(A/N: Dear gentle readers, some type of characters thought and dialogue are given by my imagination, so, don't fret over it too much, just think like you are reading for first time and imagine.)
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Shimura Danzo watched silently as the meeting came to a close, shadows flickering across his face.
Ever since returning to the village, he had believed that his teacher's decision to appoint Hiruzen as Hokage would falter under scrutiny.
Danzo had been certain that dissent lingered just beneath the surface, particularly among those who resented Sarutobi's rise.
But as the Senju clan voiced their unwavering support, his hopes began to wither. When the Uchiha clan followed suit, led by the steadfast Kagami, Danzo's pulse quickened with frustration.
Realizing he couldn't afford to lose more ground, he forced himself to signal his clan's jonin to lend their voices to Hiruzen's cause.
A reluctant smirk tugged at his lips; this was merely a strategic maneuver. Perhaps, in time, he could still wrestle power back into his grasp.
With the Shimura, Hatake, and Kurama clans echoing their agreement, the decision solidified. Sarutobi Hiruzen would be the Third Hokage, and the oath ceremony was slated for the following day.
As the meeting concluded, Hiruzen wore a bright smile, relief washing over him like the warm rays of the sun.
But as he returned to his clan's residence, he felt the weight of the village civilians pressing down on his shoulders.
The enormity of his new responsibilities loomed ahead, suffocating yet exhilarating.
---
The next day dawned bright and clear, the sun shining down on Konoha as Hiruzen stood atop the highest platform of the Hokage Tower. Below him, the villagers gathered, their eyes wide with anticipation.
He inhaled deeply, drawing in the crisp air, and steadied his heart. The crowd hushed as he addressed them, his voice echoing against the wooden beams and stone walls.
"We have suffered a great loss," he began, his tone somber, laced with sorrow.
He felt the heaviness settle in his chest as he spoke. "The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, has sacrificed his life to ensure our survival."
A wave of sorrow swept through the crowd. Faces fell, grief etching deep lines of despair across their features.
Hiruzen took a moment to let the weight of their mourning linger in the air before continuing, the echoes of loss stirring within him.
"His bravery and wisdom guided us through the storm of war. Now, it is my duty to uphold his legacy."
As he paused, Hiruzen caught sight of familiar faces among the crowd—families mourning a leader, friends lost in memories of laughter shared. Their pain became his own, igniting a fierce resolve within him.
"And though we grieve, we must also look forward, for Konoha still stands strong. The Will of Fire, passed down from the First Hokage, burns within us all. It is this will that binds us together, that makes us strong even in the face of adversity."
With each word, he felt the fire in his heart surge. He reached for the Hokage hat, placing it firmly on his head, its weight a reminder of the duty he now bore.
He had labored over this speech late into the night, pouring his heart into every syllable, hoping to rally the villagers and kindle hope in their hearts.
As he delivered it, he ended with the First Hokage's famous Will of Fire poem, the words weaving a tapestry of strength and unity.
"The Will of Fire," Hiruzen declared, his voice ringing out across the square, "is the strength that flows in every one of us. It is the belief that the village is a family, that every life is precious, and that we fight not for power, but for peace."
The crowd erupted in applause, their spirits ignited by his words, their faces alight with newfound hope.
Hiruzen's heart swelled as he watched their joy unfold like petals in the sun, the villagers of Konoha standing resilient and ready to follow their new leader into the future.
But just as the echoes of applause began to fade, a strange mechanical sound reverberated in his mind.
**DING!**
*Congratulations! You have been bound to the VILLAGE SUPPORTING SYSTEM.*
Hiruzen froze, the applause fading into a dull roar as shock coursed through him. This felt surreal—something pulled directly from the pages of the novels he had once devoured.
His heart raced as he grasped the implications of what had just occurred. A system—an ally in this tumultuous world, a chance to navigate the dangers ahead.
"System, introduce yourself," he thought, urgency flickering in his chest.
A mechanical voice responded promptly, crisp and clear. "Yes, Host. The system's function is to assist you in making your village the strongest. Even in the event of an Otsutsuki attack, the village will be able to defend itself.
