Sakumo's worries!
A few days later, at the Hokage Building!
An encrypted intelligence message traveled through the war-torn Land of Rain and reached Kagami Uchiha's hands.
Sitting upright in his chair, Kagami Uchiha quickly opened the letter, read it intently, and while his expression remained calm, a hint of contemplation flickered in his eyes.
Several years ago, he secretly wrote to Kakuzu, instructing him to search for Akatsuki members who would later stir up trouble in the Land of Rain. Kakuzu was as reliable as ever.
Over the years, he has come to know Kakuzu very well. Although he may grumble and curse, he never hesitates in his actions.
As expected, Kakuzu lived up to expectations, not only bringing all three future leaders of the Akatsuki under his wing, but also establishing the Akatsuki as instructed, and becoming its leader.
This old fellow, to have survived from the Warring States Period to the present day, he must have some skills.
It wasn't in vain that I instilled so many advanced concepts in him that Genin world. Who knows, Kakuzu might Kakuzu surprise me in the future!
Unlike the hasty founding by Yahiko in the original work, where the Akatsuki was hastily established, its members were restless and its foundation was weak, the current Akatsuki was founded by Kakuzu, a veteran Kage Level ninja. All of its members were carefully trained by Kakuzu and the Elite Ninja sent by Konoha. Compared to the original work, the current Akatsuki is much stronger.
Not to mention, they had Kagami Uchiha, the Hokage of Konoha, supporting them.
Moreover, Yahiko, Nagato, Konan had been subtly instilled with Kakuzu's ideas over Kakuzu years, and the three of them had spent time with Kakuzu in the chaotic world, supporting each other day and night, and had long since established a deep bond.
They witnessed firsthand the rampant slaughter in the Land of Rain by powerful nations, and how Hanzō, driven by his own ambitions, manipulated the entire population of the Land of Rain. Every day, they listened to Kakuzu's grand aspirations to save the world and establish a righteous path. After years of trials, they had developed a deep respect for Kakuzu, as well as absolute trust and unwavering loyalty to him.
To put it bluntly, if Kakuzu were to harbor ulterior motives in the future, the Akatsuki from the original story, along with Nagato Uzumaki's Rinnegan, would make even Konoha, led by Kagami Uchiha, think twice.
Thinking about it carefully, more than a decade has passed since Kakuzu was captured. It's about time he witnessed the power of his Hokage once again...
Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Kagami Uchiha slowly stood up, walked to the window, and gazed through the glass at the peaceful Konoha in the distance.
By the Konoha Year 36, the older generation of Konoha's power had matured. The Bronze Generation, including Shimura Danzō Hiruzen Sarutobi, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, were in their prime; the Silver Generation, Hatake Sakumo, Orochimaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya, had also grown up.
The successors of the various ninja clans of the Golden Generation are about to graduate from the Ninja Academy, and Minato Namikaze, on whom he has placed high hopes, is also growing up well.
The Platinum Generation, led by Kakashi Hatake Genma Shiranui, Kurenai Yuhi, Gatekeeper Izumo Kamizuki, Kotetsu Hagane, and the future Might Guy, Might Guy, and others have all been born. A month ago, Hiruzen Sarutobi's Young Son, Asuma Sarutobi, was also born, and I heard that a full-month celebration was held a couple of days ago.
Only the future Kakashi Hatake and the most Shinobi World Obito Uchiha...
Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha... he was naturally warm-hearted, kind, gentle, loyal, and harbored the purest tenderness for his comrades and a longing for peace in his heart. He was someone who craved bonds and cherished his comrades.
In this respect, he is exactly the same as his predecessor Nawaki and his successor Naruto Uzumaki.
Yet, ironically, he was also the one most deeply tormented by fate.
He possesses the bloodline of the Uchiha and the ultimate talent of the Sharingan. His aptitude would be unparalleled even in the thousand-year history of the Uchiha.
He awakened the Two-Tomoe Sharingan the moment he saw Kakashi being attacked. Putting aside his character, his talent far surpasses that of the reincarnation of Indra in later generations.
Such a person was manipulated by Madara Uchiha, causing him to do many heartbreaking things. However, in Kagami Uchiha's opinion, Obito's later actions truly just about creating a world with Rin?
Perhaps that's not entirely true; maybe they just don't want to see his own tragedy repeat itself?
Enough of thinking about it. In this Shinobi World, even villains have their own reasons for doing what they do, and they are all practicing their own Ninja Way.
Perhaps, I'll have a chance to wake that Uchiha ghost from his dream!
Madara Uchiha was also a person with lofty ideals, but...
With this thought in mind, Kagami Uchiha sighed softly and stopped his wild thoughts.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
"Lord Hokage! Lord Sakumo requests an audience." A voice from an Anbu came from outside the door.
"Oh? Let him in." Kagami Uchiha said calmly without giving it much thought.
Squeak--
As the office door was pushed open, a gust of cold wind rushed in.
Hatake Sakumo strode in. In the past, this Konoha's White Fang always stood tall and straight, his brows filled with confidence and sharpness.
But today, his expression revealed an undeniable weariness, his eyes were tinged with a faint bluish-black tinge, and his once sharp gaze had dimmed considerably.
Hatake Sakumo straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes, his expression somber and uneasy, and said, "Teacher, Yukihō's health isn't good, I..."
Upon hearing this, Kagami Uchiha turned around, his expression solemn, and slowly asked, "What did the Doctor say?"
"The Doctor said that Yukihō was already physically weak, and now that she's pregnant, her body is even more depleted. I'm really sad to see her getting thinner and thinner every day, teacher." Sakumo's eyes gradually reddened, and his voice choked with sobs.
Looking at his disciple, who had always been so strong, now looking so haggard, Kagami Uchiha couldn't help but feel a pang of pity.
Sakumo was taken in as his disciple when he was ten years old, and he watched him grow up step by step. When Sakumo was young, the two of them spent every day together, and after many years, they had become like father and son.
Now...
With this thought in mind, Kagami Uchiha stepped forward, raised his hand and gently patted Sakumo's shoulder, speaking softly, "Don't worry, Sakumo, the Doctor only said that Yukihō's body is weak, it's not an incurable disease."
"As long as she takes good care of herself, I think she'll get better. Hmm... Tsunade is still in the Land of Rain, so she probably can't go back to the village."
"In that case, I will inform Koharu and have her Medical Department send their top medical-nin to take good care of Yukihō."
"Also, don't leave the village during this time. Just stay home and keep Yukihō."
Upon hearing this, Hatake Sakumo was immediately moved, knelt on one knee, and sobbed softly, "Teacher, thank you! I..."
"Alright, is there any need for further words between us? Go now and spend time with your wife. I'll visit her when I have time," Kagami Uchiha said calmly.
The wind and snow continued to fall outside the window, and this teacher and student were enjoying a rare moment of tender time together.