After leaving Sarutobi, the drizzle outside still had not stopped.
It fell in thin, scattered threads, carried by the cool late-night wind and striking Hikaru's body, leaving behind a faint chill.
Tiny droplets slid down his clothes before falling to the ground, splashing into nearly invisible ripples.
Hikaru's figure gradually blurred within the curtain of rain, until he was almost indistinguishable from the night.
As he walked, his thoughts churned.
He did not know what emotions had been contained in Hiruzen Sarutobi's final words: "Yes, Hokage-sama."
But Hikaru knew one thing.
He had won.
Completely and utterly.
From the moment he obtained the system and began striving for the Hokage's seat, sixteen springs and autumns had passed.
Especially these last three years.
They had been the most dangerous, the most troublesome, and the most exhausting.
Three years could change far too much.
In those three years, Hikaru had gone from a seemingly timid little nobody—one whose heart was already filled with schemes—to someone who had stepped, one careful move at a time, into the deepest swamp of Konoha's upper ranks.
And now, he had finally conquered that swamp and become its ruler.
He still remembered those days clearly.
Back then, he had been forced to maneuver between two Hokage, constantly racking his mind to avoid exposing himself while steadily accumulating political capital.
He hated those days.
But he had no choice but to endure them.
And now, everything was over.
From killing Owl during the Nine-Tails incident and gaining the opportunity to eliminate Murashima Takumi, to three years of accumulation after becoming ANBU Commander, Hikaru had finally broken free of his cocoon.
He had reached his goal.
Thinking of this, Hikaru could not help mocking himself.
Along the way, only the heavens knew how many people he had killed.
Only the heavens knew how many schemes and plots he had used.
Even he himself no longer knew how many people he had faced while wearing a mask.
He had always looked gentle and refined.
Warm.
Bright.
Elegant.
But only Hikaru himself knew how hypocritical he truly was.
Take Hiruzen Sarutobi, for example.
On one hand, Hikaru genuinely respected him.
On the other hand, he had used countless disgraceful methods to deal with him.
Even now, Hikaru claimed that keeping Hiruzen around was meant to make himself remain vigilant.
But in truth, it was exactly as Hiruzen himself had thought.
Hikaru intended to make Hiruzen raise the butcher's blade with his own hands and turn it against his former companions and interest groups.
Because Hikaru knew Hiruzen could not refuse.
Would not refuse.
Had no way to refuse.
That was why Hikaru could act so brazenly.
"In the end, I became the very kind of person I once hated most."
Hikaru slowly shook his head and looked up at the rain pouring from the sky.
There was no longer thunder or lightning, but the rain still fell heavily.
He carried no umbrella.
Nor did he care that the rain had soaked him through.
He simply shook his head lightly and slowly made his way home.
For some reason, he wanted to be rained on.
He had no intention of using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
It was as if he wanted the rain to wash over him properly.
"You're back, Hikaru-kun."
He did not know how long he had walked before finally arriving home.
ayame had already been waiting for his return.
At home, she did not address him as Commander the way she did in ANBU.
Still, her cool personality remained unchanged.
She did not ask why Hikaru looked like a drowned man.
She simply handed him a towel so he could dry himself.
"I'll prepare some hot water. Even if you're not afraid of catching a cold, a hot bath will still feel much better after being soaked in the rain. Also, Elder Shōma is here."
"Mm. I know. Sorry for the trouble."
Being with ayame felt rather relaxing.
Especially at home.
That feeling of ease was magnified many times over.
This woman always arranged things silently and properly, just as reassuringly as she did in ANBU.
As for Senju Shōma's arrival, Hikaru was not surprised at all.
The old man had been visiting him frequently lately.
Hikaru had long since grown used to it.
So he did not mind making Senju Shōma wait a while.
After taking a proper hot bath and adjusting his state of mind, Hikaru finally went to meet him.
"Hikaru, is something troubling you?"
