Konoha, Just Like Kizaru

"What are you planning to do?"

The Third Hokage hurriedly stood up.

Before he could stop him, Simu transformed into a flash of light, smashing through the windows of the Hokage building.

Below, the envoy from the Kingdom of Wind stood with an air of arrogance.

He had been assured by the Wind Daimyo before his arrival that this was a done deal.

Even the Fire Daimyo supported surrendering Simu in exchange for peace between the two nations.

To him, this outcome seemed inevitable.

After all, if war broke out, Konoha's logistics would still depend on the Fire Daimyo's support.

At this critical moment, even the Hokage seemed bound to obey the Daimyo's orders.

This was the reason behind the envoy's arrogance—he was confident that the outcome would be Hokage's surrender.

"As for that damned brat," the envoy thought, "I'll drag him before my Daimyo and make him suffer!"

But before his smug thoughts could continue, a brilliant flash of light lit up the sky.

Simu hovered above, gazing down calmly.

"So, you're the envoy of the country of Wind? How intimidating," he said with a mocking grin.

Without anyone noticing, Simu had already activated Sage Mode.

Dark red patterns stretched across his face, while the energy of nature and his Devil Fruit powers surged in unison.

A small, concentrated ball of light formed between his fingers. 

Holding it between his thumb and middle finger, Simu aimed at the envoy below and flicked it lightly.

"Sage Art: Nuclear Bomb!"

A wave of overwhelming dread engulfed the envoys of the Land of Wind.

It felt as though the gates of hell had opened beneath them, ready to swallow them whole.

The light, which had started as a marble-sized sphere, expanded rapidly as it descended.

By the time it neared the ground, it had grown to the size of the Hokage building itself, radiating heat and pressure like a miniature sun.

Faced with this enormous sphere of light, the envoys stood frozen in terror, their mouths agape, unable to even consider resistance.

They could do nothing but await their doom.

Fortunately, the Third Hokage arrived just in time.

Appearing instantly in front of the panicked group, the old man swiftly bit his finger, smeared blood on his hand, and pressed it against the ground.

"Summoning Technique: Triple Rashomon!"

The ground shook violently as three massive, ominous gates emerged with a thunderous roar. 

Each gate was adorned with grotesque carvings of ghastly figures, their menacing presence radiating an eerie aura.

Simu stood still, watching the spectacle with calm indifference.

The Sage Art: Nuclear Bomb was a technique he had developed, inspired by the Tailed Beast Bomb. 

It was the perfect fusion of natural energy and Devil Fruit power, blended in precise proportions. The attack absorbed natural energy from the air as it traveled, growing larger and more destructive with each passing second.

As the glowing sphere, now resembling a miniature sun, hurtled toward the gates, a golden hue illuminated the Third Hokage's face. 

He could only watch as the enormous ball of light collided with the Triple Rashomon.

The first gate took the brunt of the attack, its structure groaning under the impact. The second gate absorbed the diminishing force, while the third managed to disperse the remaining energy. 

Even so, the sheer power of the explosion left the ground trembling, and the surrounding air shimmered with heat.

Simu's attack may have been stopped, but its terrifying potential was clear to all.

"Boom!"

The colossal sphere struck the first gate with devastating force. The ghostly statue atop the gate disintegrated instantly, obliterated without a trace. 

Moments later, the entire first gate shattered into pieces.

The second gate barely withstood the impact before succumbing to the relentless power of the attack. The third gate held for a fleeting moment, only to be destroyed shortly after.

Even the Triple Rashomon, summoned by the Third Hokage himself, managed to delay Simu's attack only briefly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen adjusted his Hokage hat, his gaze fixed on Simu, who standing in the sky bathed in golden light. 

Simu's eyes were calm and resolute, unwavering in their conviction.

The intricate patterns on Simu's face, signifying Sage Mode, glowed faintly. A flicker of hesitation crossed the Third Hokage's face. 

But after a moment of internal struggle, he came to a firm decision.

In the next instant, the Third Hokage vanished from the scene.

The envoys from the Land of Wind were left frozen in shock.

Hadn't Konoha agreed to hand over Simu?

Even if they didn't, was there really a need to launch such a devastating attack right away?

And what was the Hokage thinking? He arrived just in time, but instead of stepping in, he simply left!

"Master Hokage, don't go!"

Their desperate cries were drowned out as the dozen or so envoys from the Land of Wind were completely consumed by the radiant ball of energy.

The sphere of light roared down the avenue, from Konoha's gates to the Hokage building. Eventually, it broke through Konoha's protective barrier and exploded in the forest outside the village.

The scorching wave of heat swept through the treetops, rustling leaves in its wake.

The brilliance of the explosion turned the entire village into an imitation of daytime.

High above, a massive mushroom cloud pierced the sky, standing as a terrifying monument to the devastation.

Simu descended slowly to the ground, his coat of justice billowing gently behind him.

The Third Hokage stood just behind him, his Hokage robe swaying lightly in the breeze.

The entire area fell into an eerie silence.

This man had just destroyed a defensive technique personally summoned by Hokage-sama!

And that level of power…

It was utterly overwhelming!

