The conference room on the top floor of the Hokage Building was so still that it felt as if water could be squeezed out of the air.
Sunlight poured through the newly replaced clear windows, yet it could not drive away the tension and killing intent surrounding the long table.
Just yesterday, this place still carried the stale atmosphere and tobacco smell of Hiruzen Sarutobi's era. Overnight, it had been completely transformed.
The spotless tabletop reflected a cold light, and every chair had been arranged with perfect precision.
All of this had been personally supervised by Uchiha Mikoto. The Uchiha she assigned had turned this place into a brand new hall that completely severed itself from the past, using standards that were almost excessively strict.
Uchiha Chiya sat at the head of the table. His black Hokage robe seemed to absorb all the surrounding light, making him the unquestionable center of the entire room.
He did not speak immediately. Instead, his deep eyes slowly swept across everyone present.
Wherever his gaze landed, no one dared meet it for long. They all instinctively lowered their heads or looked away.
On the left sat the veteran ninja representatives, Danzo, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane.
Danzo looked like a withered tree. His single eye remained lowered, his cane resting beside him. No emotion could be seen, as though he had completely accepted his fate.
Homura and Koharu, however, looked as though they were sitting on pins and needles, beads of cold sweat forming across their foreheads.
The only reason they were allowed to sit here was not because they still held much value, but because they served as temporary decorations to stabilize the situation after Chiya became Hokage. Their embarrassment and unease were almost impossible to hide.
On the right sat the true foundation of Konoha's current strength.
Hyūga Sakusei's Byakugan was slightly activated.
Nara Shikaku appeared relaxed, while Akimichi Choza wore a serious expression.
Yamanaka Inoichi's eyes were sharp, and Aburame Shibi was like a transparent man whose presence was almost nonexistent.
Kurama Sōun could barely hide his excitement.
They represented Konoha's new balance of power. Their expressions carried expectation, careful observation, and cautious judgment toward the new order.
Namikaze Minato sat slightly farther away with a calm expression. His clear blue eyes were peaceful. He had already accepted his place.
Hatake Sakumo sat like an unmoving rock. His ANBU mask concealed every trace of emotion, and only his perfectly straight back revealed his unwavering loyalty.
"The meeting begins."
Chiya's voice broke the silence. It was not loud, yet it struck everyone's heart like cold jade, carrying unquestionable authority.
He did not ask for opinions and immediately entered the first topic.
"First, the Hokage Guard Unit."
His gaze landed on the ANBU squad captain who had previously been responsible for this matter, causing the man to tense immediately.
"Effective immediately, the original Guard Unit is dissolved. Every member will undergo a complete reassessment.
"The new Guard Unit will be personally selected by me.
"There are only three standards, absolute strength, absolute loyalty, and absolute obedience. Does anyone have any objections?"
The squad captain felt an invisible pressure gripping his throat. He immediately stood and bowed.
"No objections at all! We will obey Lord Fourth's orders!"
He did not even dare ask about the evaluation standards or procedures. Before absolute authority, there was no room for negotiation.
"Second, Root."
Chiya's gaze shifted toward Danzo, who remained as motionless as a clay statue.
The atmosphere instantly became even heavier.
Root was Konoha's deepest shadow. It had long served as Konoha's private army beyond the village's borders, and everyone present knew of its darkness and brutality.
Danzo slowly raised his single eye, meeting Chiya's gaze for only a brief moment.
His eyes showed complete submission before lowering again.
"All members and resources of Root are at the Fourth Hokage's disposal whenever needed."
His voice was dry and hoarse, yet perfectly smooth, as though he were simply stating an unquestionable truth.
The transfer was so smooth that Homura and Koharu exchanged looks of disbelief.
They had only held authority over Root for a short time after receiving it from Hiruzen, yet now it had already been handed away.
Neither of them dared reveal the slightest dissatisfaction.
Chiya nodded slightly, his calm voice carrying an unquestionable final judgment.
"Root's primary duties will remain unchanged. It will continue handling external intelligence infiltration, special assassinations, and strategic deterrence.
"However, all operational guidelines, mission objectives, and personnel movements must be reported directly to me alone.
"From this moment forward, every surveillance, purge, or self elimination operation targeting Konoha's own people is permanently abolished.
