Konoha.
The village was decked out in lanterns and colorful banners, brimming with festivity.
News of Uchiha Akihito leading the allied forces to a great victory over Kumogakure had already spread far and wide.
The villagers, who longed for peace, were overjoyed.
To have stirred up such a powerful response, Akihito's contribution was naturally indispensable.
The moment the war ended, he had already sent word ahead to Uchiha Fugaku.
Under Fugaku's orchestration, news of Akihito's sweeping victory over Kumogakure spread to every corner of Konoha in an instant.
Even before Akihito returned, his heroic deeds had been woven into stories eagerly passed around among the people.
Konoha's higher-ups had ultimately reacted a step too late.
Even if they wanted to suppress the news now, there was no way they could erase the radiant image of Uchiha Akihito in the hearts of the populace.
At this point, Akihito was like the future "Crown Prince" Naruto—bearing the title of "Hero of Konoha."
Such a title had the power to sway public opinion.
Before becoming a hero, Uzumaki Naruto had been nothing more than a pariah, shunned wherever he went.
Even with a master like Jiraiya, he had drawn little attention.
But after becoming Konoha's hero, Naruto's popularity in the village skyrocketed.
Walking casually down the street, he would be swarmed by airheaded girls striking up conversations.
With that level of popularity, even Konoha's higher-ups would have to think twice before making a move against Uchiha Akihito.
Acting against a hero without justification would easily drown them in public outrage.
On a street in Konoha—
Two members of the Uchiha Clan from the Police Force were passing by when several shop owners immediately surrounded them.
"The Uchiha Clan did great!"
"May I ask if Clan Head Akihito has returned yet?"
In the past, they had always found the proud Uchiha somewhat unpleasant to look at.
But ever since learning of Akihito's heroic exploits, their attitudes had completely changed.
The Uchiha Clan was extraordinarily gifted and powerful.
Wasn't a bit of pride only natural?
They didn't bully the weak or oppress the common folk. They were just proud—that wasn't a problem at all!
"Hehe…"
Faced with the enthusiastic crowd, the two Uchiha Police members could only scratch their heads and laugh awkwardly.
Even now, they still weren't quite used to it.
Since when had the Uchiha become so popular in the village?
Thinking it over carefully, it was all thanks to Clan Head Uchiha Akihito.
…
Hokage Building.
Hokage's Office.
The Konoha F4 had gathered together. The room was silent, the atmosphere slightly tense.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stared blankly at the photograph of Minato Namikaze on the wall.
Had Uchiha Akihito's strength truly reached the level of the Fourth?
Why couldn't this man belong to my Hokage faction?
Though detailed battlefield reports had yet to arrive, the news of Akihito defeating Kumogakure's A–B Combo had already spread throughout Konoha.
Hiruzen was well aware of the strength of the Fourth Raikage A and Killer B.
For Akihito to defeat them meant he was no weaker than the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
They hadn't been informed, yet the news had already spread across the village.
Hiruzen didn't need to think to know—this was undoubtedly Akihito's handiwork again.
From this alone, it was clear that Akihito was deeply wary of Konoha's higher-ups.
Yet now that Uchiha Akihito had become a household name—a Hero of Konoha—even Hiruzen found himself unsure of how to handle him.
Akihito had secured public support, and in terms of strength, he was in no way inferior to them.
If they continued to recklessly move against the Uchiha, Akihito might seize the opportunity to strike back.
All Hiruzen still held in his hands was the decaying authority of the Hokage's office—he had no confidence he could suppress the Uchiha.
If Akihito truly clashed with them, Konoha itself might face destruction.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had enjoyed a lifetime of fame and reputation. He would rather relinquish part of his authority than ruin his legacy in his later years.
A Hokage was meant to leave behind eternal praise. Infamy was something for that "Blame Hokage," Danzo, to shoulder.
Having sorted through his thoughts, Hiruzen spoke calmly.
"Uchiha Akihito has just rendered great service."
"For now, let's put matters concerning the Uchiha on hold."
Once the Third Hokage made his decision, the two advisors immediately nodded in agreement. Danzo—who had always advocated relentless pressure against the Uchiha—found himself isolated yet again.
Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Danzo could only snort coldly and leave behind a harsh warning.
"You'll regret showing such indulgence toward the Uchiha!"
The Konoha F4 dispersed on bad terms, Danzo departing with resentment in his heart.
Hiruzen didn't want to see Uchiha Akihito rise—but he simply had no way to stop it.
He had already done everything he could. Who could have anticipated that, without any support, Akihito would still defeat Kumogakure head-on?
If anyone was to blame, it could only be Kumogakure for being so incompetent.
The Fourth Raikage joining forces with the Eight-Tails' jinchuriki, Killer B—and they still couldn't handle a single Uchiha Akihito?
And they dared call themselves the strongest duo?
Tch!
…
After several days of travel, the shinobi allied forces led by Uchiha Akihito finally returned to Konoha.
At the village gates—
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had long since prepared a ceremonial welcome and was waiting in person.
Though he was deeply wary of Akihito, appearances still had to be maintained.
Akihito had just won a great victory. Naturally, Hiruzen had to personally step forward to offer his condolences and praise.
It was worth mentioning that upon hearing news of Akihito's imminent return, many villagers had spontaneously organized themselves and joined the welcoming procession.
Though somewhat displeased, Hiruzen did not order the Anbu to disperse the crowd.
Doing so would easily earn him a reputation for disregarding public sentiment.
The venerable Third Hokage had always valued his public image—he would never allow such a blemish.
Under countless watchful eyes, Hiruzen stepped forward with a warm smile.
He gently patted Akihito on the shoulder.
"I've heard everything. You did very well."
"This time, Konoha's victory over Kumogakure is primarily your achievement, Akihito."
Akihito smiled in response.
"You overpraise me, Lord Hokage."
"Protecting Konoha is simply my duty."
After addressing Akihito, the commander-in-chief, Hiruzen turned his gaze to the allied shinobi forces.
"You have all worked hard. Shortly, I will arrange for rewards to be distributed according to merit."
"The fallen and the wounded will receive pensions in accordance with standard regulations."
"Those who sacrificed their lives may have their names engraved upon Konoha's Memorial Stone."
"They died protecting the village. They are Konoha's heroic spirits, worthy of eternal remembrance!"
Hiruzen's heartfelt speech brought tears to many eyes.
From within the crowd, cheers erupted at once.
"Long live Konoha!"
"Long live Lord Hokage!"
Watching the fervent crowd, Uchiha Akihito curled his lips slightly.
He had struggled tooth and nail to earn a bit of prestige—yet Hiruzen Sarutobi had merely moved his lips and effortlessly overshadowed him.
One had to admit, their Third Hokage truly was formidable.
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