Chapter 250: The Daimyō and the Uchiha

Sasuke's bold declaration had everyone bursting into laughter.

"This little guy Sasuke, he's not even a ninja yet, and he's already thinking about becoming the Hokage. But I must say, having such ambition from a young age is commendable."

"Hey, Sasuke, have you activated your Sharingan yet? Your brother had the two-tomoe Sharingan at your age."

The clan members teased Sasuke, making his face turn red with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

In truth, the moment Sasuke made that audacious statement, he regretted it. Even if he didn't consider his brother, there were so many talented individuals in the Uchiha clan, each one more skilled than him. How could he possibly be the next Hokage?

Boasting would only lead to ridicule.

As Sasuke's face turned beet red and he felt utterly dejected, Itachi patted his little brother's head and said with a smile, "Sasuke, you'll have to work hard then, because I'll consider you my biggest rival and give it my all to defeat you."

Itachi didn't have dreams of becoming the Hokage. Or rather, he once did, but not anymore. In his heart, his uncle, Uchiha Dan, was the perfect candidate for Hokage, and he hoped Dan would hold the position indefinitely. However, to encourage his younger brother, he told a white lie.

Sure enough, Sasuke's fighting spirit was ignited. He nodded vigorously and said with determination, "Brother, I'll catch up to you soon!"

Seeing the strong bond between the brothers, Fugaku and Mikoto smiled with contentment.

In this harmonious and joyful atmosphere, Shisui, who was about to disappear, looked up and gazed at Dan, who stood atop the Hokage Monument.

Dan stood alone, a solitary figure against the cold wind. He nodded slightly towards Shisui.

"Create a new future, Dan," Shisui whispered in his heart, feeling no regrets. With a smile on his face, his body disintegrated into countless particles, and his soul ascended to the heavens.

Amidst the blessings of the Uchiha clan, Shisui returned to the pure land, his soul finding eternal peace.

Shisui's departure was poignant, but the day's atmosphere was predominantly festive and celebratory.

Especially for the villagers of Konoha, who were jubilantly celebrating the inauguration of the Sixth Hokage.

Whether it was clan leaders like Hyūga Hizashi, Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Chōza, the Yamanaka, or the ordinary ninja and civilians, everyone's faces were filled with smiles, experiencing a long-lost joy and relaxation.

And a sense of security.

Ever since they had been colonized by the four major ninja villages, subjected to humiliation and living in constant fear, the villagers of Konoha were deeply grateful for the security provided by the Uchiha clan.

From now on, under the protection of the Uchiha, the humiliations of the past would never happen again.

Just for that, the Konoha ninja and civilians who had suffered in the past would loyally serve the Uchiha clan.

"Kid, don't push!"

Amidst the grumbling of the villagers, Chōji and Shikamaru squeezed their way to the front of the crowd, looking up at the Sixth Hokage.

"I want to find the Hokage! He said he'd take me as a disciple and teach me to build muscles and lose weight," Chōji exclaimed, his chubby face full of excitement.

Shikamaru, with a resigned look, tried to dissuade him, "That was a long time ago. Maybe the Hokage just said it in passing and has forgotten about you. If you rashly approach him and he's in a bad mood, he might just slap you to death."

Hearing Shikamaru's words, Chōji shivered and quickly shut his mouth, munching on his chips and not daring to bring up the matter again.

As for Ino, she didn't join the two in the festivities and chose to stay at home. The pain of losing her father was something no one could share or alleviate. Only time could slowly heal such a wound.

In the midst of the joyful crowd, individuals like Yamato, Chiyoko, Raikage A, and Tsunade couldn't muster a smile.

Seeing Uchiha Dan become the Hokage and the fervent atmosphere in Konoha, the four Kage had a premonition—

The territories they had previously divided from the Land of Fire might have to be returned.

They anticipated that Konoha would soon expand outward, retaliating against the four major ninja villages.

And what happened next confirmed their suspicions.

There was a sudden commotion on the outskirts of the crowd.

Many Konoha ninja and villagers looked in that direction, revealing surprised expressions, and quickly made way, clearing a path through the dense crowd.

A group of ninja and servants, carrying a lavish palanquin embroidered with a flame pattern, slowly emerged from the crowd and made their way to the square.

Then,

"The Daimyō has returned!"

