I Won't Keep This Honor to Myself!

"Hiruzen, come here for a moment," Kagami Uchiha called softly.

"Kagami... you... I..." Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart tightened, and he faltered.

Kagami Uchiha raised a hand toward Hiruzen Sarutobi beside him.

In the square below, thousands of villagers and Konoha Ninja turned to look at him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's stomach knotted.

He could hardly believe Kagami meant to share this honor with him at a ceremony before the entire village.

If he was honest with himself, he did not think he had done much for Konoha.

As a ninja, risking his life for the village was simply his duty.

As a disciple, he had failed to protect his teacher, Tobirama Senju.

As a comrade, he had failed to protect the dear friend who fought beside him.

As a teacher, he had spent so much time establishing Root lately that he had neglected his three students.

Tsunade was one thing. As a Senju, she at least had Lady Mito and the clan elders looking after her.

Orochimaru had thrown himself into research at Kagami's orders. At least he had something worthwhile to do.

But Jiraiya, left to his own devices, kept sneaking into the women's bathhouse. If that went on, the boy... would surely go astray.

The more Hiruzen thought about every failing, the more he felt he had let the village down.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi, Konoha Jonin and disciple of the Second Hokage."

Kagami Uchiha's clear voice rang across the square as he announced Hiruzen's name.

"Since taking charge of Root, he has worked tirelessly, rooting out external threats and maintaining order within the village. His contributions to the village's smooth transition have been invaluable."

"So I've decided to give him a little more responsibility!"

"From this day forward, I nominate Hiruzen Sarutobi to serve as Hokage Advisor, second only to the Hokage!"

Behind them, Shimura Danzō's pupils contracted, and his expression darkened.

Hokage Advisor?

Kagami... you...

Why Hiruzen? What about me?

A brief silence fell over the crowd.

Everyone had their own thoughts. When the Second Hokage had been ambushed years ago, Hiruzen Sarutobi had led the team's retreat. Though Tobirama had cleared his name before his death, doubts still lingered in many hearts.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood frozen, a strained smile on his face. For a moment, he had no idea how to respond.

Kagami Uchiha smiled faintly and spoke up to help him. "We cannot judge a person's entire life by one event in his past."

"Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is recognizing them and changing. We cannot rewrite the past, but we can lay down its burdens and look ahead."

Hiruzen Sarutobi drew a deep breath, pushed down his unease and the ache in his chest, and raised his voice.

"I will follow Lord Hokage's instructions, fulfill my duties, and give everything I have for Konoha! I welcome everyone's scrutiny!"

Beside him, Danzo gave a quiet snort, resentment flashing in his eyes. Hiruzen, of all people, matters that much to Kagami?

Kagami Uchiha laughed. "Let's give Advisor Sarutobi a round of applause!"

Cheers and applause thundered across the square.

Who cared? Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't important. If Lord Hokage wanted this, they would support him!

Konoha had only one sun: their beloved Lord Hokage!

Kagami Uchiha gently pressed a hand downward, and the thunderous applause gradually subsided.

"Next, I will introduce the members of the village's new leadership one by one."

Kagami Uchiha's voice was steady and resonant, carrying across the square.

He first turned to Utatane Koharu.

"Utatane Koharu will head the Konoha Medical Department. She will oversee the village's medical system, treatment of battlefield casualties, ninja rehabilitation and support, and all matters of public health."

Utatane Koharu took half a step forward, her expression gentle but solemn. She made a firm vow to herself.

Kagami isn't just handsome. He has such a broad vision, too.

I won't let him down!

"Shikata Nara will serve as Chief Hokage Advisor and head the Konoha Finance Department. He will be responsible for major village planning, policy implementation, the allocation of funds and supplies, public spending, reform funding, and the coordination of all internal affairs."

Shikata Nara remained composed and dignified as he lowered his gaze and bowed slightly.

He sighed inwardly. Kagami knew how to delegate and had defined each person's responsibilities clearly. The new Hokage's vision surpassed that of his predecessors.

Finally, Kagami Uchiha turned to Shimura Danzō. His voice was even, but full of expectation.

"Shimura Danzō will serve as Konoha Intelligence Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister. He will investigate internal threats, coordinate our intelligence networks, negotiate with other nations, manage diplomatic relations, and handle all foreign affairs."

Danzo trembled slightly.

His hand clenched at his side until his knuckles whitened, and a tangle of emotions flashed through his eyes.

Kagami had already entrusted me with intelligence. Now he's given me foreign affairs, too...

I'm still important to him after all.

Hiruzen, keep the Hokage Advisor's seat warm. Sooner or later, it'll be mine.

"In addition, the village will establish three Elder positions, to be filled by Tokuma Hyuga, Uchiha Setsuna, and Senju Bu."

Among the Hyuga Clan below, Tokuma Hyuga looked up at Kagami Uchiha with mixed feelings.

The new Hokage had placed Tobirama Senju's disciples in key positions while honoring the three great ninja clans. He had also introduced a series of policies benefiting ordinary villagers.

This young man isn't just powerful. He's a formidable political operator.

It looks like Konoha really will belong to the Uchiha from now on...

Uchiha Setsuna froze at the mention of his appointment, then undisguised delight spread across his face.

Thoughts surged through his mind:

The Uchiha Clan hasn't just produced a Hokage in Kagami. We've secured an Elder's seat as well.

At this rate, Konoha will belong to the Uchiha Clan sooner or later!

Lord Madara, can you see this?

As for Senju Bu, whom Kagami Uchiha had named, he was the most influential elder in the Senju Clan since Tobirama's death, apart from Mito Uzumaki, who had married into the clan.

He quietly looked up at the new Hokage, his heart full of conflicting emotions.

Lord Hashirama, Lord Tobirama, the Senju era has finally come to an end...

The Uchiha...

With that, Konoha's new leadership—orderly and with clearly divided responsibilities—had been announced before the entire village.

The much-anticipated Hokage inauguration ceremony was drawing to a close.

Countless villagers and ninja gazed up at the platform, their eyes burning with enthusiasm.

Looking out over the sea of people, Kagami Uchiha felt a stirring in his chest.

Even if Tobirama Senju came back to life now, he probably could not take the Hokage Hat from Kagami's hands.

His expression softened, and his gentle voice carried across the square.

"This concludes the Hokage inauguration ceremony."

"The Konoha Military Police Force will see everyone out and ensure their safety."

"Please leave in an orderly fashion. Keep an eye on the children with you, and be careful to avoid a stampede."

"Remember! Wherever Konoha's leaves dance, the fire will never die."

"Do not look back. The sun, moon, mountains, and rivers will endure, and so will Konohagakure!"