"Any internal operation not personally approved by me will be treated as treason against the village."
"Yes."
Everyone accepted the order without hesitation.
With only a few sentences, Konoha's darkest blade had been completely brought under his control. From this day onward, only Chiya could decide where its edge would point.
Several nearly inaudible sighs of relief echoed through the conference room, especially from clan representatives who had once clashed with Danzo or Root.
"Third, the ANBU."
Chiya's gaze passed over everyone before stopping on the silent Hatake Sakumo.
"Captain Sakumo."
"Present."
His steady voice came through the mask.
"The ANBU's organization, duties, and command structure will remain exactly as they are. You will continue leading the entire force."
Compared to his treatment of the previous two organizations, Chiya's tone softened slightly.
"I have complete faith in your loyalty, ability, and integrity.
"You and the ANBU will continue maintaining internal order, eliminating hidden threats, and watching over every corner of the village."
His words stood in sharp contrast to the complete takeover of Root.
This was a clear expression of trust and respect toward Sakumo and the ANBU under his command. It was also an excellent demonstration of leadership.
He firmly controlled the sharpest spear while stabilizing the strongest shield.
Everyone present understood that the new Hokage's methods had exceeded all expectations.
Sakumo nodded heavily. His eyes beneath the mask remained as sharp as ever.
"The ANBU will never fail Lord Fourth! We will become Konoha's shield and sweep away every shadow!"
"Finally."
Chiya's voice rose slightly, drawing everyone's attention once more.
"We will discuss the reform of the Hokage Advisor system."
Homura and Koharu's hearts tightened.
They knew the moment deciding their fate had finally arrived.
"The old Advisor system," Chiya said mercilessly, his voice filled with cold criticism, "was only a temporary arrangement during the eras of the First and Second Hokage. It has long become rigid and rotten.
"It relies on personal seniority and private friendships with the Hokage, easily creating small decision making circles that become disconnected from reality, slow in efficiency, and vulnerable to corruption driven by personal ambition.
"It is no longer suitable for Konoha's current development."
Homura and Koharu's faces instantly turned pale. Their lips trembled, yet neither could say a word.
"Effective immediately, the position of Hokage Advisor is abolished."
With those words, Chiya declared the complete end of the old system.
Before anyone could fully absorb the decision, he revealed his new proposal.
"A new Hokage Cabinet system will be established. The Cabinet assisting the Hokage will consist of three permanent members.
"One member will be jointly nominated by the major clans, representing the interests, wisdom, and strength of Konoha's clans, ensuring their voices reach the highest level."
His gaze swept over Nara Shikaku, Hyūga Sakusei, and the others.
"One member will be elected through a vote by the regular Jonin, all Chunin, and Special Jonin, representing the shared will and interests of Konoha's ninja, ensuring the rights of those serving on the front lines.
"One member will be democratically elected by the Village Civilian Representative Council, representing the welfare and aspirations of ordinary civilians, ensuring the foundation of Konoha's prosperity remains strong.
"The Cabinet's duties are to assist me in handling daily government affairs, gather and organize information and proposals, conduct preliminary discussions and debates on major matters, and provide no fewer than two practical solutions."
Chiya's eyes became exceptionally sharp as he slowly looked around the room.
"The final authority to decide, and the power of veto."
"Will forever remain in my hands."
The system was both brilliant and powerful.
Although it appeared democratic and decentralized, it actually shifted the Advisors' authority away from the Hokage's personal preferences and placed it under nominations from various interest groups. Everything was brought into a standardized institutional framework, greatly weakening personal influence.
At the same time, Chiya firmly retained the final decision making authority, guaranteeing his absolute power.
The system reassured every faction, improved administrative efficiency, and completely eliminated the weaknesses of the old Advisor system.
Silence filled the conference room for a long time.
Everyone was rapidly considering the far reaching consequences of these new rules.
Finally, Nara Shikaku's eyes lit up with admiration. He stood first and spoke sincerely.
"Lord Fourth Hokage truly possesses remarkable foresight! This system gathers wisdom from every side while clearly defining responsibilities. It opens channels for advice while maintaining decisive leadership. It is an outstanding solution for balancing every faction and strengthening Konoha's rule.
"The Nara Clan fully supports it."
