While Uchiha Itachi stood there trembling with excitement, Natsuhiko calmly observed the child before him.
In the original story, if one had to name the most contradictory and complicated person.
Then the child in front of him could say he was second, and no one would dare say they were first.
Uchiha Itachi was an extremely contradictory person. From the village's point of view, what he did could actually be considered worthy of praise.
Because he used his own way to protect the village's peace, even though his method was so stupid that it was shocking.
But from the point of view of a clan, his actions would only make people feel that he was an ungrateful traitor.
After all, someone who could kill his entire clan and leave only his beloved younger brother alive would probably be despised anywhere else.
More than once, Natsuhiko had thought about what he would have done to survive the Uchiha crisis if he had been reborn into the Uchiha instead of the Senju.
And after so many years, he had long since discovered that there were truly many ways to save the Uchiha.
The method of wiping out the entire clan was truly stupid beyond saving.
Look at Natsuhiko. As an outsider, he could use certain methods to stop the Uchiha from walking toward the abyss.
As someone from within the clan, did Itachi really not have better methods? Especially when he was Uchiha Fugaku's son.
However, Natsuhiko could not be bothered to think too much about this. In his view, this was simply a problem of thinking and awareness.
Itachi could not see the essence beneath the surface, and the way he viewed problems and his field of vision had also gone off track.
Perhaps this was caused by his education, which made him unable to stand at a higher level to analyze certain matters.
Honestly, Natsuhiko truly needed to thank the education he had received in his previous life.
Even though, like most children, he had gone through nine years of compulsory education, plus high school and university, which was a rather common education process.
He had truly learned many things, such as "seeing the essence through the surface" and "connecting things with reality."
And these things might not really be taught overseas. Having gone abroad before, he knew that many foreign countries did not have political classes.
Uchiha Itachi might be smart and decisive, but his thinking and vision had only reached the ceiling of the shinobi world.
Beyond that, he could not do it. He could not see it or think of it, so the methods he used were, in Natsuhiko's eyes, among the stupidest kind.
But no matter what, being stupid also had its benefits. Besides, in the original story, this kid was truly loyal to Konoha.
And now, although he had not experienced so many hardships and the Uchiha had also been changed by Natsuhiko.
Whether this kid was still as loyal to Konoha as in the original story was indeed worth thinking about.
However, judging from past intelligence, he seemed to lean more toward Konoha.
This was also one of the reasons Natsuhiko had come here. He planned to make good use of Uchiha Itachi.
"Raise your head."
Natsuhiko looked at Uchiha Itachi, who had kept his head lowered, and could not help shaking his head lightly.
"Respect, fear, or disgust can all be kept in your heart. When speaking to others, keep your head raised. Understand?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Itachi hesitated slightly, but in the end, he obediently raised his head and looked at Natsuhiko.
"Very good. When I was in the ANBU, I heard Shisui mention you. He said you are even more talented than him."
Natsuhiko calmly looked at Uchiha Itachi, a faint smile hanging at the corner of his mouth as he slowly spoke.
"He said that whether in talent or temperament, you surpass him, and that you will become an outstanding Konoha ninja."
"Hokage-sama and Brother Shisui praise me too highly."
Although Itachi was extremely happy in his heart after hearing this, because this was recognition of him, especially when these words came from Natsuhiko's mouth.
However, he still forced himself to hold back his excitement and gently shook his head. Although he was happy, he could not get carried away.
"Brother Shisui is the truly outstanding one. I have always been learning from Brother Shisui.
"And Hokage-sama is the most outstanding ninja. What I desire most is to become a ninja like Hokage-sama."
"Is that so?"
Natsuhiko chuckled. He slightly raised the hand holding Sora's and waved it in front of Itachi.
"But becoming like me is not exactly good. Although no one says anything, and no one dares to say anything, I still know.
"Do not tell me that everyone makes mistakes. I do not think there is anything wrong with me, because sometimes people should follow their own hearts.
"As long as you do not violate your principles or the rules, and you can face yourself without shame, then that is enough."
