True to his name, Uchiha Ran rose amid chaos and bloodshed to become the Fifth Hokage. At this moment, he was leading the clan heads who had submitted to him—or rather, those who had joined him in the campaign against Danzo Shimura—toward Konoha Hospital.
The Third Hokage had been gravely injured. Regardless of past grudges, as the newly installed Hokage, Ran was obliged to visit him and offer formal condolences.
After all, if someone lay in critical condition undergoing emergency treatment while the new ruler celebrated with banquets and rewards, it would be morally indefensible.
As Ran arrived at Konoha Hospital wearing the Fifth Hokage's ceremonial robes, the once-quiet building immediately became busy. The hospital director hurried out personally to receive him.
"Hokage-sama, how may we assist you?"
Even the usually aloof director lowered his posture in the presence of the Fifth Hokage.
Ran did not answer directly. He glanced at Shikaku.
Shikaku stepped forward at once. "The Fifth Hokage is here to visit the Third Hokage. Please lead the way."
The director nodded repeatedly and ordered someone to guide them, while he himself followed behind Ran, reporting on Hiruzen Sarutobi's condition.
Soon, they arrived at the special care ward—Room 1111.
Two ninja stood guard outside. One was Asuma Sarutobi, leaning against the wall with a cigarette in his mouth. Beside him stood his partner, Kurenai Yuhi.
Noticing the approaching group, Kurenai tugged at Asuma's sleeve.
"Asuma, put out the cigarette. The Hokage is here to visit Hiruzen-sama."
Asuma looked up, surprised to see Ran leading so many high-ranking figures. He knew all too well how often his father had obstructed Ran in the past, yet Ran had still come in person.
Before he realized it, the cigarette had burned down to the filter, scorching his fingers. He hissed, dropped it, and crushed it underfoot.
When Ran reached the door, Asuma straightened and bowed deeply.
"Hokage-sama."
Kurenai followed suit, bowing as well, not daring to raise her head.
Ran nodded calmly. "Jōnin Asuma. We are here to visit the Third Hokage. Your father made significant contributions in suppressing Orochimaru's chaos."
As he spoke, Ran patted Asuma's shoulder, affirming Hiruzen's actions.
Asuma froze, momentarily speechless. Kurenai, flustered, discreetly pinched his side, snapping him back to reality.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
Asuma dropped to one knee. From this moment on, Ran was Hokage—and a jōnin owed him proper respect.
Ran chuckled softly and helped him up. "Asuma, how is your father?"
Asuma's expression darkened. He squatted down, voice heavy.
"Hokage-sama… Father suffered severe head trauma. There was intracranial hemorrhaging. If he hadn't been treated in time, he might have died on the spot."
"The doctors said that from now on, he'll never be able to walk without a cane. After a month, he may manage limited movement, but any intense activity could trigger another hemorrhage—and that would be fatal."
Ran's expression turned solemn.
"Director."
The hospital director immediately stepped forward. "Hokage-sama, your orders?"
"Spare no expense," Ran said slowly. "You must do everything possible to treat the Third Hokage."
"Yes! Yes! Of course!"
The director bowed repeatedly before hurrying off to arrange an intensive rehabilitation plan.
Ran gave Shikaku a brief look. Shikaku understood and followed after the director.
Asuma felt deeply moved. He hadn't expected Ran to be so magnanimous—repaying hostility with kindness. At that moment, he resolved to persuade his father, if possible, never to oppose Ran again.
Kurenai, however, noticed the subtle exchange between Ran and Shikaku. Thoughtful by nature, she said nothing and merely kept her doubts to herself.
As for how the hospital would truly treat Hiruzen, and whether he could really recover—that was another matter entirely.
Ran had the clan leaders set down their gifts. After offering condolences for a short while, he prepared to leave.
Asuma thanked him again and again. Ran smiled, praising Asuma as honest, capable, and promising—saying that even Sarutobi Shinnosuke could not compare.
"The future of the Sarutobi clan," Ran said warmly, "rests on you."
After this barrage of praise, Asuma's loyalty toward Ran rose to an unprecedented level.
When Ran finally departed, Asuma personally saw him off. Kurenai watched in silence, only hoping in her heart that Ran would spare her straightforward, good-natured partner.
By the time they left the hospital, it was already afternoon.
Ran dismissed the others, leaving only Hiashi Hyūga, Shikaku Nara, and Fugaku Uchiha behind.
No one objected. These three were the true pillars of the new regime—the founding forces. Whether the Hyūga or the Ino–Shika–Chō clans, none could compare to their status.
The four arrived at the Hokage Office. Ran took his seat behind the Hokage's desk and looked at Hiashi.
Hiashi understood immediately and closed the door.
Ran's voice sounded at once. "How did it go?"
His gaze shifted to Shikaku.
Shikaku smiled faintly. "Everything is settled. The Third Hokage's injuries are extremely severe. From now on, he'll likely only be able to rest and recuperate."
Ran nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "That… is unfortunate, but unavoidable. I, too, feel deep regret over this."
A crippled Third Hokage was far more conducive to unity—and stability—within Konoha.
Hiashi did not find Ran cold or cruel. On the contrary, he felt this was only natural.
As Ran's man, he wanted the new regime to remain stable, and the Third Hokage had been the greatest obstacle. Now that obstacle was gone—how could one not feel relieved?
Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi had indirectly caused the death of Hiashi's younger brother. His long-standing resentment toward Konoha had never faded. Seeing Hiruzen reduced to this state felt like long-overdue retribution.
As for Fugaku, there was no need to elaborate. The Uchiha clan's decades of hardship within the village could not have occurred without Hiruzen's tacit approval. Seeing the culprit fall filled him with quiet satisfaction.
"Hokage-sama," Hiashi said first, "you mustn't blame yourself. This has nothing to do with you. It is entirely Orochimaru's fault."
"Yes," Fugaku added calmly. "In the end, it was Orochimaru who caused everything. You even killed him—one could say you avenged the Third Hokage."
Shikaku remained silent, carefully observing Ran's expression.
Deep down, he did not believe that Orochimaru had truly died so easily.