Chapter 126 - Hokage

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"In the end, I still chose to stay in Konoha..."

Akio gazed at the two Hyūga brothers practicing Gentle Fist in front of him and let out a sigh.

After learning that Tobirama didn't have much time left, Akio ultimately decided to remain in Konoha. In his heart, the only close family he had left were Tobirama, Mito, and his three disciples. As for Kenji, Dōzan, Tsunade, and Yuna—they were more like juniors. Although he cared for them, it was more like the concern an elder has for the younger generation.

As for the Uzumaki clan, due to the unreliability of three clan members during the previous Jōnin joint exam, Akio had no choice but to send a shadow clone back to the village to personally oversee their training.

"I can't keep sheltering the Uzumaki forever. I protected them during the Second Great War… By the time the Third War comes around, they need to have the strength to protect themselves."

That was Akio's thought.

It had been nearly half a year since his return from Mount Myōboku. The 26th year of Konoha was approaching fast, and Akio hadn't been idle. Since his other abilities had reached their limits, he focused all his efforts on mastering the Gentle Fist technique.

Perhaps due to a solid foundation, within just half a year of concentrated training, Akio had already elevated his Gentle Fist skill to Level 6—nearing Level 7.

Gentle Fist LV6 (588990 / 600000)

According to the Hyūga Clan Head, Level 6 Gentle Fist was already on par with his own capabilities. However, when Akio asked for permission to learn the Gentle Fist secret techniques, he found himself unable to practice them.

There was no helping it. He couldn't exactly swap out his eyes just to learn techniques like Rotation. It simply wasn't worth it. He hadn't even considered going to the moon to obtain the Tenseigan, nor did he have any way of launching Truth-Seeking Orbs.

"But still, the fact that the experience points required for Gentle Fist match those of the seven nature transformations means there might be a hidden surprise if I keep training it."

That thought kept him motivated.

The two young boys in front of him had just finished a round of practice and were now looking at him eagerly, clearly hoping for some guidance.

However, Akio had zoned out and hadn't paid attention to their practice at all.

"Not bad. I'll demonstrate it once—watch carefully and figure out where you can improve..."

Before he could finish speaking, a familiar ANBU appeared before them.

Akio smiled, "Sakumo, what is it?"

"Grandpa Akio, Lord Hokage is looking for you."

Sakumo had now become Tobirama's go-to messenger for Akio. After a few times, calling him "Grandpa" came naturally.

"He's looking for me?" Akio mused and nodded. "Alright, I understand."

As he watched Sakumo leave, Akio sighed inwardly, It must be time to choose the Third Hokage.

When he arrived at the Hokage Tower, he saw something he hadn't seen in a long while—all three village elders gathered together with Tobirama.

The three elders shared a common trait: white hair. The youngest among them, Uchiha Izma, was already 57.

Aside from the Hyūga Clan Head—whom Akio saw frequently—the other two greeted him with somewhat complicated expressions.

"Grandpa Akio, you're still in great health," Uchiha Izma said slowly.

Akio smiled and nodded. "Looks like none of you will outlive me."

He knew that while they didn't know his exact age, they likely had suspicions. They probably guessed he was close to ninety.

But that was all they could do—marvel at his longevity. As for the reason, some speculated it was due to his strength, others thought it might be a secret Uzumaki sealing technique. Still, no one dared to openly ask him about it. And in private, none of them could match him.

Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Tobirama took the initiative to speak.

"I imagine you all have some idea why I've called you here. The village anniversary is soon. After that, we will select the next Hokage. Changes to the Elder Council will also follow."

None of the elders objected, and Akio remained silent.

Tobirama glanced around. "For the position of Hokage, I nominate Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura. What about you all?"

The three elders exchanged glances. Uchiha Izma hesitated but ultimately shook his head and said nothing.

He had hoped Kagami Uchiha would be considered, but he knew that was just wishful thinking.

The Nara Clan Head looked a bit regretful. Akimichi wasn't a genius.

As for the Hyūga Clan Head... the Hyūga had no strong successors, and he seemed rather resigned to that.

"In that case," Tobirama continued, "let's prepare accordingly and notify the other clans to see if they have candidates to recommend."

Akio blinked. "Tobirama, this doesn't really concern me. Why did you call me?"

"There's a second matter I wanted to discuss, Granduncle," Tobirama replied. "While I'm still in office, I'd like to re-sign an alliance treaty with the Uzumaki Clan."

Akio paused, then understood.

Tobirama was worried that after his death, Akio might not lend his strength in future conflicts, leading to the Uzumaki drifting away from Konoha.

Akio shook his head. "There's no need—Mito is still here."

In his heart, he believed that the Uzumaki and Konoha would become even more closely tied in the future through Kushina and Minato. There was no need for a formal treaty.

Tobirama understood immediately. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Alright then."

And so, the final Elder Council meeting of the older generation quietly came to an end.

A month later, Akio watched as Hiruzen Sarutobi donned the Hokage cloak and hat, momentarily lost in thought.

He stood on the platform, addressing the people of Konoha:

"Wherever the leaves dance, there is fire. The fire's shadow will shine upon the village, and new leaves will bud. When one wishes to protect the things dear to them, a ninja's true strength will emerge!"

That familiar figure and speech caused Akio's thoughts to drift.

When the speech concluded and the crowd dispersed, Hiruzen received congratulations from Tobirama, Mito, his teammates, and his students.

Even Danzō stood nearby, his expression a mix of reluctance and heartfelt joy—so sincere that Akio was slightly taken aback.

Danzō… What turned a passionate youth into a scheming conspirator?

A familiar system message interrupted Akio's train of thought.

*"You have witnessed and slightly altered the main plot of the Naruto world: The Third Hokage is chosen. Witness Points +30 (2)."

So minor changes only affect the timeline? Akio thought, then nodded.

If I had made Danzō Hokage, I probably would've earned 300 points. But this outcome is better.

As time passed, Akio experienced some unexpected gains. Because of his and Kagami Uchiha's influence, the Elder Council—aside from Danzō—had two new members: Kagami Uchiha and the father of the Hyūga brothers.

Even this change earned him 20 more Witness Points.

As expected, the closer we get to key plot events, the more opportunities there are to earn points... assuming the story doesn't go completely off the rails.

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