He understood better than anyone else that this was nearly the most perfect system possible under the current circumstances.
Hyūga Sakusei slowly nodded.
"The Hyūga Clan agrees. This system is fair and just. We fully support it."
Aburame Shibi adjusted his sunglasses.
"We agree."
Kurama Sōun spoke excitedly.
"The Kurama Clan has no objections whatsoever!"
The other members of Ino Shika Cho, along with representatives of the remaining clans, also voiced their support one after another.
Minato nodded as well.
"It is a very complete system. It will unite the village's strength to the greatest extent."
Even Homura and Koharu, under tremendous pressure and fully aware of their current position, could only lower their heads.
"We obey Lord Fourth Hokage's orders."
At the very least, they had retained some form of participation, even if their real authority had been completely stripped away.
"Very good."
Chiya stood up and made the final decision.
"Nara Shikaku will take charge of drafting the detailed selection procedures. Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza will assist him. Submit the complete proposal to me within three days for review. Meeting adjourned."
There was no unnecessary delay and no pointless debate.
The meeting ended in an atmosphere that was efficient, calm, and slightly oppressive.
Everyone bowed before silently leaving the conference room, each carrying different thoughts.
Every person understood that from this moment onward, Konoha's rules of power had been completely rewritten.
...
When Chiya entered the Hokage's office alone, it too had undergone a complete transformation.
Every document had been carefully organized into categories. Brand new office equipment had been neatly arranged. A faint scent of sandalwood filled the room, replacing the old smell of tobacco.
The view outside the window was wide and filled with sunlight.
The green plants placed in the corners were full of life.
Mikoto's care and thoughtfulness could be felt in every detail, silently supporting him.
Chiya sat behind the large desk and truly began experiencing the daily life of a Hokage.
One scroll after another was quietly delivered by ANBU members. After he reviewed and approved them, they were quietly taken away.
Border patrol reports, summaries of mission completions, requests for resource allocation and budget approval, official documents submitted by the various clans, and even carefully selected civilian petitions.
The work was endless and complicated, flowing toward him like an unstoppable tide, affecting every moving part of the village.
Chiya handled everything with astonishing speed.
His mind worked like the most precise machine. With his immense concentration, a single glance was enough to grasp the core issue, weigh every advantage and disadvantage, and make the most accurate and efficient decision.
His powerful chakra and perfect control allowed him to handle such an intense workload without showing the slightest fatigue.
Yet this feeling of ruling from behind the scenes and controlling events thousands of miles away was completely different from crushing enemies on the battlefield.
It was a deeper kind of power, one that demanded far greater patience and wisdom.
"Absolute power means absolute responsibility. It also means... endless trivial matters."
He set down his brush, lightly tapped the desk with his fingers, and looked toward the evening sky outside the window.
"Destroying the old world requires strength, but building and ruling a new one requires far more than that."
When Chiya finished his first official day as Hokage and left the Hokage Building, night had already fallen and stars had begun appearing.
The sight before him made him pause.
Konoha's main street had become a sea of celebration.
Countless lanterns and colorful lights illuminated the streets as brightly as daylight. Every household displayed banners and ribbons celebrating the inauguration of the Fourth Hokage.
Shops competed to display signs reading, "Blessed by the Hokage," "Grand Celebration Sale," and "Long Live the Fourth Hokage," offering unbelievable discounts.
The air was filled with the mixed aroma of grilled meat, takoyaki, candy, and alcohol. Cheerful folk music blended with the laughter and conversations of the crowd, creating a wave of vibrant energy.
Children ran through the streets carrying free candy and toy pinwheels, while even the ninja had set aside their usual seriousness, gathering in groups at taverns and food stalls to drink and celebrate.
This was the release of emotions after surviving war. It was the most direct response to the sense of security brought by a powerful new leader, and a passionate hope for a brighter future.
To them, Chiya's appointment was the greatest blessing imaginable.
A faint, genuine smile appeared on Chiya's face as he slowly walked into the lively streets.
Wherever he went, the crowd automatically parted before him like the sea before Moses, followed immediately by even louder cheers.
"Lord Fourth Hokage!"
"Congratulations!"
"Long live Lord Hokage!"
"..."
Countless eyes focused on him, filled with sincere admiration and reverence.