What Hikaru had never expected was that the moment he met Senju Shōma, the old man would suddenly frown and ask him that.
"Perhaps."
Hikaru was surprised by Shōma's sharpness.
He had clearly already made himself look calm enough, yet Shōma had still seen through him.
After a brief silence, Hikaru nodded.
There was no real need to hide this.
"People always encounter difficult things, don't they?"
"That is true. Especially since you have already accomplished what old men like us could never accomplish. Perhaps that kind of pressure truly is heavy."
Senju Shōma's tone was calm.
At this moment, he did not seem to have come with his usual intention of urging Hikaru to leave behind an heir as soon as possible.
Although he did not know where Hikaru's pressure came from, nor what Hikaru had encountered, he knew he should not add to the chaos.
Still, he was curious about what had happened.
After hesitating for a moment, he slowly asked:
"If you are willing to speak, perhaps I can help you solve part of the problem. Even if I cannot, I may at least help you analyze it."
"It's nothing serious. I just gained a deeper understanding of myself."
Hikaru shook his head lightly, then let out a quiet sigh.
"By the way, I may become very busy soon. Extremely busy. There are many things I'll need to handle properly."
"That much I know. After all, once someone stands at such a height, even wanting to relax becomes difficult."
Hearing that, Hikaru chuckled softly.
Senju Shōma's thoughts were not wrong.
But Hikaru could hear that Shōma was still thinking from the perspective of Hikaru being ANBU Commander.
Clearly, he had still underestimated Hikaru.
"Still, there are some things I'll need your help with next. Or rather, the Senju Clan's help."
Hikaru thought for a moment, then smiled.
"In a few days, perhaps there will be an election. A crucial election. When the time comes, I hope every member of the Senju Clan can participate."
Senju Shōma had been about to nod.
But very quickly, his entire body stiffened.
He abruptly rose to his feet, his face filled with shock.
Soon, that shock turned into something mixed with joy and indescribable emotion.
His voice trembled as he asked:
"Is... is it time?"
"Mm. It is."
Hikaru nodded gently.
Then he smiled.
"Perhaps from now on, you can call me..."
"The Fifth Hokage."
...
After the storm, the weather became especially clear.
Even several days later, Konoha's skies remained bright and pleasant.
It seemed to herald the passing of an old era and the arrival of a newborn sun that would shine over all of Konoha.
Hikaru pulled open the curtains.
Golden sunlight poured through the window and filled the entire room.
He opened the door and walked out onto the balcony.
A lazy warmth spread through his body.
Looking into the distance, the sky above was a vast blue expanse without a single cloud.
The sun hung alone in the heavens, freely radiating its brilliance.
Below, the orderly streets were already crowded with people.
As usual, another lively and energetic day had begun in Konoha.
Only today was different.
All of Konoha's residents—civilians and shinobi alike—had put aside their work and were heading toward the Hokage Building.
Several days earlier, Hikaru's newspaper and the Hokage Building had simultaneously released a shocking yet inspiring announcement.
Konoha was about to hold a new Hokage election.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's performance during the clash between Konoha and Kumo had been truly terrible.
As a result, both his support and reputation had plummeted wildly.
Normally, such a decline would not necessarily matter much.
After all, the birth of a Hokage did not truly depend on an election.
Unfortunately, this time there was one enormous variable.
Senju Hikaru.
Because of Hikaru's appearance, Hiruzen Sarutobi no longer had any room to choose.
He clearly stated that, due to his physical condition, he could no longer lead Konoha forward.
He hoped to take on a lighter position and allow a younger person with greater drive and leadership to take charge of Konoha.
For Konoha, this announcement was epoch-making.
Most importantly, on the second day, Kakashi brought back the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze's verbal order.
Its meaning was similar to Hiruzen's.
Due to his current physical condition, Minato could no longer lead Konoha.
Ever since being injured during the Nine-Tails incident three years ago, he had not returned to Konoha even once.
Nor had he faced Konoha's hardships alongside the village.