Natsuhiko's movement made Sora glance at him, but Sora had no intention of opposing or resisting. To her, there was no need.
After all, she had already made her own decision. Natsuhiko admitting it this way would only make her happy.
As for Itachi, he was a little embarrassed at first. He had actually noticed long ago that Natsuhiko was holding Sora's hand, but this was not something he dared to comment on.
Now that Natsuhiko had admitted it in front of him, he could be one hundred percent certain that this senior from his clan would truly never marry anyone within the clan.
As Uchiha Fugaku's son, he more or less knew some information.
For example, when this Fifth Hokage-sama was young, he had been in the same class as Sora-sama, and their relationship had been very good since childhood.
Now that things had reached this point, everything seemed quite perfect, except for the fact that Hokage-sama had a fiancée.
But Itachi did not care about such things. After the embarrassment passed, he began thinking seriously. He did not believe Natsuhiko had come to find him just to tell him about his relationship with Sora.
He knew himself well. He did not think he counted as anyone important. Even his father was not worth much in Hokage-sama's eyes, was he?
He believed that there was definitely another meaning behind what the Hokage had said earlier.
Although he could not figure it out for the moment, he believed Hokage-sama would forgive his dullness, and Hokage-sama would surely give him a direction to think toward.
Sure enough, after only waiting a while, Natsuhiko spoke again.
"I heard that the Uchiha are going to choose their clan head again."
Natsuhiko calmly looked at Uchiha Itachi, and at this moment, a smile had already appeared on his face.
"I wonder what you think. After all, as the clan head's son, and while applying to enter the ANBU, you are also applying for the jōnin exam.
"Clearly, you have your own thoughts and views, and you also have a certain voice within the clan.
"So I am very curious about you. I just do not know whether you can tell me."
"I…"
Uchiha Itachi froze. For a moment, he did not know how to speak.
Although he had his own thoughts, as Uchiha Fugaku's son, he truly could not speak casually.
But he also did not want to disappoint Natsuhiko, or rather, he did not want to disappoint the Hokage.
For a time, Itachi looked extremely conflicted, but this conflict only made the smile on Natsuhiko's face grow even stronger.
He turned around and walked toward the outer path while holding Sora's hand. However, as he walked, he also spoke.
"Sometimes, you do not need to care about other people's eyes. Do you see me and Sora caring?
"Remember what I said. As long as you do not violate your principles or the rules, you can make the correct choice that does not go against your heart.
"Besides that, you should remember even more clearly that first, you are a Konoha ninja, and only after that are you a ninja of the Uchiha Clan."
At this point, Natsuhiko's voice stopped, and he and Sora also disappeared from where they stood.
Itachi stood there blankly. Suddenly, he lowered his head again, as if deep in thought.
Only after a long while did he slowly raise his head, and a firm look appeared in his eyes.
...
"Natsuhiko, is this not a little too cruel to that child?"
Walking along Konoha's streets and looking at the sunset slowly falling in the sky, Sora asked with some curiosity.
She did not feel any reluctance. She only felt a little pity for Itachi's identity and situation.
After following Natsuhiko for so many years, she had long since stopped having soft-hearted thoughts.
Moreover, as Uchiha Shin's granddaughter, she was naturally opposed to Uchiha Fugaku and his people.
If not for the gentleness and kindness that still remained in her personality, perhaps she would not have asked such a question at all.
However, Natsuhiko liked this kind of Sora even more. She kept her original personality, yet could still treat certain key matters coldly.
Besides, she could also give him great help at work. Who would not like someone like that?
However, Natsuhiko also found her question somewhat amusing. Was what he was doing cruel to Itachi?
After thinking about it, Natsuhiko felt that from a normal point of view, it was a little cruel, but the problem was that Itachi was an extremely ruthless person.
To others, this might seem somewhat cruel, but to him, it was definitely not something unbearable.
"Do not worry. Although this is my first time meeting that kid, I believe he is not an ordinary person."
Natsuhiko chuckled and slowly explained to Sora. His voice was still so gentle that it was very pleasant to listen to.
