"Hiruzen!"
After Hiruzen handed the blade over to Isshin, Danzo suddenly spoke in a low voice: "Shouldn't we think this through more carefully? After all, this is a village-level gift sent by Kirigakure. I think… we shouldn't make such a rash decision."
Hiruzen cast him a strange glance.
Why is he reacting late now…?
The "Tōenmaru" has already been handed to Isshin—how could they just take it back?
What is this, children playing house?
"Danzo, Isshin is a veteran of the village…" Hiruzen shook his head with a faint smile.
"I'm not trying to embarrass you, but that kind of maneuvering won't work in front of him."
"Besides, he's one of our own…"
After saying that, Hiruzen nodded slightly to Isshin, as if to say please don't mind this.
Danzo looked at Hiruzen speechlessly.
This time, he really wasn't trying to coordinate with Hiruzen…
He genuinely took a liking to the blade forged for Uchiha Izuna!
It wasn't that he wanted to keep it for himself.
But Danzo realized that Genji was right.
A blade forged by Uchiha Izuna to oppose Senju Tobirama had now been proactively sent into Konoha by Kirigakure as a gift…
If it were used to honor Tobirama-sensei, surely his spirit in the Pure Land would be greatly comforted!
Danzo knew more about the story between Tobirama and Izuna than most Uchiha.
And the fact that Tobirama once stayed behind to cover Danzo's retreat was an obsession he could never forget.
As a guard, he had let the Hokage die…
And even at that moment, he hadn't been the first to step forward.
Hiruzen could stand tall and say he dared to sacrifice himself for the Hokage…
Because he truly had the courage to step out when no one else did.
But Danzo couldn't.
Because in that moment, the cowardice in his heart had been real.
He couldn't deceive his own truest self…
So he always wanted to do something to make up for that regret.
For example, excessively imitating Tobirama's hawkish style…
And upon seeing this blade, he naturally wanted to use it to honor his teacher.
Isshin fell silent.
Hearing Danzo speak like this, his first instinct was that the old duo was acting together again…
But after Hiruzen spoke, Isshin didn't know how to respond.
Who is this straightforward?
And Danzo's expression didn't look fake either.
'Danzo… nine times out of ten, what he does toward the Uchiha is harmful…'
'But sometimes, when he acts maliciously, it looks like genuine emotion—I can't tell anymore.'
Even Isshin wavered.
Could it be that Danzo wasn't targeting the Uchiha this time, but truly had some constructive thoughts regarding Izuna's blade?
Otherwise, he shouldn't have said this in this setting…
Hiruzen gave a light cough.
"Kirigakure's scheme is nothing more than using the grudge between Tobirama-sensei and Uchiha Izuna, and leveraging my identity as the sensei's disciple to force me to accept this blade."
"Their idea is indeed clever. With this blade, it objectively benefits my legitimacy as Hokage—the so-called inheritance of the sensei's will…"
"But conversely, this blade was forged before Uchiha Izuna's death. If I accept it, it will certainly hurt the Uchiha's feelings."
Hiruzen spoke plainly, analyzing the situation in front of them.
Sincerity can be a decisive weapon.
But it's not something that can be used casually.
It requires sufficient prestige—enough to calm those with conflicting emotions so they can listen quietly.
Otherwise, when emotions run high, reason cannot get through.
And as it happened, Hiruzen currently had a decent reputation both within the village and among the Uchiha.
Isshin and Fugaku nodded slightly, acknowledging his analysis.
"The long history of conflict between the Uchiha and Senju is indeed a fact…"
"But that is simply the nature of the shinobi world. The Sarutobi and Shimura clans are no different…"
Hiruzen said something startling: "Tobirama-sensei killed Uchiha Izuna—but didn't members of the Senju also die at Uchiha hands? Many did, including the sensei's own brother…"
"And as for Uchiha Madara—both his contributions to and harm against Konoha objectively exist…"
"If not for Uchiha Madara, Konoha wouldn't have been established so quickly. He also participated in capturing the tailed beasts, and his deterrence against other villages was significant."
"But he also attacked Hashirama-sama. How should that be judged?"
Hiruzen looked at Isshin and Fugaku with a smile.
Using this as a pretext, he could align with the reinterpretation of Madara's will that Tobirama wanted to implement…
Isshin and Fugaku immediately felt a chill down their backs.
The Uchiha had long believed they were suppressed and treated unfairly by the village.
Resentment had accumulated for years…
That suppression might be real—but the Uchiha were not spotless either.
They did have problems.
And Madara's attack on the First Hokage—if discussed in depth—would be extremely troublesome for the Uchiha.
"Hokage-sama, back then the Uchiha did not follow Uchiha Madara…" Isshin couldn't help but say.
"Isshin, Uchiha Madara went directly to Hashirama-sama…"
Hiruzen smiled.
"Do you think that, even if the Uchiha were strong, anyone else's intervention could have changed the outcome of a battle between those two?"
