To Repay My Debts, I'll Become Hokage!

Minato and Chonhua listened to the lecture with such focus and dedication that Tsunade nodded in satisfaction.

She clapped her hands together. "Alright, students, today's lesson is finished. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Uchiha Chonhua took the initiative, firing off several questions in succession.

Tsunade explained them one by one, casting a surprised glance at Uchiha Chonhua; being able to ask such questions meant he had truly taken the lesson to heart.

After a while, seeing that the students had no further questions, Tsunade announced, "Class dismissed. Everyone, be safe on your way home."

"Yay!"

Nawaki jolted, snapping out of his lethargic state.

This torturous lesson had finally come to an end.

Chapter 10: Undercurrents

Beneath the towering Hokage Rock, the Hokage office building stood tall.

Sarutobi Hiruzen puffed on his pipe while attending to his work.

At this time, he was not as aged or frail as he would later become; on the contrary, he appeared tall and robust.

He was currently reviewing the evaluations of students submitted by the Ninja Academy instructors.

"Minato, truly a child worthy of Jiraiya's high expectations."

Sarutobi Hiruzen finished reading Kinoshita's evaluation of Namikaze Minato, thinking that such praise was only natural given the boy's excellence.

And Uchiha Chonhua, who could even hold his own against Namikaze Minato, was held in even higher regard by Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Uchiha... Chonhua."

Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a cloud of smoke, his features obscured within the swirling mist.

The teachers' evaluations of Uchiha Chonhua were filled with nothing but praise; compared to Minato, the accolades for Uchiha Chonhua were even more abundant.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had observed Uchiha Chonhua using the Telescope Technique.

The more he observed, the more he discovered just how exceptional Uchiha Chonhua was.

He was simply too outstanding—whether in his conduct toward others or in his ninja training and studies; gentle, humble, polite...

He hardly seemed like a member of the Uchiha clan at all.

However, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not fall into the trap of fixed stereotypes.

He was the Hokage, the leader of the village, and the patriarch to everyone within it.

Whether they were commoners or children of the clans, they were all comrades and family he had to protect.

To Sarutobi Hiruzen, the choice between a peaceful Uchiha and a deranged one was self-evident.

"He chose the Ninja Academy instead of the Military Police Force..."

Everyone craves talented individuals, and Sarutobi Hiruzen, as Hokage, desired them even more.

Especially talent that could work for him and help him break through certain barriers—that was even more precious.

The Military Police Force was essentially a mouthpiece for the Uchiha clan, making it difficult for Sarutobi Hiruzen to influence their internal affairs.

But Uchiha Chonhua had chosen the Ninja Academy.

As the principal of the Ninja Academy, he could influence many things.

For instance, ninjas who graduated from the Ninja Academy were more favored by Sarutobi Hiruzen, found it easier to gain promotions, and with the right maneuvering, it wouldn't be difficult for them to become confidants of the Third Hokage or even enter the direct-reporting Anbu.

He didn't waive tuition and entrance exams for clan children at the Ninja Academy just to perform charity.

It was to subtly dilute the influence of their clans and deepen their identity as ninjas of Konoha, ensuring they didn't limit themselves to their bloodlines but became true parts of the village.

To contribute to the village, and to serve him, the Hokage.

Simply put, to become supporters of the Hokage faction!

This was what Sarutobi Hiruzen hoped for and what he wanted.

"I hope you can be like Kagami, rising above your clan with the village in your heart. Do not let me down."

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't just focus on Uchiha Chonhua; aside from him, all the other children of ninja clans were under his watch.

And Uchiha Chonhua was simply the most outstanding among these children under observation.

Knock, knock.

"Lord Hokage, the advisor has arrived."

The voice of an Anbu made Sarutobi Hiruzen look up from his paperwork. He looked over in confusion as Shimura Danzō pushed open the door and walked in.

"Danzō, is something the matter?"

Shimura Danzō, not yet the one-eyed man he would become, had a sinister gaze and a vigorous stride as he approached Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Reports from the Root Division indicate that Salamander Hanzo of Amegakure is making suspicious moves."