Therefore, if Konoha wished to elect a new Hokage now, he would support it.
He hoped the new Hokage could lead Konoha toward prosperity.
Once the Third Hokage and Fourth Hokage issued their announcements, Konoha's future was essentially decided.
Konoha was about to enter the era of the Fifth Hokage.
Nara Shikaku also displayed his role as Minister of Political Affairs.
He passed every required proposal at almost the fastest possible speed, and the selection process began smoothly.
Looking at the bustling crowd below, Hikaru's expression was calm.
Perhaps for Konoha's residents, the identity of the Fifth Hokage still carried a trace of suspense.
Although Hikaru's momentum was immense, everyone had their own choice.
But to Hikaru, there was no suspense at all.
He had known the result long ago.
"After all, everyone has the right to know everything. And they also have the right to know nothing."
Hikaru muttered inwardly.
Although that thought was truly shameless and involved a subtle change of concept, it was still a fact.
Sir Humphrey had not deceived him.
"Why are you here? Aren't you going to watch?"
At that moment, a voice suddenly sounded beside Hikaru.
"Perhaps in a few days, I'll have to call you Hokage-sama."
"There's nothing much to watch. Let's trust everyone's choice."
Hikaru was not surprised by the person suddenly appearing beside him.
He smiled and spoke softly.
"Speaking of which, did Jiraiya-sama return this time without reporting again?"
As he spoke, Hikaru turned his gaze toward the man beside him, who had the same white hair as him.
It was obvious that the man was Jiraiya.
Hikaru had met Jiraiya once or twice before, so he naturally remembered his chakra.
Only this time, Hikaru had not received any report of Jiraiya's return.
Clearly, he had once again slipped in through some special method without registering.
"Don't worry about the little details."
Jiraiya laughed awkwardly.
Then he sighed with emotion.
"I really never expected you to grow to this point."
Jiraiya looked at Hikaru's young face, and his feelings were extremely complicated.
Hikaru was far too young.
He was much younger than Minato had been three years ago.
Yet now, he already stood at Konoha's peak.
This was a symbol of power.
But Hikaru had not merely become a great crocodile in the swamp of Konoha's upper ranks through power alone.
His strength had also placed him at the peak of the shinobi world.
In fact, he could now be counted among those who looked down upon all living beings.
Such a growth path and such strength would astonish anyone in the shinobi world.
More importantly, Jiraiya still remembered the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.
That prophecy had already been rewritten.
Although there were still many differences between that prophecy and Hikaru's current situation, no matter how Jiraiya looked at it, Hikaru seemed like someone capable of bringing change to the shinobi world.
Thinking of this, Jiraiya quietly asked:
"Kid, after becoming Hokage, what do you plan to do?"
"Nothing has been decided yet. Who knows?"
Hikaru smiled and shook his head, neither confirming nor denying anything.
"And even if things are decided, in what capacity does Jiraiya-sama intend to ask me this question?"
"That's true. After all, I haven't done anything."
Jiraiya laughed self-deprecatingly.
He naturally heard that Hikaru seemed to have some dissatisfaction with him.
"I only hope that after Hikaru-sama becomes Hokage, you can forgive my willfulness."
"I'll give you a long-term mission: pursue Orochimaru."
Hikaru looked calmly at Jiraiya.
His expression was as gentle as ever, but that gentleness carried a different flavor now.
Hikaru actually liked Jiraiya as a character.
But after coming to this world and standing at a high enough position, his way of viewing things had fundamentally changed.
In fact, after Hikaru became ANBU Commander, his view of Jiraiya had already shifted.
Jiraiya was a Konoha shinobi, yet he had always wandered outside Konoha.
That was something Hikaru deeply disliked.
Hiruzen Sarutobi could tolerate it because Jiraiya was his disciple.
Hikaru had originally thought that after taking power, he might be able to change that.
But to his slight frustration, he discovered that even he could not easily change it.