"And did you notice that kid's eyes? Those were three-tomoe Sharingan. His potential is excellent.
"So I am giving him a chance, a chance to clearly understand what kind of person he should be.
"If he does well, I will give him an opportunity. He wants to join the ANBU, doesn't he? I'll make it happen
"If he refuses, I will not lose anything. At most, it will just be a pity that a promising young ninja chose the wrong path."
Natsuhiko's words were very calm, and Sora also nodded calmly.
The meaning behind Natsuhiko's words was very clear. He wanted to see whether Uchiha Itachi could make the correct decision.
Even though this might cause his father to suffer greatly, it was also easy to predict that if he did it, Natsuhiko would not treat him poorly.
To be honest, Natsuhiko's method could not be called especially open or honorable, but Sora also felt that it was only natural.
After all, from the standpoint of their positions, they were enemies to begin with, so if they were enemies, why should they care what the other side thought?
Whether the method was cruel or shameless did not really matter.
What winners cared about was always the result. They would not care about the process, because no matter how dramatic the process was, in essence, it served the final victory.
Therefore, skipping such a process and directly looking at the answer they wanted was the truest mindset for people in their position.
"After hearing you say that, I am a little curious about what decision Itachi will make."
After thinking for a moment, Sora could not help revealing a smile.
"And I am even more curious about what kind of expression Clan Head Fugaku will have if he really does as you said."
"I do not know, but what is certain is that it will be very interesting."
Natsuhiko did not know exactly what it would become, but that did not stop him from guessing Uchiha Fugaku's state of mind.
After all, being stabbed in the back by the son he valued most would make anyone's heart explode.
However, this stab would only pierce his heart. Natsuhiko felt that Uchiha Fugaku should really kneel down and properly thank him.
A backstab to the heart would at least not kill him. If it were a real blade stabbing into his body, then that would truly be "a loving father and a filial son."
The two of them strolled along the streets. Many ninja who saw them smiled slightly or bowed from afar to show respect.
No one came forward to disturb them. These ninja truly respected Natsuhiko very much.
After three years, Natsuhiko had basically completed his internal reforms, and Nara Shikaku had also contributed greatly to this matter.
Now, Konoha's three ranks of ninja had all received a huge increase in benefits, and special classes had also been opened in the Ninja Academy.
These special classes were aimed almost entirely at students who were weak in some areas. Of course, in a nicer way, they were "specialty students."
Because of this, Konoha even specially transferred quite a few jōnin over to help these specialty students fully develop their strengths.
At first, these jōnin were honestly not very willing, because their own duties were already heavy.
In order to keep their jōnin rank from being lowered, they needed to complete evaluations.
These evaluations included the number of missions they completed, as well as the results of the students they led.
Now they were suddenly being asked to help these children in school who were only good at certain areas. Was that not a waste of their time?
Fortunately, Natsuhiko made the final decision and allowed this work to count as extra credit in their evaluations. The attitude of the jōnin immediately changed.
The problem was that this created additional work for Nara Shikaku and the others, since determining how much credit each instructor deserved was far from straightforward.
After all, these children were already talented in their respective fields. With proper guidance, producing results would not be difficult.
Compared to leading genin teams or carrying out dangerous missions, this was far easier.
Without proper limits on the extra-credit system, the entire evaluation process could easily be thrown into disarray.
However, what reassured Natsuhiko was that Nara Shikaku and the others handled it very well. At least for now, there had not been any problems.
Aside from that, the ninja council Natsuhiko had created back then had also been carried out smoothly.
Ninja of all ranks could choose their own representatives, who would hold internal meetings to collect the problems that needed to be solved.
Then, at the final meeting at the end of the year, they would bring up these problems together and resolve them.
This method, which clearly borrowed from elsewhere, actually satisfied all the ninja.
Although not every conflict could be solved, since some problems still required them to overcome them on their own.
This was still far better than before, and they could clearly feel that the village valued them.
In such an environment, how could they not respect Natsuhiko, and how could they not obey him?
"I really like this feeling."