"He is currently assembling a shinobi force and heading north."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turned solemn upon hearing this: "Heading north—is he launching a war against the Land of Grass?"

Shimura Danzō replied: "The Land of Grass has no desire to face Salamander Hanzo, and it seems Salamander Hanzo has no intention of starting a war with them either. They are marching at high speed and have already bypassed the Land of Grass, entering the territory of the Land of Waterfalls."

Sarutobi Hiruzen turned his gaze toward the map of the shinobi world on the wall, his eyes fixed firmly on a nation located to the north of the Land of Waterfalls.

That was the land of the samurai.

"The atmosphere in the shinobi world is quite restless lately. I have heard that voices calling for war to plunder resources are growing louder within other shinobi villages."

"That is indeed the case," Shimura Danzō said. "Konoha currently claims seventy percent of the mission rewards in the shinobi world. The others are fighting over the remaining thirty percent, which is nowhere near enough to sustain their villages. At the same time, there are voices within the Daimyo Mansions of other nations calling for disarmament and budget cuts."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed: "It is a troubled autumn."

As the calls for war within the shinobi villages grew louder, the Daimyo Mansions were becoming increasingly pained and dissatisfied, having to increase funding while mission rewards dwindled.

Not every nation possessed the superior environment and resources of the Land of Fire, which could achieve self-sufficiency without any issues.

With one side waning and the other waxing, the sparks of war were burning ever brighter.

"Salamander Hanzo must be after the mineral resources of the Land of Iron."

If one were preparing for war, the mineral wealth of the Land of Iron would be of the greatest help to Salamander Hanzo among the northern nations. It was a logical deduction that this was the target of his rapid march.

"Hiruzen, if this continues, war will be unavoidable. While they are preoccupied with their own affairs, we could take the initiative and strike."

Shimura Danzō's eyes glinted with malice: "After more than a decade of recuperation, it is time to let the shinobi world know the sharpness of the first shinobi village, Konoha!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, rejecting Shimura Danzō's suggestion.

"I was the one who led the signing of the End-of-War Treaty. We cannot be the first to break it."

That was the First Shinobi World War, the End-of-War Treaty that Sarutobi Hiruzen had pushed through immediately after ascending to the position of Hokage.

In the First Shinobi World War, Konoha lost the Second Hokage, Cloud Village lost the Second Raikage, and the Second Kage of both the Mist Village and Iwagakure perished together. Only Sunagakure had not participated in the First Shinobi World War, choosing to develop in silence.

When the End-of-War Treaty was first proposed by Sarutobi Hiruzen, the various shinobi villages did not agree at first, but they did not disagree either.

Eventually, through fits and starts of fighting and negotiation, it was successfully implemented, becoming an important symbol of the end of the First Shinobi World War.

That was the achievement of Sarutobi Hiruzen in ending the war, a feat for which he was praised. If he were to launch a war now and break the very treaty he had introduced, his praise would turn to scorn in an instant.

Would he not then become a man of no integrity, a villain who broke his word?

"Let them fight among themselves. As long as it does not involve Konoha, it is none of our business."

Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled: "Learn from the Second Kazekage. No matter how chaotic the outside world becomes, I remain unmoved. My Land of Fire is rich in produce and can be self-sufficient. Danzō, we should not be the ones worrying."

"Is that abundance not exactly what they lack?" Shimura Danzō sneered: "Hiruzen, you will regret this when they turn their blades toward us!"

"Whoever attacks Konoha, I will make them regret it."

In the prime of his life, Sarutobi Hiruzen was not afraid of trouble: "Danzō, increase intelligence gathering on other nations."

Shimura Danzō frowned. Sarutobi Hiruzen's commanding tone made him feel uncomfortable, but the other man was the Hokage, and he was merely an advisor.

"Understood, Hiruzen."

Shimura Danzō left. As he walked out of the room, he glanced back at the seat that belonged to the Hokage, a deep sense of jealousy and regret flashing in his heart.