Because Jiraiya was one of the Sannin.
The title of Sannin carried great weight in Konoha.
Even Hikaru had to think carefully before touching it.
Moreover, one of the Sannin was from the main Senju line.
Therefore, Hikaru's attitude toward Jiraiya could hardly be called good.
Even if he appeared gentle, there was no sense of closeness.
"I understand. Then I should thank Hikaru-sama for your help."
Jiraiya was very intelligent.
The moment he heard Hikaru's words, he understood their meaning.
A bitter smile appeared on his face.
"And I should also thank the future Hokage-sama for preserving my status as a Konoha shinobi."
"You are one of the Sannin. No one will do anything to you. But I also hope you remember this."
Hikaru paused slightly.
Then he turned toward Jiraiya and spoke slowly, word by word.
"You are a Konoha shinobi.
Only because you are a Konoha shinobi can you be one of Konoha's Sannin.
Do not get the order wrong.
Think carefully about that, Jiraiya-sama, one of the Sannin."
After saying this, Hikaru turned and walked straight back into the room, leaving Jiraiya standing there with a sigh.
He could feel that Konoha was about to undergo enormous changes.
Hikaru would definitely be a powerful Hokage.
Such power might be good for Konoha.
But it might also make Konoha bleed.
...
"Hikaru-sama, the statistical results should be out today. If nothing unexpected happens..."
Inside an office in the Hokage Building, Nara Shikaku looked at Hikaru with a smile.
Konoha had been extremely efficient this time.
The coverage had also been very broad.
Whether it was shinobi inside Konoha or shinobi out on missions, everyone had been notified.
In addition, Konoha's civilians had also participated in the vote.
Even the shinobi stationed at the borders had cast their votes.
Under Shikaku's control, everything proceeded in an orderly and extremely rapid manner.
In just a few days, all ballots had been cast.
Now they were conducting the final screening and counting.
There were two people competing with Hikaru for the Hokage position this time.
They were Nara Shikaku and Hyūga Hiashi.
Shikaku's performance in the war between Konoha and Kumo had been worthy of praise.
Combined with his long years of work in the Ministry of Political Affairs, his resume was very impressive.
Hyūga Hiashi was the head of the Hyūga Clan.
His personal strength was also considerable, and he had provided substantial support during the war between Konoha and Kumo.
Of course, both of them were basically there to accompany the race.
No matter their votes, neither could be elected.
In fact, pushing them forward was also meant to ensure Hikaru's votes would be absolutely sufficient.
Directly altering the final vote count was a decent option.
But rather than doing that, it was better to give everyone three choices from the start.
One relatively outstanding choice.
And two choices that were merely acceptable.
The final result would naturally be the outstanding one.
Hikaru knew that after Hiruzen Sarutobi voluntarily withdrew, the interest groups behind him had also tried to push out new candidates to compete with Hikaru.
Their choices amused Hikaru.
Those two people were Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.
Hikaru felt this showed they had truly been forced into a dead end.
But Hikaru had no intention of giving them one last chance to struggle.
As a member of ANBU, Hikaru had always followed one principle.
If he could eliminate someone, he would never give them any opportunity.
Because one poem made it very clear:
Wildfire cannot burn the grass away; it grows again with the spring wind.
Hikaru would not give enemies any chance.
Unless he truly had no way to deal with them, he believed even more in cutting weeds by the roots.
Or grinding bones to ash.
Without hesitation, Hikaru used the power of the Ministry of Political Affairs and ANBU to directly reject the two candidates they had pushed out, pressing them firmly into the ground.
At the same time, he also had Shikaku leak a little information about the reforms they had discussed regarding Konoha's shinobi system.
In truth, many things did not require the Hokage to make an official announcement.
They did not even require newspapers to guide public opinion.
All that was needed was for certain people with strength and status to casually reveal something while chatting with clever shinobi.
Before long, most of Konoha would more or less know.
At that point, using the newspaper to give a small nudge would make the spread even wider.