A man with war markings on his face and black hair stepped out. He scanned the surroundings and shouted, his voice echoing in the Konoha skies.

This man was Koma, one of the elite Twelve Guardian Ninja, and was highly regarded by the Daimyō.

As soon as Koma spoke, all of Konoha quickly fell silent.

Everyone was taken aback.

The Daimyō of the Land of Fire, who had been in exile, chose this moment to return to Konoha.

The Daimyō is the ruler of a nation.

While the history of Konoha spans only a few decades, the Daimyō's lineage has ruled this land for over a thousand years.

Whether it was the samurai groups from centuries ago, the ninja clans during the Warring States period, or the major ninja villages that followed, all chose to pledge allegiance to the Daimyō.

Over the long passage of time, both ninja and civilians in the shinobi world had ingrained a deep-seated class consciousness.

That is—

The descendants of rulers remain rulers, while the sons of commoners remain commoners. The chasm between different classes is inherent.

Even a figure like the First Hokage never thought of bridging that gap.

In the hearts of the people, the Daimyō's position has always been revered and exalted.

Even though the Daimyō of the Land of Fire had lost his nation, his presence still instinctively evoked a sense of awe among the people of Konoha.

Unfortunately, the Uchiha clan was an exception and didn't buy into this reverence.

Led by Fugaku, the Uchiha clan members stood their ground, watching the procession with impassive faces.

Seeing this, Koma's brow furrowed, and he raised his voice, "What are the Sixth Hokage and the Konoha higher-ups waiting for? Step forward and pay your respects to the Daimyō!"

Within the Twelve Guardian Ninja, Koma had always been a hardliner.

He believed that the position of Hokage was unnecessary and that the real power of Konoha's ninja should be held by the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, thus displaying a very aggressive stance.

Koma's words changed the expressions of many villagers present.

Because he mentioned the Sixth Hokage.

In an instant, countless eyes turned to Dan atop the Hokage Monument.

However, Dan seemed not to have heard Koma's words. Instead, he gazed distantly at the horizon, lost in thought, offering no response.

Fugaku's gaze sharpened, likely guessing Dan's stance.

Thus,

He stepped forward with Tetsuhi, Itachi, and others, addressing Koma in a stern voice, "I am the head of the Uchiha clan. If there's any matter, let the Daimyō step out of his palanquin and speak for himself."

Upon saying this, all eyes turned to the palanquin.

"How dare you!"

Koma, seeing the Uchiha's disrespect towards the Daimyō, was about to erupt in anger when a languid voice came from within the palanquin, "Koma, stand down."

As the voice faded,

The servants drew back the curtains, revealing a middle-aged man in opulent attire, holding a delicate folding fan, with a soft and delicate appearance.

"Congratulations to the Uchiha for reclaiming Konoha and driving out the enemy forces," the Daimyō began, offering his felicitations to Fugaku and the others.

Then, with an elegant flick of his fan, he gazed intently at Fugaku and the others, posing a question, "You haven't forgotten the 'One Country, One Village' system established between the Land of Fire and Konoha, have you?"

The 'One Country, One Village' system, in essence,

Meant that the Land of Fire would provide financial and material support to Konoha. In return, Konoha would serve and be loyal to the Daimyō, becoming the standing army of the Land of Fire.

This system ended the chaotic Warring States period, resulting in a win-win situation for both the Land of Fire and Konoha.

Subsequently, the 'One Country, One Village' system was quickly emulated by other nations and ninja villages. The four major ninja villages were established in Konoha's wake.

This eventually shaped the structure of the shinobi world.

It can be said,

Under the 'One Country, One Village' system, the Land of Fire and Konoha were interdependent, their fates intertwined.

Thus, when the Land of Fire was partitioned by the four major nations, Konoha couldn't escape its grim fate and became a colony of the four major ninja villages.

And now,

"Now that Konoha has been reborn, I, on behalf of the Daimyō, hope that you will continue to honor the agreement of the 'One Country, One Village' system. Help the Land of Fire reclaim its status and set everything back on the right track," the Daimyō declared in front of everyone.

His words seemed reasonable.

In fact, many Konoha ninja and villagers, including Hyūga Hizashi and others, shared the Daimyō's sentiments.

