Konoha New Era : Third Hokage Ascends

(Edited)

Senju Hashirama does not enjoy fighting. As the leader of the Konoha Ninja Village, he dreams of a time when the village will never have to face war, and where every child can live in peace. Though a man of peace, Hashirama knows that peace must be defended. For that reason, the training of ninjas cannot be neglected.

Konoha is no longer a single clan; it is an alliance of many different families, and this diversity changes how battles must be fought. The experiments at the newly established school are key to determining how these clans can fight together effectively. However, Hashirama has a broader vision for the school. He and his brother Tobirama have discussed making it a place where not only clan heirs, but also commoner children, can receive training. Every ninja, regardless of origin, would be managed by the village. This centralization is essential to realizing Hashirama's ideal of a unified Konoha.

But both brothers understand that this will be no easy task. They cannot simply impose these changes all at once. If Tobirama were not already in charge of the school, they would have faced strong resistance from the clans. After all, clan heirs are traditionally taught by their own families. What need is there for a school? Can any teacher compare to a clan's own training methods? The clans only agreed to send their heirs to the school because Hashirama and Tobirama are leading it. Learning from the Senju brothers is an opportunity no clan would pass up, as it gives their heirs more influence in the village.

Despite knowing the challenges ahead, Hashirama is disheartened by the clans' reluctance. Yet, he encourages Tobirama, reminding him that this is just the first step towards their ideal. With time, they can continue on this path, and one day, the village they envision will come to fruition.

Tobirama is confident that the future structure of the ninja world will help this process along. As other ninja villages solidify their positions, and the five great nations continue to rise, the old ways of teaching within clans will become obsolete. Education led by the village will ensure Konoha's strength.

For now, these ideas remain between the Senju brothers. They cannot afford to provoke resistance from the clans, or their ideals will drift further out of reach. Instead, they must carefully implement their policies, gradually weakening the clans' control over their own ninjas until only Konoha remains, and no one identifies as a member of any single family.

This rule applies even to the Senju clan itself. To achieve their goals, Hashirama and Tobirama must find like-minded individuals to support their vision. This is why Tobirama carefully selects his disciples from among the academy students. In the ninja world, disciples are more than students—they are the heirs of their master's ideals, techniques, and will.

Though Trial for Konoha Academy has not yet officially opened, Hashirama already has a candidate in mind. He quietly observes Fumori Masaki. With Masaki's ability to sense natural energy, Hashirama knows he has the potential to become a powerful leader in the village. No one understands the power of Sage techniques better than Hashirama, and once someone fully masters that power, they stand far above ordinary ninjas.

However, Hashirama must evaluate Masaki's mindset. Can he prioritize the village's interests over those of his own family? If so, then Masaki could be the one to inherit the future of Konoha.

Smiling at Masaki, Hashirama says, "Haha, don't overthink it. Let's focus on controlling natural energy first. I won't be here forever."

Masaki snaps out of his thoughts, realizing that mastering the natural energy accumulating within him is his top priority. He refocuses his mind and listens carefully to Hashirama's teachings.

Rimi, meanwhile, has no idea what Hashirama and Masaki are discussing. She understands that there are things she is not meant to know, so she keeps a respectful distance to avoid overhearing their conversation.

Sitting on a rock outside, Rimi rests her cheeks in her hands and gazes at the sky. From time to time, she glances at the house, waiting anxiously for someone to emerge. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the door creaks open, snapping her out of her drowsiness.

Rimi quickly stands up and rushes over as she sees Hashirama and Masaki stepping outside. "Hashirama-sama, how is Masaki doing?" she asks eagerly.

"Hmm?" Hashirama pauses, then smiles reassuringly at Rimi. "He's fine. This won't happen again."

Rimi exhales in relief, beaming at Masaki. "That's great, Masaki."

Masaki nods with a faint smile and bows to Hashirama. "Thank you so much, Hashirama-sama."

"It was your own efforts that made the difference," Hashirama replies, his eyes reflecting a hint of surprise at Masaki's rapid progress. Despite Hashirama's own deep understanding of Sage techniques, he is amazed by how quickly Masaki has grasped them. After only a few attempts, Masaki successfully learned to control natural energy.

Hashirama can't help but feel slightly disoriented. When did natural energy become so easy to control? Even he had nearly lost his life learning Sage techniques. Yet, seeing Masaki's success, he must admit that the young man is exceptionally talented.

"Take care of yourself, Masaki," Hashirama advises. "Your injuries aren't fully healed yet. Don't rush back to the academy."

"I understand, Hashirama-sama," Masaki responds.

"Good. Then I'll take my leave," says the Hokage. After a few steps, he pauses as if remembering something. He turns back to them and adds, "By the way, you two should really consider it. You're both at the age to marry—don't put it off."

Rimi blushes, caught between her feelings and her hesitation. But to her surprise, Masaki speaks up, "Okay."

Rimi stares at Masaki, stunned. He had previously insisted on becoming a Jonin before marrying. Why the sudden change of heart?

Unconcerned, Hashirama grins and says, "Great! I'll start making arrangements and pick a good day. Haha." As their elder, it is only natural for him to plan their wedding.

After Hashirama leaves, Rimi bites her lip and asks, "Why did you agree so suddenly? Didn't you say you wanted to become a Jonin first?"

"Are you against it?" Masaki asks.

"Of course not!" Rimi responds quickly, then turns away in embarrassment. "I'm just surprised."

"This incident was a wake-up call," Masaki explains. "I almost left this world. I realized that if I keep waiting, I might never fulfill my wishes. I don't want to regret it."

"Don't say such things!" Rimi scolds, grasping Masaki's hand firmly. "You can't die. You have to rebuild your clan."

"I know. I don't intend to die," Masaki assures her. "I don't want to leave you behind."

Rimi gazes at Masaki for a long moment before saying softly, "You seem different, Masaki."

"After what happened, how could I not change?" Masaki replies. He still isn't sure whether he's truly "Fumori Masaki" or someone else entirely, but he knows he has changed. He suspects that absorbing natural energy has altered him in some unique way. While learning to control it, he found it easier to focus his mind, and he could clearly sense the flow of natural energy around him.

Masaki also believes that the manga he once read shows a glimpse of this world's future. Although the timeline is unclear, he knows that soon, Uchiha Madara will leave Konoha and later attack the village with the Nine Tails. Shortly after that battle, Hashirama will die, marking the beginning of the First Great Ninja War—a conflict that will leave deep scars on the five great nations.

Determined to survive the impending war and protect Konoha, Masaki resolves to grow stronger. He also knows that he must eliminate any threats that could harm the village or the ninja world. To do so, he needs both power and influence.

Konoha Academy presents an opportunity. Masaki plans to become a disciple of Senju Tobirama, to learn advanced ninjutsu, and to surpass Sarutobi Hiruzen. If he can prove himself, perhaps Hashirama will choose him as the next Hokage, allowing him to guide Konoha as its Third Hokage.