However, the system only provides support. The host must still work hard. For every war won, the system will increase the number of geniuses in the village and even improve some talents to S rank or SS rank."
Hiruzen's eyes widened, his mind racing. He understood the implications of those ranks.
S rank was for shadow (Kage)-level ninja, the elite of the elite.
But SS rank—those were the super-shadow (Super-Kage) level ninjas, the kind of strength only a handful had ever reached.
And SSS rank? That was sage-level (Sage Of Six Paths), a power that transcended ordinary shinobi.
(A/N: please remember these terms and levels of strength, it will be used in future chapters.)
*A flicker of determination ignited within him.* "Konoha has had many shadow-level ninjas in its history," he mused, envisioning the powerful figures that had shaped the village's legacy. "But only four had ever reached super-shadow level."
He felt the weight of the past pressing down on him. "There were those like Itachi, Shisui, and Minato. Even Kushina, as a Jinchuriki, might have reached—each held back by circumstances beyond their control."
Resolved, Hiruzen made up his mind. "I will make Konoha so powerful that even if the other four villages join forces against us, they will tremble at our strength.
I'll save the Uzumaki clan before the Second War and bring them back. The Senju must stop their reckless policies. Together, they will balance the Uchiha's power and ensure Konoha's future."
Thoughts raced through his mind, reflecting on the mistakes of his predecessors. "The First and Second Hokage erred by allowing the Senju to dilute their bloodline. Their numbers have dwindled, and they teeter on the brink of extinction."
*Frustration coursed through him.* "Tobirama's distrust of the Uchiha led to their political isolation, and in doing so, he neglected his own clan."
Hiruzen steeled himself. "If I am to ensure Konoha's future, I must learn from these mistakes."
He made his way to the Hokage office, determination propelling him forward.
---
Inside the Hokage office, the simplicity of the room contrasted sharply with the magnitude of the decisions to be made.
Portraits of past Hokage adorned the walls, watching over him like guardians of history.
A wooden desk stood in the center, accompanied by a luxurious chair, its surface engraved with the character for "Hokage."
Hiruzen settled into the chair, the weight of his new role settling over him like a cloak. He was ready to explore the depths of his new system.
"System, do I get a beginner's package?" he asked, excitement bubbling within him.
**DING!**
*Yes, Host. There is a beginner's package available to every village leader.*
"Great! But first, show me my status," Hiruzen commanded.
**STATUS**
*Name: Sarutobi Hiruzen*
*Age: 20*
*Talent: S Rank*
*Taijutsu: Peak Jonin*
*Ninjutsu: Low Kage*
*Genjutsu: High Jonin*
*Bukijutsu: Low Kage*
*Chakra: Low Kage*
*Chakra Control: 90%*
*Fuinjutsu: Level 1 (Basic Seals)*
*Affinity: Earth (50%), Fire (50%), Wind (50%), Water (50%), Lightning (50%), Yin (50%), Yang (50%)*
As he scanned the details, disappointment washed over him like a sudden storm. "Barely a shadow-level ninja," he thought, determination reigniting. "I need to master fuinjutsu and create powerful techniques to safeguard my interest and have a say, then comes leading the village."
Visions of techniques danced in his mind—skills that could rival the Bijuu Dama, techniques that would solidify Konoha's strength.
"But first," he resolved, "I need to focus on physical training, chakra control, and increasing my reserves."
"System," Hiruzen inquired, "show me the beginner's package."
**DING!**
*Beginner's Package includes:*
- *Skill: Eye of Insight*
- *Skill: Creation (Limited Version)*
- *Skill: Comprehension*
- *Skill: Assimilation*
- *Talent-increasing potion* (1-Grade)
Hiruzen's mind raced, excitement surging through him. "These skills are practical and versatile. I don't want a mere Kekkei Genkai. I want to create powerful abilities of my own."
His gaze sharpened, resolve hardening like steel. "It's time to begin my personal development. After that, I'll ensure Konoha's development."
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