Konoha: Reforge the glory of Uchiha!

"Captain, this joke isn't funny."

"The duty of the Shadow Guard is to protect the Hokage with their lives. Even if all the Shadow Guards die, the Hokage should not. How could the Hokage sacrifice himself to protect the Shadow Guard?"

Inahori, unlike his more composed brother Tiehuo, found the idea of Hokage Senju Tobirama's death absurd, and the circumstances outrageous.

"Inahori, you have to understand that while stories need logic, reality can often be absurd."

The others looked at Uchiha Nan with skepticism, feeling he might be joking. However, they ultimately chose to trust him. Uchiha Nan's position didn't allow for frivolous talk or fabricating stories about the Hokage's death in the Security Department.

Suddenly, Uchiha Tiehuo recalled something, and a spark of hope ignited within him.

"Captain, since the Second Hokage is dead, has a Third Hokage been chosen?"

Tiehuo's simple question was like a match to dry tinder, igniting hope among the assembled Uchiha. With the Second Hokage gone, who would be the Third?

Surely, it couldn't be another Senju, right? The Uchiha were also founders of Konoha, and despite Uchiha Madara's defection, their contribution couldn't be erased. The Senju had already produced two Hokages; surely it was Uchiha's turn now.

The Uchiha present began to breathe heavily, their excitement palpable. The fact that their captain was the first to receive the news of the Hokage's death and had called them together so urgently suggested he might have ambitions for the Hokage position. After all, beyond Uchiha Nan stood only the clan leader, Uchiha Tomita.

Uchiha Nan's strength was undisputed, proven on the battlefield. Even Uchiha Tomita might not defeat him. It wasn't uncommon for someone to aim for Hokage by surpassing the clan leader. Who among Konoha's young men didn't dream of being Hokage?

Moreover, the Uchiha valued capability above all else. Promotions were based on merit, not lineage. Whoever had the strength made the rules.

Yet, Uchiha Nan's simple response, "It's settled," was like a cold shower, dousing their enthusiasm.

Another Senju? There were only two in the clan with the potential to gain widespread support: Uzumaki Mito, the First Hokage's widow, and Senju Momoma, his son, both of whom were strong candidates.

Uchiha Tiehuo feared the worst—that their captain might consider a coup. He couldn't let Uchiha Nan sacrifice himself in vain.

"Who? Mito-sama or Momoma-sama?" Tiehuo asked anxiously.

"This is so unfair. The Senju family has already produced two Hokages. It's the Uchiha family's turn," Inahori complained.

"Neither; it's Sarutobi Hiruzen."

What?

Is the captain joking again?

The thought crossed everyone's mind simultaneously.

"Captain, I now suspect you've been teasing us from the start. If you're not feeling well, maybe you should see a doctor. You're a pillar of the Uchiha family; we can't have you losing your mind," Inahori said without thinking, provoking Uchiha Nan's ire.

I've been discussing serious matters with you, and you think I'm crazy? Uchiha Nan thought, feeling his patience wearing thin.

Seeing the others silently agree with Inahori, even showing some sympathy towards him, Uchiha Nan unsheathed his ninja sword, smiling menacingly at Inahori.

"Inahori, you seem tense. I'm having a serious discussion about Uchiha's future, and you think I'm nuts?"

"After this meeting, let's find a place to spar. I'll make sure to knock some sense into you before sending you to the family medical ninja."

Inahori, intimidated by Uchiha Nan's fierce gaze, retreated a few steps, nudging his brother Tiehuo for help.

If the captain seriously beat him, he'd be bedridden for weeks.

Tiehuo sighed, exasperated by his brother's thoughtless words.

"Captain, don't mind him; he's always like this."

"Captain, you mentioned the Second Hokage appointed Sarutobi Hiruzen as his successor. Is that true?" Tiehuo asked, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

"Yes, it's true. I've been serious throughout this meeting," Uchiha Nan replied, sighing inwardly at Senju Tobirama's surprising decision.

"Sarutobi Hiruzen? What a joke!"

"I, Inahiro, could take on three of him at once. He's not fit to be Hokage!"

"If he becomes Hokage, I'll be the first to oppose it," Inahiro declared defiantly.

If Tobirama had appointed Mito or Momoma as the Third Hokage, the Uchiha could negotiate better terms with the Senju. But who was Sarutobi Hiruzen? Behind him stood the Sarutobi clan, once a minor clan dependent on the Senju during the Warring States Period. The Uchiha could have wiped them out anytime back then.

Now Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to rule over the Uchiha? The Uchiha already had a Senju over them; adding a Sarutobi was too much.

Uchiha was a proud clan with a long history, and they wouldn't stand for it.

Well, Inahiro, at least you said something sensible for once, Uchiha Nan thought, pleased with Inahiro's outburst.

"Yes, we Uchiha are not convinced!"

"I doubt the Senju family will accept Sarutobi Hiruzen as Hokage either."

"How can a Shadow Guard who couldn't even protect the Hokage be qualified to lead?"

The room buzzed with chatter as the Uchiha voiced their dissent, united in their belief that only a Senju or Uchiha could be Hokage. No one else was worthy.