The air in the conference room on the top floor of the Hokage Building was so thick it felt like you could wring water out of it.
Sunlight streamed through the newly replaced, bright windowpanes, but it couldn't dispel the tension and solemnity that permeated the area around the long table.
The air here still carried the lingering scent of the Hiruzen Sarutobi era yesterday, but it has been completely cleansed overnight.
The spotless tabletops reflected a cold, hard light, and every chair was arranged meticulously.
All of this was personally overseen by Mikoto Uchiha, whose Uchiha clansmen were transformed into a completely new sanctuary, breaking with the past, using almost harsh standards.
Chiyo Uchiha sat in the main seat, his dark-colored Kagami Robe seemingly absorbing all the surrounding light, making him the undisputed focus of the entire space.
He didn't speak immediately, but instead slowly swept his deep, star-like eyes over everyone present.
Wherever his gaze fell, no one dared to look him in the eye for long; they all involuntarily lowered their heads slightly or looked away.
On the left are ninjas represented by Shimura Danzō, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu.
Danzo like a withered tree, his single eye drooping, his cane leaning against him, revealing no emotion whatsoever, as if he had completely resigned himself to his fate.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, on the other hand, felt like they were sitting on pins and needles, with fine beads of cold sweat seeping from their foreheads.
The reason they were sitting here was not because they still had much value, but more like decorations used to temporarily stabilize the situation after Chiyo became Hokage. Their embarrassment and unease were almost palpable.
On the right side lies the true foundation of Konoha's current strength.
Hyuga Clan Leader Hyuga Sakon slightly opened his Byakugan.
Shikaku Nara looked lazy, Choza Akimichi had a serious expression.
Inoichi Yamanaka has sharp eyes, while Aburame Shibi is like a transparent person, with an extremely low presence.
The Kurama Murakumo could not hide their excitement.
They represent the new power structure in Konoha, their expressions conveying a mixture of expectation, scrutiny, and a cautious assessment of the new order.
Minato Namikaze sat a little further away, his expression calm, his clear blue eyes revealing his true self. He had already accepted his place.
Hatake Sakumo was like a silent rock, his Anbu mask concealing all his expressions, only his straight back revealing his unwavering loyalty.
"The meeting is in session."
Chiyo's voice broke the silence; it wasn't loud, but it struck everyone's heart like cold jade, carrying an unquestionable authority.
He didn't use any questions and went straight to the point.
"The first item Hokage's Personal Guard."
His gaze fell on a Anbu Captain who was originally in charge of this matter, and the man immediately tensed up.
"Effective immediately, the original guard unit is disbanded, and all members will undergo a re-examination."
I personally selected the new guard.
There are only three standards: absolute strength, absolute loyalty, and absolute obedience. Any questions?
The squad Captain felt an invisible pressure gripping his throat, and immediately stood up, bowing in response.
"No problem at all! I will obey the orders of the Lord Fourth!"
He didn't even dare to ask about the review standards and procedures; in the face of absolute authority, there was no room for bargaining.
"The second item, the 'root' part."
Chiyo's gaze shifted to Danzo, who looked like a clay sculpture.
The atmosphere in the conference room instantly became even more oppressive.
The "Root" is Konoha's deepest shadow, an absolute private army that Konoha has been operating externally for many years. Everyone present has heard of its darkness and cruelty.
Danzo slowly raised his single eye, his gaze meeting Chiyo's for a brief moment.
His gaze was submissive, and then he lowered it again.
"All members and resources of 'Root' are at the Fourth Hokage's command at any time."
His voice was dry and hoarse, yet incredibly fluent, as if stating a self-evident fact.
The overly smooth transaction caused a flicker of disbelief and astonishment to cross the eyes of Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
The command of this Root, which had only been in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hands for a short time, was suddenly taken away.
But they dared not reveal a single word.
Chiyo nodded slightly, his tone calm yet containing an unquestionable final judgment.
"The core functions of the 'roots' remain unchanged, still responsible for intelligence infiltration, special assassinations, and strategic deterrence outside the village."
However, all their action plans, mission objectives, and personnel transfers must be reported directly to me alone.
Effective immediately, all existing plans for monitoring, purging, and 'self-destruction' targeting personnel within Konoha are permanently terminated.
Any internal action not personally approved by me shall be considered treason."
"Yes."
Everyone agreed without any reaction.
In just a few words, Konoha's darkest blade has been completely subdued, and from now on, only Chiyo's hand can decide where it points.
