Chapter 11 — Who Says the 5.5th Generation Isn't Hokage?
Stepping into Konoha's bustling streets, the marionette controlled by Tetsuya immediately drew countless stares. It wasn't just because of its towering height—well above that of ordinary people—but mainly due to the half-smiling clown mask on its face.
Haven't heard of any circus coming to Konoha lately?
Konoha's response was swift. Before Tetsuya had even walked ten meters, shadows flickered ahead. Two ninja in chūnin flak jackets blocked his path.
"Please remove your mask and present your entry pass."
Sensing no chakra fluctuations from the clown before them, the two chūnin relaxed slightly—but their bodies remained tense, ready to engage at any moment.
"I'm not here to fight. I merely wish to appreciate your village's local customs."
Tetsuya snapped his fingers, and his figure vanished instantly, throwing the two chūnin into panic. After searching in vain, they immediately released an alarm signal.
"Welcome!"
Seeing the strange figure lift the curtain and enter, Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, showed no change in expression, maintaining his warm hospitality.
"One bowl of tonkotsu ramen."
With the Miracle Invoker's rank, the puppet swept a glance over him and confirmed he was indeed an ordinary person. Tetsuya couldn't help but shake his head.
Ōtsutsuki Ichiraku—it really was just a meme.
"Customer, that outfit of yours… you're not from Konoha, are you?"
Soon, a steaming bowl of ramen was placed before him. Meanwhile, Ayame, who had been busy in the kitchen, quietly slipped out through the back door.
No wonder Ichiraku survives all the way into the Boruto era—his vigilance is impressive.
Pretending not to notice, Tetsuya picked up his chopsticks—only to realize something awkward.
The puppet couldn't eat.
"May I ask—does the shopkeeper's surname happen to be Ōtsutsuki?"
By now, the sound of rapid movement echoed around Ichiraku Ramen. Tetsuya calmly set down his chopsticks and looked up.
"Customer, surely you jest. Is there really such a strange surname as Ōtsutsuki?"
Noticing several pairs of black-clad legs beneath the half-lowered curtain, Teuchi understood that the ninja had arrived. While replying, he subtly stepped backward.
"Intruder, surrender and come with us."
Several figures dressed as ANBU flashed into the shop, surrounding Tetsuya completely. Kunai pressed against vital points of his body—any movement would be met with merciless attack.
"Konoha's… Root?"
Tetsuya never once turned around, speaking leisurely.
It wasn't that he could distinguish ANBU from Root at a glance. As a disposable genin, he had never been in contact with them.
However, within his perception range, Danzō Shimura—half his body wrapped in bandages, leaning on a cane—had already appeared outside Ichiraku, guarded by four jōnin-level ninja.
"So you are indeed a spy infiltrating Konoha to gather intelligence. Take him back for interrogation."
A low voice came from the entrance. The Root operatives parted slightly, allowing Danzō to step forward.
"So it's Konoha's Danzō. What an honor."
Tetsuya turned, showing no hint of tension despite being surrounded. Beneath the clown mask, his eyes gleamed with amusement as he studied the so-called "Shadow of Konoha," the man who shouldered all darkness. That playful gaze made Danzō deeply uncomfortable.
"Since you know me, you must understand the methods of Konoha's darkness. Come quietly."
Danzō's exposed eye burned with killing intent as he stared at the mysterious figure calling himself the Miracle Invoker. He tried to overwhelm him with pressure—yet though the man stood right before him, Danzō's senses detected nothing at all.
Though the situation seemed under control, Danzō knew better than to delay. Once back at Root headquarters, interrogation could proceed at leisure.
Hiruzen must have already received word. If Danzō couldn't control this man, he would rather silence him than let such an unpredictable variable fall into his old comrade's hands.
"Don't you want to know whether you become Hokage in the future?"
Just as Danzō signaled his subordinates to take the target away, Tetsuya suddenly spoke. Danzō froze. In his lone visible eye, something like fire ignited.
So becoming Hokage truly was an obsession he could never escape…
Tetsuya snapped his fingers lightly. A faint glow spread across the wooden wall of the ramen shop. An image materialized, and Danzō could not tear his gaze away.
On a forest road stood three figures. At the front was Danzō himself.
In the image, Danzō wore a half-black, half-white robe of peculiar design. One hand held a cane, the other a sword. At his lower back hung a bright red hat—the Hokage's hat, symbol of the village's highest authority.
Standing beside him were his trusted subordinates, Aburame Torune and Yamanaka Fū, both unmasked.
"This is from roughly three and a half years in the future, when you attend the Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron."
Though mockingly called the "5.5th Hokage," he had at least experienced the title.
"Heh… hahaha…"
Danzō's unrestrained laughter echoed through Ichiraku Ramen, filled with the exhilaration of long-awaited fulfillment.
So my judgment was correct. After Orochimaru eliminates Hiruzen, I will become Konoha's Fifth Hokage!
At this moment, Danzō was intoxicated with triumph. The hand gripping his cane trembled violently, veins bulging.
Sensei, I will soon prove you wrong. Choosing Hiruzen over me as Hokage was a mistake!
Only I can make Konoha great again!
"ANBU are handling a dangerous spy who infiltrated the village. Any ninja who approaches will be executed!"
A sharp shout from outside snapped Danzō out of his Hokage dream. He cursed himself for being blinded by ambition and letting the man stall for time.
Fortunately, he had ordered the perimeter sealed under ANBU authority. Anyone who forced their way through would be stopped—even a jōnin would hesitate.
"ANBU? Since when do ANBU block the Hokage's path?"
Another voice reached the shop. Danzō's expression changed instantly.
Damn it. Hiruzen came personally. My men won't hold him long—and it's too late to relocate the target.
Under public scrutiny, even Danzō had to obey the Hokage's command.
Wait—I still have Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan!
In that critical instant, Danzō made his decision. His arm lifted abruptly, preparing to remove the bandages covering the Mangekyō.
Just a moment—that was all he needed. He would activate the Mangekyō and cast Kotoamatsukami, silently rewriting the will of this mysterious man before him, turning him into a loyal asset!
"Oh? Planning to use Kotoamatsukami?"
Seeing Danzō's movement, Tetsuya spoke first. Danzō froze again.
He knows?!
How could he possibly know?!
Shisui's secret should have been known only to Itachi!
Could it be… this man not only glimpses the future but also knows everything that has already happened?
"Danzō, what are you doing?"
A familiar voice carrying authority sounded behind him. The curtain of Ichiraku Ramen lifted once more as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stepped inside.