"Lord Hokage! Lord Hokage!"
Cheers surged like a tide, as if they were going to topple all of Konoha.
The streets were packed on both sides, everyone wearing barely concealed excitement and reverence. Children waved flags, and shinobi bowed in respect, their fervent gazes fixed on the figure leading the village into a new era.
There was only one focus in their hearts: the new Hokage, Uchiha Yoru.
Most people were unfamiliar with Madara, a stranger who had suddenly appeared, and only stole curious glances at him.
The few who recognized Madara's identity merely froze for a moment before choosing to remain silent, burying their feelings deep inside.
Because at that moment, they knew better than anyone: Uchiha Yoru, standing at the front, was the future of the village and its symbol of hope.
Uchiha Yoru calmly surveyed the crowd. His gaze was as serene as water, yet held an unquestionable resolve.
He gave a slight nod in response to their cheers, his expression composed and his bearing steady—an impeccable leader, just as everyone had hoped.
Madara, by contrast, looked distinctly uncomfortable.
His brow furrowed slightly, and a flicker of unfamiliar hesitation passed through his eyes. He didn't fear facing thousands of enemies on the battlefield, but he instinctively resisted this sudden outpouring of enthusiasm.
He didn't return the crowd's gazes or acknowledge the children waving excitedly at him. He merely turned his head away a little and snorted, as if disdainful, or perhaps hiding his discomfort.
"Hmph... Too noisy," he muttered, his tone as cold as ever, though the subtle awkwardness beneath it was hard to miss.
Uchiha Yoru seemed to notice his mood, but only smiled faintly without saying anything.
Amid the fervent cheers, the two walked side by side, one slightly ahead of the other, and eventually