A few very faint, relieved sighs echoed in the conference room, especially from the family representatives who had previously clashed with Danzo or the Root family.
"The third item, the Anbu."
Chiyo's gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Hatake Sakumo remained silent throughout.
" Captain Sakumo."
"Exist."
Sakumo's voice came through the mask, steady and powerful.
"The structure, functions, and command system of the Anbu will remain unchanged, and you will continue to have full command and responsibility."
Chiyo's voice was slightly more relaxed than the previous two.
"I have no doubt about your loyalty, competence, and integrity."
Maintaining order within the village, eliminating hidden dangers, and monitoring all directions still require you and the members of the Anbu to diligently perform your duties.
These words stand in stark contrast to the complete takeover of the "roots".
This demonstrates a high degree of trust and respect for Sakumo and his Anbu.
It has firmly grasped both the sharpest "spear" and the strongest "shield".
Everyone present understood that the new Hokage's methods far exceeded their expectations.
Sakumo nodded emphatically, his eyes, hidden behind the mask, remained as sharp as ever.
" The Anbu will live up to the Fourth Hokage's trust! We are willing to be the shield of Konoha, sweeping away all darkness!"
"At last!"
Chiyo's voice suddenly rose a few decibels, drawing everyone's attention back.
"It's about reforming the Hokage Advisor system."
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu's hearts clenched suddenly.
They knew the moment that would decide their ultimate fate had arrived.
"The old advisory system!"
Chiyo's words were merciless, carrying a cold, critical tone.
"Originating from temporary measures taken First and second generations, these measures have long since become rigid and corrupt."
Relying on personal seniority and personal connections with the Hokage can easily lead to decision-making within small cliques, becoming detached from reality, inefficient, and more prone to corruption driven by lust for power.
It is no longer suitable for the current development needs of Konoha.
Homura and Koharu's faces turned deathly pale instantly, their lips trembling, but they couldn't utter a sound.
"Effective immediately, the existing advisor positions are abolished."
Chiyo directly sentenced the old system to death.
Before everyone could process his decision, he presented an entirely new plan.
"Establish a ' Hokage Cabinet ' system. The people who assist the Hokage, that is, the Inner Cabinet, should consist of three permanent members."
"One representative, jointly nominated by all the major clans, represents the interests, wisdom, and power of each clan in Konoha, ensuring that the clan's voice reaches the higher-ups."
His gaze swept over Shikaku Nara, Hyuga Sakon, and the others.
"One ninja is elected by a vote of the regular Jonin Commander, all Chunin, and Special Jōnin, representing the common will and demands of the vast majority of Konoha ninjas, and ensuring the rights and interests of rank-and-file ninjas."
"One representative, democratically elected by the Konoha Representative Assembly, represents the well-being and aspirations of ordinary citizens and ensures the stability of Konoha's foundation for prosperity."
" Inner Cabinet duties: to assist me in handling daily administrative affairs, to collect and organize information and proposals from all parties, to conduct preliminary discussions and debates on major issues, and to provide at least two feasible solutions. The Cabinet has the final decision-making and veto power."
Chiyo's gaze sharpened as he slowly swept across the entire room.
"Forever in my hands."
This system is ingeniously and powerfully designed.
While it appears to be a decentralized democracy, it actually shifts the source of the advisors' power from the Hokage's personal likes and dislikes to the nominations of various interest groups, and incorporates them into an institutionalized and standardized framework, greatly weakening individual influence.
At the same time, the firm control over the final decision-making power ensured Chiyo's absolute authority.
It appeased all parties involved, improved decision-making efficiency, and completely eliminated the drawbacks of the old-style advisory system, which became too powerful to control.
A long silence fell over the meeting room.
Everyone is rapidly considering the profound impact of these new rules.
Finally, a surprising light shone in Shikaku Nara's eyes, and he was the first to stand up, praising him sincerely.
" The Fourth Hokage is truly insightful! This system gathers diverse opinions while clearly defining responsibilities. It not only encourages open discussion but also ensures efficient decision-making. It is indeed a brilliant strategy for balancing all parties and consolidating rule!"
Shikaku Nara, representing the Nara Clan, gives his full support!
He sees things most clearly; this is almost the most perfect system design under the current circumstances.
Hyuga Sakon nodded slowly.
" The Hyuga Clan seconded this proposal. This system is fair and just, and we are convinced of its validity."
Aburame Shibi.
I second that.
Kurama Murakumo exclaimed excitedly.