When Natsuhiko and Sora were about to reach the entrance of the Uchiha Clan grounds, Sora suddenly spoke softly.
"The feeling of being with me?" Natsuhiko tilted his head and asked curiously.
"I have always liked that, and it has never changed."
Sora gently shook her head. She turned to look at Natsuhiko and smiled lightly.
"What I mean is the respect others have for you. That is what makes me happiest.
"Because it proves that Natsuhiko-kun has always been right, and I believe Natsuhiko-kun will continue to be right in the future."
"No one can always be right. I also need everyone's help." Natsuhiko reached out and lightly tapped Sora's nose before continuing with a smile. "And everything Konoha has now also owes a lot to your help."
"Natsuhiko-kun is the one who planned it. I only did a little."
Sora shook her head slightly, then raised her head and glanced at the entrance to the Uchiha Clan grounds before asking softly.
"Do you want to go in together and see everything that will happen tonight?"
"No. I believe that with you there, he will not be able to stir up any trouble."
After thinking for a moment, Natsuhiko finally shook his head.
"And if I go in, the impact will not be good. I will just trust you to handle this matter."
At this point, Natsuhiko also took the initiative to let go of Sora's hand, and Sora nodded slightly.
Indeed, if Natsuhiko were inside, it would easily cause unnecessary misunderstandings.
Besides, even if Natsuhiko used the Transformation Technique to go in, when the voting stage came, how would Natsuhiko vote?
There was truly no need to personally step into this kind of matter. Waiting quietly for the result was the most correct approach.
Watching Natsuhiko wave at her before vanishing without a trace with the Flying Thunder God Technique, Sora slightly closed her eyes.
A moment later, when she opened them again, just like Uchiha Itachi whom she had gone to see earlier, a firm look also appeared in her eyes.
This operation had already been almost certain to succeed from the beginning. If Uchiha Itachi changed sides, then it would become even simpler.
However, whether that kid Uchiha Itachi changed sides or not, Sora would not allow any possibility of failure in this operation.
She would never let anyone block her path, and she would not let Natsuhiko down.
In her eyes, everything Natsuhiko did was right. Since it was right, she would definitely defend and carry it out.
She did not want to act, nor did she want meaningless bloodshed to appear.
But if it was necessary, she would still do it.
After all, she had stayed in the ANBU for so long, and she had followed Natsuhiko for such a long time. Even if Sora was gentle, she could not possibly be gentle to everyone.
"Don't worry," she murmured to the empty air. "There won't be any problems tonight. If anyone dares to interfere… I'll make them understand the meaning of regret."
...
When the Flying Thunder God Technique landed, Natsuhiko had already returned to his residence. However, what surprised him a little was that Senju Hashirama had actually brought Naruto to his home.
In order not to affect Natsuhiko, Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama had only appeared before a small number of people. Everyone else had no idea they existed.
And when they went outside, they would wear ANBU outfits just like Hatake Sakumo.
As for their identities, they were the same as Hatake Sakumo's. Publicly, they were members of Natsuhiko's Kage Guard.
Having two previous Hokage serve as members of Natsuhiko's Kage Guard was truly not a privilege ordinary people could enjoy. After all, reviving these two was not a simple matter.
These two Hokage still lived in Natsuhiko's home. Although Senju Shōma had said that they could return to their former residence, both of them refused.
The place where they had once lived was now Tsunade's home. Even though Tsunade was not currently in Konoha, neither of them intended to go back.
Moreover, Natsuhiko's house was large enough. It had a full three floors plus a basement, and there were more than enough rooms.
By staying here, they could learn about the movements of Natsuhiko, the Hokage, sooner, as well as some of Natsuhiko's plans. So why would they leave?
Although some awkward situations were unavoidable from time to time, such as Natsuhiko and Renge's "parallel jogging," after strengthening the seals, it was no longer much of a problem.
Natsuhiko was also helpless about this. Even though he did want to drive the two of them away, he really could not bring himself to say it. Since the two of them were so well-behaved, he simply let it be.
"Oh, you are back?"
