In order to have higher-quality cannon fodder, create a few outstanding examples by doing the unexpected, and promote his own ideas about Konoha's "freedom and equality,"
As the Kage of Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen would frequently visit ninja schools to indoctrinate the future "pillars" of Konoha with topics like "equality," "fraternity," "free speech," and "world police."
Concepts like "unity," "bond," "friendship," and "sacrifice" were top priorities in the propaganda.
For that reason, powerful ninja clans, aside from sending some representatives. normally kept direct descendants within clan-only academies, avoiding the risk of sacrificing their own for Sarutobi Hiruzen's idealistic illusions.
All of this excluded the Uchiha, who were trying diligently to integrate into Konoha, along with smaller ninja clans that had little choice either way.
Thus, when the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, someone without bloodline or mystical origins, arrived at the school, he was immediately welcomed by the civilian students.
"Where the leaves dance, the fire will continue to burn. The flames will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout…"
Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen repeated outdated philosophies, the era lacked entertainment. To civilians especially, his rise represented the triumph of commoners-and gave fellow cannon fodder some hope of their own rebellion against fate.
In truth, Sarutobi Hiruzen actively concealed his true origins by using his position and presenting himself as one of them.
After the speech ended, the crowd of children nearly lost their minds with excitement.
Satisfied with his impact, Sarutobi Hiruzen then approached Kushina directly.
Though those around her were visibly thrilled, Kushina didn't react as he came near-she barely acknowledged him.
"How is it, Kushina-chan? Are you getting used to things?"
Looking up at this familiar stranger, Kushina tilted her head and thought for several seconds before responding.
"Who are you?"
Those simple words sent Sarutobi Hiruzen into complete disbelief. He hadn't expected his usual friendly attitude-which always guaranteed results-to fail so completely here.
Seeing her being so blunt, Minato quickly leaned over to whisper,
"He's the Third Hokage. The guardian of Konoha. That's him carved into the Hokage Rock!"
"Ohh... it's him!"
Kushina nodded in understanding and asked plainly:
"So, what do you want from me?"
Caught off guard again by her attitude, Sarutobi Hiruzen had to suppress his frustration-his image mattered too much to lose his temper now.
"I-"
"You're so rude!"
Minato tried to scold her. "How could you speak that way to the Third Hokage? He's the Hokage who protects the village!"
"Didn't he say everyone should be treated equally? If I'm treating him equally, why are you upset about it?"
"Uh…"
Kushina's complaint froze both Minato and Sarutobi Hiruzen. Neither had ever looked at it from that angle before.
Yet as someone who had coasted through years of politics without exposing his true nature, Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled and recovered quickly.
"Haha… Kushina-chan is absolutely right. We're equals, there's no reason to treat me specially."
Hearing that approval emboldened the children nearby. Even Minato hesitated-clearly tempted to speak now that fairness had been endorsed by someone he idolized.
"Oh."
Kushina simply gave that one response and shut her mouth again.
Though rejected once again, Sarutobi Hiruzen took comfort in how things were progressing overall. The purpose behind this visit wasn't Kushina specifically anyway. He turned his attention naturally to Minato beside her.
"Haha… looks like Kushina's adapting fine. What's your name?"
"Me?"
Minato hadn't expected to be addressed himself-he froze in disbelief and fumbled for words.
"I…"
Watching Minato react with pure admiration made Sarutobi Hiruzen laugh again behind his beard.
However, kids at this age could be unpredictable-especially those with mischievous tendencies. The moment they realized that even someone like Minato could speak so casually with the Hokage, their rebellious competitive instincts flared up.
"Hokage-sama! How do I become Hokage?!"
"Me too! I want to be strong!"
"My lord-please answer this one!"
Voices piled in rapidly-so many that Minato and Kushina were shoved aside entirely in the mess.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had no choice but to smile and answer patiently one by one-though he clearly wanted to leave as soon as possible.
Only when teachers began dispersing students did he finally escape from the chaos.
By then, Minato had walked off with Kushina and others to rest in the shade under a tree nearby-watching everything unfold from afar.
Even at that distance, Sarutobi Hiruzen could read Minato's eager but cautious expression-and felt reassured instantly.
"It seems Minato Namikaze is on our side afterall. If I push him toward Kushina... get them emotionally attached… that way at least the power of the Nine-Tails won't fall into another clan's hands-and I might even secure his loyalty."
With that thought in mind, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked back at Minato one last time before turning away satisfied.
...…
Soon after, news of war with the Land of Water began circulating through Konoha's leadership ranks. Though life on the surface continued calmly, every major ninja clan had already started preparing for battle behind closed doors.
Especially the Senju and Uchiha clans-they went straight to Akira's residence seeking guidance.
"Lord Akira-please lead us into battle!"
Akira was just beginning Minato's training when they arrived-and couldn't help being surprised by how briskly news had moved. Normally with foreign wars there would be weeks of deliberation-yet here it had taken mere days.
He waved someone over to remove Minato-who looked half-dead from stone-dodging drills-and then turned to face those gathered in front of him. In doing so, his eyes caught two boys near twelve years old standing stiffly among them.
"Nawaki and Fugaku too? So that monkey wants me deep in this war... and she's throwing in Nawaki, Fugaku, and Minato? Trying to force me into grabbing them while she has plausible deniability?"
Akira smiled faintly-not impressed but not surprised either-as he turned his attention toward the elders now lined up solemnly before him.
"Fine."
"Eh?!"
His decisive answer caught even the most prepared ones off guard-they'd come expecting resistance, discussion… anytjhing but that.
[SCHEDULE CHANGE! FROM 5 CHAPTERS A DAY TO 2 CHAPTERS A DAY!]
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