Mito Uzumaki looked at Uchiha Hikaru, who stood before her radiating confidence, and a flicker of relief and pride flashed through her eyes.
The little boy she had met a year ago now possessed remarkable strength in such a short time.
Even more admirable was that he hadn't let that power change who he was.
She gazed deeply at Uchiha Hikaru, then gave a firm nod and said resolutely,
"Alright, Hikaru. Do as you said. I'll continue to believe in you."
Having earned Mito Uzumaki's acknowledgment, Uchiha Hikaru's smile grew even brighter.
While the two were talking, the teams dispatched to recover the White Zetsu remnants began returning one after another.
Each of them carried a lifeless White Zetsu corpse in hand.
The sight caused an immediate stir among the gathered crowd. Countless eyes turned toward Uchiha Hikaru, all filled with disbelief.
Senju Kaho, the head of the Medical Division, was the first to step forward. His expression was stern and his gaze sharp.
He crouched beside the corpses, beginning a meticulous inspection.
His hands lightly touched the bodies, as if sensing for lingering life force.
There was a focused intensity in his eyes, as though he were searching for some secret hidden in the remains.
Everyone's attention locked onto Senju Kaho during this time.
They held their breath, waiting for the Medical Chief's verdict.
Soon, Senju Kaho completed his examination.
The bodies of the White Zetsu were clearly different from that of humans—closer in nature to plants.
This confirmed that their presence could indeed go unnoticed.
Moreover, during his inspection, he discovered that all of the corpses had been killed in a single blow—just as Uchiha Hikaru had said.
It meant Uchiha Hikaru had truly pulled it off.
Rising to his feet, Senju Kaho looked at Uchiha Hikaru with a hint of shock and admiration. This new discovery forced him to reevaluate the young man before him.
Then, he announced his findings.
"As Uchiha Hikaru stated, these creatures were all slain by the same kind of attack."
The moment his voice fell, silence swept across the plaza.
Everyone present turned to stare at Uchiha Hikaru, their hearts filled with awe and respect.
The corpses brought back had already given them a bad premonition.
But even with the evidence right before their eyes, they still found it hard to believe.
This boy, still a first-year at the Academy, possessed such terrifying strength.
True, there had been rumors before—rumors that Uchiha Hikaru had driven off enemy spies and survived a Root assassination attempt.
You could chalk that up to talent.
But what happened today went beyond talent.
This wasn't just potential. It wasn't just genius.
He had already become a true powerhouse—stronger than any of them.
Senju Yosuke still struggled to believe it.
He'd watched Hikaru grow under his gaze and never saw him undergo harsh training. So how did he become this strong?
He couldn't help but ask:
"Are you saying… you really took down all the spies in an instant, Hikaru?"
Uchiha Hikaru simply nodded and replied calmly,
"As you can see. That's the truth. I didn't exaggerate, and I didn't lie."
With a definitive answer, the crowd fell into stunned silence again. Everyone was trying to digest the shock.
Just then, Mito Uzumaki's voice rang out slowly:
"Now that the truth is clear, let's consider this matter closed."
Her voice carried clearly across the plaza. Everyone quieted once more, waiting for her next words.
"Since you're all here, I'll take this chance to announce something else."
"This upcoming Chūnin Exam is extremely important. Initially, I had planned for Hikaru to enter as an anonymous contestant. That way, we could guarantee Konoha's victory while shielding Hikaru from becoming a target of other villages."
Her words warmed the crowd. It was a thoughtful arrangement—a way to protect Hikaru.
"But after today's events—and after Hikaru just confirmed his decision with me—I believe it's time to make things official."
Her tone suddenly grew passionate, her gaze locking on Uchiha Hikaru.
"Uchiha Hikaru will no longer hide his strength. He will compete in the exam under his true identity—and deliver a message to the other Hidden Villages—"
She paused for effect, then raised her voice high:
"Konoha has regained its God of the Shinobi!"
The instant those words left her lips, everyone's eyes widened as their heated gazes turned to Uchiha Hikaru.
Her words declared that Uchiha Hikaru now had strength rivaling the First Hokage.
There was no longer any need to wait for him to "grow." He was already strong enough to be Konoha's guardian deity.
How could anyone stay calm?
Especially those who had lived through the First Hokage's era—many of them were tearing up.
As the wife of Hashirama Senju, Mito Uzumaki understood better than anyone the extent of her husband's power.
In the eyes of someone at that level, numbers meant nothing.
And now, witnessing Uchiha Hikaru's power, she knew—he had reached that same level.
Undoubtedly, this Chūnin Exam wouldn't just ensure Konoha's advantage.
It would also serve as a deterrent, warning other villages not to start a war while Uchiha Hikaru still drew breath.
Konoha had earned peace—at least for the next few decades.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, Uchiha Hikaru gave a faint smile, full of confidence and calm.
He said nothing, but his eyes said it all.
Unnoticed by most, his Sharingan had already shifted into the Mangekyō form.
That dazzling color and intricate pattern—symbols of his power.
The moment people saw his eyes, their excitement only grew.
In the shinobi world, few things spoke louder than the Mangekyō Sharingan.
It was the symbol of strength—the pinnacle of the Uchiha.
In this moment, Uchiha Hikaru's image became permanently engraved in their hearts.
His reputation reached its peak.
Those who had experienced the First Great Ninja War understood well what Hashirama and Madara represented.
Not long after they died, the other villages launched their wars.
They understood now: only overwhelming strength could preserve peace.
So even if he didn't want to become Hokage in the future, someone would surely push him toward that seat.
Perhaps one day, he would simply wake up—only to find himself robed in gold, standing as the leader of Konoha.