Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 197: Public Opinion
---They Are Still Alive---
Since the war started, Uzumaki Mito had been watching a livestream on her laptop—a device given to her by Setsuna so she could view real-time footage of what was happening in Uzushiogakure.
At first, she was anxious when she saw all the enemies entering the small island. But what Setsuna did next left her completely stunned.
In just under an hour, the battle ended. Uzushiogakure had won—without any bloodshed on their side, but the enemy completely obliterated. Luckily Setsuna had some empathy he only disabled those Jonin and Kage level ninja and spare a genin or those who are too young.
Mito closed her laptop and sat quietly in the room. Suddenly, the space around her distorted. She immediately knew it was Setsuna arriving.
Setsuna appeared with his father, Uzumaki Ashina.
"Mito," Uzumaki Ashina called gently.
"Father," Mito said with a tearful smile, rushing into his arms and hugging him tightly. She was beyond relieved that her old man was still alive.
A minute passed, then she remembered Setsuna was also present.
"Setsuna, I'm sorry you had to see me like this—crying like a mess," said Mito, wiping her tears.
"It's okay," Setsuna replied with a small smirk.
"So, are you here to report on the village's condition, or… are you planning to retaliate against the Hokage?" Mito asked.
"I don't need to report anything to you because I believe you had seen everything with that laptop" said Setsuna. "But I do want you to pressure the Hokage publicly. I want the entire village to know that he is a traitor."
Mito nodded. She agreed without hesitation.
"By the way," Setsuna added with a sly smile, "your husband and Tobirama are still alive."
Mito blinked, thinking she had misheard. Even Uzumaki Ashina turned to look at Setsuna in disbelief.
They both snapped their heads toward him.
"Wait—what did you just say?" Mito asked, eyes wide.
"Your husband is still alive. I saved him when he was ill and placed him in a separate space," Setsuna explained calmly.
"What are you talking about?" the Uzukage asked, equally shocked.
"Wait, what do you mean by 'space'?" Mito questioned.
"I was there when Tobirama was being persecuted," Setsuna said. His eyes suddenly changed into Mangekyou Sharingan. He didn't want to reveal the existence of the Child System, so he masked it by attributing the phenomenon to his eyes.
"Didn't you notice how space distorted when I arrived?" Setsuna asked.
Both Mito and Ashina nodded slowly.
"I have an ability that allows me to save people within a special space. That's where I've kept your husband, Tobirama, and Mikoto safe," said Setsuna.
Their mouths fell open in disbelief.
"Can you show them to me?" Mito asked quickly.
"My space also allows me to observe those inside. For a long time, I've shown them the truth—how Tobirama's students turned out. Right now, they're in astral form. They believe they're dead and feel betrayed by Tobirama and Danzo," Setsuna explained with a slight smile.
"You mean… Tobirama has been watching his students all this time?" Mito asked in a whisper.
Setsuna nodded. "Yes. I'll release them from the space soon. When they return, they'll reveal to the entire village that the Hokage is not actually dead. They're being treated in a hidden location. Oh, and by the way—you're welcome to tease your husband a bit."
"Setsuna… are your eyes really that powerful?" Uzukage asked in awe.
"Hahaha!" Setsuna laughed, saying nothing more.
---The Frustrated Hokage---
Just a few hours after the battle, public opinion was weaponized against the Hokage.
On Uzushiogakure online platform, an official announcement declared the betrayal committed by the Third Hokage. Uzumaki Mito, the wife of the First Hokage, appeared furious. She did not stay silent—instead, she publicly condemned Hiruzen and even rallied others to demand his dismissal.
However, in Konoha, removing a Hokage required the approval of the Fire Daimyo.
When Hiruzen had been appointed, he altered the system structure so that both the appointment and dismissal of a Hokage would require the Daimyo consent.
Speaking of the Fire Daimyo, he was suffering from PTSD.
He had also watched the livestream from his castle, along with other Daimyos. He feared it was only a matter of time before Uzushiogakure discovered that he was the one behind the attack.
To minimize the consequences, he chose to maintain Hiruzen's position as Hokage and let him take the fall. That way, all public outrage would be focused on Hiruzen, making him the scapegoat. The decision left Hiruzen deeply frustrated.
As for Danzo, since not many people knew of his involvement, he could simply smirk and say, "Hiruzen was never suited to be Hokage. Tobirama-sensei should have chosen me."
All of this was being watched by Hashirama, Tobirama, and Mikoto.
"Looks like Setsuna is still strong," said Hashirama with admiration.
Tobirama could only sigh.
Mikoto smiled softly, relieved that Uzushiogakure had survived. She still remembered her parents, now living peacefully in the village—thanks to Setsuna, who had invited them there.
Suddenly, all three of them were pulled into something transported to a vast desert of golden sand.
For the first time in years, they could feel the warmth of the sun. They could touch the sand beneath their fingers.
"What is this? What's happening to us?" asked Hashirama, confused.
Mikoto cried softly as she scooped up a handful of sand, overwhelmed by the sensation.
"It seems… we're alive again. But how?" muttered Tobirama.
"Wait… if that's true, then we can do something about Hiruzen," said Hashirama firmly.
Hearing the name, Tobirama's face hardened. He was about to teleport to Konoha instantly, but Hashirama stopped him.
"Let's go together," he said.
Tobirama nodded and teleported all three of them—himself, Hashirama, and Mikoto.
Meanwhile, in Konoha, an emergency meeting was taking place. Hiruzen, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura were gathered in the Hokage office.
"Hiruzen, I think it's time you resign," Koharu advised seriously.
"If we do that, the public will turn on us. We'll take the blame for everything," Danzo countered.
Hiruzen rubbed his temples in frustration. If only I hadn't been so greedy, none of this would've happened...
Thud!
They all felt it, a presence someone entering the office.
Without hesitation, the four of them attacked the intruder.
But before their attacks could land, they froze in disbelief.
It was the First Hokage, their former sensei Tobirama, and Mikoto—alive and standing right in front of them.
"Sensei…"
"Shodai…"
"Mikoto…"
Tobirama, who had been furious for years, couldn't hold back any longer. He immediately punched Hiruzen and turned on Danzo next.
The two were caught completely off guard, their bodies slammed through the office walls and thrown outside.
The force of the attack shook the building—alerting the entire village. Shinobi knew instantly someone had just assaulted the Third Hokage.
Author Notes: If you want to read the ending, you can become the member of my patreon.
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