Jiraiya never expected that this trip to Mount Myōboku would bring such shocking news.
The new Child of Prophecy would trigger an upheaval in the ninja world unseen for a hundred years—and even his own life and death were tied to that person.
Seeing Jiraiya frozen in place, Sage Fukasaku tapped his cane lightly.
"Little Jiraiya, are you listening? You can put the original Child of Prophecy aside for now. Focus everything on finding this new one."
Jiraiya snapped back to his senses and nodded without hesitation. "I understand."
He turned and left. Sage Fukasaku watched his retreating figure, his gaze deep.
"Little Jiraiya… the burden on your shoulders isn't as heavy as before anymore. I hope you make the right choice this time."
Two days later, Konoha.
The Hokage Inauguration Ceremony.
Uchiha Ran sat quietly in his room. Behind him, Uchiha Mikoto knelt and gently combed his hair.
"From today onward, our Uchiha Clan will have produced a Hokage," she said softly. "Life should become much easier for everyone."
Ran spoke calmly, "Mother, no matter what happens at the ceremony later, don't act impulsively. Once today is over, the Uchiha Clan's leadership of Konoha will be set in stone."
Mikoto's hand paused. Ran could clearly feel it tremble, though her voice remained gentle.
"Are you certain? If things go too far… we don't have to—"
She cared far more about her son's safety than about the title of Hokage. From his words, she immediately understood that today would not be peaceful.
Ran said slowly, "Today, I'm tearing open the blockade Tobirama's lineage placed on the Uchiha Clan. If we retreat now, this opportunity will never come again."
"Right now, the entire Uchiha Clan, all of Konoha, and even the ninja world are watching."
"If I back down today, I'll become a joke, and the Uchiha Clan will be nailed to the pillar of shame."
"And if words aren't enough…"
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"…I don't mind using force to crush everything."
Mikoto was stunned. After a long moment, she sighed and nodded.
"Alright. No matter what happens, Mom supports you. Just promise me you'll protect yourself."
She pulled Ran into a tight embrace. He nodded lightly.
"Don't worry. Mother—bring me the Hokage haori."
Ran spread his arms, and Mikoto carefully helped him put it on. The white robe was trimmed with red flames, and the bold characters on the back were impossible to miss.
Fifth Hokage.
Ran tugged at the collar and smiled. "It fits well. Which shop made it?"
"The clan's younger generation worked on it together, led by Izumi," Mikoto replied. Then she muttered, "Speaking of Izumi… I really don't know what Itachi is thinking. Such a good girl, and he neither accepts nor rejects her."
Ran gave a helpless smile.
Looks like I'll have to step in and help my big brother someday.
But first, today's matter.
His expression sharpened. After bidding farewell to his mother, he pushed the door open.
Clang.
The voices in the courtyard instantly fell silent. Everyone turned toward him.
For a brief moment, no one spoke. Then excitement surged through the crowd.
What they saw wasn't just Uchiha Ran—it was the Hokage haori draped over his shoulders.
Emotions boiled over.
"Our Uchiha Clan… finally has a Hokage."
"With the Hokage protecting us, life won't be so hard anymore."
"Hokage-sama! Let us escort you to the ceremony!"
No one knew who shouted first, but it ignited the entire courtyard.
"We are willing to escort Hokage-sama!"
Rows of Uchiha ninja lowered their heads before Ran, fanatic light burning in their eyes.
Ran sighed inwardly. Being this popular wasn't always a good thing.
With the ceremony about to begin, this wasn't sustainable. He turned his gaze toward Uchiha Fugaku.
Fugaku coughed lightly. "Everyone, let's go together. That way there's no need to argue. And there's less than thirty minutes left—if the path isn't cleared, Ran might miss the auspicious timing."
The first half of his words delighted them. Escorting Konoha's first Uchiha Hokage was an honor beyond measure.
The second half, however, turned their faces pale.
Inaugurations placed extreme importance on timing. Delaying the ceremony would be unforgivable.
Immediately, they cleared a path—from the courtyard straight toward the village center.
Just as Ran was about to speak, Hyuga Neji arrived to report the situation. Ran's lips curved slightly.
"Uchiha brothers," he said calmly, "let's go."
Those simple words stirred the crowd far more than any consolation could have.
"Hokage-sama—long live the Hokage!"
Ran stepped forward, smiling faintly. Behind him followed a vast procession of Uchiha ninja dressed in black.
Those who knew understood this was an escort to the inauguration.
Those who didn't might have thought a criminal syndicate was marching out to collect debts.
Fortunately, the route had long been secured by the clans that had joined forces to suppress Danzo. Warning lines kept villagers from causing disturbances.
At every intersection, Ran greeted clan heads—and even the villagers behind the barriers.
His warm smile and refined features made countless young girls blush.
Before long, news spread through Konoha:
"Konoha's most handsome Hokage."
Photos of Ran smiling circulated rapidly.
Meanwhile, spies from various villages—and members of the Sarutobi faction hidden in the crowd—quietly withdrew, memorizing every detail of Ran's route and distance from the venue.
Upon receiving the reports, Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips curled upward.
"So… the day has finally come."
He turned to Jiraiya, his eyes burning with intensity.
------
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