Uchiha Fugaku had finally grasped the true meaning behind Natsuhiko's message, and in that moment a bone-deep chill spread through his entire body.
The words were clear enough. They told him he was already finished. No amount of struggling would create even the slightest opening for recovery. If that was the case, then the only sensible path was to step down in the most thorough and humiliating way possible—cutting every tie he should never have formed in the first place—rather than clinging to a false hope of a dignified exit.
Dignity was the only thing Fugaku had thought he might still salvage. Unfortunately, Natsuhiko had no intention of granting it.
If there was truly no chance of a comeback, why withhold even that final shred of respect?
Fugaku knew people who stood at such heights never acted without reason. Their choices always followed an internal logic. The fact that the Fifth Hokage had specifically sent Itachi to deliver the message meant there were other considerations at play.
He began to think seriously, especially since Natsuhiko had also given his son the opportunity to enter the ANBU.
As the pieces connected in his mind, Fugaku seized upon several critical points. He suspected his current situation aligned with two of Natsuhiko's intentions.
The first was obvious: by forcing Fugaku into such a complete and humiliating withdrawal, Natsuhiko was simultaneously offering the bridge Fugaku had once desperately wanted. On the surface, that was the entire purpose. Destroy every hope, make it clear there was no path back, yet still extend an opportunity to Itachi—as if to say, "You have no future, but your descendants might."
Fugaku's mind raced. If that was truly Natsuhiko's plan, then perhaps it was acceptable. After all, he was a man who loved his family. If he himself had no chance left, but his branch could still be saved and rise again in the future, then losing the position of clan head—or even his life—would be a price worth paying.
Even though he did not know why the Hokage was so unwilling to support him, and from his current actions, disliked him so deeply.
At least he had still given him a way to live. Especially that sentence, "It may bring you gains beyond imagination," which strongly stirred Uchiha Fugaku's heart.
The Hokage removed me and pushed Uchiha Shin up because Uchiha Shin was the first to submit to him.
But after removing me, he still gave my child a chance. This means the Hokage does not intend to wipe us all out.
Thinking of this, Uchiha Fugaku's mood improved slightly, but only slightly.
Because he felt Natsuhiko would not go through so much trouble just for something this simple. For this kind of matter, even speaking to him face-to-face would have been possible.
Could it be… this?
Suddenly, a thought appeared in Uchiha Fugaku's mind, a thought that made his hair stand on end.
Uchiha Itachi had kept emphasizing one phrase earlier, that he was a "Konoha ninja."
What a Konoha ninja needed to do and protect was naturally the stability of Konoha's situation. In contrast, they probably would not care that much about certain matters inside the clan.
Although he had been forced down, there were definitely still some people in the Uchiha who were dissatisfied.
Even if they now seemed obedient, and even if their numbers were small, no one knew whether they would create some unpredictable result in the future.
And that Hokage was definitely not someone who could tolerate even a grain of sand in his eyes. After all, he had spoken without the slightest fear in front of Itachi about acting against him and Mikoto.
Since that was the case, Hokage-sama might not allow those people to act recklessly.
If they did not show themselves, then fine. But once they did and caused trouble, this Hokage might truly wipe them out completely.
At that time, this matter would very likely fall on Itachi's head. And the Hokage was someone who needed his reputation, so he definitely would not carry this matter himself. Therefore…
Hokage-sama wants me to take the initiative to find possible targets and make things clear to them, saying that this was something I deliberately arranged, and that I was the one who let Uchiha Itachi enter the ANBU.
Because I was certain to lose, I needed to use a special method to find a way out for my descendants. Using the most humiliating method to support Itachi was the only path I could choose.
This way, on the surface, Uchiha Itachi is still my child and still someone standing beside me.
But in essence, whether it is me or Itachi, whether willingly or forced, we both have to stand beside Senju Natsuhiko.
And once those people show anything wrong, once I obtain evidence, then it will be me who ordered Itachi to kill them. This will have nothing to do with Senju Natsuhiko.