Again, Sir Humphrey had not deceived him.
Everyone had the right to know.
Likewise, they had the right to remain ignorant.
In the world of Hokage, as long as the village's upper ranks wanted a piece of information to spread through the village, then that information had definitely been released on purpose.
If they truly did not want any information leaked, then others would absolutely not know.
Take Danzo, for example.
Before this, did ordinary people know who he was?
Did they know the true cause of his death?
Clearly, they did not.
If Hikaru had not needed to strike at the Third Hokage while preserving the Hokage's reputation by forcing him to take the blame, Danzo's existence probably would never have been exposed.
Much less what he had done.
The information Hikaru had Shikaku release was not much.
It only mentioned raising and reforming jōnin benefits.
But that alone was enough to shock and astonish everyone in Konoha.
Almost all public discussion shifted toward that issue.
This caused the interest groups once behind Hiruzen Sarutobi to lose any chance of guiding public opinion to attack Hikaru for suppressing competitors.
Their efforts died before they were even born.
"It seems things are progressing well."
Hikaru smiled and nodded at Shikaku.
Then his gaze swept over the others seated in the office.
He smiled and said:
"Everyone has worked hard during this period. Without your help and support, I probably would not have reached this point."
"Hikaru-sama is too polite."
The moment Hikaru finished speaking, every clan head present immediately smiled and shook their heads.
Whether out of sincerity, interest, or fear of Hikaru's strength, at this moment, they all supported him with surprising unity.
Because they all knew that after Hikaru rose to power, those who had benefited in the past would have to spit out everything they had eaten.
Such a large piece of cake was placed right before their eyes.
Even a small slice would be enough for them to profit greatly.
Of course, they had also learned about Hikaru's reform plan from Nara Shikaku.
At first, they had truly been frightened.
But after Shikaku's explanation, along with their own thought and analysis, they understood Hikaru's intention.
Although they would lose quite a few benefits during this reform, they also knew their clans would benefit in the future.
Moreover, because Konoha had defeated Kumo, although the ideology of shinobi identifying first as Konoha shinobi had not fully formed yet, this was the best time to intervene and guide the change.
Integrating clan shinobi fully into the identity of Konoha shinobi would allow Konoha to better protect every person.
This, too, was a form of protection for their clans.
Therefore, they did not refuse.
Even if some were still dissatisfied in their hearts, they ultimately accepted everything.
Hikaru understood this clearly.
He also understood that any reform would inevitably touch the interests of current beneficiaries.
What mattered was the strength of the reformer's methods.
And clearly, Hikaru possessed methods strong enough.
"Then I hope everyone can continue like this."
Hikaru looked at everyone and smiled.
Then, in a joking tone, he said:
"After all, once this matter is over, everyone here may become even busier.
Whether managing your clans or handling your own duties, it will take considerable energy.
After all, after this, a massive cake will be placed before us."
Once he finished speaking, the smiles on everyone's faces became even more obvious.
Although most of them believed they would be able to share that cake, without a stable promise, they would still worry.
Now, Hikaru had given them that promise.
How could they not be happy?
With that cake, their desires would be stimulated even further.
They would also gain greater motivation.
And they knew very clearly what they needed to do.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Hikaru smiled and nodded.
Then he stood up, intending to leave the office.
The matter was basically settled.
All Hikaru needed to do now was wait for the result.
However, what he did not expect was that Hyūga Hiashi would suddenly come looking for him.
...
"Hiashi, is there something you need from me?"
On the rooftop of the Hokage Building, Hikaru leaned against the railing and looked at Hyūga Hiashi beside him, asking curiously.
Hiashi suddenly seeking him out truly surprised him.
Especially seeing Hiashi's serious expression, Hikaru grew even more curious.
Hikaru's interactions with Hiashi—or rather, with the Hyūga Clan as a whole—had been limited to the dispute between Konoha and Kumo.
Other than that, there had been no contact between them.