Anbu operatives hesitated, unsure whether to surround Simu or stand down.

Breaking the tension, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke calmly:

 "Notify the Border Forces. Prepare for Sunagakure's offensive."

"Yes, sir!"

The Jōnin present nodded in unison and swiftly moved to return to their posts.

Uchiha Mikoto, who had earlier urged everyone to stay united, now stood awkwardly in the crowd.

It seemed like Simu didn't need anyone's protection after all.

"Hiruzen, if you proceed like this, the daimyo will likely be displeased," Utatane Koharu said coldly, her tone laced with frustration.

Simu's actions tonight had deeply embarrassed the advisors.

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a long drag from his cigarette before replying, "I will handle the daimyo myself."

Simu glanced at Sarutobi's back, slightly surprised.

This version of Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't the hesitant, worn-out leader he would become in the future.

Sarutobi Hiruzen still had the confidence, strength, and ambition to face the challenge from the Land of Wind.

Simu, on the other hand, aimed to demonstrate his terrifying strength—something so overwhelming that it would act as a counterbalance to Sarutobi Hiruzen's decisions.

He wanted to give Hiruzen the confidence to go to war with the Land of Wind and emerge victorious.

Just as Simu thought everything was settled and he could return to rest with Kushina, one sentence from the Third Hokage shattered his illusion.

"Hanyu Simu, come here."

"What?"

"Alright, alright…"

Simu sighed lazily as he followed Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Back in the Hokage's office, Third Hokage stared at Simu seriously.

"What are you going to do?"

Simu looked confused. "What?"

Third Hokage knocked on the table, his voice cold. "Now that I've offended you, what will happen if the Country of Wind retaliates?"

Simu scratched his head. "Well, if they call, they call. At worst, I'll take the lead." 

He seemed completely unconcerned about the approaching war.

Seeing Third Hokage hesitate, Simu added slowly, "Hokage-sama, you don't think that surrendering me will stop the Third Ninja World War, do you?"

The Third Hokage fell silent.

Although Simu often acted recklessly, his vision and understanding of the bigger picture far exceeded that of most ninjas.

For years, the ninja world had been brewing with tension, like a volcano waiting to erupt.

The smaller countries were constantly in conflict, while the Four Great Countries eyed the rich lands of the Land of Fire. 

The blood feuds from the previous two Great Ninja Wars were still unresolved.

In every nation, there were countless ambitious individuals eager to settle scores with their swords.

In this situation, the outbreak of a world war was only a matter of time—it just lacked a trigger. Simu's appearance provided that trigger for the other nations.

It would be convenient if Konoha's rising star could be easily eliminated. Even if that didn't work, they'd find another reason to attack Konoha.

But the Third Hokage, who had always used the Will of Fire to guide others, would not let Simu's actions go so easily.

"Do you think you can avoid punishment just by saying this?" the Third Hokage asked coldly.

Simu scratched his head. "I don't think I did anything wrong."

Then, he rubbed his hands together and asked eagerly:

"If you want to set an example for others, how about not letting me take any missions for two years?" Simu suggested.

The Third Hokage's face darkened as he tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"I think it would have been better if I handed you over earlier."

"Hey, just kidding," Simu said with a grin, adjusting his glasses.

"Tell me, what dirty work do you want me to do?" he asked. "As long as the pay is right, I'll even go to Sunagakure and killed the Third Kazekage."

When the Third Hokage adopted his usual blend of authority and leniency, Simu knew he was about to become a tool for the Hokage's plans.

The Third Hokage completely ignored Simu's joke about the Third Kazekage. He opened a map and pointed to a mine in the Country of Wind.

"This is the largest mine in the Country of Wind. More than half of their weapons, armor, and puppets are made here. I want you to destroy it within ten days."

Simu nodded. Ten days was more than enough for him to handle it on his own.

The Third Hokage crossed his hands and noticed Simu's slight hesitation. Sighing, he added, 

"1000 Ryo."

Simu's eyes lit up, and he forgot all about the annoyance of working overtime. "I'll complete the mission, no problem!"

Shortly after Simu left, Danzo entered the room.

"I didn't expect you to be so decisive this time," Danzo remarked, looking the Third Hokage. He watched him for a while before adding, 

"Simu seems to be someone who satisfies you."

The Third Hokage took a long drag from his cigarette. "He will be a sword, a very sharp sword."

Danzo narrowed his eyes. "I don't deny your words, but do you think you can control this sword?"

The Third Hokage didn't answer directly but instead asked, 

"Don't you think Homura and Koharu are overstepping?"

"Some things I can give, but they can't take away," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his eyes gleaming as if ready to pierce Danzo's heart like a sharp sword.

Danzo stared at him for a long time before finally closing his eyes. 

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't need to mention names—everyone knew who he was referring to. 

Danzo stood up to leave, but not before saying something meaningful.

"I don't oppose your method, but remember, a sword can break the enemy, but it can also wound its wielder."

Long after Danzo had left, the Third Hokage spoke softly to himself, 

"No matter how sharp a sword is, it's just a tool." 

As long as it's a tool, he, Sarutobi Hiruzen, can hold it firmly in his hands.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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