It was precisely because he had experienced it firsthand that Uchiha Gen firmly believed such a world could be realized.
Although that world was still imperfect, with many things that were hard to stomach, that was exactly why generation after generation of people would carry the loftiest ideals into desolate deserts and impoverished mountain villages, putting down roots in the harshest places and striving for it.
The smile on Mito Uzumaki's face immediately grew even brighter, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes folding over one another as she spoke:
"How wonderful... Child, this old woman also believes that day will come. But let this old woman tell you something: you need not feel alone anymore, no matter how much this world fails to suit your wishes.
"Hashirama opened this road, and so there came Tobirama, this old woman, Sasuke, and Shota, who walked to Hashirama's side. Then there came Monkey and the others, and now there is all of you, continuing onward in pursuit of this path."
"Mito!"
With a thud, the Third Hokage dropped to his knees before Mito Uzumaki.
He had heard the name of his father, Sarutobi Sasuke.
Seeing the Third Hokage kneel, the crowd behind him followed suit.
Watching this from the corner of his eye, Uchiha Gen immediately knew that he had passed this trial.
Not only had he passed, but he had also received Mito Uzumaki's personal recognition.
The identity of heir to the Will of Fire could now be welded firmly onto him.
"All right, Monkey, get up. You've been Hokage for so many years already—what are you kneeling for?"
"Yes, Mito!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly rose to his feet, his expression complicated as he looked at Mito Uzumaki.
The crowd behind him also stood.
"Little Tsunade, help Grandma up."
"Grandma!"
Tsunade