The night passed quickly, and the next day they found themselves in the Hokage's Office.
"So, you encountered a mysterious figure who may have lived for a thousand years… and Uchiha Madara?!"
Tobirama Senju could not maintain his composure after hearing Hui's report.
The information Hui shared was simply too shocking.
Especially when it came to Madara—this name was a source of long-standing anxiety for Tobirama.
Years ago, in order to study Madara's body, Tobirama had secretly hidden his corpse, only to discover that it had been a shadow clone all along. Upon learning that Madara was still alive, Tobirama had been uneasy, constantly fearing the day Madara would reappear and wreak havoc.
This fear only intensified after the death of his older brother, Hashirama Senju, the one person capable of countering Madara.
Now, for the first time in a long while, news of Madara had surfaced again.
"Actually, Madara is no longer a threat. My greater concern is the mysterious figure," Hui said, nodding. Compared to Madara, it was Black Zetsu that truly warranted worry.
Though Hui himself did not fear Black Zetsu, he was concerned that Zetsu might target those around him.
For instance, when Black Zetsu went after Lightning. If not for sheer coincidence of Sakumo happening to be nearby, he might would not have survived.
"A mysterious figure, you say? Based on your analysis, they do indeed sound troublesome," Tobirama said, feeling a slight headache coming on.
Back in his and Hashirama's days of warring across the shinobi world, such supernatural entities had been rare. Tobirama had thought the ninja world's mysteries largely unraveled, only to be proven otherwise.
"The strangest part about this figure is their unique nature. Though not particularly powerful, they managed to evade me effortlessly, despite my best efforts," Hui sighed, then added, "Fortunately, Madara has now taken an interest in this individual. Those two will likely be entangled with each other for quite some time."
Tobirama nodded. As much as he disliked Madara, he couldn't deny the man's terrifying strength. Anyone Madara set his sights on would have a hard time escaping.
"After hearing your story last night, it seems you've found clarity in your heart." Tobirama said with a smile, "Only a few months remain until your twentieth birthday, and it's time for you to take on the mantle of Hokage."
Konoha was about to welcome a twenty-year-old Hokage, and with it, perhaps a new era for the shinobi world.
"Yes… only a few months," Hui murmured, feeling a mix of emotions as he realized how quickly time had passed.
"I'll grant you a month-long leave. After that, prepare for the transition of power," Tobirama declared, granting Hui a relatively long break.
After all, as the Hokage, Tobirama knew that vacations would become a rare luxury for Hui in the future.
"A month? That's not nearly enough! How about three months instead?" Hui bargained, clearly unsatisfied.
Tobirama's face darkened.
A month is already generous enough, he grumbled inwardly, Yet, this rascal dared ask for three?!
"I have to plan a romantic engagement for Tsunade, so…" Hui quickly explained upon noticing Tobirama's growing irritation.
Hearing this, Tobirama raised an eyebrow before breaking into a smile.
"Alright, I'll allow it," he chuckled.
..
Exiting the Hokage's Office, Hui didn't take a shortcut back to the Senju Compound.
Over the past two years, Konoha had undergone tremendous changes, nearly all of which were credited to Hui's efforts. He wanted to see for himself what Konoha looked like now.
The village felt more spacious compared to two years ago. Thanks to Hui's urban planning designs, Konoha's architecture and layout had become more organized and aesthetically pleasing.
Particularly impressive was the administrative district he had envisioned, centered around the Hokage's Office building, with various department offices radiating out like stars around the moon.
While walking through this area, which was relatively devoid of civilians, Hui made no effort to disguise himself.
It wasn't long before someone noticed him.
"That's… Lord Mochizuki Hui?!"
A young ninja exclaimed in disbelief to their colleague.
"Lord Hui? Where?!"
The colleague, a kunoichi in her twenties, immediately looked up and spotted him. She nearly let out a scream but managed to stifle it.
"The head of the Department of Administration, Lord Hui, has returned!"
Though she held back her scream, her exhilaration was palpable.
Her eyes practically sparkled as she gazed at Hui in the distance. Given Hui's sharp senses, her words did not escape his ears.
Turning toward them, Hui gave the pair a warm smile.
"Ahhh!" The kunoichi's composure finally broke as she let out a shrill cry, instantly drawing the attention of nearby personnel.
"What? Lord Hui has returned?!"
"Lord Hui is back! Over there—that's Lord Hui!"
"Fantastic! Lord Hui has returned!"
"Where? Let me see!"
Ninja from various departments abandoned their work, rushing out to catch a glimpse of Hui.
It was an unusual display of enthusiasm, particularly for Konoha's typically composed ninja. Yet, such was Hui's charisma. To the younger generation of Konoha shinobi, he was both a hero and a role model.
Even after two years of absence, his popularity within the village had not waned.
Konoha's transformation during this time was a testament to the policies he had implemented. Each improvement reminded the villagers of Hui's influence.
…
In the upper offices of the Jonin Commander, Sarutobi noticed the commotion.
Curious, he glanced out the window and was immediately delighted.
"Ah, that brat Hui is back! And he didn't even tell me!" Hiruzen exclaimed, though his tone carried no real reproach.
Noticing Hui looking his way, Hiruzen waved in response, his heart brimming with pride.
Even from this distance, Hui had heard him. How much had he grown over the years.
As he watched Hui surrounded by the villagers, Hiruzen thought to himself: No matter how powerful you've become, you're still Konoha's Hui. And that's enough.
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