Even though ANBU had members from the Hyūga Clan, that person's relationship with Hikaru could only be considered ordinary.
So when Hiashi came to him alone this time, it would have been strange if Hikaru were not curious.
"Hikaru-sama, first, allow me to congratulate you on soon becoming Hokage..."
Hiashi spoke cautiously.
But before he could finish, Hikaru interrupted him.
"Let's wait until it is fully confirmed before saying that, Hiashi."
Hikaru smiled and shook his head.
Then he asked more seriously:
"I wonder why you came to me this time. If it is important, you may as well say it directly."
"Yes, Hikaru-sama."
Hiashi nodded.
Then his expression became exceptionally solemn.
He lowered his voice and asked carefully:
"Hikaru-sama, those eyes of yours... may I ask, are they the Tenseigan?"
"Mm?"
Hearing Hiashi's words, Hikaru froze.
He truly had not expected Hiashi to ask such a question.
Especially because, in Hikaru's memory, the Hyūga Clan should not know of the Tenseigan's existence.
Even when they eventually learned of it, that should have been when Ōtsutsuki Toneri appeared before Naruto and Hinata's wedding, revealing that there was another eye above the Byakugan.
At this point in time, this was not something they should know.
So how did Hiashi know about those eyes?
"Please do not misunderstand, Hikaru-sama. I found information about the Tenseigan in an ancient text."
Hiashi looked somewhat embarrassed.
He sighed, then continued:
"In truth, I do not even know whether the Tenseigan truly exists.
If I had not seen your eyes, I would not even have opened that ancient text again.
Hikaru-sama, those eyes are too important to the Hyūga Clan. I wonder if..."
"Hiashi, I understand how you feel."
Before Hiashi could finish, Hikaru directly interrupted him.
He shook his head gently and said:
"Perhaps the Tenseigan you speak of holds the same importance to the Hyūga Clan as Wood Release does to the Senju Clan.
But there is one thing you must understand clearly.
I am from the Senju Clan.
I am not from the Hyūga Clan."
After saying this, Hikaru reached out and patted Hiashi's shoulder.
Hiashi could only sigh.
Then he bowed slightly to Hikaru.
Hikaru knew Hiashi would likely be very disappointed this time.
But no matter how disappointed he was, Hikaru would not reveal anything related to this matter.
It was not that he did not want to speak.
It was that he could not.
Because Hikaru had no channel through which he should know information about the Tenseigan.
Similarly, Hikaru's Jōgan had been extracted from the Byakugan through the system.
He would absolutely not allow the Hyūga to investigate his eyes.
Nor would he properly discuss those eyes with them.
He would not do anything that might expose his secrets.
"Still, I wonder what that giant eye on the moon is like now. My Jōgan needs to improve. If possible..."
At that moment, Hikaru thought of the people on the moon.
The more he thought about it, the harder it became to suppress those thoughts.
...
Several days later, Hikaru stood in the corridor leading to the rooftop platform of the Hokage Building.
At this moment, he had already changed into a red-and-white Hokage robe.
Listening to the cheers outside, he felt a trace of nervousness for some reason.
But very quickly, he mocked himself.
He had seen all kinds of grand scenes before.
Why was he turning soft-legged at a moment like this?
Shaking his head gently, Hikaru took a deep breath.
His gaze became firm.
"It's time, Hokage-sama."
At that moment, Nara Shikaku arrived beside Hikaru and whispered to him.
"Mm. I know."
Hikaru nodded gently.
Then he slowly placed the Hokage hat on his head.
He walked out of the corridor step by step.
The moment he appeared, cheers like a tidal wave poured toward him.
The massive sound filled Hikaru's ears.
The blazing atmosphere wrapped around his entire body.
When he reached the outer edge of the platform, he reached up and removed the hat from his head.
His gaze fell upon the sea of people below.
After a long moment, a smile appeared on his face.
"From this day forward, I am the Fifth Hokage!"
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