Uchiha Tatsumi and a group of Ninja Academy students were enjoying a moment of peace.
Most of them had yet to realize that the winds of war were approaching—and that no one would be spared.
At that same time, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, entered the Hokage Building.
The Hokage Building, established during the founding of Konohagakure, was one of the village's oldest and most important structures. It was where missions were assigned and administration conducted.
The Third Hokage walked through the corridor leading to his office, burdened by unease.
Even as Hokage, there were times he had to compromise. That had been proven many times over the years.
Today would be no different.
Dressed in his formal white Hokage robes, Sarutobi smiled kindly at the ANBU stationed in the hallway. "How are you holding up? Not too tired, I hope?"
The masked ninja straightened up and responded with energy, "Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama! I'm fine!"
Sarutobi gently patted the shinobi's shoulder. "No need to be so tense. Stay alert, but relax a little."
"Have the village elders arrived?" he asked.
"They're waiting inside your office," the ANBU replied promptly.
Sarutobi nodded, waved in thanks, and continued on his way toward his office through the winding hallway.
His pace was slow and heavy. He could sense it—something about the current tensions was different from the usual border skirmishes.
He had lived through the end of the Warring States Period, seen the formation of the Hidden Villages, and survived the First Great Ninja War.
He had been appointed as Hokage during the Second Great Ninja War, following the death of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, in an ambush by Kumogakure's forces. Tobirama had entrusted him with the future of the village.
Back then, the village had teetered on the edge. Clans still carried old grudges, and power struggles were constant. Many prominent ninja from the Warring States era still lingered in positions of influence, and not all were pleased with the appointment of a young Hokage.
Still, Sarutobi bore the burden, proving himself worthy of the title through resolve and talent.
To this day, he remained a pillar of Konoha.
But now, the world was shifting again. The tension across the Five Great Nations was thick—war was no longer a question of if, but when.
Sarutobi opened the door to his office. Inside were his long-time comrades and advisors: Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzo.
"You're here," Hiruzen said, taking his seat behind the Hokage's desk.
"Homura, what's the current situation in the Land of Grass?"
Homura adjusted his glasses and handed over a folder. "Reports indicate both sides are maintaining a tense ceasefire, though minor skirmishes have broken out along the border."
Sarutobi scanned the document quickly and exhaled. "As long as it doesn't escalate further…"
"But there's a complication," Homura continued. "Hanzo of the Salamander claims that Kusagakure detained several of his Ame-nin. He's demanding their immediate release."
"Hmph." Danzo scoffed. "Those Grass shinobi are like reeds in the wind—weak and directionless. They wouldn't dare provoke Hanzo on their own. Someone's pushing them."
"Does Hanzo truly intend to challenge the Five Great Nations?" Koharu asked, frowning.
"He believes he can," Danzo said coldly. "He's grown arrogant. He thinks Amegakure's strength under his rule rivals the Great Nations. This is likely his attempt to position the Land of Rain as a sixth power."
"He's using this as a pretext to invade the Land of Grass," Homura added. "Even if Kusagakure didn't do anything, Hanzo's already made up his mind."
Sarutobi sighed. "We can't allow ourselves to be dragged into conflict so easily. Peace is precious and hard-won."
"You're too soft, Hiruzen!" Danzo snapped. "The Land of Grass is under our protection. If we appear weak, other nations will pounce. We cannot allow ourselves to be underestimated."
Hiruzen fell silent. Danzo wasn't wrong—since the First War, other nations had recovered and grown more aggressive. The Land of Fire was wealthy and coveted.
But still, war…
"Here's what we'll do," Hiruzen said firmly. "Homura, send an envoy to the Land of Rain. Attempt negotiations. Let Hanzo know we strongly oppose any further aggression."
"Koharu, contact the Kazekage. Arrange a meeting—I'd like to discuss a potential alliance."
"Danzo, assign Root operatives to the borders. Monitor all activity. I want early warning of any troop movements."
As Hiruzen rubbed his temples, the room grew quiet.
Then Danzo narrowed his eyes. "What did that old fox Uchiha come to speak to you about?"
Hiruzen glanced up. "It's about Tatsumi."
"Kagami's son?" Koharu asked quickly, standing.
"He's doing well," Hiruzen replied. "Uchiha-sama requested that Tatsumi be placed under the guidance of a jōnin from the Uchiha clan after graduation."
"I thought Tsunade was going to lead his team?" Koharu asked with narrowed eyes.
"Uchiha-sama insists that only an Uchiha can properly guide a Sharingan user. He claims it's for Tatsumi's development."
"Hmph! How convenient," Koharu said sharply. "Now that the boy's talent is obvious, they want to pull him back into the clan. He's been ignored by them for years."
"But the argument makes some sense," Hiruzen admitted. "They claim it's for his growth."
"No. I disagree," Koharu stated flatly. "Tsunade's skills, especially in medical ninjutsu, could save his life in the field. That should take precedence."
"For his safety," Danzo added, "I propose we place him in Root. Under my supervision, he would be well protected. I could even train him personally."
Bang!
Koharu slammed her fist onto the table, shocking everyone.
Though they had been teammates for decades, Koharu was rarely this angry. She had always been the calm, reasonable one of the group—Tobirama had once called her the most level-headed of his students.
"Danzo! Don't think I don't see through you. I've tolerated your secrecy at Root out of trust. But if you think you can manipulate Kagami's legacy, think again."
Danzo was momentarily stunned. He tugged at his collar, his voice rising. "Kagami is dead! He's been gone for years. Don't pretend you didn't—"
"Shut up!" Koharu snapped, grabbing Danzo's collar. "Don't speak of him again. My business with Kagami is none of yours. And if you try to use his son for your own schemes, I will stop you—permanently. Don't test me."
Danzo fell silent.
The room was heavy with emotion—memories, regrets, and looming war. And above it all, the legacy of those who had come before still cast long shadows.