Chapter 123: Snatched Eyes
At the heart of Konoha, within the Hokage building…
The structure had undergone numerous expansions and renovations, transforming from a modest administration hub into a sprawling office complex spanning nearly a thousand square meters.
What used to be known as the "Hokage's Office" now seemed like a tiny hillock in comparison.
Inside the expansive new office, Senju Hashirama's head swiveled around like a windmill as he took in the vast, open space. His admiration was almost childlike.
The large office offered limited seating—aside from the Hokage's desk, there was only a sofa near the corner.
Gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows, Hashirama marveled at the bustling village below.
Turning toward the figure reclining on the sofa, he couldn't contain his curiosity.
"Kagami, Minato told me that you've been guiding much of what goes on here. Why haven't you taken the Hokage's title?
Minato is great, no doubt, but I think you'd surpass even me as Hokage. I think… even Madara would be proud of you!"
Kagami didn't even look up from the entertainment magazine in his hands.
"Surpass you? I did that a long time ago."
Hashirama's jaw fell open in shock.
"You're kidding me!"
Kagami's tone was cold, almost detached.
"You weren't that talented to begin with. I just have no interest in being Hokage."
---
"Come on, Kagami… At least try to show some respect to the First Hokage," Sarutobi Hiruzen interjected, chuckling nervously.
This was one of the rare times Hiruzen's presence didn't draw Kagami's ire. Hiruzen's connection to his sensei, Tobirama, and his generally amicable demeanor made Kagami somewhat tolerant.
Snapping the magazine shut, Kagami gestured dismissively.
"It's not my fault you old-timers are always playing the seniority card.
Anyway, let's save the chitchat. You and Orochimaru should step out now. There's something I need to discuss privately with Hashirama."
Recognizing that the meeting had reached its more sensitive portion, Hiruzen obliged. Orochimaru, ever curious but knowing when to withdraw, followed suit.
As the heavy, reinforced doors shut behind them, Hashirama looked around, impressed at how modern and polished everything was—especially the automatic locking mechanisms.
He found it all quite fascinating.
What truly caught his eye, however, was a lavishly decorated gambling hall he had glimpsed earlier on his way here.
What he didn't know was that Konoha typically didn't allow gambling dens within the village.
This one had been set up temporarily to entertain the visiting dignitaries from other nations.
After all, part of hosting an international event meant making the visitors feel welcome.
---
Now, only Hashirama, Kagami, and Minato remained in the room.
Hashirama's expression grew more serious.
"Kagami, do you… intend to rule over the entire ninja world?
If that's what you want, I'm willing to help you."
Reflecting on his own mistakes and the limitations of his era, Hashirama had come to see that placing the fate of the world in the hands of a single, competent leader might be the best course of action.
If someone as strong and decisive as Kagami could unify the ninja world, perhaps it would finally bring lasting peace.
And if that happened, Hashirama believed that even Madara, upon his return, would have no cause for further conflict.
"I don't need your help," Kagami replied. His tone was calm, yet firm. "And that's not why I kept you around."
He reached into a drawer and retrieved an enormous scroll, tossing it onto the desk before Hashirama.
"The Scroll of Seals was taken by Orochimaru. What we recovered is incomplete.
Write down your wood techniques—the Wood Golem, the Wood Dragon, the Thousand-Armed Kannon… whatever you have."
---
"…Huh?"
"'Huh?' What do you mean 'huh?' I didn't ask you to bring the scroll back, just to jot down a few jutsu."
"Oh. Got it."
With a resigned nod, Hashirama began writing out the details of his wood-style techniques.
He looked up briefly, his tone a little hesitant.
"So… you're not going to ask Tobirama to write out the Flying Thunder God Technique as well?"
Kagami shook his head.
"No need. His outdated version isn't of any use to me."
---
Minato, standing to the side, did his best to ease Hashirama's evident disappointment.
"Don't take it too hard, First Lord Hokage. That's just how Kagami is."
Hashirama worked diligently, including even some of the newer applications of wood style he'd developed.
Satisfied that he had nothing left to add, he set the scroll down.
He was about to ask another question when Kagami spoke first.
---
"By the way," Kagami said, not even looking up, "the first round of the tournament will be a survival challenge.
We'll toss all the teams into the Forest of Death and whittle them down until only thirty-two remain."
Hashirama's brow furrowed.
"Kagami, some of the participants have immense chakra reserves. If they fight that close to the village, the aftermath could spill over and harm civilians."
Kagami rolled his eyes.
"Did you actually serve as Hokage? Ever heard of the Four Red Yang Formation?"
---
"Ah… I see…"
"Good. Now stop worrying and enjoy yourself."
With that, Hashirama left the room.
Minato, however, remained behind, his concern etched into his expression.
"About the teams…" he began, "are you sure it's okay for the younger ones—Naruto, Sasuke, Karin, Hinata, Neji—to compete without an experienced leader? Maybe we should have Kakashi or Shisui guide them?"
"Relax," Kagami said, his gaze fixed on a page.
"If things go south, I'll intervene."
Minato sighed. "But the rules clearly state that no interference is allowed. If others see us breaking our own rules—"
"What are rules?" Kagami interrupted, closing the magazine and looking Minato in the eye.
"Rules are what we make them. If I decide to break them openly, who will stop me?
I'm granting them a semblance of fairness. They should be grateful for that."
Minato's lips tightened, but he nodded.
"Understood. I'll handle security. As you said, if anyone tries to cause trouble, we'll deal with them immediately."
---
Their conversation was cut short by a frantic knock at the door.
"Hokage-sama!" came the muffled voice.
"There's been an attack! Someone assaulted Uchiha Tetsushin and stole one of his eyes!
Jiraiya-sama is pursuing the attacker, but they're moving too fast! The suspect might have a swift-release bloodline!"
---
Boom!
Before the messenger could finish, the office doors blasted open, the force of the impact leaving the shinobi trembling.
In his memory, the Hokage had never reacted this violently before.
From the shinobi's vantage point, the figure standing in the shattered doorway was framed by the setting sun.
Backlit by the golden glow, his silhouette seemed almost ethereal—intangible, except for one vivid detail.
A single, crimson Sharingan spun slowly, its cold light enough to chill the room.
In a voice as sharp as steel, Uchiha Kagami spoke:
"Well, now… this is getting interesting."
End of Chapter
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