--------------------------------------------------
When Manji was appointed as the First Hokage, he didn't introduce any major changes or make any bold declarations. Konoha continued to operate under the system which he had established over the course of many years, and there were no sudden actions taken to take control of the rest of the shinobi world.
The clans outside the Land of Fire were relieved.
The people of Konoha were likewise happy. Since they had been through years of war and had been driven from their homes, they had no interest in ruling the world; instead they wished for peace, employment, and a leader who would help the village to grow without making them go back to war.
Manji's governing philosophy could be summed up in five words:
Don't fix what isn't broken.
More importantly, he had no desire to unify the Shinobi world. He had shaped the current order of the Five Great Nations centuries ago. Why tear down a system he had built himself when all he needed to do was maintain it?
The other countries' clans soon understood that the world was changing, regardless of whether Konoha attacked them.
If they continued relying on the old clan system, what would happen after Manji was gone? Would Konoha's second or third Hokage decide to "educate" and "liberate" them through military force?
Even in the absence of war, how long could their clans exist if young shinobi kept on leaving their strict homes to join Konoha?
The clan system was outdated.
They needed to adapt.
Before long, shinobi clans across the world began launching village-building projects of their own.
..............
That morning, the sky above Konoha's Shinobi Academy was clear, and a warm breeze moved the new leaves in the trees.
The annual entrance ceremony had arrived.
This year's class held special meaning for the village. These children were the first generation born after the major clans joined Konoha—the first to grow up entirely within the peace its founders had created.
They had never seen clan wars and never watched their homes burn or seen family members leave for battles they might not return from.
From the time they could learn, they got Konoha's shared education instead of being raised only by their own clan's traditions.
To them, Konoha wasn't just an alliance.
It was home!!
..............
In the crowd of new students, five-year-old Shimura Danzō quickly saw a familiar face.
"HIRUZEN!"
"DANZŌ!"
The two boys grinned and ran to each other. Having a friend on the first day made them feel less nervous, even if they didn't say it out loud.
"My father said we'll be in the same class," Hiruzen said.
Danzō crossed his arms and smiled confidently. "Good. You're the only one our age worth competing with."
"Hiruzen! Danzō!" Two more children ran over to them.
Hiruzen waved. "Koharu! Homura!"
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura joined them, and soon all four were talking like there was nothing to worry about on their first day.
Near the academy entrance—a middle-aged Uchiha looked at his son with a serious face.
"Kagami, don't lose your nerve."
"..." Uchiha Kagami looked up at him.
"You're too gentle and modest... It's good to be humble, but you have the Uchiha name. Don't let anyone think your kindness means you're weak." his father said.
He put a hand on Kagami's shoulder. "Never forget that your great-grandfather was Uchiha Jin, the clan head three generations ago. You have a proud legacy to uphold."
"I UNDERSTAND, FATHER!"
Kagami stood up straighter and nodded. He had just started walking toward the academy when his father stopped him again.
"One more thing..."
Kagami turned back.
"The First Hokage is attending the ceremony today, so no matter what occurs, you must not embarrass the Uchiha Clan in his presence."
"All right." Kagami nodded once more and went along with the other students into the academy.
..............
The entrance ceremony began soon afterward.
"Students, parents, and honored guests—please welcome the founder of our village and the First Hokage of Konohagakure—Lord Manji!"
Applause swept across the academy courtyard.
Manji stepped onto the stage, a wooden cane in one hand. Age had slowed his stride, but it had taken nothing from his commanding presence.
Everyone watched the legendary figure as he walked.
"He still looks so healthy."
"My grandfather said Lord Manji is almost one hundred and thirty."
"He's that old?"
Manji walked to the center of the platform and raised his hand. The courtyard grew silent.
He looked over the rows of young faces before him.
"Children, welcome to the Shinobi Academy."
The students responded with another round of applause.
"You are the first generation born into the peace Konoha created. You were fortunate enough to enter the world at a better time than those who came before you—and that means your future holds opportunities we never had."
Manji placed both hands on top of his cane. "Every generation has its own responsibility. Mine was to end the clan wars and build Konoha."
"Your generation will have a duty of its own." He glanced over the students. "Konoha's Third or Fourth Hokage may be standing among you right now..."
Excitement spread throughout the courtyard.
The children's eyes brightened when they looked at one another, each of them at once imagining himself in the Hokage's robes.
Danzō and Hiruzen responded more strongly than the average pair. The rivalry which they had previously had took on a completely new significance.
Manji waited for the excitement to settle. "You will learn ninjutsu here. You will train your bodies, sharpen your minds, and learn how to fight. But never forget that a Konoha shinobi exists to protect—not to kill."
"Strength is not an excuse to bully others or prove that you are better than them. You train so you can protect your comrades, your families, your village—and the peace that cost so many lives to create."
Manji stopped for a moment.
For a very short moment he thought of making a big speech on the subject of the Will of Fire.
But he decided not to.
The children needed something helpful, not just a bunch of impressive words.
"I am already an old man. Konoha's future will belong to all of you."
"I don't expect every student here to become famous across the Shinobi world. I only ask that you remember who you are, protect the peace you inherited, and become people your village can depend on."
"Study well. Grow up healthy, happy, and strong—and become shinobi capable of protecting Konoha."
Once again, the courtyard filled with applause.
Manji was about to leave when Danzō, sitting in the front row, found his courage and raised his hand.
"GRANDPA HOKAGE!"
Everyone turned to look at him.
Danzō swallowed but continued. "CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU BECAME SUCCESSFUL?"
Several parents stared at the boy in disbelief. Speaking out during the First Hokage's ceremony required either impressive courage or a complete lack of self-preservation.
Manji looked surprised, then smiled.
"I have four pieces of advice."
The children leaned forward.
"Stay optimistic. Don't let fear control you. Learn how to endure hardship..."
He lifted one finger for the final lesson.
"And remember to eat properly."
——————————
~ Every 200 PS = Bonus Chapter!
~ 15 Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)