While Itachi was trying to contain his excitement, Hikaru was also studying the boy in front of him.
In the original story, if one had to name the most contradictory and divisive character, Itachi Uchiha could confidently claim first place.
From the village’s perspective, what he did was worthy of praise in a certain sense.
He protected Konoha’s peace in his own way, even if that way was so foolish it made people’s heads hurt.
From the clan’s perspective, however, his actions only made him look like an ungrateful traitor.
After all, a person who could wipe out his entire clan and spare only his beloved younger brother would be despised anywhere else.
More than once, Hikaru had wondered what he would have done if he had been reborn into the Uchiha instead of the Senju.
After all these years, he had long since realized something.
There were many ways to save the Uchiha.
Destroying the entire clan was by far the stupidest choice.
Hikaru was an outsider, yet even he had managed to stop the Uchiha from walking into the abyss through a few methods.
As someone born inside the clan, did Itachi really have no better options?
Especially when he was Fugaku Uchiha’s son.
Still, Hikaru was too lazy to keep thinking about it.
In his eyes, this was ultimately a problem of perspective and mindset.
Itachi could not see the essence beneath the surface.
His way of looking at problems was flawed, and his field of vision was too narrow.
Perhaps it was because of the education he had received.
Perhaps no one had ever taught him to stand at a higher level and analyze the root of a problem.
To be honest, Hikaru was genuinely grateful for the education he had received in his previous life.
Like most children, he had gone through ordinary schooling, but he had learned many useful things.
How to look past appearances to see the essence.
How to analyze problems from reality.
How to connect scattered facts and understand the bigger picture.
These things were not necessarily taught everywhere.
Having once gone abroad, Hikaru knew very well that many countries did not teach similar subjects in the same way.
Itachi might be intelligent and decisive, but his thinking and vision had only reached the ceiling of the shinobi world.
Beyond that, he could not see.
He could not imagine it.
So the methods he chose were, in Hikaru’s eyes, among the stupidest possible.
Still, stupidity had its uses.
Besides, in the original story, this boy had truly been loyal to Konoha.
In this timeline, Itachi had not gone through as many painful experiences, and the Uchiha had also been changed by Hikaru.
Whether he was still as loyal to Konoha as in the original story was worth testing.
According to the intelligence gathered so far, however, Itachi did seem to lean more toward the village.
That was one of the reasons Hikaru had come here.
He planned to make proper use of Itachi Uchiha.
"Raise your head."
Looking at Itachi, who had kept his head lowered, Hikaru shook his head lightly.
"Respect, fear, disgust—keep those things in your heart. When you speak to someone, raise your head. Understand?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Itachi hesitated slightly, then obediently raised his head and looked at Hikaru.
"Good. Back when I was still in Anbu, Shisui told me about you.
"He said you were even more talented than him."
Hikaru looked at Itachi calmly, a faint smile hanging from the corner of his mouth.
"Whether in talent or temperament, he said you surpassed him.
"He also said you would become an excellent Konoha shinobi."
"Hokage-sama and Brother Shisui praise me too much."
Itachi was extremely happy inside.
This was recognition.
And the person giving him that recognition was Hikaru himself.
Even so, he forced himself to remain calm and shook his head gently.
He was happy, but he could not lose himself in pride.
"Brother Shisui is the truly outstanding one. I have always learned from him.
"And Hokage-sama is the finest shinobi. What I truly hope for is to become a shinobi like you."
"Is that so?"
Hikaru chuckled softly.
He raised the hand holding saya’s and lightly waved it in front of Itachi.
"But becoming like me may not be such a good thing.
"Although no one says it, and no one dares say it, I still know what they think.
"Don’t say everyone makes mistakes. I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong.
"Sometimes, people should follow their own hearts.
"As long as you do not violate principles or rules, and as long as you can face yourself without shame, that is enough."
Hikaru’s gesture made saya glance at him.
But she did not object or resist at all.
To her, there was no need.
She had already made her decision.
Hikaru acknowledging her like this only made her happy.
Itachi, however, felt a little awkward at first.
He had noticed long ago that Hikaru was holding saya’s hand, but he would never dare comment on it.
Now that Hikaru had acknowledged it in front of him, Itachi was completely certain of one thing.
This senior from his clan would never marry anyone inside the clan.
As Fugaku Uchiha’s son, Itachi knew some information.
For example, when the Fifth Hokage was young, he and Lady saya had been in the same class.
Their relationship had been very good even back then.
Now that things had reached this point, everything seemed rather beautiful.