After sorting everything out, cold sweat had already appeared on Uchiha Fugaku.
This was far more than simply taking the blame. This was making them carry everything. This was asking for their lives.
What frightened Uchiha Fugaku even more was that Senju Natsuhiko had so subtly thrown the choice to him, then had Itachi tell him that "Hokage-sama had considered acting against you."
Did this mean that if he did not make the choice that matched this Hokage's thoughts, then he would make Itachi personally send his entire family to their graves?
Thinking of Itachi firmly backstabbing him last night, Uchiha Fugaku could be certain that if things really reached that point, then the most tragic thing would truly happen.
As expected of you, Fifth Hokage-sama.
Uchiha Fugaku now felt some coldness in his heart, because he discovered that the more he thought and the more he guessed, the more he truly feared Senju Natsuhiko.
This boy was clearly only in his early twenties, yet his methods, ability, and personal strength were all terrifying.
For the Senju Clan to produce such a Hokage, and one who held such malice toward him, it was impossible for Uchiha Fugaku not to feel sorrow inside.
However, very quickly, Uchiha Fugaku forced himself to calm down. Continuing to think about these things clearly had little meaning now.
This Hokage had already given him the question and the answer. What to do next was his own matter.
Slowly raising his head, Uchiha Fugaku placed his gaze on Itachi. Only after a long while did he weakly nod.
"I understand. I understand everything. Work properly in the ANBU. I know that aside from my pressure, the ANBU has always been your dream.
"And remember to tell Hokage-sama that Uchiha Fugaku already understands Hokage-sama's thoughts, and that Fugaku will do his utmost to carry out Hokage-sama's arrangements."
After saying this, Uchiha Fugaku closed his eye again.
He was truly exhausted now, both in heart and body. But what let him breathe a little easier was that this family still seemed to have hope.
...
"So Uchiha Fugaku turned out to be quite clever after all."
After work, Natsuhiko walked toward the ANBU with Sora and Renge beside him.
Uchiha Itachi was not someone who could hide information. Although he had not received an answer, he had received a response, so he immediately went to Natsuhiko's office.
Natsuhiko was somewhat surprised. Uchiha Fugaku's reaction speed and thinking ability seemed not as weak as he had imagined.
In such a short time, he had already thought many things through clearly, and through Itachi, he had told Natsuhiko of his intention to pledge loyalty.
This truly changed Natsuhiko's opinion of him somewhat. But no matter how much his opinion changed, Natsuhiko still did not like this indecisive man who gave up when matters reached the final moment.
After understanding Uchiha Fugaku's intentions, Natsuhiko let Itachi go back.
Of course, he did not forget to have Itachi pass on his approval of Uchiha Fugaku's stance. After all, such a choice could not be considered especially easy.
However, this matter was basically over now. The Uchiha had already completely changed owners under Natsuhiko's hand, and Uchiha Itachi was now obediently following beside him.
To put it bluntly, Natsuhiko could be considered to have won completely this time.
"He is indeed very smart, but there were not many things he could choose."
Renge nodded lightly beside Natsuhiko. After hearing Natsuhiko talk about this matter, she immediately understood.
"Either die without value, or choose a possible way out for his descendants. I do not think this choice can be called very difficult."
"Being able to think everything through in such a short time already proves he is not simple."
Natsuhiko chuckled. Right now, he did not dare hold the hand of either of the two people beside him, because they were on the street and the influence would not be good.
Of course, even in a place with no one around, he would not do that. In the end, he still needed to consider the girls' feelings.
"Do not think that what I did, and the words I had Itachi pass on to him, were things that could be understood so easily.
"Look, even Hashirama-senpai did not react to it. That shows that thinking this matter through is really not that simple."
"That is only Hashirama-senpai. Did Tobirama-senpai not understand what you were thinking right away?"
