As someone reborn from a peaceful era, Toki sometimes thought that if he had not been reincarnated into the Uchiha clan and was just an ordinary civilian, he would have wholeheartedly embraced the Third Hokage's Will of Fire and worked to protect Sarutobi Hiruzen during Konoha's invasion.
After all, Sarutobi Hiruzen was a seasoned politician. His strategy of targeting political opponents while winning over civilians made Konoha a better place for non-shinobi to thrive.
In Konoha, life as a civilian was far more comfortable than being Hokage.
This was due to the rigid social hierarchy of the ninja world:
Nobles → Chūnin and above ninjas → Civilians → Genin.
Toki often found it baffling that ninjas, despite holding military power, lived as laborers at the bottom of society.
When analyzing the structure of the ninja world, it became clear that civilians and ninjas operated in completely separate spheres.
Ninjas lived harsh lives, constantly risking death in battle.
Civilians were generally self-reliant but were at the mercy of ninja wars. If a war broke out, entire villages could be wiped out.
Meanwhile, the aristocrats, with their privileged lifestyles, sat comfortably at the top.
Even the daimyō of smaller nations outranked the Five Kage of the major ninja villages.
This was evident during the Fourth Ninja War when Obito targeted the daimyō of various nations. Terumi Mei, the Mizukage, humbly escorted the daimyō of the Land of Grass, prioritizing their safety over her pride.
Historically, Senju Hashirama had signed a cooperation pact with the daimyō to stabilize the ninja world. Yet, under Sarutobi Hiruzen's leadership, the daimyō's authority was elevated even further.
For Hiruzen, appeasing the daimyō and weakening internal clan influence was preferable to consolidating Konoha's power.
To Toki, this strategy was painfully shortsighted and self-serving. Hiruzen's willingness to suppress his own people, including the Uchiha, in favor of the aristocracy was unforgivable.
But Toki had no intention of giving Hiruzen the chance to execute such plans.
---
As Konoha Village hosted its grand Pokémon Competition, Sarutobi Asuma and Obito were secretly making their way toward the Land of Fire Daimyō's Mansion.
While Konoha had extended invitations to daimyō from other countries, the daimyō of the Fire Nation had been deliberately excluded.
This was a bold and direct message: the Uchiha clan had effectively severed Konoha from the Land of Fire's authority.
The daimyō, though enraged, was wary of the Uchiha's strength and refrained from making any rash moves.
---
Asuma stared at the Poké Ball in his hand, his expression filled with conflict.
He recalled Toki's private conversation with him at the Hokage Tower:
"The tension between Konoha and the Fire Nation's daimyō is escalating. Your father is siding with the daimyō, preparing to retaliate against Konoha and drag the village into endless war."
"Look around, Asuma. Look at the smiles on the villagers' faces, the peace in their lives. That kind of happiness can't be faked."
"Only by breaking free from the daimyō's control can Konoha truly escape the cycle of war."
"Right now, neither the Uchiha clan nor the other ninja clans can afford to reignite the flames of war."
"I know this is cruel to you, but the reality is that if the Fire Nation daimyō aligns with the other countries, Konoha could be wiped off the map."
"Asuma, I see the Will of Fire in you. You are your father's son, a good man at heart. I trust you to make the right decision."
---
Toki handed Asuma a Poké Ball containing a Jōnin-level Bulbasaur, along with a Mega Evolution Keystone and a Gigantamax Band.
"These tools will temporarily give you power rivaling that of a Super Kage," Toki explained. "Although it will only last for one attack, it's strong enough to counter the Nine-Tails.
"If you're ready, I'll send someone to assist you. But once the mission is complete, you will become a rogue ninja, hunted by every village in the world."
"I know this is unfair, but think about Kurenai, the innocent villagers, and your comrades."
"I won't force you. The decision is yours."
Clutching the Poké Ball tightly, Asuma's eyes flickered with pain and resolve.
His decision was made.