" The Kurama Clan has no objection!"
Representatives from the other two families, Ino-Shika-Cho, as well as other families, also expressed their support.
Minato Namikaze nodded in agreement.
"A very well-established system that can maximize the cohesion of the village."
Even Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, under immense pressure and a clear understanding of their own situation, had no choice but to bow their heads and acknowledge the situation.
"I obey the orders of the Fourth Hokage."
They at least preserved some form of participation, even though power had been completely stripped away.
"Very good."
Chiyo stood up and made the final decision.
"The specific nomination rules and procedures will be drafted by Shikaku Nara, with Inoichi Yamanaka and Choza Akimichi as assistants. A detailed plan should be submitted to me for review within three days. Meeting adjourned."
There was no dragging things out, no pointless arguments.
The meeting concluded in an efficient, calm, and even slightly high-pressure atmosphere.
Everyone bowed and, with their own distinct feelings, silently left the meeting room one by one.
Everyone knows that the rules of the power struggle in Konoha have been completely rewritten from this moment on.
When Chiyo stepped into the Hokage's Office alone, it had been completely transformed.
The documents were meticulously categorized and filed, the brand-new office supplies were neatly arranged, and a faint sandalwood scent filled the air, replacing the previous smell of tobacco.
The view outside the window is expansive and bathed in sunlight.
The green plants placed in the corner are full of vitality.
Mikoto's thoughtfulness and consideration permeated every corner, silently supporting him.
Chiyo sat down behind that large desk and truly began to experience "the daily life of Hokage ".
Scroll and documents were silently delivered by members of the Anbu, and he would review them before taking them away.
Patrol reports from border outposts, summaries of task completion at all levels, applications for resource allocation and budget, document filings submitted by various families, and even selected petitions from villagers...
The tasks were numerous and trivial, coming in like a tidal wave, affecting every cog in the machine of the village.
Chiyo made decisions extremely quickly.
His mind is like the most sophisticated instrument, with highly concentrated mental energy. He can instantly grasp the core of a problem with a glance, weigh the pros and cons, and make the most accurate and efficient instructions.
His powerful chakra reserves and control allowed him to remain tireless even when faced with such intense work.
But this sense of dominance—the ability to strategize from afar and win battles from afar—is completely different from the feeling of overwhelming force on the battlefield.
It is a deeper power that tests patience and wisdom even more.
"Absolute power means absolute responsibility, and also... endless trivialities."
He put down his pen, tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, and looked out the window at the sky gradually turning twilight.
"Destroying the old world certainly requires power, but building and ruling the new world requires far more than that."
When Chiyo finished her first day of official Hokage duties and left the Hokage Building, night had fallen and the stars were just beginning to appear.
However, the scene before him made him pause slightly.
The main road of Konoha in front of us has been transformed into a sea of joy!
Countless lanterns and colorful lights illuminated the streets as bright as day, and banners and ribbons celebrating the inauguration of the Fourth Hokage were hung at the door of every household.
Shops rushed to put up signs with slogans like "Bestowed by the Hokage," "Gratitude Sale," and "Long Live the Fourth Hokage," offering astonishing discounts.
The air was filled with the mixed aromas of grilled meat, takoyaki, candy, and alcohol, while cheerful folk music mingled with the laughter and chatter of the crowd, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Children frolicked and played among the crowd, clutching free candy and toy windmills. The ninjas, too, shed their usual seriousness and gathered in small groups at taverns and stalls, drinking heartily.
This is a catharsis after experiencing the ravages of war, the most direct feedback on the sense of security brought by the powerful new leader, and a fervent yearning for a better life in the Mirai.
For them, Chiyo's appointment was the greatest blessing.
A faint, genuine smile played on Chiyo's lips as she slowly walked into the bustling market.
Wherever he went, the crowds parted to make way for him, just as Moses parted the sea, and then erupted into even more enthusiastic cheers.
" The Fourth Hokage!"
Congratulations!
"Long live the Lord Hokage!"
"..."
Countless eyes were focused on him, filled with almost devout awe and respect.
He nodded slightly, his steps measured.
Just then, something unexpected happened!
A slender figure dressed in ninja attire stumbled out of a beautifully decorated flower shop nearby, seemingly in a great hurry.
She clutched tightly to a bouquet of freshly selected and wrapped red roses, blooming like flames.
She lowered her head, seemingly trying to avoid the crowded throng, but she stumbled and crashed straight into Chiyo!
"Ah!"
