Kitsuchi clenched his teeth inwardly.
Was Uchiha Ran really only ten years old? Why did dealing with him feel like facing an ancient monster who had schemed for decades? Every step, every clause—there was no opening to exploit.
"Hokage-sama… this—this is inappropriate," Kitsuchi said after taking a deep breath, forcing the words out.
"Whether it's appropriate or not isn't for you to decide," Ran replied coldly. "If you're dissatisfied, we can settle it another way. We'll see whether Konoha's Susanoo is tougher, or whether Ōnoki's Dust Release is."
The sneer in his voice was unmistakable.
Kitsuchi snorted and turned as if to leave, anger burning in his chest. But just as his foot moved, an image surfaced in his mind—
Ōnoki lying on his sickbed, his wrinkled hand resting on Kitsuchi's cheek, his voice hoarse yet solemn.
> "My son… no matter what happens, do not make an enemy of him.
If he sees through the contract, then accept it. Pay the money.
As long as Iwagakure survives, everything else can wait."
Kitsuchi had nodded without hesitation back then.
Now, returning to reality, he exhaled slowly and suppressed all resentment.
"We will follow Hokage-sama's terms," Kitsuchi said heavily. "Let us sign."
A wave of shock spread through the room.
Six hundred million ryō every year—just for peace.
Such a treaty was unprecedented in the entire history of the shinobi world.
Ran gave Kitsuchi a long, searching look before speaking calmly, "Shikaku. You'll handle the signing."
Nara Shikaku stepped forward and bowed. "Yes, Hokage-sama."
With measured dignity, he escorted Kitsuchi away to finalize the agreement.
After the contract was signed, Kitsuchi declined any further stay, citing discomfort and unfamiliarity with the local climate. Before leaving, he formally promised that the first annual payment would be delivered within ten days.
Ran listened to Shikaku's report with a faint smile.
"Well?" he asked casually. "What do you all think?"
The officials exchanged glances, but no one dared speak. No one could read Ran's temperament, and no one wanted to risk saying the wrong thing.
Ran shook his head lightly.
"Looks like I scared you all too much," he said indifferently. "Forget it. It's everyone's first day. No need to be so stiff."
He straightened and waved his hand.
"That concludes the morning meeting. Dismissed."
With that, Ran turned and left the office first.
Only after he was gone did Akimichi Chōza let out a long breath.
"Our Hokage-sama's presence is terrifying," he muttered.
Inoichi Yamanaka nodded in agreement. "Even knowing he's only ten… standing in front of him makes you feel small."
"Enough chatter," Shikaku said calmly. "Just do your jobs properly. Hokage-sama has never treated his own people unfairly."
Hyūga Hiashi stood up and quietly followed after Ran.
---
Outside the Hokage Building, the blazing sunlight made Ran narrow his eyes.
"The weather's good," he muttered. "But the sun's a bit much."
He was just about to head home when Hiashi stepped forward.
"Hokage-sama," Hiashi said respectfully, "would you care to join us for lunch? Hinata… she says she misses you."
Ran turned back and raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure it's Hinata who misses me? Or is it you trying to get closer to me?"
Hiashi coughed awkwardly.
This was the first time he had ever wielded real authority within the village. Even as the head of the Hyūga Clan, he still hadn't fully adjusted to the weight of it.
After a brief hesitation, Ran sighed.
"Alright," he said. "Lead the way."
Hiashi's eyes immediately lit up. "This way, Hokage-sama."
---
Amegakure
Deep within a damp, shadowed cave, a man wearing a yellow mask sat silently on a stone throne.
Black Zetsu's voice echoed through the darkness.
"Madara-sama, many major events have shaken the shinobi world recently," he said with a chuckle. "And every one of them is tied to Uchiha Ran."
The masked man's fingers paused mid-tap.
"…Go on," he said quietly.
Black Zetsu recounted everything in detail—Ran repelling three great villages alone, killing Danzō, slaying Orochimaru. His tone was filled with admiration.
To him, Ran wasn't just similar to Madara in appearance—his methods were eerily alike.
Uchiha Obito's chest tightened with rage.
If Madara hadn't forced him to remain hidden back then… if he hadn't been restrained…
Rin might still be alive.
Killing intent surged.
"So that kid looks like him, too…" Obito thought darkly. "Then don't blame me for venting my hatred on him."
"Black Zetsu," Obito asked suddenly, "do you think I can kill him?"
His hand instinctively moved to summon the Gunbai—then froze.
The fan was gone.
His expression darkened, and he awkwardly rubbed his head instead.
Black Zetsu glanced at him, then smiled obsequiously.
"Of course, Madara-sama. That Uchiha Ran is nothing more than a stray dog in front of you."
Obito believed him.
A cruel smile crept across his face. "Then watch closely. I'll bring back his head and show you what the true Asura of the shinobi world looks like."
Space twisted violently.
"Kamui."
Obito's body distorted and vanished into the vortex.
The moment his presence disappeared, Black Zetsu's smile vanished as well.
"Idiot," he muttered coldly. "Comparing yourself to Madara… your power, your mind, your experience—childish."
"If it weren't for Kamui being useful, I wouldn't have chosen you in the first place."
With that, he sank into the ground, quietly following to observe.
---
Konoha Cemetery
It was the first day of official work, and the Hokage had already left.
After assigning tasks to his subordinates, Kakashi came alone to the cemetery.
He stood before two graves, flowers in hand.
Space rippled behind him.
A vortex opened atop a massive tree, and a masked figure emerged silently.
But Kakashi didn't turn around.
"Obito," he said softly, placing the flowers down, "how great it would be if you were still alive."
He stared at the grave, his voice low.
"If you were… maybe you'd be the Hokage today."
The wind stirred the leaves.
"The gift you gave me," Kakashi continued, "has become the Mangekyō Sharingan. And through this coup… I finally understand what it truly means."
Silence filled the cemetery.
------
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