“The second Hokage’s last mission”

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, was highly respected by the people of Konoha, his power was greatly limited by the internal struggles among the village's leadership. These conflicts directly influenced Konoha's political trends for decades to come.

The Second Ninja War ended, but it was followed by the grueling Third Ninja War, a victory won at great cost.

Even as the victor, Hiruzen proved too timid to demand compensation from the defeated villages. His reluctance to assert Konoha's strength led to subsequent betrayals and tensions. One infamous incident was the attempted kidnapping of Hyūga Hinata, the eldest daughter of the Hyūga clan, by the Hidden Cloud Village during peace negotiations.

When Hyūga Hiashi killed the intruder in defense of his daughter, Cloud Shinobi Village demanded reparations, shamelessly accusing Konoha of violating the truce. To avoid another war, the elderly Hiruzen handed over Hyūga Hizashi, Hiashi's twin brother, to take the blame. Hizashi's sacrifice deepened the rift between the Hyūga clan's main and branch houses, causing lasting tensions within the clan.

The Uchiha Clan's Tragedy

The Uchiha fared far worse.

During the era of Senju Tobirama, surveillance of the Uchiha clan was mild and limited. Tobirama believed in keeping an eye on the Uchiha but did not see them as an imminent threat. His approach was simple: as long as the Uchiha remained loyal to the village, they would be left alone.

Furthermore, with Uchiha Kagami acting as a bridge between the Uchiha and the rest of Konoha, the clan's standing during the Second Hokage's reign was relatively stable.

But when Hiruzen became Hokage, he allowed Shimura Danzō to suppress the Uchiha, systematically isolating and marginalizing them. Over time, this led the already proud and emotionally volatile clan to feel cornered and desperate. What had started as peaceful discontent escalated into thoughts of rebellion.

Even when two shining geniuses emerged from the Uchiha—Shisui Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha, both deeply influenced by Kagami's ideals of loyalty and peace—Danzō's manipulation ensured tragedy. Shisui's trust in Danzō was betrayed, and his death pushed Itachi to take extreme measures, leading to the Uchiha clan's annihilation.

The Rise of the Akatsuki

Danzō's machinations were not limited to Konoha.

During the Third Ninja War, he encouraged Hanzo of the Salamander, the leader of the Hidden Rain Village, to destroy the fledgling Akatsuki organization. At the time, the Akatsuki, led by Yahiko, was a peace-focused mercenary group dedicated to resolving conflicts through negotiation.

Hanzo's betrayal led to Yahiko's death, pushing Nagato to awaken his Rinnegan and transform into the god-like leader of a vengeful Akatsuki. His mission became to make the entire world feel the pain of loss.

Ironically, the Akatsuki, initially aligned with Jiraiya's ideals of peace, could have become a valuable ally to Konoha. Instead, Danzō's actions turned them into one of the most dangerous threats the shinobi world would ever face.

Kagami's Reflection

For Uchiha Kagami, the importance of his survival—and that of Senju Tobirama—became painfully clear.

If Kagami lived, the Uchiha clan's future could change. With him as the leader, wielding the Mangekyō Sharingan, he could influence young Uchiha like Shisui and Itachi to remain loyal to Konoha and follow the path of normalcy rather than extremism.

Likewise, with Tobirama alive, his unparalleled political acumen and strategic mind could ensure that Konoha avoided the divisive infighting that plagued its leadership during Hiruzen's reign. Tobirama's direct leadership and reforms could avert disasters like the Uchiha massacre and the rise of the Akatsuki.

But Kagami doubted whether Tobirama, despite their growing bond, would truly allow an Uchiha to become Hokage.

After all, the tradition of "killing the master" in Konoha's Hokage succession loomed heavily over their relationship. Favorability could rise or fall depending on every word and action. The slightest misstep could shatter the bond of trust.

Kagami decided to play it safe.

Tobirama turned to Kagami with a piercing gaze. "If you can see so clearly what must be done, why don't you become the Third Hokage?"

Kagami's eyes widened in surprise. "M-Me?"

Tobirama nodded. "You have the clarity and resolve to lead Konoha into the future. If Hiruzen and Danzō are unfit, then you should take the mantle."

Kagami hesitated, then lowered his gaze humbly. "Lord Tobirama, while I can see the bigger picture, my abilities are far inferior to yours. I fear I lack the strength to carry the weight of the Hokage title."

Tobirama smirked faintly. "So you saved me not just for personal reasons, but because you believe my survival is critical to Konoha's future. Is that right?"

Kagami nodded. "Yes, brother."

Hearing Kagami address him as "brother," Tobirama smiled, his trust in the young Uchiha growing.

Back at Konoha

When Tobirama and Kagami returned to the village, they found Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzō, and the other leaders of Konoha in a heated discussion.

Believing Tobirama had sacrificed himself, the council debated Konoha's next steps.

"We must demand compensation from the Hidden Cloud!" someone shouted.

"No, compensation isn't enough!" another retorted.

Danzō rose to his feet, his voice commanding the room's attention. "The most important thing now is ensuring stability. Hiruzen must assume the position of Hokage immediately. Only with a leader in place can we prepare for war or negotiations."

Others hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.

At that moment, the doors swung open, and Tobirama walked in, supported by Kagami. The room fell silent as everyone stared in shock at the Second Hokage, alive and standing.

Tobirama's sharp eyes scanned the room. "Enough bickering. Konoha will not bow to anyone. Prepare the village. War may be coming, but Konoha will remind the world why we are invincible!"

This moment marked a turning point. With Tobirama alive and Kagami by his side, Konoha's future would no longer be dictated by fear or internal strife. Instead, it would be forged by strength, strategy, and unity.