Chapter:11

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Late at night, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat uneasily in the large, empty reception hall as the last of the Senju family members filed out, leaving only him and Uzumaki Mito. The rhythmic chirping of crickets outside was the only sound accompanying the tension filling the room.

He glanced at Mito's expression, trying to read her mood. Gone was the fiery anger from before; now, she looked composed, as if nothing had ever ruffled her.

"Mito-sama, please don't take my earlier words to heart. I only meant…" Hiruzen started, hoping to explain himself.

"Enough," Mito interrupted with a wave, motioning for him to sit. Hiruzen obeyed, perching nervously on the edge of his seat, ready to jump up if she demanded it.

Noting his cautious posture, a faint smile flickered across Mito's face. "Little monkey, your performance earlier gave me pause. There's more to you than I initially thought; perhaps a strength I hadn't recognized."

The praise left Hiruzen feeling both flattered and uneasy. Uzumaki Mito was older and wiser than almost anyone he knew, her life marked by encounters with people of legendary power: her husband, Hashirama Senju; his brother Tobirama; Uchiha Madara; and Madara's brother, Izuna. Compared to such figures, Hiruzen felt as insignificant as a pebble.

"You flatter me, Mito-sama," Hiruzen replied humbly. "I only did what I felt was right."

Mito's expression softened, but her tone quickly grew serious. "Enough humility. Let me ask you directly—do you believe yourself truly worthy of Konoha's Hokage seat?"

Hiruzen swallowed hard. He wanted to say yes, to shout that he was ready for the responsibility. But the weight of her question made it impossible to lie, even to himself. Was he truly worthy?

"I will do everything in my power to become a Hokage worthy of Konoha," he finally said, his voice low but determined.

Mito looked at him for a moment before sighing. "Good. At least you know where you stand."

She rose from her seat and moved to a wall where the emblem of Konoha hung. Her gaze lingered on it as she continued, "There are many in Konoha better suited to be Hokage than you. Myself, for one. Or my son, Senju Momoki. Even Uchiha Kagami, with his noble heritage, could command the strength needed to uphold the Hokage's authority."

Hiruzen listened, feeling the sting of her words. She listed Kagami, a trusted friend, as a more qualified candidate, underscoring his lack of pedigree and raw power compared to those of higher birth.

"I've tried to understand why Tobirama would name you as his successor," Mito continued, half to herself. "The more I consider it, the less sense it makes. That stubborn fool—it's like his brother, Hashirama, all over again. Always leaving me with burdens I never asked for."

She trailed off, lost in her thoughts for a moment, and Hiruzen remained silent, knowing this was no time for him to interrupt. This conversation was beyond him, touching on memories he hadn't lived.

After a pause, Mito turned back to him. "But regardless of my doubts, Tobirama's choice was clear. I'll honor his final wish and support you, for now. Perhaps there is something in you that I've yet to see."

Joy and relief filled Hiruzen's heart. "Thank you, Mito-sama. I swear I'll prove myself worthy of your trust."

"Hold your gratitude," Mito replied, unimpressed. "I'll support you, yes, but that doesn't mean you're guaranteed the position. You still lack many of the qualities a Hokage should possess."

Hiruzen nodded, fully aware of his shortcomings. But he felt a renewed hope with her support, believing it could be enough to reach his goal.

Mito continued, "Originally, I intended to keep Tobirama's death hidden, at least until we had consolidated support from Konoha's clans. But thanks to certain people in the Uchiha clan, the news has spread. And not just the fact of Tobirama's death—they're circulating rumors that you abandoned him and fled back to Konoha." Her words hung heavily in the air. "Your reputation is in shambles, Hiruzen."

"Mito-sama, we never intended to abandon him," Hiruzen protested, rising from his seat in distress. "We were following orders. Tobirama himself insisted…"

Mito raised a hand, silencing him. "I know you were following orders. Tobirama's will on the battlefield was unbreakable. But the villagers? They won't care about the details. They only see you as the one who returned while he did not."

Hiruzen's mind whirled. The village had already suffered deeply from the recent war, and Tobirama's death would have shaken them. But with the added accusation of his supposed cowardice, their resentment would be far worse than he'd imagined.

"I understand," Hiruzen replied quietly, bowing his head. "Thank you for your guidance, Mito-sama. I'll do what I can to restore my name."

"Good," Mito said. "It's a task you'll face sooner than you think. You hold the legacy of Tobirama's last wish, and the support of Konoha's ideals. With some maneuvering, you may yet salvage your reputation and position. But remember," she continued, her gaze piercing, "words alone will not be enough. Konoha's clans are the ones with the power to decide the next Hokage. The villagers' feelings won't matter if you lack their support."

Hiruzen listened intently, grateful beyond measure. Without her intervention, he could easily have been swallowed by public scorn before he'd even begun his path to the Hokage seat.

"Thank you, Mito-sama," he repeated, his voice thick with emotion. He hadn't realized until now just how much he needed her support.

End of the Chapter.

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