Except for the fact that the Hokage already had a fiancée.
But Itachi did not care about that.
After the awkwardness passed, he began to think seriously.
He did not believe Hikaru had come here simply to tell him about his relationship with saya.
Itachi knew his own position very well.
He was not important enough for that.
Even his father was nothing special in the Hokage’s eyes.
Therefore, Itachi was certain that Hikaru’s earlier words had another meaning.
He could not figure it out immediately, but he believed the Hokage would forgive his dullness.
He also believed the Hokage would give him a direction to think toward.
Sure enough, after a short silence, Hikaru spoke again.
"I heard the Uchiha are preparing to reselect the clan head."
Hikaru looked at Itachi calmly. At this moment, his smile grew clearer.
"I wonder what you think.
"After all, you are the clan head’s son.
"And while applying to enter Anbu, you are also applying for the jonin exam.
"Clearly, you have your own thoughts and opinions. You should also have a certain voice within the clan.
"So I am curious about you.
"I wonder whether you are willing to tell me."
"I..."
Itachi froze.
For a moment, he did not know how to answer.
He had his own thoughts, but as Fugaku Uchiha’s son, he truly could not speak carelessly.
But he also did not want to disappoint Hikaru.
Or rather, he did not want to disappoint the Hokage.
For a moment, Itachi was deeply conflicted.
Yet that conflict made the smile on Hikaru’s face deepen slightly.
Hikaru turned around and walked toward the outside with saya.
As he walked, he continued speaking.
"Sometimes, you don’t need to care too much about other people’s eyes.
"Look at me and saya. Do we care?
"Remember what I said.
"As long as you do not violate principles or rules, you may make the correct choice without betraying your own heart.
"And above all else, remember this.
"First, you are a Konoha shinobi.
"Only after that are you an Uchiha shinobi."
After saying that, Hikaru’s voice stopped.
He and saya vanished from the spot.
Itachi stood there in silence.
After a while, he lowered his head again, as though sinking into deep thought.
Only after a long time did he slowly raise his head.
A firm light had appeared in his eyes.
...
"Hikaru, isn’t this a little cruel to that child?"
Walking along Konoha’s street and watching the sunset slowly fall, saya asked curiously.
She did not feel pity.
She simply felt that Itachi’s identity and situation were somewhat unfortunate.
After following Hikaru for so many years, she had long since stopped being soft when it came to important matters.
And as Uchiha Shin’s granddaughter, she was naturally opposed to Fugaku’s side.
If not for the gentleness and kindness still rooted in her personality, she probably would not have asked this question at all.
Hikaru actually liked this side of saya even more.
She had kept her original warmth, but she could still be cold when facing key issues.
On top of that, she gave him enormous help in work.
Who would not like someone like that?
Still, her question amused Hikaru.
Was what he had done cruel to Itachi?
After thinking about it, Hikaru felt that from a normal perspective, perhaps it was a little cruel.
But the problem was that Itachi was not a normal person.
What might seem cruel to others was absolutely not cruel to him.
"Don’t worry. Although this is my first time meeting him, I believe he is not an ordinary child."
Hikaru chuckled and explained slowly.
His voice remained gentle and comfortable to hear.
"Besides, did you notice his eyes?
"That was a pair of three-tomoe Sharingan. His potential is very strong.
"So I gave him a chance.
"A chance to recognize what kind of person he truly should be.
"If he performs well, I’ll give him an opportunity. Doesn’t he want to enter Anbu? I’ll let him have his wish.
"If he refuses, I lose nothing.
"At most, it would be a pity that a promising young shinobi chose the wrong path."
Hikaru’s words were calm, and saya nodded quietly.
His meaning was clear.
He wanted to see whether Itachi could make the correct decision.
Even if that decision meant his father would suffer greatly.
But it was obvious that if Itachi did it, Hikaru would not treat him poorly.
To be honest, Hikaru’s method was not exactly upright.
But saya also felt it was only natural.
From the standpoint of both sides, they were enemies.
If they were enemies, why care what the other side thought?
Whether the method was cruel or shameless did not matter much.
Winners always cared about results.
They did not care about the process.
No matter how dramatic the process was, it ultimately existed to serve victory.
Therefore, skipping the process and directly watching for the answer they wanted was the most realistic mindset for people in their position.
"Now that you put it that way, I’m a little curious about what choice Itachi will make."
After thinking for a moment, saya smiled.
"And I’m even more curious. If he really does what you said, what kind of expression will the clan head have?"
"I don’t know, but I’m sure it will be very interesting."