Only with the restoration of the Land of Fire could Konoha continue to receive economic support. The Konoha ninja could then take on commissions from the Daimyō's mansion, ensuring their livelihood.

This system had operated in this manner for the past several decades.

However,

Fugaku knew well that Dan, as the Sixth Hokage, remained silent as a sign of refusal.

So, he simply shook his head, responding to the Daimyō with a cold tone:

"Times have changed. The so-called 'One Country, One Village' system is a thing of the past."

The Daimyō's fan-waving motion came to an abrupt halt, his expression stiffening.

"Hmph."

Hearing this, Koma sneered, challenging Fugaku, "Are you suggesting that the Uchiha clan intends to replace the Daimyō's office and become the new rulers of the Land of Fire? Do you really believe that governing a nation is a simple task? I doubt the millions of citizens of the Land of Fire would easily accept you."

In Koma's eyes, ninjas were a group obsessed with fighting and killing. Especially the Uchiha, who were known for their destructive tendencies, seemed like illiterates to him. The idea that the Uchiha clan could rule the vast Land of Fire was ludicrous.

Facing Koma's challenge and mockery, Fugaku remained calm, replying indifferently, "That's not for you to worry about. Lord Daimyō, you may return from whence you came. The Uchiha have much to attend to; we won't be seeing you out."

The Daimyō's face grew even more sullen.

"Uchiha Fugaku! The Daimyō is a descendant of gods, with noble blood coursing through his veins. How dare you speak to him in such a manner!"

Koma shouted at Fugaku.

Upon hearing this, Tetsuhi scoffed, arrogantly retorting, "Descendant of gods? Nonsense. We Uchiha are the true descendants of the Sage of the Six Paths. And that's a fact."

From the beginning, Tetsuhi had taken a strong dislike to Koma. With just a word from Fugaku, Tetsuhi would not hesitate to act. Whether it was the Daimyō or anyone else, he was prepared to take them down.

However, an enraged Koma acted first.

Zzzt.

He swiftly drew out an iron rod, slamming it into the ground. Instantly, a surge of electricity erupted from the rod's end, spreading towards the Uchiha.

Raiton: Lightning Strike.

While the Uchiha remained unaffected by Koma's surprise attack, many villagers nearby were caught in the crossfire, letting out screams of agony.

"Looking for death!"

Fugaku's patience had finally run out. His eyes, now displaying the intricate patterns of the Mangekyō Sharingan, locked onto Koma.

In the next moment, as a tear of blood trickled from Fugaku's eye, a pitch-black flame was summoned, engulfing Koma.

Amaterasu.

"What is this... Ah!"

Koma's screams filled the air as the inextinguishable black flames consumed him.

"Quickly, help Koma!"

The remaining Guardian Shinobi rushed forward, attempting to extinguish the flames. However, the flames were relentless, spreading to them as well.

Amaterasu would not extinguish until it had burned everything to ash.

Under the horrified gaze of the Daimyō, Koma and his comrades were incinerated by the black flames, leaving not even ashes behind.

Thud, thud, thud.

Witnessing this horrifying scene, the Daimyō's face turned pale, and he stumbled backward, collapsing to the ground.

"Protect Lord Daimyō!"

The remaining Guardian Shinobi rushed forward, forming a protective circle around the Daimyō, their eyes filled with tension as they watched the Uchiha.

Fugaku made a forward gesture.

Tetsuhi, Itachi, Chiyoko, Izumi, and others revealed their Mangekyō Sharingan, advancing towards the Daimyō and his protectors.

"Wait!"

The Daimyō's voice trembled with fear, "Don't act rashly. I can tell you where the traitors of Konoha are hiding, including Hiruzen Sarutobi and his group! They plan to use the Edo Tensei to resurrect the previous Hokages of Konoha and then oppose the Uchiha clan!"

Oh?

Hearing the Daimyō's words, surprise was evident on the faces of the Uchiha.

They were all too familiar with the Edo Tensei, as many of their clan members, including Shisui, had been resurrected by it.

They hadn't expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to also research the Edo Tensei and even plan to resurrect the previous Hokages.

The Daimyō's words seemed genuine.

At that moment, Dan, standing atop the Hokage Mansion, finally made his move.

Whoosh.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he gracefully leaped from the towering structure, landing softly on the ground below.