"If the Uchiha didn't interfere, Hashirama-sama naturally wouldn't allow Konoha to interfere either…"
"Their story and bond—I don't need to elaborate."
"If Hashirama-sama had lost, Uchiha Madara would have taken Konoha. If Hashirama-sama won, the Uchiha would retain the reputation of not participating. Wouldn't you agree?"
Isshin's breathing grew heavy.
Hiruzen had struck at a buried truth in history.
Back then, some Uchiha had grown weary of the Warring States era and didn't want to leave the newly stabilized Konoha.
Others held exactly the mindset Hiruzen described.
They had been intimidated by Hashirama's strength—only Madara had any chance of opposing him.
Moreover, Konoha had more than enough manpower compared to the Uchiha.
Remaining neutral ultimately benefited the Uchiha.
Fugaku was already sweating.
For the first time, he realized that Danzo's method of pinning labels wasn't truly frightening.
What was truly terrifying was someone like Hiruzen—calmly analyzing both sides' interests and motives, laying everything out on the table, and settling accounts line by line…
Isshin felt the same.
His thoughts wandered.
His older brother, Uchiha Setsuna, had once rebelled under Madara's banner.
Claiming to be Madara's successor.
'This is bad! Brother, why did you use the Great Clan Leader's name back then?'
'You've dug me a massive pit!'
For the first time, Isshin felt a trace of resentment toward Setsuna.
Once Setsuna invoked Madara's name…
The protective narrative that the Uchiha had not followed Madara was suddenly pierced by Hiruzen's interpretation.
Danzo was also stunned, looking at Hiruzen as if discovering a new world.
'Hiruzen… not only am I learning from you, but you're learning from my strengths too? And even surpassing me…'
Even his specialty had been outdone.
What are you trying to do, Hiruzen?!
"As for later matters—like Setsuna's—we won't go into detail."
Unexpectedly, Hiruzen touched on the keyword but deliberately skipped it.
"Don't be nervous. These are just bumps that appeared in the course of history."
"The right and wrong of them can't be explained in a few words."
He smiled gently.
"The Uchiha now are doing well—contributing greatly to the village. The Police Force, patrol units, and strong performance on the Kusa battlefield."
Isshin and Fugaku felt a subtle sense of relief.
Somehow, a trace of gratitude arose in their hearts.
"I'm telling you this to explain Kirigakure's scheme. This move shows they understand some of the historical issues between the Uchiha and the village."
"I have to admit—Genji and the Third Mizukage are sharp in this regard."
"Practice makes perfect… Kirigakure has accumulated rich experience in internal clan strife. This move strikes at the heart."
Hiruzen sighed.
Isshin nodded.
"Kirigakure is indeed experienced in this area… even since the era of Hōzuki Gengetsu, they've never stopped fighting."
Fugaku quietly wiped his sweat, saying nothing.
At this level, he was afraid he might say something inappropriate…
Isshin had warned him beforehand to speak less.
"But the fact that they can exploit this means it is indeed a hidden problem within the village."
"It should be resolved."
"For a long time, the village's avoidance of Madara has been unhealthy."
Hiruzen spoke slowly: "What benefits Konoha should be acknowledged; what was wrong should be clearly pointed out and used as a lesson."
"If the issue is never defined, it will always leave room for speculation."
Isshin and Fugaku were stunned.
Is Hiruzen… planning to rehabilitate Madara's image?
They understood what "pointing out problems" meant…
But for the Uchiha, even being evaluated with relative fairness regarding Madara was already an enormous benefit.
Previously, although the village avoided discussing Madara, he was treated as a permanent stain on the Uchiha.
"Hiruzen, do you know what you're saying?" Danzo said in a low voice.
"Danzo, do you know who named Konoha?" Hiruzen asked.
"The First Hokage, of course."
"No—Uchiha Madara."
Isshin and Fugaku froze.
They knew this—but had never truly taken it seriously.
It was Ōnoki who often emphasized it to promote the narrative of Konoha as a threat.
"Hiruzen, don't joke with me!"
"Danzo, Tobirama-sensei isn't my only sensei. The First Hokage watched me grow up as well…"
"This is what he told me. Even as Hokage, I can't change his words."
"It may sound like I'm flaunting seniority, but I was indeed raised under two Hokage."
"There are things you don't know—and I don't blame you. After all, you had less contact with the First Hokage."
Danzo nearly choked.
Damn Hiruzen!
Playing the seniority card on him…
"Hokage-sama truly is a man who inherited the First Hokage's will!"
Isshin hurried to flatter him: "To be recognized by two Hokage is a rare honor—but in your case, it feels only natural. Truly well deserved…"
"You flatter me, Isshin—let's not dwell on that," Hiruzen said calmly, though inwardly pleased.
Who doesn't enjoy praise?
And this also reflected the Uchiha's attitude.
Even if it was just an act…
If maintained long enough, it would become reality.
"Uchiha Madara's role in naming Konoha proves he is someone the village cannot ignore. When teaching history, can we avoid the Valley of the End?"