Sora smiled slightly from the side. After spending a long time together with those two previous Hokage, she had also become used to calling them senpai.
In truth, she herself had still wanted to call them Hokage, but calling them senpai clearly felt a little closer, especially since those two also had a very deep relationship with Natsuhiko.
"I think it is better not to compare Tobirama-senpai and Hashirama-senpai."
Hearing her say this, Natsuhiko could not help shaking his head lightly. Then he sighed softly and said.
"These two are not really comparable. Hashirama-senpai is probably just too kind.
"They each have their own strengths, do they not?"
Comparing Senju Hashirama to Senju Tobirama in schemes and plots was no different from making Senju Tobirama fight Senju Hashirama head-on.
To put it plainly, the two were good at completely different things, so forcing a comparison was truly meaningless.
However, after Natsuhiko said this, he noticed that Sora and Renge both unconsciously turned their eyes toward him, which made him feel slightly embarrassed.
Naturally, these two could hear the hidden meaning in Natsuhiko's words. The two of them could not be compared alone, but could Natsuhiko not be compared with them?
Natsuhiko could indeed compare schemes with Senju Tobirama and compare personal strength with Senju Hashirama.
With that one sentence, Natsuhiko had basically praised himself without restraint, saying he was stronger than both Hokage.
However, after glancing at Natsuhiko, the two of them both nodded at the same time, as if they agreed with this idea, which made Natsuhiko even more embarrassed.
"All right, let's not talk about this. Kakashi and Pakura are still waiting."
Natsuhiko shook his head. He did not plan to continue dwelling on this matter, because they still had many things to do.
For example, tonight, he still had a rather interesting gathering.
This gathering was not exactly some sudden idea. It was to celebrate Guy successfully becoming a jōnin.
Everyone knew how difficult it was to become a jōnin now, and because Guy was only skilled in taijutsu, his path to becoming a jōnin could be said to be even harder.
Fortunately, Natsuhiko had carried out major reforms. While taijutsu was his specialty, once the other comprehensive assessments were passed, promotion became possible.
Clearly, he had benefited from Natsuhiko's reforms, and he was also hardworking enough himself.
He had also become the first ninja, aside from Natsuhiko, Kakashi, and the others, to reach the rank of jōnin.
As Hokage, Natsuhiko naturally knew this news, and Guy becoming a jōnin also included Natsuhiko's contribution.
He needed an example to give those "specialty students" something to strive toward, and Guy was his classmate with a decent relationship with him, so naturally, Guy was pushed forward.
However, no one else knew about the little details behind this. Natsuhiko, Sora, Kakashi, and the others who knew the inside story would never say anything.
Besides, although Natsuhiko was "setting up an example," the assessments still had to be passed. Natsuhiko only leaned toward Guy under equal conditions; he did not appoint him directly.
Because of that, after the man succeeded, Natsuhiko personally called him over and prepared to invite him to his home for a proper visit.
Guy was not the only one. Several of Natsuhiko's old classmates from the same generation had survived the Third Great War, though only a handful remained.
Because of the war, they had often been assigned to teams alongside younger students, such as Anko, Morino Ibiki, Iruka, and others.
Natsuhiko simply called them all over, intending to hold a proper gathering. After all, they were not only his former classmates but also Konoha's future pillars.
As Hokage, he still needed them to work hard in many areas. On top of that, Natsuhiko had not attended any class gathering in a very long time, so this gathering was quite meaningful.
As for inviting Pakura, it was to let this woman who had been "forced to defect" from Sunagakure know that even though he was now Hokage, he still valued her greatly.
Sora and Renge both nodded. They already knew about tonight's gathering and would both be attending. Although Renge had not been part of their class, she could naturally take on the role of hostess.
As for Sora, despite being one of Natsuhiko's classmates, she was certain of one thing—before long, she would be standing in the same position as Renge.
...
"This place is truly interesting."
In a remote region of the shinobi world, a figure dressed entirely in white stood silently. His Byakugan swept across the surroundings before a faint smile appeared on his face.
