Chapter 124

Hui fell silent under Tobirama Senju's piercing gaze. The Uchiha Clan was indeed problematic—a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at the slightest provocation.

 Their strength came from their bloodline, meaning any one of them could suddenly grow stronger without warning. And because this growth was fueled by emotions, it was often difficult to predict when, or if, it might turn explosive.

 Once they lost the person or thing they loved, the Uchiha would become dangerously intense, and this intensity was unpredictable—who knew if it would take a turn for good or bad?

But Hui didn't believe the Uchiha were inherently evil. They were simply… a group of passionate people, perhaps a bit proud and extreme at times.

"Maybe the Uchiha are extreme," Hui began earnestly, looking directly at Tobirama. 

"But they aren't purely evil. Love and hatred are both natural emotions, emotions all people should have, and there's no inherent right or wrong in either. Good and bad only lie in how you use the power love and hate create.

"If the Uchiha's intensity serves to protect Konoha and its people, then the clan isn't inherently evil. With proper guidance, the Uchiha could even become a force of inherent good!"

Tobirama stared back, listening closely, before responding, "You think I haven't considered this? But as I said, the Uchiha are a proud people. In their hearts, they're never wrong! They won't listen to any guidance, Hui. They don't care about the opinions of others, nor will they change for anyone else."

"No, it can be done," Hui replied, voice resolute. "If they were incapable of change, they would never have joined Konoha, never become a part of the village, or agreed to take on the responsibilities of the Konoha Police Force. If they've already done these things, then they can do more!"

Tobirama's expression grew intense as he retorted, "Hui, do you know who inspired the Uchiha to make those changes? My elder brother, Hashirama Senju—the one revered as the God of Shinobi. Until him, no one else could change the Uchiha. 

"My brother succeeded because he conquered Madara Uchiha, the most powerful Uchiha of his time. So, unless you can become the next God of Shinobi, the Uchiha will never be changed! Do you think you're capable of that, Hui?"

Tobirama's gaze was unyielding, pressing Hui to answer. Of course, Tobirama had already thought of all this. 

As Hokage, he would've gladly wielded the Uchiha's strength if he could control them fully. But Tobirama was Senju Tobirama, not Senju Hashirama. He had been able to defeat Izuna Uchiha, but Madara was another matter. 

Only his brother could suppress Madara's power, especially with the Wood Release technique unique to him. Tobirama himself didn't have that. In the long history of the Shinobi World, there had been only one Hashirama Senju.

"I can!" came Hui's confident response.

Tobirama looked into his eyes and saw sincerity, confidence, and an unyielding will.

"And why do you think that?" Tobirama pressed, his gaze growing sharper.

"Because I am Konoha's Light, Mochizuki Hui!" Hui replied without hesitation. He stared back at Tobirama, his eyes steady and clear, filled with conviction. Hui believed he could do it. 

At just fifteen, he was already on par with the Kage of the five great villages. Soon, his body's assimilation of natural energy would be complete. He might not yet match the peak power of Hashirama or Madara, but he would certainly surpass the other village leaders.

And his growth wasn't stopping there. Hui was certain he could grow to match the likes of Kaguya Otsutsuki and even surpass her one day. This wouldn't take as long as people thought.

Hui had the confidence to change the Shinobi World, and he had the strength to do it!

Tobirama chuckled, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. A sudden warmth settled over him. Yes, because the boy before him was Mochizuki Hui—a child who had never disappointed him, one who constantly exceeded his expectations.

 Hui was the Light of Konoha, the Ghost of the Shinobi World, and, in Tobirama's heart, the ideal candidate for the Third Hokage.

"Good," Tobirama said. "Then I look forward to seeing a new Uchiha emerge one day."

After a brief pause, Tobirama continued, "However, while I'm still Hokage, my policy toward the Uchiha will remain unchanged."

Hui was taken aback, uncertain of Tobirama's intention. Tobirama explained, "The Uchiha's change must happen in the next era… your era. So, Hui—don't let me down."

Hui's eyes widened, taking in Tobirama's implication. The next era, his era. Tobirama intended to groom him as the Third Hokage!

In all honesty, Hui hadn't expected this. He knew Tobirama wanted to train him for a future role as Hokage, but he hadn't imagined that he would be chosen as the Third Hokage specifically. 

He was only fifteen! And by all appearances, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed the more likely candidate for Third Hokage.

But that was the reality before him: Tobirama had made his decision. Hui's heart swelled with gratitude and a growing sense of duty. If Tobirama trusted him this deeply, Hui wouldn't shrink back or disappoint that faith.

"Understood, Grandfather Tobirama," he said, his voice ringing with conviction. "I will change the Uchiha! Not just the Uchiha—I'll change all of Konoha, the entire Shinobi World. I'll make this world a better place. Because I am Konoha's Light—I am Mochizuki Hui!"

"Then, let's see it," Tobirama replied his voice tinged with excitement, and his eyes filled with anticipation. For the first time, he wished that time could hurry forward, so he could see where this remarkable young man would lead Konoha and, perhaps, the entire Shinobi World.

With that, their conversation came to a close. Hui refrained from pressing further about the Uchiha because now he understood Tobirama's thoughts. 

Yes, the Uchiha's transformation wouldn't happen under Tobirama's leadership. 

In fact, in Tobirama's era, the Uchiha's path would likely only grow more challenging. But sometimes, it was those who endured hardship who would most appreciate the beauty that followed.

Only by facing adversity during Tobirama's time as Hokage could the Uchiha truly value the changes brought about in Hui's era as the Third Hokage.

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