Hiruzen, if only I had stepped forward back then... the one giving the orders now would be me.

If only he had stepped forward...

Chapter 11: Hanzo: I am just that brave of a man!

"It is said that a war has broken out in the Land of Iron."

"I heard. It is Salamander Hanzo of Amegakure. After so many years of peace, why has a war suddenly broken out?"

An Uchiha drinking sake sneered: "War has always existed, whether large or small. I, for one, hope Salamander Hanzo is capable enough to spread the war to the entire shinobi world."

"That would be wonderful if it were true."

Another Uchiha laughed excitedly: "We Uchiha must go to the battlefield to slaughter, to let the shinobi world know the great name of the Uchiha clan! To know the power of the Sharingan!"

"That is right. Regardless, the expansion of war is a good thing for us. This is an opportunity for the Uchiha clan. With our powerful strength, we will surely be able to use our achievements on the battlefield to seize the position of Hokage!"

"Your tempura has arrived."

Uchiha Chonhua set the tempura down, interrupting the conversation at the table of Uchiha clansmen.

Hearing what these Uchiha clansmen were saying, he rolled his eyes inwardly, feeling speechless.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was in the prime of his life; how could they think that gaining achievements on the battlefield would be enough to seize the position of Hokage?

Uchiha Chonhua could not understand the thought process of these people; they were thinking far too simply.

There was no such thing as retirement for a Hokage; unless they stepped down voluntarily, it was essentially a lifetime position.

"Uncle Kenji, please keep your voice down. You are disturbing others."

The man named Uchiha Kenji looked around and, noticing that others were frowning at him, felt a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, oh, we will keep it down."

Uchiha Chonhua departed, and as he did, he overheard a quiet conversation between other members of the Uchiha clan at a nearby table.

"Is war really such a good thing? They're practically rushing to the battlefield."

"Keep your voice down, don't let those people hear you. Instead of talking about peace, they're actively embracing war. The Uchiha are a clan that loves peace; I just hope the Third Hokage isn't influenced by these warmongers..."

So, is it war or is it peace?

Uchiha Chonhua was not surprised; the Uchiha clan had never been united, and it was hardly strange for conflicting ideologies to exist within it.

The news of Salamander Hanzo invading the Land of Iron had caused quite a stir, and while Uchiha Chonhua was helping his family fry tempura on his day off, he had already heard customers discussing the matter back and forth.

Judging by this small glimpse, if the Uchiha clan was like this, then the entirety of Konoha was likely the same, with everyone paying close attention to this war.

After all, the ninja world hadn't seen someone this bold in a long time.

Just as that Uchiha clansman had said, war had always existed, whether large or small.

Localized conflicts were constant; setting aside border frictions between major nations, even civil strife within smaller countries was a common occurrence.

However, an act of overt aggression against another nation, as Salamander Hanzo had done, was rare.

Internal wars in small nations rarely spilled over, as their daimyo could hire ninjas from major nations to extinguish any thoughts of invasion. Yet, Salamander Hanzo had not been deterred by the ninjas of major nations, remaining steadfast in his conviction to invade the Land of Iron.

This gave the war a different significance.

Since the Land of Iron could not stop Salamander Hanzo, they would inevitably hire ninjas from major nations to resist the aggression.

In the past, whenever major nation ninjas were brought in, the aggressors would either abandon their plans or, if they fought, realize they were hopelessly outmatched and unable to withstand the assault. The result was usually a successful S-rank mission, where the ninjas collected their payment and ended the war.

However, the reward for this particular S-rank mission would not be easy to claim.

Salamander Hanzo was no ordinary man; soon, he would make the entire ninja world realize his strength, earning him the title of Demigod.

Konoha could only remain peaceful for a few more years, and there was not much room left for Uchiha Chonhua to grow.

He had to strive to grow, become powerful, and then ride the wind to dance upon the waves of this era!

[That's the spirit, Host. Keep working hard to become Hokage, then pay off your debts and generate revenue!]