He simply nodded and continued walking calmly.
At that moment, something unexpected happened.
A graceful young woman in ninja clothing hurried out of a beautifully decorated flower shop nearby.
She held tightly in her arms a carefully wrapped bouquet of brilliant red roses blooming like flames.
With her head lowered as she tried to avoid the crowd, she suddenly stumbled and rushed directly toward Chiya.
"Ah!"
She let out a short cry as she was about to crash into the Hokage.
The hidden Hokage Guards behind Chiya immediately became alert, but seeing that Chiya made no signal, they instantly concealed themselves once more.
Without moving from his spot, Chiya simply raised one hand.
A gentle wave of chakra supported the girl's shoulder and steadied her.
Yūhi Kurenai raised her head.
The moment she recognized the calm face before her and the black robe symbolizing the Hokage, her mind went completely blank.
Her beautiful face instantly turned bright red, as though blood would drip from it.
Like a frightened rabbit, she quickly stepped back and awkwardly hid the bouquet of dazzling red roses behind her back.
Unfortunately, that only made it more obvious in front of everyone.
"H... Hokage... T... Teacher!"
Her voice trembled from overwhelming nervousness. Her heart pounded so violently that it felt ready to burst from her chest.
She had originally been having dinner at a nearby barbecue restaurant with Anko, Shizune, and the others.
Perhaps it was the festive atmosphere outside.
Perhaps it was the alcohol.
Or perhaps the feelings she had hidden for so long had finally overflowed.
Without realizing it, she had rushed into the flower shop and spent all the allowance she had saved over a long time to buy the biggest, reddest bouquet of roses with the most obvious meaning.
She had only hoped to catch a distant glimpse of her beloved teacher after he became Hokage.
She never imagined she would run straight into him in such an embarrassing way.
The surrounding crowd instantly fell silent as everyone's attention turned toward the unexpected scene.
At the barbecue restaurant's window, Anko, Shizune, and the others poked their heads out, their faces full of surprise and teasing smiles.
Seeing that she looked ready to faint from embarrassment, and glancing at the bouquet she was unsuccessfully trying to hide, Chiya gently broke the awkward silence.
"So it's Kurenai. Why are you in such a hurry? Is something wrong?"
"I... I..."
Kurenai felt her face burning as her mind became completely blank. The countless eyes around her left her nowhere to hide.
Driven by an overwhelming mixture of shyness, impulse, and reckless courage, she suddenly shoved the bouquet of roses into Chiya's arms.
Lowering her head deeply, she gathered every ounce of courage and shouted,
"T... This is for you, Teacher! Congratulations on becoming Hokage!"
The moment she finished speaking, she did not dare look at Chiya's expression or face the teasing gazes surrounding her.
Turning around like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, she covered her face.
With a speed worthy of the Body Flicker Technique, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind only a faint fragrance unique to a young girl and the beautiful bouquet of roses.
Chiya blinked slightly as he looked down at the passionate bouquet in his arms, completely out of place beside the solemn atmosphere of the celebration and his black Hokage robe.
He could even feel the slight warmth and moisture left on the petals from where she had tightly held them moments earlier.
Looking again toward the direction where Kurenai had vanished, then at the villagers laughing knowingly around him, he could not help smiling as he gently shook his head.
"Youth really is wonderful..."
He had naturally sensed the pure, passionate, and clumsy feelings Kurenai could barely contain.
Those feelings were sincere and beautiful.
Yet they also left him with a slight headache, considering his already complicated emotional situation.
After all, he could hardly throw away flowers given by one of his students in front of the entire village.
So, beneath the amused, curious, and friendly gazes of everyone around him, Konoha's Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Chiya, could only continue his inspection of the streets while carrying the extremely eye catching bouquet of red roses, wearing a slightly helpless yet gentle smile.
He became one of the most unique and memorable sights of the night's celebration.
Konoha's night burned with excitement over the change in leadership, while a young girl's hidden feelings added a touch of beautiful crimson to the festivities.
...
At the same time.
Deep beneath the earth, inside a cave filled with absolute darkness and silence.
The Gedo Statue's dried fingers hung low like pillars supporting the roof of hell itself.
Countless twisted white tubes wrapped around the decaying figure seated before it like parasitic vines.