"It stands there. As Hokage, I won't remove it—and no one would dare."
"I believe Hashirama-sama wouldn't want us to erase Uchiha Madara from Konoha."
"As Danzo said, this isn't a simple issue…"
"But when the time is right, and the Uchiha show good performance, I look forward to resolving it."
Isshin's pupils shrank.
He understood the implication.
The issue of Madara—and the disputes stemming from it—was a long-standing core problem between the Uchiha and Konoha.
If an official interpretation acceptable to both sides were established…
It would remove the heaviest historical burden from the Uchiha.
"Hokage-sama… is this true? You really will…?" Isshin asked, trembling.
"I will," Hiruzen replied firmly.
"Then please watch the Uchiha's performance!"
Isshin exhaled deeply.
"I understand your concerns. I will begin working to resolve them!"
Currently, although the Uchiha had begun deeper interaction with the village…
Decades of reputation had not yet changed.
To objectively reassess Madara required the right public climate.
Only after the Uchiha's reputation improved—or after great achievements in war—could this be done.
Isshin understood Hiruzen's difficulty.
This time, he was truly grateful.
This was a burden the Uchiha had carried for far too long.
He had thought it would take twenty or thirty years—until Seisui grew up—to solve…
But now, it might be done within ten years—perhaps even five.
If resolved, Isshin himself would be remembered forever as clan head.
Top five in history, aiming for top three!
Achieved through intellect—highly valuable!
At that moment, Isshin also understood why Seisui had reinterpreted Madara's will.
It perfectly aligned with Hiruzen's thinking.
'Seisui… at your age, you're already thinking like a Hokage?'
He was shocked.
Seisui could predict Hiruzen's thoughts!
What Isshin didn't know was that this wasn't Tobirama's foresight—but Hiruzen's cooperation.
He had seen everything through the crystal ball…
A mysterious and exhilarating Hokage combo technique!
Of course, Hiruzen also believed the Uchiha issue needed to be resolved.
Otherwise, it would always remain a hidden danger.
"You understand well, Isshin. I have high expectations for you."
Hiruzen shifted the topic: "As for Tobirama-sensei and Uchiha Izuna, I hope we don't view their relationship too narrowly."
"They were mortal enemies, yes—but also worthy opponents. Their hatred wasn't innate—it was shaped by the Warring States era."
"They were simply born at the wrong time and forced to fight. Had they both been born in present-day Konoha, I believe their vision and wisdom would have made them partners on the same wavelength."
"A single blade would not make Tobirama-sensei feel he surpassed Uchiha Izuna."
"Don't underestimate Tobirama-sensei's breadth—he was a man who respected his opponents."
Danzo fell silent.
He wanted to refute—but deep down, a voice stirred: 'Tobirama-sensei… was indeed such a man…'
'And not like you, this so-called 'darkness of the shinobi'…'
Isshin and Fugaku also nodded.
Even if they didn't want to admit it—that was the truth.
Isshin even recalled how, in the Warring States era, some Uchiha had cursed Tobirama as a coward…
Only to be sternly rebuked by Izuna, who taught them to properly recognize the strength of their opponent.
You can curse occasionally—but don't truly think they're incompetent.
"Alright, that's enough for now—just a casual chat."
"Look at you all sweating—it's almost winter."
Hiruzen teased: "Let's head to the Academy. We still need to go through the motions with Genji."
"Hokage-sama, to show our sincerity, the Uchiha have decided to contribute funds—"
"Ah, Isshin!"
Hiruzen waved his hand.
"Don't do that. You can increase it slightly to show goodwill."
"But don't overdo it—don't disrupt the Uchiha's financial pool. I've also been a clan head; I understand."
"Discuss it with your clan first. Otherwise, it'll look like I'm making empty promises or squeezing you."
Isshin fell silent for a moment.
"…Thank you, Hokage-sama."
At that moment, he sincerely felt:
Hiruzen truly lived up to being valued by both Hashirama and Tobirama.
His Will of Fire seemed like a fusion of the two—sharp yet inclusive.
'A promising youth, a lull in middle age, rising again to become a great figure…'
Isshin thought to himself.
In the past two years, the Hokage had changed drastically.
But thinking about it—he was a shinobi shaped by two Hokage.
Perhaps confusion had simply become the opportunity for renewal.
This had precedent in the shinobi world.
Hiruzen walked toward the Academy with his hands behind his back.
The promise had been drawn.
Whether the Uchiha could obtain it would depend on their performance.
If they truly changed, he would fulfill his promise.
As Hokage, he held no inherent hostility toward the Uchiha—only caution toward their unpredictability.
But now that Tobirama had been reborn within the Uchiha, that unpredictability had greatly decreased.
Naturally, restrictions should be gradually lifted—so that both their strength and their hearts would align more closely with him as Hokage.
Just as Hiruzen had once told Danzo…
Fairness carries power.
And that principle applied to the Uchiha as well.
---
I will post some extra Chapters in Patreon, you can check it out. >> patreon.com/TitoVillar
---