules.
Perhaps that was his own doing. His discipline had shaped Shinnosuke into a model shinobi… but at the cost of flexibility.
Ironically, when he relaxed his approach with his younger son, Sarutobi Asuma, the result swung too far in the other direction.
Parenting, it seemed, was more difficult than ruling a village.
"This time," Hiruzen said calmly, "I go not only as the Third Hokage, but as head of the Sarutobi clan."
"And you are not the ANBU commander today."
"You are my son."
The implication was clear.
Konoha's internal winds were shifting unpredictably. If storms came, connections at court might matter.
Shinnosuke frowned slightly but removed his mask without further protest.
Hiruzen said nothing more and proceeded toward the palace gates.
At the entrance, formal documents were presented. Hiruzen waited patiently outside, posture lowered deliberately—a gesture of respect to the Daimyō.
Soon, a young man emerged from within.
He wore a waist sash embroidered with the character "Fire."
One of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
"Third Lord, the Daimyō awaits. Please."
He bowed politely.
Hiruzen nodded absently at first—
Then froze.
His eyes caught something embroidered near the man's collar.
A crest he knew far too well.
The Uchiha fan.
His voice shifted tone instantly.
"Uchiha…?"
His gaze snapped upward.
Recognition struck.
"You're Uchiha Shisui. Why are you here?"
Shisui smiled calmly.
"I currently serve as one of the Daimyō's guardians. Naturally, I remain at his side."
Hiruzen's pupils contracted.
Thoughts cascaded through his mind in rapid succession.
Beside him, Shinnosuke's brows furrowed.
"Uchiha Shisui, as a Konoha shinobi, how can you accept an external post without authorization? That violates protocol."
Shisui's expression did not waver.
"I am a jōnin of the village, yes—but I belong to the Konoha Military Police Force. My movements fall under their jurisdiction."
"No further approval is required."
Shinnosuke's voice hardened.
"The Military Police's authority does not extend beyond village boundaries."
"Then," Shisui replied evenly, "you may discuss that with the head of the Military Police. I merely follow orders."
"You—"
"Enough!"
Hiruzen's voice cut sharply across the exchange.
"This discussion ends here."
Shinnosuke fell silent, though displeasure lingered on his face.
Hiruzen stared at Shisui for several long seconds.
So.
The Uchiha had moved a piece onto the Daimyō's board.
Unexpected.
Very unexpected.
"Your clan has given me quite the surprise," Hiruzen said slowly. "Please, Guardian, lead the way."
Whatever lay behind this maneuver was not something to unravel in a palace corridor.
Better to observe first.
Investigate later.
Shisui inclined his head and stepped forward.
Moments later, they entered a resplendent hall of gold and lacquer.
Seated at the head was the Fire Daimyō.
"Lord Daimyō, the Third Hokage of Konoha has arrived."
Shisui bowed, then stepped behind the throne.
Hiruzen and Shinnosuke bowed deeply.
"Ah! Sarutobi-dono! It's been some time!"
The Daimyō laughed warmly.
"The last time we met, you were requesting war funds at the beginning of this conflict, yes? Please, sit."
Hiruzen smiled politely.
"During wartime, village affairs left me little freedom to visit. I ask your forgiveness."
"No matter, no matter," the Daimyō waved it off. "You Hokage types are always busy."
"Though I hear you've resigned?"
"You're here to report formally?"
Hiruzen nodded.
"I am advanced in years."
"And I made several errors in judgment during this war."
"It is no longer appropriate for me to retain the position."
"The decision has already been announced before the village council."
"I am here to formally submit my resignation."
He bowed slightly once more.
"From this day forward… I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, relinquish the office of Hokage."
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