White Zetsu had just finished its playful report.
It danced about while enthusiastically describing everything that had happened in Konoha.
From Uchiha Chiya becoming Hokage, to his swift institutional reforms, his takeover of Root, the establishment of the new Cabinet system, the village's celebrations, and even the amusing incident involving the bouquet of roses.
Nothing had been left out.
The cave fell into an even deeper silence than before.
Only the faint humming of the Gedo Statue transferring energy echoed like the countdown to death.
After a long, long time.
The body that seemed almost fossilized moved ever so slightly.
His dried fingers unconsciously curled before slowly relaxing again.
Uchiha Madara slowly opened his eyes.
There was no light within them.
Only the scarlet Sharingan shone eerily in the endless darkness.
"...An Uchiha... Hokage?"
His deep, hoarse voice slowly echoed through the cave, dry like rusted iron scraping together. Every word carried an emotion too complicated to describe.
There was obvious surprise, as though he had just heard the greatest joke in the world.
There was deep rooted mockery and disdain toward the past.
There were painful memories of both his clan and the village that had long been buried beneath time.
And there was also...
A tiny ripple that even he himself had never expected.
Deep within the frozen lake of his heart, which he believed had already seen through everything, something quietly stirred.
The clan he had abandoned.
The clan he had believed could never truly coexist with the Senju founded village, one that was destined to be consumed by suspicion, oppression, and destruction.
The clan he had insisted would never be genuinely accepted, whose power would only inspire fear instead of respect.
And now...
Someone had reached the very top through absolute strength and prestige.
Someone had become the leader of Konoha.
An Uchiha Hokage.
White Zetsu grinned even wider and added teasingly,
"That's right, Madara! Konoha is really lively now!
"Everyone's celebrating!
"That Uchiha Chiya seems incredibly popular!
"It's completely different from what we expected!"
Madara remained silent.
His deep gaze stared into the emptiness ahead, as though it pierced through countless layers of rock and earth to clearly see the brightly lit village celebrating its Uchiha Hokage thousands of miles away.
He saw the orderly streets, the bustling crowds, the smiling children, and the new face of the Uchiha being carved onto the Hokage Monument.
One memory after another surged uncontrollably through his mind.
The pain and determination of parting ways with Hashirama at the Valley of the End.
The loneliness and conviction he carried when leaving Konoha.
The countless years spent plotting in darkness, believing that only the Eye of the Moon Plan could become the final salvation for both the Uchiha and the world.
He had always believed that the Uchiha's only path to salvation lay in complete destruction and reconstruction.
But now, a younger man named Uchiha Chiya seemed to have chosen a completely different road, one Madara had never imagined.
Not abandonment.
Not destruction.
But conquest.
Rule.
And perhaps...
The hearts of the people.
An indescribably complicated emotion spread through Madara's heart.
It was neither joy nor approval.
It was more like irritation that his plans had been disrupted, mixed with doubt over a new possibility, and buried deep beneath it all...
A trace of hesitation that even he refused to admit.
Could it be...
That there really was another path for the Uchiha?
Could it be...
That Hashirama's foolish dream had actually been partially realized through another Uchiha?
No!
Impossible!
This had to be false prosperity!
A greater conspiracy!
Nothing more than a brief illusion before an even deeper despair!
Madara suddenly closed his eyes, forcibly suppressing that dangerous ripple.
The aura around him became colder and more lifeless, carrying an even stronger killing intent.
"Uchiha Chiya..."
He repeated the name quietly, his voice becoming increasingly dangerous, as though he wished to crush it between his teeth.
"An interesting junior. But your so called rule is nothing more than rootless floating duckweed.
"This hopeless world has no need for another false ruler.
"Only the eternal dream is the one true reality and peace."
When he opened his eyes again, nothing remained except endless coldness and unwavering resolve.
"White Zetsu."
"I'm here, Madara~!"
"Watch him. I want to know everything about him. The source of his power, his purpose, and... his weakness."
"Understood~! Hehe, something fun to do again!~"
The cave returned to absolute, terrifying silence.
Only the invisible killing intent continued spreading like growing darkness, becoming deeper and heavier.
Konoha's celebration and the murderous intent brewing far away formed the very first opposing melody of this new era.