After seeing Natsuhiko, Senju Hashirama smiled and greeted him.
After Naruto saw Natsuhiko, he also showed a smile.
"Good evening, Hokage-sama."
Naruto had followed Namikaze Minato for so many years. Although his personality was still a little lively like Kushina's, he was no longer the same as in the original story.
It could be said that Namikaze Minato's teaching of him had been quite good. He was the same in school and treated everyone very well.
Aside from the fact that whenever he met Sasuke, he began developing slightly in the direction of the original story, everything else made it hard to see him as the Naruto from the original story.
"Little guy, long time no see."
Natsuhiko smiled and vigorously ruffled Naruto's hair before turning to Hashirama under the boy's annoyed-but-helpless gaze.
"Yeah, I'm back. Has Renge returned yet?"
"Would it not be better to ask you that question?"
Senju Hashirama was somewhat speechless, but he quickly seemed to think of something, and a mischievous smile appeared on his face.
"You were with that Uchiha girl, weren't you? That is good. I like that child."
"I was indeed with her, because something interesting is about to happen among the Uchiha."
Natsuhiko had no intention of denying Senju Hashirama's teasing at all, because this was the truth to begin with.
Besides, both sides had already basically shown their feelings, so naturally, Natsuhiko had no need to hide anything.
On top of that, there were some rather important matters today, such as what was about to happen inside the Uchiha Clan, and that was indeed worth Natsuhiko's attention. Naturally, he had even less reason to deny it.
"Something is about to happen among the Uchiha?"
The moment Senju Hashirama heard something related to the Uchiha, he immediately became serious. It could be seen that he truly cared about the Uchiha Clan very much.
"What happened to them? I remember you have always been supporting them, and you even got the girl from their clan.
"What else is going to happen with them? Also, do you not plan to do anything?"
"Please do not make it sound so bad. What do you mean, got her?"
Hearing this man's words, Natsuhiko could not help rolling his eyes. He felt that this First Hokage was really bad with words.
"We like each other. There is no question of getting or not getting her.
"And this is their own clan's internal matter. What would it mean if I interfered?
"Besides, I did support them, but the problem is that I only supported a certain faction and person within their clan.
"The person I support is not even the Uchiha clan head, so is it not perfectly normal for there to be conflict inside them?
"What they are doing now is resolving that conflict. As Hokage, how could I possibly take part in their affairs?"
"Their own internal conflict?" Although Senju Hashirama reacted a little slowly, he was not stupid. He first patted Naruto, who looked curious, and told him to go home first.
What they were discussing now was not suitable for outsiders to hear, even if Naruto was only a child.
After sending away the curious Naruto, Senju Hashirama looked at Natsuhiko seriously. "You mean the people from the faction you support want to take the position of clan head?"
"Smart. That is indeed the case."
Natsuhiko smiled and nodded. He casually found a place to sit down, then slowly spoke.
"Their clan head is very unqualified. On many major matters, he appears far too indecisive.
"The person I support is Uchiha Shin. When I was still the ANBU Commander, this man contacted me and hoped to receive Konoha's help, so that the Uchiha could return to Konoha in the true sense.
"Because of that, I decided to help him. Whether in Konoha or in the Police Force, I taught him what he should do, and he has always been very obedient.
"That is how the current thriving Uchiha came to be. But because of his expansion, he and Uchiha Fugaku have already become completely opposed to each other.
"What they are going to do tonight is naturally solve this problem."
Natsuhiko spoke slowly, and Senju Hashirama listened very seriously. After being revived for so long, he naturally knew how the current Uchiha were developing.
He also knew how the current Uchiha, with Natsuhiko's help, had truly returned to Konoha's embrace.
But he had not carefully investigated all the twists and turns behind it. What satisfied him was the current state of the Uchiha, and he was not interested in the rest.
Senju Tobirama had investigated it, but he had not told Senju Hashirama too much, so Senju Hashirama truly did not understand that much.
"So that is how it is?"
After Senju Hashirama understood the information inside this matter, he could not help letting out a faint sigh.
