Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 91 Passing on the Torch

The tea room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Looking into Kagami-sama's deep eyes, Fugaku Uchiha felt as if all his thoughts were being seen through.

This is an opportunity—an opportunity for the clan leader, for the Hokage, and for myself.

An opportunity to prove the path.

He slowly stood up, bowed to Uchiha Kagami, and then began to explain his answer.

"Chieftain, I believe that the village and the clan..."

"Their relationship is more like that of a tree and its branches."

"The village is the towering tree that shelters us all from the wind and rain. We, the Uchiha, and the other clans are the branches of this tree. The villagers and the people are the lush leaves."

"Only when the roots are deep enough to draw nutrients from the earth can the trunk be strong enough. Only when the branches are strong enough can they reach for the sunlight, providing space for the leaves to grow. Only when the leaves are lush enough can photosynthesis take place, in turn nourishing the entire tree."

"The tree, branches, and leaves are an inseparable whole; none can be missing. The weakness of any one of them will cause the entire tree to wither. Only by uniting as one can we ensure that the tree of Konoha stands tall forever and withstands all storms."

This theory about trees and branches caused a hint of surprise to flash in Uchiha Kagami's eyes.

He never expected that Fugaku could derive such a fitting and profound metaphor from the "Will of Fire".

This is no longer a simple imitation, but rather an expression of one's own understanding and reflection.

Fugaku continued without pausing, "As for the Sharingan..."

He paused for a few moments, his gaze hardening.

"It may have existed in the past to survive in chaotic times, to fight on the battlefield. It has witnessed too much hatred and tragedy."

"But times have changed."

"In this new era created by the Hokage, the power of the Sharingan should no longer be bound by hatred."

"It should be a pair of eyes that can see the future, perceive evil, and protect our companions."

"It can help us precisely control the flame to forge the strongest foundation and warm the coldest winter."

"The power of the Sharingan exists to protect the hard-won peace that the Hokage brought us. It exists to protect every single person in the village!"

"This is my answer!"

His words were resounding and powerful.

Uchiha Kagami listened quietly, his face, which always wore a gentle smile, now filled with satisfaction.

He seemed to see himself in his younger days.

That same self, inspired by the Second Hokage's Will of Fire, aspired to become the bridge connecting the village and the clan.

Passing on the torch.

The seed of "protection" planted by the Hokage has now taken root and sprouted in the hearts of the younger generation of the Uchiha clan, and is about to grow into a towering tree.

"Good...well said!"

Unable to contain his excitement any longer, Uchiha Kagami stood up and patted Fugaku heavily on the shoulder.

"Fugaku, you have not disappointed me, and you have not disappointed the Hokage."

He looked at the young man before him, whose eyes were clear and full of ideals and ambitions, and solemnly said:

"From this day forward, you are my disciple, Uchiha Kagami."

"I will give my all to personally teach you. Not just ninjutsu, but also how to become a qualified leader, how to balance the relationship between the village and the clan, and how... to inherit and carry forward the true Will of Fire."

disciple?

Fugaku Uchiha's body jolted violently.

He couldn't believe his ears.

Lord Mirror, do you wish to take me as your disciple?

You should know that Lord Kagami is the Hokage's most trusted right-hand man and one of the most powerful figures in the current Konoha leadership.

Fugaku knew perfectly well what it meant to become his disciple.

That means he will truly step into the core of Konoha's power.

He will follow in the footsteps of Lord Kagami and Lord Hokage, heading towards a broader and brighter future.

Overwhelmed with joy, he was instantly engulfed.

Fugaku was so excited that his whole body trembled. He suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Uchiha Kagami.

"teacher!"

That call of "teacher" was sincere, filled with excitement and gratitude.

Uchiha Kagami smiled and helped him up.

"well."

He looked at Fugaku as if he were looking at a piece of uncut jade.

With this precious gem in my hands, and under the guidance of the Hokage, it will surely shine with dazzling brilliance.

"Teacher, I..."

Fugaku was so excited that he couldn't calm down for a long time.

"Alright, that's all for today."

Jing smiled and said, "Go back and get some rest. Starting tomorrow, your training will be very tough."

"Yes, teacher! I will never let you down!"

Fugaku bowed deeply once more, then turned and left Kagami's house with boundless anticipation for the future.

From today onwards, a brand new chapter in my life will begin.

He will follow in the footsteps of his teacher and the Hokage, heading towards a broader and brighter future.

……

On the other side of the village.

Inside a newly built, massive barrier field specifically used for illusion training.

Kurenai Yuhi, the second most skilled genjutsu master in Konoha after the Uchiha clan, was giving a final speech to the ninjas in front of him with a serious expression.

"Is everything ready?"

His voice was elegant and composed, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.

"Yes, Ms. Shinku!"

The ninjas responded in unison.

Their faces showed both tension and excitement.

Because they knew that what they were about to experience was a training method that was unique in the entire ninja world.

"very good."

Kurenai Yuhi nodded, glancing at the massive and complex illusion barrier behind him, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes.

This training program, which the Hokage named the "Real Battlefield Simulation System," was developed by him, the Nara clan, the Uchiha Security Force's intelligence department, and the Hokage himself over several months.

It utilizes the most advanced illusion techniques of the Sunset Clan, combines them with the spiritual perception of the Mountain Clan, and even draws on some of the Second Master's theories about the deception of the five senses.

It can simulate a real battlefield environment in an absolutely safe setting.

From sight to hearing to smell, and even touch and temperature.

"Remember, once you enter the system, everything you experience is an illusion. However, your body and your brain will perceive it as real."

Kurenai Yuhi's expression turned extremely serious.

"You will smell blood, feel the pain of wounds, and even... experience death."

"This is a very brutal training, but it is also the opportunity for you to grow the fastest."

"I hope you will cherish this opportunity."

"Now, everyone, go inside."

The ninjas exchanged glances, and in each other's eyes they saw unwavering resolve.

They entered the barrier and sat down cross-legged.