After spending a little longer on the journey, he finally arrived at this place. For the Ōtsutsuki, who possessed eternal life, the passage of time meant very little.
Although he failed to find the source of the earlier burst of power after arriving, he sensed a peculiar energy coming from a small planet not far away.
There were no signs of life on that small planet, causing him to quickly lose interest and move on.
However, he did notice the seals and barriers surrounding the small planet. In contrast, this larger planet teemed with traces of life.
And he also noticed that on this planet, the natives here were actually using the power of chakra.
Most importantly, this chakra seemed to belong to an Ōtsutsuki.
He would not be mistaken about this. As a member of the Ōtsutsuki Clan, even though Urashiki was one of its younger members, his knowledge and senses would not be wrong.
He could be one hundred percent certain that an Ōtsutsuki had once come to this place, and according to tradition, it was definitely not just one.
According to Ōtsutsuki tradition, when they went to conquer a planet and absorb its power, they would usually move in teams of at least two.
After all, summoning the God Tree required one Ōtsutsuki to be sacrificed. This was a mandatory requirement.
Therefore, even in a cold clan like the Ōtsutsuki, there was still a relationship between a guardian and the one being guarded.
The guardian was a lower-ranking member, while the one being guarded was a higher-ranking member.
For example, Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki and Momoshiki, whom he had originally followed out to learn from. If Momoshiki discovered a suitable place and needed to summon the God Tree.
Then Kinshiki would have to give up his own life to ensure that the summoning could proceed smoothly.
However, giving up one's life did not mean truly dying. The life force of the Ōtsutsuki Clan was powerful beyond imagination, and they also possessed a power that allowed them to revive themselves.
That was the "Karma." With the existence of the Karma, there was naturally no need to worry about truly dying, even though actually using the Karma was extremely troublesome.
"There are traces of the Ōtsutsuki, the power of chakra is in use, and there was also that earlier burst of Ōtsutsuki power, yet this world is still alive.
"Interesting. This is truly too interesting."
Ōtsutsuki Urashiki muttered to himself. To him, the world before him had indeed aroused his interest.
A world that had been invaded by the Ōtsutsuki yet had not been destroyed was already something that felt extremely unbelievable.
Moreover, the two Ōtsutsuki responsible for coming to this world had also disappeared without a trace, which made him feel even more pleasantly surprised.
He did not believe that in the entire universe, there truly existed people who could defeat them, these "beings from beyond the sky."
If there really were, then it would be impossible for an Ōtsutsuki to revive and still freely release his own power.
Clearly, something rather interesting had happened here, something unknown to others.
"Perhaps this is the place Isshiki and the others came to. This place is truly worth looking forward to."
Ōtsutsuki Urashiki grinned, then his entire body rose into the air and quickly flew toward the core region of the shinobi world.
He had sensed it. This world was filled with the power of the Ten-Tails, or rather, a Ten-Tails that had already been split apart.
These powers were scattered in different places within this small area, and this naturally drew Ōtsutsuki Urashiki's attention and thoughts.
After all, such power could greatly improve him. No Ōtsutsuki would be without thoughts about it, and he was naturally the same.
However, he would still consider matters between members of the same clan, so he did not plan to touch the Ten-Tails' power yet.
In any case, to him, these powers were simply scattered there. If he wanted them, it would not be difficult at all.
But before that, he wanted to figure out what had happened on this planet, and who exactly had awakened the power of the Ōtsutsuki.
Only after figuring it out could he make his final choice. Besides, if he wanted to obtain this power, he could not do it alone.
"This world is becoming more and more worth looking forward to."
Thinking this, Ōtsutsuki Urashiki's speed could not help becoming a little faster, and at the same time, he made a series of plans for himself.
What he needed to do now was go to the most crowded area, then find a way to ask about everything that had happened in this world.
Aside from that, he also planned to properly understand the full state of this world, so he could analyze the strength of this world's power.