"I really did not expect that the Uchiha would change clan heads again. Back when Madara left Konoha, the Uchiha changed once."
"Is that not very good? In any case, they have experience, so it should not feel unfamiliar to them." Natsuhiko said this casually, then smiled and continued.
"But do not worry. Everything has basically already been arranged. The Uchiha will not give up their current good life."
"Likewise, I will not allow the Uchiha to cause any more trouble."
"As long as you are confident. Tobirama and Saru both owe the Uchiha too much. Right, the person you support is Uchiha Shin, correct?"
"That is right. It is that old man. By the way, he is Sora's grandfather."
"Huh?!"
...
Inside the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Fugaku sat coldly in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over every person present.
Tonight was a humiliation to him, because his own clan was actually going to choose a new clan head to lead the Uchiha Clan forward.
As the Uchiha clan head, this matter was basically a hard slap to his face. Even though the Uchiha had also changed clan heads decades ago, and the clansmen had in a sense betrayed their clan head.
But that time, Uchiha Madara had wanted to take everyone away from Konoha. In essence, that was a wrong decision, so changing the clan head back then did not really count for much.
What he was facing now, however, was far more humiliating than what Uchiha Madara had faced back then, and he had no way to oppose or refuse it.
Because almost the entire clan had already been gathered by that damned Uchiha Shin. Even if he wanted to oppose it, he simply could not.
His heart was now filled with hatred. He truly hated Uchiha Shin, hated Shin's granddaughter, and likewise hated the current Fifth Hokage, Senju Natsuhiko.
Especially that Fifth Hokage. He did not understand why this Hokage would rather support Uchiha Shin than support him. Could it really be as the rumors claimed, simply because of Shin's granddaughter?
Honestly, Uchiha Fugaku truly did not believe such rumors, because how could someone who did great things be bound by such unreliable personal feelings?
"Everyone is already here. I think we should begin."
Just as Uchiha Fugaku was still lost in his thoughts, Uchiha Shin stood up and slowly spoke.
Although this meeting concerned a major matter, those who could attend were still only the ninja of the Uchiha Clan. Ordinary people truly did not have the right to attend.
"I think everyone should know what the purpose of this meeting is, so let us be direct.
"After all, strictly speaking, this matter is still shameful. Ending it sooner is better for all of us."
Uchiha Shin's words gained the agreement of all the Uchiha ninja. Indeed, this forced replacement of the clan head was a shameful matter.
Ending it sooner would benefit everyone. However, for a moment, no one could think of a good solution.
After all, this meant removing their own clan head. No one wanted to be the first to speak, and the entire meeting hall fell into silence.
Fortunately, Uchiha Shin had long expected this situation. After waiting briefly, he was about to have one of his people guide the matter forward.
However, what he did not expect was that Uchiha Itachi stood up first.
His expression looked very calm, but it also seemed as if he had made some huge decision, making people unable to see through his thoughts.
"I have something I want to say."
As Uchiha Fugaku's son, Uchiha Itachi still carried a certain amount of weight.
Moreover, as a genius of the Uchiha, he had obtained the three-tomoe Sharingan early, so his status within the clan was even higher.
His sudden rise made Uchiha Shin frown, while Uchiha Fugaku revealed a smile.
He was his son, after all. Seeing this scene, Uchiha Fugaku still felt somewhat happy inside, even though he knew his chances of winning were truly extremely slim.
However, the moment Uchiha Itachi spoke, his face instantly turned pale, and his entire body seemed to become somewhat dazed.
Not only him, but all the other Uchiha ninja also seemed to be startled. They looked at Uchiha Itachi in disbelief, their faces full of confusion.
"I believe Elder Shin's proposal is a very good choice.
"Although I am the clan head's son, even the Hokage can be selected and replaced according to the actual situation, so naturally, the clan head of a clan can be as well."
At this point, Uchiha Itachi slowly closed his eyes, but his tone became even firmer.
"So in this matter, I will choose to support Elder Shin's proposal and change to a new clan head to lead the clan forward.
"Even if the clan head being replaced is my father."
--------
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