ALL NOVEL Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Hokage Senju Tobirama
As the cold, mechanical voice of the system echoed in his mind, Tobirama's sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
The activation of Wood Release didn't bring with it a world-shaking burst of power or an earth-shattering display of chakra. Instead, there was a subtle, almost ethereal force growing within him—a power that rapidly surged through every fiber of his being.
Tobirama could clearly feel it.
Wood Release techniques weren't foreign to him. In fact, his elder brother, Senju Hashirama, had once written a guide to using Wood Release and sealed it within the Scroll of Seals for future generations. Having read it thoroughly, Tobirama felt no concern about mastering this ability.
With just a thought, a small sapling sprouted from the palm of his hand.
"This… This is—"
"The First Hokage's legendary Wood Release!"
"Tobirama-sama, have you awakened the same power that Hashirama-sama once wielded?"
The onlookers, who had yet to disperse, gasped in amazement as they felt the vibrant chakra of Wood Release radiating from Tobirama's hand.
"That's correct," Tobirama said calmly. "This is indeed the same power my brother possessed. I awakened it in the moments before my death, though I never had the chance to put it to use."
"Tobirama-sama, for you to awaken Wood Release is truly a blessing for Konoha!"
"With you as Hokage, Konoha will surely reclaim the glory it enjoyed during the First Hokage's era!"
The crowd showered him with praise, their admiration palpable.
Tobirama allowed a faint smile to grace his lips. Then, with an authoritative tone, he commanded,
"Kakashi, Shikaku, take the ANBU and seize control of Root. If any of Danzo's loyalists resist, eliminate them on the spot!"
Shikaku and Kakashi immediately nodded and left to carry out the orders.
"As for the rest of you, prepare for tomorrow's Hokage inauguration ceremony. Security must be flawless."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
With the awakening of Wood Release, Tobirama's imposing presence seemed to elevate further, and his commands were executed swiftly and efficiently.
Meanwhile, deep within Naruto Uzumaki's mind, Kurama stirred uneasily.
"This feeling... something's not right. It's such an irritating aura…"
...
The Next Day
The atmosphere in Konoha was electric. Villagers and shinobi alike wore expressions of curiosity and excitement.
Today marked the official reinstatement of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, to his rightful position.
"Hey, did you hear? Danzo Shimura was killed by the Second Hokage!"
"Yeah, I heard! I never liked that guy anyway. Always hiding behind those bandages, looking so shady."
"To think that a scumbag like him was one of Konoha's advisors… It's a good thing Tobirama-sama dealt with him. Serves him right!"
Following the interrogation of Danzo's mind by the Torture and Interrogation Unit, Tobirama had ordered certain revelations to be made public. The villagers were outraged by Danzo's misdeeds, and their admiration for Tobirama only deepened.
In just a few days, the Second Hokage had rid Konoha of a major threat. Compared to him, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, seemed like a fading memory.
Though Hiruzen was skilled at winning hearts with his "Will of Fire" rhetoric, his years as Hokage were marked by poor decision-making and concessions to external pressures. Many villagers had grown disillusioned with his leadership.
"Look! Hokage-sama is here!"
At the cry of an excited spectator, all eyes turned to the grand stage.
Tobirama stood tall, clad in the ceremonial Hokage robe and hat. His commanding figure exuded authority, even with the cracks on his face and the unsettling whiteness of his eyes. These features only added a unique sense of dignity to his already handsome appearance.
The sight drew squeals of admiration from many women in the crowd.
"Hokage-sama is so handsome!"
"I wish I could marry Tobirama-sama!"
The thunderous cheers filled the air, but with a simple downward motion of his left hand, Tobirama silenced the crowd effortlessly.
"Hokage-sama truly commands respect," remarked Saito Shigemori from the viewing platform. His injuries had been treated, and he couldn't help but voice his admiration.
Tobirama's voice was clear and powerful as he declared, "From this day forward, I, Senju Tobirama, will once again serve as the Hokage of Konoha! I will restore this village to its rightful place as the strongest in the shinobi world!"
With those words, he removed his Hokage hat and tossed it high into the air.
"Long live Hokage-sama!"
"Long live Hokage-sama!"
The crowd erupted in cheers that dwarfed the earlier applause. Even Saito Shigemori, caught up in the enthusiasm, joined in the chants.
"Damn it!" a sulking Naruto muttered amidst the celebration. "The Hokage title was supposed to be mine! How did this stone-face old man steal it from me?!"
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