Reform wasn't something you could carry out just because you wanted to.
If a reform truly brought enormous change to the shinobi world, other villages copying it would be the least of their worries.
The Ninja Academy and Anbu systems, for instance, had both been created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. Other ninja villages had copied them one after another. Konoha resented it but could do nothing.
Even the One Country, One Village system had been borrowed from Konoha. Konoha's claim to the shinobi world's most authentic legacy was undeniable.
"The best we old folks can do is help him however we can.
'Where the leaves dance, the fire will burn on.' Haven't you always said that? If things truly turn dire, then it'll be our time to sacrifice ourselves," Utatane Koharu said pointedly.
At this stage of their lives, Konoha mattered more to Koharu and Hiruzen Sarutobi than their own lives. If it was for Konoha's sake, they were willing to die.
Of those who had once believed in the Will of Fire, some had fallen while others still strove to uphold it. They could not accept anything that went against it.
"Where the leaves dance, the fire will burn on," Hiruzen murmured. A faint smile touched his lips. "Yes. Konoha will belong to the young someday. All we can do is hand it over intact to successors who carry the Will of Fire.
I believe Uchiha Yi and the others will carry it forward, just as we did.
If there's truly no other choice, then it'll be our turn to make the sacrifice."
Hiruzen fixed Koharu with an intent gaze. "So, Koharu, are you ready to sacrifice yourself?"
"I've been ready for a long time." Koharu smiled. "When it comes to the Will of Fire, I won't