The girl let out a short gasp, about to crash into the Hokage's arms.
In the shadows behind Chiyo, the aura of the Hokage's guards momentarily solidified, but seeing that Chiyo made no move, they vanished instantly.
Chiyo didn't move his feet, but simply raised his hand, and a gentle chakra invisibly supported the girl's shoulders, stabilizing her figure.
Kurenai Yuhi raised her head and saw the deep, calm face of the person before her and the black robe that symbolized his Hokage status.
Her brain went blank, and her pretty face turned bright red in an instant, as if it were about to bleed.
Like a startled rabbit, she abruptly took a step back, instinctively hiding the bright red roses behind her back in a flustered manner.
But this action appeared incredibly clumsy and conspicuous under the watchful eyes of everyone.
"H... Hokage... Teacher...!"
Her voice stammered from extreme nervousness, and her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of her chest.
She was originally having a meal with her friends, including Anko and Shizune, at a nearby Barbecue Restaurant when she got caught up in the festive atmosphere outside.
Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps it was the long-suppressed emotions finally bursting forth, but she inexplicably rushed into the flower shop and used her hard-earned pocket money to buy the largest, reddest, and most straightforward bouquet of roses.
She had only dared to hope to catch a glimpse of her beloved teacher's heroic figure after becoming Hokage from afar, never expecting to bump into him in such an embarrassing way.
The surrounding crowd fell silent instantly, all eyes curiously focused on this unexpected incident.
From the window of Barbecue Restaurant not far away, Mitarashi Anko and the others peered out, their faces filled with surprise and ambiguous smiles.
Seeing her so embarrassed she was almost fainting, and glancing at the bouquet of roses she was trying to hide but which only became more conspicuous, Chiyo spoke gently, breaking the deadlock.
"Oh, it's Hong. Why are you in such a hurry? Is something wrong?"
"I... I..."
Kurenai Yuhi felt her cheeks burning, her mind went blank, and the gazes around her made her feel uneasy.
Driven by a tremendous mix of shyness, impulsiveness, and a reckless courage, she abruptly shoved the bouquet of roses hidden behind her back into Chiyo's arms.
He lowered his head deeply and spoke loudly with all his might.
"This... this is for you, teacher! Congratulations on becoming Hokage!"
After saying that, she didn't dare to look up at Chiyo's expression, nor did she dare to face the surrounding gazes that instantly turned amused and jeering.
Turning around, he looked like a cat whose tail had been burned, covering his face.
With the speed of Body Flicker Technique, she vanished into the gaps in the crowd with a "whoosh," leaving behind only a faint, sweet fragrance belonging to a young girl and a bunch of delicate, luscious roses.
Chiyo paused slightly, looking down at the bouquet of roses in his arms, so passionate and fiery, so out of place with the solemn celebratory atmosphere around him and his own dark fourth-generation Kagami Robe.
He could even feel the lingering dampness and warmth on the petals from when the girl had gripped them tightly.
Looking up again in the direction where the Kurenai Yuhi disappeared, and hearing the villagers' good-natured laughter and whispers of "We all understand" and "It's so good to be young."
He couldn't help but chuckle, gently shaking his head and letting out a soft, helpless sigh.
"It's so good to be young..."
He naturally and clearly sensed Hong's almost unspoken, fervent, yet clumsy, feelings.
This sentiment is pure and beautiful, yet it also makes him feel a little awkward, given that his emotional relationships are already quite "rich" and "complex".
He couldn't very well throw away the flowers the students gave him in front of the whole village, could he?
Thus, under the ambiguous, curious, and well-meaning gazes of the crowd...
The Fourth Hokage of Konoha, Chiyo Uchiha, could only manage a slightly helpless yet subtly gentle smile.
Clutching that extremely eye-catching bouquet of red roses, he continued his street parade, becoming a unique and interesting sight in tonight's revelry.
The nights in Konoha are scorching with the revelry of power transitions, and tinged with a captivating crimson by the undisguised secrets of young girls.
at the same time.
Deep underground, in a cave of absolute darkness and deathly silence.
The withered fingers of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path hung limply, like the dome supporting the entire hell.
Countless twisted white pipes, like parasitic vines, entwined around the decaying body that sat atop Gunbai in the center.
White Zetsu's twisted, mocking voice, which seemed to thrive on chaos, had barely faded away.
It gesticulated wildly and exaggerated everything that happened in Konoha.
