Third Generation's Considerations, Ryosuke's Decision

"I am already aware of what you have done. To be honest, this is something even I did not anticipate."

The Third Hokage turned to look at Shisui.

"In other words, Konoha really did reach some sort of agreement with the Cloud Ninja, intending to use our Team One to trade for so-called peace? Was all of this a conspiracy from the very beginning?"

Shisui's voice was agitated, and his Sharingan activated involuntarily.

The Third Hokage did not deny it, instead sitting back down in his seat.

"I didn't expect that even the Raikage taking action personally this time would be useless. It seems I truly underestimated you. Therefore, to quell the fallout from this incident, I have decided to make you the Fifth Hokage."

The Third Hokage picked up his pipe, took a puff, and spoke to Shisui.

"Is this also for the sake of peace in Konoha? Does Your Excellency the Hokage hope to mend the rift between Konoha and the Uchiha? And what about the explanation for the Cloud Ninja?"

Shisui said coldly.

"You are correct; that is one of my considerations, but your strength is also plain for all to see. As for the matter with the Cloud Ninja, you can handle that once you have taken office."

The Third Hokage sighed and said.

"I have no right to choose, is that it? I can't help but feel that I am being kidnapped by Your Excellency the Third Hokage under some pretext."

Shisui's tone grew increasingly icy.

"You may refuse this appointment, but if you do, Konoha might take special measures against the Uchiha. This matter was decided by Danzo and the two advisors; even I cannot stop it."

The Third Hokage said helplessly.

"However, I believe that, like Minato, you can understand my dedication to protecting the peace of the village. Once you sit in this position, you will understand."

"I need time to consider."

Shisui did not agree immediately.

"Very well. The next day is your time to rest, but Team One had best not return to the Uchiha side. Otherwise, I cannot say what might happen."

The Third Hokage stared at Shisui and said.

"I understand."

Shisui nodded and vanished from the spot.

After Shisui left, the Hokage's office door was pushed open violently.

Danzo walked in from outside.

"Hiruzen, how could you decide the matter of the Fifth Hokage on your own? Even if you don't want to do it anymore, it should be my turn to be the Fifth Hokage. This time, I will not let you act so arbitrarily again."

Danzo said with a face full of rage.

He only revealed his true self in front of the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage took a puff of his pipe and stood up. "Danzo, I have seen everything you and Root have done for Konoha. I thank you on behalf of the village, but you are not suitable to be the Fifth Hokage."

"On what grounds? Have you gone senile? I am also a disciple of the Second Hokage; I am more qualified than you to be Hokage. It was you who snatched everything from my hands, and now you dare to speak to me like this?"

Danzo was abnormally furious. His two subordinates suddenly appeared behind him, their hands resting on the hilts of their weapons.

With a single word from Danzo, they would not hesitate to strike at the Third Hokage.

But the Third Hokage acted as if he did not see them at all.

"Danzo, you are the same as you were in the past; you simply cannot understand what the 'Will of Fire' is. If Konoha were handed to you, it would quickly become a lifeless, dead tree. You should leave."

The Third Hokage merely glanced back at Danzo.

Danzo's body began to tremble immediately.

"Hiruzen!"

Shisui traveled from the village to the meeting place with Ryosuke and the others.

He mimicked a special bird call, and the three of them jumped down from under the tree.

"Teacher Shisui, how did it go? Did we misunderstand something?" Sanhe was the first to jump out and ask.

Shisui did not speak, instead looking at Ryosuke.

"Ryosuke, the Third Hokage wants me to become the Fifth Hokage. Do you think I should accept this?"

"What?"

"No way, right?"

Sanhe and Miyuki exclaimed at the same time.

This was explosive news; if it reached the Uchiha, it would likely draw the attention of everyone.

Yet, Ryosuke seemed to have anticipated it all along.

"The Third Hokage has played a brilliant move. He can both ease the conflict with the Uchiha and shut the mouths of the Cloud Ninja. However, I cannot decide for you, Teacher Shisui. That depends on your own intentions."

Ryosuke said with a smile.

"I once had the resolve to sacrifice myself for the village, but now that thought seems to have wavered. I don't know if I am suited to be Hokage."

Shisui sighed and looked at the three of them.

"Shisui-sensei, why not? This is a rare opportunity. As long as you become the Fifth Hokage, the Uchiha clansmen will no longer be full of resentment toward the village, and the people of Konoha will stop looking at us with strange eyes."

Sanhe said eagerly.

That was correct; this was the greatest significance of Shisui becoming the Fifth Hokage.

"Sanhe-kun, calm down. Shisui-sensei has his own considerations. Don't try to sway his decision. The problems you mentioned do exist, but even if Shisui-sensei becomes the Fifth Hokage, these are not things that can be solved in a short time."

"Miyuki is right. Furthermore, the power factions in the village are complex. Not to mention the two advisors, there is also Danzo and his Root, and I fear the Third Hokage will not easily relinquish his power or his Anbu."

Shisui said with a bitter smile.

In other words, even if Shisui became the Fifth Hokage, he would only be a figurehead for the time being. He would need to establish his own Anbu and engage in struggles against other power factions; it was not like other villages where the Kage's word was absolute.

"Also, the Third Hokage told us not to return to the Uchiha side for now. Something might have truly happened. The more he insists on that, the more uneasy I feel. So, the three of you stay here for the night, and I will go back to check."

Shisui started to leave, but was stopped by Ryosuke.

"Shisui-sensei, leave this matter to me. I fear the news of you becoming the Fifth Hokage has already reached the Uchiha side. They might take some drastic actions, and it isn't safe here either. You should stay to protect Sanhe and Miyuki."

"Ryosuke?"

"Ryosuke-kun?"

The three of them looked at Ryosuke in surprise.

Shisui was stunned for a moment, but the corners of his mouth immediately curled upward.

"Ryosuke, you truly impress me. This matter as well—very well, I will leave this to you. You must return safely."

Shisui patted Ryosuke on the shoulder and urged him.

Sanhe and Miyuki also cast expectant looks his way.

"Rest assured, I won't die that easily. I will be back before dawn."

After saying this, Ryosuke turned and ran toward the Uchiha compound.

Shisui, Sanhe, and Miyuki went back into hiding.

The three of them exchanged some intelligence and then began to rest.