After all, this was a planet where Ōtsutsuki had once come, and the people of this world had also mastered the power of chakra. He naturally had to be a little careful.
Although he looked down on these lowly mortals, he was still restrained in his actions. No one knew what unknown things this world might have.
Perhaps the two Ōtsutsuki who had come to this world before had been dealt with by those unknown powers.
However, the chance of that was far too small. But no matter how small it was, being careful was always correct.
Especially because it still needed to be observed whether the person who exposed that power was an enemy or a friend. However, Ōtsutsuki Urashiki hoped even more that this person would be his enemy.
Because if he were an enemy, then Urashiki could capture him with a proper reason, and then rightfully obtain a Ten-Tails and the fruit of the God Tree.
Ōtsutsuki Urashiki was still very confident in his own power. Within the entire Ōtsutsuki Clan, he was indeed a junior.
However, he was someone who had already obtained the status of being guarded, someone who could choose his own guardian.
If not for the fact that he still wanted to learn more and had therefore acted together with Ōtsutsuki Kinshiki and Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki, he could have completely brought someone and acted alone.
Momoshiki and Kinshiki threw me aside. It seems that was not a bad thing.
If they had not left me behind, I really might not have had this chance now.
...
An Ōtsutsuki running into the shinobi world was something Natsuhiko had not expected, and at this moment, he was holding a barbecue in his backyard with his former classmates and friends.
The Third War had indeed caused many people to die. Those from the same year as Natsuhiko, and even those from the year below him, had paid a great sacrifice.
From this point alone, one could see just how hateful Sarutobi Hiruzen's decisions were. Even Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama had stated their attitudes very clearly.
Indeed, during the Third War, Konoha was almost fighting on four fronts, and its manpower faced an enormous challenge.
Before that, it had also experienced the Second Great Ninja War, and with its own internal losses, the number of high-level ninja had also suffered a considerable shortage.
Even so, that was still not a reason for Sarutobi Hiruzen to decide to send children to the battlefield.
When Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara founded Konoha, one of their main goals had been to protect children.
To protect them from becoming like they had been back then, forced to face cruel wars at such a young age.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's action of "turning history backward" had, without exaggeration, angered both of them.
Combined with the things this man had done before, their impression of Sarutobi Hiruzen dropped rapidly.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was also helpless, but he did not try to defend himself.
Because he knew his actions would absolutely anger these two teachers, and he also knew that what he had done went against the original reason Konoha had been founded.
Now these two former teachers of his both disliked him, and he had lost almost everything inside Konoha.
The reason he could still remain among Konoha's higher-ups was partly because he had once been Hokage, and partly because of his experience and ability.
Because of that, all he could do now was work properly, since he could see that although Natsuhiko targeted him and disliked him, he did not target his son.
Clearly, this was Natsuhiko silently telling him that although he had no chance, that did not mean his son had no chance. As long as he did what he should do, his son would still have a bright future.
Sarutobi Hiruzen did this, and Natsuhiko did the same. Asuma had returned to Konoha more than two years ago, and he was now a Konoha chūnin.
Asuma truly had not expected that the most unremarkable classmate from his class back then would actually become Konoha's Hokage.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had also privately discussed the current situation with Asuma, which made Asuma understand many things.
The current Asuma was still somewhat rebellious like in the original story, but he did not have that strange idea of "the Hokage and the Daimyō as two competing kings."
Perhaps it was because Natsuhiko and Sarutobi Hiruzen had acted early back then and directly broke the Daimyō's hand, leaving him too afraid to entertain any improper thoughts.
Asuma's purpose in leaving Konoha was, in fact, simply to pursue his own value.
According to confirmed intelligence, during the war between Konoha and Kumogakure, he had even returned to Konoha specifically, hoping to take part in the fighting.
Only after the war ended—and after he learned of Natsuhiko's "great achievements"—did he choose to leave again and continue honing his strength.
