Konoha New Era : Third Hokage Ascends

(Edited)

Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart was conflicted, but he remained silent. After shaking hands with Fumori Masaki, he introduced another person—Shimura Danzo. The Shimura and Sarutobi clans had been allies during the Warring States Period, and their heirs were close friends. Fumori Masaki wasn't particularly impressed with Danzo at first. However, he knew this man would one day become a powerful figure in Konoha, shaping its future alongside Hiruzen. Together, they would lead Konoha to its peak, but they would also sow seeds of darkness within the village.

As Hiruzen greeted Danzo, Fumori Masaki reflected on his own ambitions. As the descendant of an ordinary ninja, he knew that if he wanted to rise to the top of Konoha, he would have to work tirelessly. Sage Mode was powerful, but it wasn't invincible. Without mastery, he could be easily overwhelmed by formidable foes like Kaguya Kimimaro, Uchiha Sasuke, or the Fourth Raikage, Ai.

The new students of Konoha Academy, thirty-eight in total, entered the single classroom. The academy's purpose was to train the heirs of the ninja clans in an elite manner, not to gather large numbers. Each desk bore a family crest, and the students found their places. Fumori Masaki quickly located his family's crest and took his seat. Moments later, another student sat beside him.

Masaki was slightly startled to see that the person next to him was Uchiha Kagami, one of the six disciples of the Second Hokage. Uchiha Madara, lacking children of his own, had chosen Kagami, his closest blood relative, as his heir. Although young, Kagami's mastery of the Sharingan was exceptional, making him the ideal candidate to lead the Uchiha clan.

Masaki didn't know much about Kagami, only that he was one of the Second Hokage's most loyal followers. In the original timeline, Kagami had died young—a loss that might have prevented the near-destruction of the Uchiha clan if he had lived.

Kagami noticed Masaki's gaze and smiled warmly. Despite being an Uchiha, Kagami was humble and amiable, traits that endeared him to others. If it weren't for his Sharingan, few would recognize him as a member of the Uchiha clan.

Masaki returned the smile and thought, If I can, I should try to prevent his untimely death. But the details of his demise are so vague.

As the students discussed what they might learn from Hashirama and Tobirama, the conversation grew lively. Some speculated about powerful ninjutsu, others about taijutsu, while some imagined unique training methods. The only certainty was that whatever they learned would be extraordinary.

Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly sensed something and turned toward the door, drawing everyone's attention. Hashirama and Tobirama had arrived unnoticed. The students quickly stood and bowed. Hashirama waved off their formality with a smile, then turned to Hiruzen. "Sarutobi, you sensed us coming. You're improving."

Pleased with the praise, Hiruzen responded, "It's all thanks to my father's teaching."

Hashirama chuckled. Hiruzen had long been marked as a disciple of the two brothers, requiring no formal assessment. His strength had already proven him worthy. However, with Fumori Masaki's recent arrival and potential in Sage Arts, Hashirama knew he would also become a disciple.

Masaki was aware of this as well. Hashirama had already taught him on several occasions, confirming his qualification. His only concern now was whether he could surpass Hiruzen and become the favored successor in Hashirama or Tobirama's eyes.

Hashirama addressed the students with a smile. "Today marks the first day of Konoha Academy. I'll keep this brief. The academy was founded to help you all recognize each other as comrades within the village. That is my hope. Additionally, it's a place to hone your ninja abilities. In about six months to a year, we'll test your skills and select some of you as our disciples. If you're interested, work hard in the coming days."

The students, already informed by their parents, were still excited to hear it directly from the First Hokage. Even those who only wanted to honor their family legacies were tempted to try and be selected.

Hashirama's speech was short and simple. After nodding to Tobirama, he stepped aside, allowing his brother to take center stage. Tobirama addressed the students with a commanding presence. "As the Hokage-sama said, I will guide you as your teacher. I'll cover ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, and ninja tools. I expect you to practice seriously. Understood?"

Tobirama's stern demeanor was far more imposing than his brother's. The students instinctively straightened up, nodding quickly. Satisfied, Tobirama continued, "We won't start with anything too challenging. First, I'll share my views on what it means to be a ninja."

Tobirama's curious nature and desire for knowledge drove him to explore the essence of things, which is why he could create forbidden techniques and establish the village's foundational institutions. His perspective on what makes a truly outstanding ninja, and what skills are necessary to reach that level, would form the basis of their future training. Only those who mastered these skills could hope to become the brothers' disciples.

Hashirama listened for a while, but he wasn't as deeply engaged in theory as Tobirama. With the finer details of governance left to his brother, Hashirama still needed to guide the village's overall direction. As Hokage, he couldn't oversee everything.

Hashirama believed the academy could be left in capable hands for now. His thoughts shifted to the village's current situation, particularly Madara. In the early days of Konoha, Madara had joined Hashirama in building the ideal village, but their differing views had led to frequent arguments. Eventually, they stopped speaking altogether.

Hashirama didn't want his relationship with his childhood friend to deteriorate further, but he had principles he couldn't compromise. Madara had crossed those lines, and their relationship had soured.

I need to talk to Madara, Hashirama thought. He didn't want to lose the bond they had forged as children, but little did he know, Madara was no longer the same person he once knew.