The report covered everything in detail, from how Chiyo Uchiha ascended the throne, how he swiftly reformed the system, how he confiscated the "Root" organization, how he established a new Inner Cabinet system, to the street revelry and the amusing anecdote about that little bouquet of roses.
The cave was plunged into a deathly silence deeper and more suffocating than ever before.
Only the faint hum of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path transmitting energy sounded like a countdown to death.
For a long, long time.
The decaying body, which seemed to have long since turned to fossils, moved extremely slightly.
The fingers, withered like twigs, curled up unconsciously, then slowly relaxed.
Madara Uchiha slowly opened his tightly closed eyes.
There was not a single ray of light, except for those two scarlet Sharingan, which emitted an eerie glow in the absolute darkness.
"... Uchiha... Hokage?"
His deep, hoarse voice slowly rose, dry as two rusty iron pieces rubbing against each other, each syllable carrying an extremely complex and indescribable charm.
There was undisguised astonishment in his voice, as if he had heard the most absurd joke in the world.
There was a deep-seated, bone-chilling mockery and disdain for the past.
Painful memories of family and village, long buried by the dust of time, are suddenly stirred up.
There is another kind...
A ripple that was extremely subtle yet real, one that even he himself had not anticipated.
In the depths of that heart, which was thought to have seen through everything and was as cold as ancient ice, a gentle ripple stirred.
That family he once betrayed, believing their bloodline was incompatible with the hypocritical village created by the Senju, and destined to descend into extremes and destruction amidst suspicion and oppression...
That family he asserted could never be truly accepted, whose power would only inspire fear, not respect...
now...
Someone actually reached the pinnacle of that position through absolute power and prestige?
He became the leader of Konohagakure?
The Hokage of the Uchiha?
White Zetsu seemed to think it wasn't exciting enough, and added with a grin.
"Yes, yes, Lord Madara! Konoha is bustling with activity right now!"
Everyone's celebrating! That Chiyo Uchiha seems to be quite popular!
This is completely different from what we initially expected!
Ban fell silent.
His gaze was fixed on the void ahead, as if piercing through layers of rocks and earth, clearly "seeing" the village thousands of miles away, brightly lit, Hokage the Uchiha.
He "saw" the neat streets, the bustling crowds, the smiling faces of children, and the new Uchiha faces being carved on the Hokage Rock.
Distant memories flooded my mind uncontrollably.
The pain and resolve of breaking with Hashirama at the Valley of the End; the loneliness and unwavering belief when leaving Konoha alone; countless schemes in the darkness, believing that only the " Moon's Eye " was the ultimate destiny for the Uchiha and this world...
He firmly believed that the Uchiha's path could only be redeemed through complete destruction and reconstruction.
But now, a junior named Chiyo Uchiha seems to be embarking on a completely different path, one he never imagined—
It wasn't leaving, it wasn't destruction, but conquest, domination, and seemingly...
Has it won people's hearts?
An extremely complex emotion spread through Ban's heart. It wasn't joy, nor was it agreement; it was more like...
The frustration of his disrupted plans, mixed with a hint of skepticism about the "possibility," and deep down, something he himself was unwilling to admit—
A slight wavering.
Could it be...?
Is there another way to walk the path of the Uchiha?
Could it be...?
Hashirama's foolish dream, in such a bizarre way, has been somewhat realized in the Uchiha Hashirama?
impossible!
This must be a false prosperity!
It's a bigger conspiracy!
It's a fleeting illusion before falling into deeper despair!
Madara Uchiha closed his eyes, forcibly suppressing the unease that shouldn't have arisen.
The aura emanating from him became even colder and more deathly, even carrying a more resolute killing intent.
" Chiyo Uchiha..."
He repeated the name in a low voice, his tone becoming increasingly unpredictable and dangerous, as if he wanted to crush the name between his teeth.
"An interesting junior... but your so-called rule is nothing but a rootless duckweed."
This desperate world needs no more hypocritical rulers.
"Only Eternity dream is the only reality and peace."
When he opened his eyes again, all that remained was a pure, cold indifference and determination that could annihilate everything.
" White Zetsu."
"Yes, Lord Madara!"
"I need to monitor him. I need to know everything about him—the source of his power, his purpose, his...weakness."
"Got it~! Hehe, something fun to do again!~"
The cave fell into an absolute, chilling silence once more.
Only the silent killing intent, like the ever-growing darkness, grew stronger and deeper.
The revelry in Konoha and the deadly threat in the distance seem to form the initial counterpoint of this new era.