At that time, he truly did not know that the ANBU Commander who had led Konoha to victory was Natsuhiko.
Even later, when he learned that the Fifth Hokage was someone named Senju Natsuhiko, he did not immediately think in that direction.
After all, he had been away from Konoha for quite a long time, and back then Natsuhiko's name was still "Fukami Natsuhiko." He had also seemed very ordinary at the time, so it was natural that Asuma never considered that possibility.
When he was later called back to Konoha, he finally realized how absurd his earlier assumptions had been—and just how extraordinary this old classmate of his truly was.
After returning, the boy's performance also remained quite impressive. In particular, after Natsuhiko learned that during the previous war his actions had differed from those of Tsunade and Jiraiya, he became more willing to give him opportunities.
On one hand, this could be seen as winning him over; on the other, it also gave Sarutobi Hiruzen renewed hope, pushing him to work even harder.
Asuma also attended the gathering. Including him, more than thirty people were present.
Back then, their class alone had consisted of thirty to fifty students, but this group now included Natsuhiko's original classmates, former teammates from the same year, and students one year below them.
On top of that, it also included people like Renge and Pakura, and only then did they barely gather this many people. From this, one could imagine how terrible the sacrifices had been.
But with more than thirty people coming at once, Natsuhiko's house did not have enough space, so in the end, Natsuhiko simply chose to hold the barbecue outside.
"This relaxed feeling really makes me nostalgic."
Natsuhiko casually sat on the ground. At this moment, he was not the Hokage, nor was he Senju Natsuhiko.
Before the gathering began, he had already said that there was no Hokage here, only "Fukami Natsuhiko," who had once studied together with them.
His words did make everyone feel a lot more relaxed, but truly forgetting that point was not something simple.
"Indeed, everyone likes being able to relax like this. This is also because you have governed Konoha well, Natsuhiko."
Guy sat across from Natsuhiko and revealed a smile. His white teeth were even shining.
Many times, Natsuhiko actually wanted to ask him what toothpaste he used to make his teeth shine so brightly.
And Guy could also be considered someone who could let loose more easily, but even so, he truly could not forget that Natsuhiko was the Hokage.
"You really…"
Kakashi rolled his eye. He bumped Guy with his elbow and said helplessly.
"There is no Hokage here. If you keep bringing that up, are you also reminding me that I cannot forget my identity as ANBU Commander?"
"No, no!"
Guy decisively shook his head. Even if that was indeed what he thought, he would not admit it now.
Seeing the two of them begin bickering again, Natsuhiko could not help smiling helplessly, but he still liked this kind of atmosphere very much.
Turning his head, his gaze fell on Pakura, who was sitting not far beside him. After thinking for a moment, Natsuhiko suddenly asked in a low voice.
"You have been in the ANBU for almost ten years, right?"
"There is still a little more than a year before it reaches ten years, Ho… Natsuhiko-kun."
Hearing Natsuhiko's words, Pakura could not help freezing for a moment. Then she nodded lightly and quickly answered.
Indeed, counting the time, she had been captured and brought back by Natsuhiko before the Nine-Tails incident. From then until now, she had been in Konoha's ANBU for almost ten years.
Ten years was truly a long time for a person, and for the ANBU, it was even more difficult.
Without realizing it, Pakura had already stayed in the ANBU for so long, and she had done so without complaint or regret. Natsuhiko could not possibly ignore this.
After thinking for a moment, Natsuhiko suddenly smiled and asked.
"Then, do you have any thoughts about leaving the ANBU and becoming an ordinary ninja?"
"Le… leave the ANBU?"
Pakura was startled by Natsuhiko's words, and for a moment, she did not know how to answer.
Natsuhiko chuckled softly before slowly speaking.
"Yes, leave the ANBU and become a normal ninja.
"Before, because of some special reasons, you could only stay in the ANBU, but now it is different.
"In my eyes, you've long since become a qualified Konoha ninja."
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