Chapter 8: Naruto: Check out these scenes! #8
[Ding! The second question is, during the reign of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, a series of tumultuous events unfolded—the tragic annihilation of the Uchiha clan, the stealthy attack by Kumogakure, and Konoha's persistent struggles with threats and blackmail. So, tell me, do you think the Third Hokage was a qualified leader?]
[There's no single correct answer to this question, and no penalties for incorrect responses. As long as your answer meets the system's criteria, it will be deemed correct.]
As the question hung in the air, Onoki couldn't resist the opportunity for a jab: "Konoha under your leadership certainly seems to be thriving!"
The Fourth Raikage joined in with a contemptuous grin, "An organization calling itself the Root of Konoha? It's a wonder you've managed anything at all!"
"Old man third…"
Naruto felt a twinge of loyalty as he thought of Hiruzen, who had cared for him during his childhood. But as the Seventh Hokage, his perspective was no longer unclouded.
In confronting the realities of leadership, he found it harder to trust blindly as he once did.
Konoha, especially under Hiruzen's reign, had often seemed too weak, too easily manipulated by other villages. A single death in the Leaf could lead to imposing pressure and demands, no matter the circumstances.
Suddenly, a powerful aura swept through the space. Madara, exuding an ominous presence, activated his Susanoo and gazed down at everyone, his voice a chilling growl. "I founded Konoha. It's our business, not yours to critique!"
A profound pressure enveloped the group, leaving many trembling. If it weren't for their strong-willed personas, they might have knelt right there.
"Enough, Madara." Hashirama stepped forward, his tone firm yet calming. "If you wish to fight, face me. Don't make it harder for them."
Hiruzen chuckled softly, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "I never thought I'd find myself supported by Uchiha Madara of all people," he mused. Standing tall, he added, "Whether you accept it or not, I must express my gratitude." With a bow, he acknowledged Madara before continuing, "However, I can't deny my past mistakes. I was too cowardly. I thought that as long as we maintained peace, sacrificing a little was worth it."
His voice trembled with emotion. "The White Fang's death, the Nono incident, the betrayal of the Hyuga clan, the fate of the Uchiha—my compromises led to these tragedies."
The sadness in Hiruzen's eyes was undeniable; his regrets were like a heavy weight on his shoulders. "Did I truly seek peace? Or was I simply terrified of the chaos that war brings? I sacrificed a small part, hoping to save the whole, but…"
"Is saying this now even useful?" Uchiha Fugaku interrupted, glaring at him. "Your mistakes are made; a few tears won't change that."
Hiruzen sighed, his smile bitter woven with guilt. "You're right. There's little to gain from lamenting now, except wishing I could rewrite history. Besides, I'm already dead."
[Indeed, I can send you back to your past self and revive you there.]
Hope flickered in Hiruzen's eyes. "Really? How can we return?"
[You will need a special reward card. Use it to select a reward that will allow you to go back in time.]
Adjusting his Hokage hat, Hiruzen nodded resolutely. "Then I must strive to earn that chance to rectify my past."
Previously indifferent towards rewards, he now saw a glimmer of possibility. To have the chance to mend his errors—it was a golden opportunity.
"But, Minato interjected, concern creasing his brow. "Won't this cause a time paradox?"
[No need to worry. When you're sent back, the resultant changes will create a new timeline, birthing a parallel world untouched by the original.]
"That sounds reasonable," Minato acknowledged, realizing the dangers of time manipulation. Disrupting the past could spiral into unforeseen consequences.
Tobirama chimed in, redirecting the discussion. "Let's set that aside for now—what led the Uchiha clan to rebel? I established the Konoha Military Police Force with the intention of integrating the Uchiha into village affairs, to lower tensions."
Uchiha Fugaku scoffed. "Oh, I trust the character of the Second Hokage. You never suppressed us outright, which is why the Uchiha remained in Konoha."
Fugaku continued, his voice low, "But it was precisely because our clan formed the Konoha Military Police Force that we couldn't manage village affairs. The others were always worried about our bias." He paused, frustration evident. "Every effort I made to ease tensions ultimately fell short. The police force ended up merely managing Uchiha matters."
Madara, unimpressed, shrugged. "You're as weak as Sarutobi. I would've handled it differently."
"Show some respect when you talk about others' parents," Sasuke interjected sharply, defending his family. His instincts had matured; gone were the days of reckless aggression.
Fugaku placed a calm hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "It's alright, son. Madara has a point; I'm not so different from the Third Hokage."
"If anyone should speak on this issue, it's me," Fugaku declared, his voice steady. "In my eyes, the Sandaime is deserving of the Hokage title. He embodies the Will of Fire and dedicates himself to the village. He may not be flawless, but he is indeed a commendable leader. That's my stance."
[Your answer is thoughtful and appropriate. The one who answered correctly is Uchiha Fugaku. The reward is a choice between upgrading the Sharingan to Eternal Mangekyō or being resurrected in Sasuke's era.]
As Fugaku absorbed this information, the allure of the Eternal Mangekyō beckoned him. Yet, the prospect of returning while Sasuke was already an adult stirred deeper feelings within him.
The thought of witnessing his grandson or granddaughter was far more enticing than mere power. He glanced at his wife beside him. If he were to be resurrected, what about her? Leaving her behind felt untenable.
"I choose…"
[You can hold onto this reward and choose it again without worries later.]
The system's voice seemed to resonate with Fugaku's inner conflict, soothing his troubled mind.
Without hesitation, he declared, "I choose to keep the reward."
He decided to wait—not for the Mangekyō, but for the chance to ensure his wife might be revived too. If that was not possible, he would rather stay by her side.