Hikaru did not know exactly how things would turn out, but that did not stop him from guessing Fugaku’s state of mind.
Being stabbed in the back by the son he had placed the most hope in—anyone’s heart would explode from that.
Still, this stab would only pierce his heart metaphorically.
Hikaru felt Fugaku really ought to kneel and thank him.
A stab in the heart would not kill him.
If it were a real blade, that would truly be father and son showing each other "love."
The two of them walked leisurely through the street.
Many shinobi saw them and smiled slightly, or saluted respectfully from afar.
No one came forward to disturb them.
These shinobi truly respected Hikaru.
Over the past three years, Hikaru’s internal reforms had basically been completed.
Nara Shikaku had contributed greatly to that.
The welfare of all three shinobi ranks in Konoha had risen significantly.
At the same time, special classes had been established in the Academy.
These special classes targeted students who were lopsided in ability.
Of course, a nicer way to put it was "students with specialties."
For this, Konoha had deliberately transferred quite a few jonin to help these students fully develop their strengths.
At first, to be honest, those jonin had not been very willing.
Their duties were already heavy.
To maintain their jonin rank, they had to pass assessments.
Those assessments included mission numbers and the development of the students they led.
Now they suddenly had to help these Academy children who were strong in one area?
Was that not a waste of their time?
Fortunately, Hikaru made the final decision.
This work could also be counted as a bonus item in their assessment.
That immediately changed the situation.
The ones who suffered were Shikaku and the others.
After all, defining how much this "bonus" was worth was not an easy matter.
These children already had talent in those areas.
With proper guidance, results would appear rather easily.
Compared to jonin who worked themselves to exhaustion leading squads or taking dangerous missions, this was much easier.
If the bonus system was not properly controlled, the entire assessment structure could collapse.
Fortunately, Shikaku and the others did a good job.
At least for now, there had been no major problems.
Beyond that, the shinobi council Hikaru had once created had also begun operating smoothly.
Shinobi of all ranks could choose their own representatives.
Those representatives would hold internal meetings, gather problems that needed to be solved, and then raise them together at the final year-end meeting.
This system was obviously borrowed from elsewhere, but it made the shinobi quite satisfied.
Of course, not every conflict could be solved.
Some problems still had to be overcome by themselves.
But compared to before, this was already far better.
They could clearly feel that the village valued them.
Under such circumstances, how could they not respect Hikaru?
How could they not obey him?
"I really like this feeling."
When Hikaru and saya were almost at the gate of the Uchiha compound, saya suddenly spoke softly.
"The feeling of being with me?" Hikaru tilted his head and asked curiously.
"I’ve always liked that. It has never changed."
saya gently shook her head.
Then she looked at Hikaru and smiled.
"I mean the way others respect you.
"That is what makes me happiest.
"Because it proves that you have always been right.
"And I believe you will continue to be right in the future."
"No one is always right. I need everyone’s help too."
Hikaru reached out and lightly tapped the tip of saya’s nose.
Then he smiled and continued, "And everything Konoha has today also includes your help."
"You are the one who planned it. I only did a little."
saya shook her head slightly.
Then she looked up at the entrance to the Uchiha compound and asked softly, "Will you come in with me and watch what happens tonight?"
"No. I believe that with you there, he cannot cause any waves."
After thinking for a moment, Hikaru shook his head.
"Besides, if I go in, the effect will not be good.
"I’ll leave this matter to you."
As he spoke, Hikaru released saya’s hand.
saya nodded slightly.
Indeed, if Hikaru went inside, it could easily create unnecessary misunderstandings.
Even if Hikaru used the Transformation Technique to enter, what would he do during the voting stage?
There was no need for him to personally step onto the stage.
Waiting quietly for the result was the correct choice.
Watching Hikaru wave at her before vanishing through Flying Thunder God, saya slowly closed her eyes.
A moment later, she opened them again.
Just like Itachi earlier, a firm light appeared in her eyes.
This operation had already been nearly certain to succeed.
If Itachi switched sides, it would become even easier.
But whether Itachi switched sides or not, saya would not allow this operation to fail.
She would not let anyone block her path.
Nor would she let Hikaru down.
In her eyes, everything Hikaru did was correct.
Since it was correct, she would defend and carry it out.
She did not want to use force.
She did not want meaningless bloodshed.
But if necessary, she would do it.
After spending so long in Anbu, and after following Hikaru for so many years, saya might be gentle, but that did not mean she would be gentle to everyone.
"Don’t worry. There will be no problems this time.
"If anyone dares cause trouble, I’ll make sure they learn what regret feels like."
...
When Flying Thunder God landed, Hikaru had already returned to his home.
What surprised him slightly was that Hashirama had brought Naruto over.
Hashirama and Tobirama, in order not to affect Hikaru, had only appeared before a small number of people.
Most people had no idea they existed.
When they went outside, they would wear Anbu gear like Sakumo Hatake.
Their public identity was the same as Sakumo’s.
Members of Hikaru’s personal guard.
Having two former Hokage serve as his personal guards was not a treatment ordinary people could enjoy.
After all, reviving these two was no simple matter.
The two Hokage still lived in Hikaru’s home.
Shoma Senju had once suggested that they could return to their old residence, but they both refused.
Their former home was now Tsunade’s house.
Even though Tsunade was not in Konoha, neither of them intended to move back.
Besides, Hikaru’s house was large enough.
It had three floors, a basement, and plenty of rooms.
Staying here allowed them to learn Hikaru’s movements and plans earlier.
Why leave?
Of course, awkward moments were unavoidable sometimes.
For example, Hikaru and Ayame’s "night training."
But after they strengthened the seals, that was no longer a problem.
Hikaru was helpless about this.
Although he did want to chase these two out, he could not exactly say it.
And since they behaved themselves, he simply let it be.
"Oh, you’re back?"
Hashirama smiled and greeted him when he saw Hikaru.
Naruto also smiled when he saw Hikaru.
"Good evening, Hokage-sama."
Naruto had followed Minato for years.
Although his personality was still somewhat lively like Kushina’s, he was no longer the same as in the original story.
Minato had taught him well.
At school, Naruto was also good to everyone.
Aside from the fact that once he met Sasuke, he started drifting a little toward his original behavior, everything else about him was different from the Naruto Hikaru remembered.
"Long time no see, kid."
Hikaru smiled and ruffled Naruto’s hair.
Then, under Naruto’s displeased but helpless gaze, he looked at Hashirama.
"Yes, I’m back. Is Ayame not back yet?"
"Shouldn’t I be asking you that?"
Hashirama looked speechless.
But soon, he seemed to think of something and revealed a teasing smile.
"You were with that Uchiha girl, weren’t you? Good. I like that child."
"I was with her. Something interesting is happening in the Uchiha Clan."
Hikaru did not deny Hashirama’s teasing at all.
Because it was true.
Besides, both sides had practically made their feelings clear.
There was no need for Hikaru to hide anything.
And since something important was happening today, such as the matter inside the Uchiha Clan, he had even less reason to deny it.
"Something is happening in the Uchiha Clan?"
The moment Hashirama heard the Uchiha being mentioned, he immediately became serious.
It was clear that he truly cared about the Uchiha Clan.
"What happened? Haven’t you always been supporting them? You even won over a girl from their clan.
"What else is going on? And aren’t you going to do anything?"
"Come on, don’t make it sound so ugly. What do you mean, ’won over’?"
Hearing Hashirama’s words, Hikaru rolled his eyes.
He felt that the First Hokage really did not know how to speak.
"We are mutually interested in each other. It’s not some cheap conquest.
"And yes, I support them.
"But this is their clan’s internal matter. What would it mean if I interfered?
"Besides, I supported only one faction and one person within their clan.
"The person I supported is not even the current clan head.
"So isn’t it normal for internal conflict to exist?
"What they are doing now is solving that conflict.
"As Hokage, how can I personally interfere in their clan affairs?"
"Their own internal conflict?"
Hashirama’s reactions were sometimes slow, but he was not stupid.
He first patted the curious Naruto and told him to go home.
What they were about to discuss was not suitable for outsiders to hear.
Even if Naruto was only a child.
After sending off the curious Naruto, Hashirama looked at Hikaru seriously.
"You mean the faction you support wants to take the clan head’s position?"
"Smart. That’s exactly it."
Hikaru smiled and nodded.
He casually found a seat and sat down before continuing slowly.
"Their current clan head is unqualified.
"When it comes to major matters, he is far too indecisive.
"The person I support is Uchiha Shin.
"When I was still Anbu Commander, he contacted me and hoped to receive Konoha’s help, allowing the Uchiha to truly return to the village.
"So I decided to help him.
"Whether in Konoha or in the Police Force, I taught him how to act.
"He has always been obedient.
"That is how the Uchiha became what they are now.
"But because of his expansion, he and Fugaku Uchiha are now completely opposed.
"What they are doing tonight is naturally solving that problem."
Hikaru spoke slowly, and Hashirama listened seriously.
After being revived for so long, Hashirama naturally knew how the Uchiha were developing now.
He also knew that with Hikaru’s help, the Uchiha had truly returned to Konoha’s embrace.
But he had not carefully investigated all the twists and turns behind it.
He was satisfied with the current state of the Uchiha, and other matters did not interest him much.
Tobirama had investigated, but he had not told Hashirama too much.
So Hashirama did not know the details.
"So that’s how it is."
After understanding the situation, Hashirama sighed softly.
"I didn’t expect the Uchiha to change clan heads again.
"After Madara left Konoha, the Uchiha changed clan heads once before."
"Isn’t that good? They have experience. It won’t be unfamiliar."
Hikaru said casually.
Then he smiled and continued, "Don’t worry. Everything has basically been arranged.
"The Uchiha will not give up the good life they have now.
"And I will not allow the Uchiha to fall into chaos again."
"As long as you’re confident.
"Tobirama and Hiruzen both owed the Uchiha too much.
"By the way, the person you support is called Uchiha Shin, right?"
"That’s right. That old man.
"And by the way, he’s saya’s grandfather."
"Huh?"
...
Inside the Uchiha compound, Fugaku Uchiha sat coldly in the main seat.
His gaze swept across everyone present.
Tonight was a humiliation for him.
His clan was actually going to choose a new clan head to lead the Uchiha forward.
As the current clan head, this was a slap across his face.
Decades ago, the Uchiha had also changed clan heads, and the clan members had essentially betrayed their leader.
But that time, Madara Uchiha had wanted to lead everyone away from Konoha.
That decision had been wrong from the start.
So replacing the clan head then had not been too shameful.
But what Fugaku faced now was far more humiliating than what Madara had faced.
And he could neither oppose nor refuse it.
Because almost the entire clan had been gathered under that damned Uchiha Shin.
Even if Fugaku wanted to resist, he could not.
His heart was filled with hatred.
He hated Uchiha Shin.
He hated Shin’s granddaughter.
And he also hated the current Fifth Hokage, Senju Hikaru.
Especially that Fifth Hokage.
He did not understand why the Hokage would rather support Shin than him.
Was it really, as the rumors said, because of Shin’s granddaughter?
To be honest, Fugaku did not believe that rumor.
How could someone who did great things be bound by such unreliable personal feelings?
"Everyone is here. I believe we should begin."
Just as Fugaku was still lost in his thoughts, Uchiha Shin stood up and spoke slowly.
Although this meeting was extremely important, those qualified to attend were still only the shinobi of the Uchiha Clan.
Ordinary clan members had no right to participate.
"I believe everyone knows the purpose of this meeting, so let us be direct.
"Strictly speaking, this matter is shameful.
"Ending it sooner is better for all of us."
Shin’s words gained the approval of every Uchiha shinobi present.
Indeed, forcibly replacing the clan head was shameful.
Ending it quickly would benefit everyone.
But for a moment, everyone hesitated.
After all, this was the removal of their own clan head.
No one wanted to be the first to speak.
The entire hall suddenly fell silent.
Fortunately, Shin had already expected this situation.
After waiting briefly, he prepared to have one of his people guide the discussion.
But what he did not expect was that Itachi Uchiha would be the first to stand.
His expression looked calm.
Yet it also seemed as though he had made an enormous decision.
It was difficult to see through his thoughts.
"I have something to say."
As Fugaku Uchiha’s son, Itachi carried weight.
He was also a genius of the Uchiha Clan.
He had obtained the three-tomoe Sharingan early.
His status within the clan was naturally high.
His sudden rise made Shin frown.
Fugaku, however, showed a faint smile.
In the end, this was still his son.
Seeing this, Fugaku felt a trace of happiness.
Even though he knew his chances of victory were extremely slim.
But the moment Itachi opened his mouth, Fugaku’s face instantly turned pale.
He seemed to freeze in place.
Not only him.
Every Uchiha shinobi present seemed startled.
They looked at Itachi in disbelief, their faces full of confusion.
"I believe Elder Shin’s proposal is a good choice.
"Although I am the clan head’s son, even the Hokage can be selected and replaced based on actual circumstances.
"A clan head should naturally be no different."
At this point, Itachi slowly closed his eyes.
But his tone became even firmer.
"Therefore, on this matter, I support Elder Shin’s proposal.
"We should choose a new clan head to lead the clan forward.
"Even if the clan head being replaced is my father."
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