Both of these voices were widely recognized by the villagers of Konoha, and many even debated who was stronger — Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash, or Aoba Yamashiro.
Some bold ninjas even asked Aoba directly about his chances if he were to face Minato in a duel.
But Aoba Yamashiro only smiled and said,
"Minato and I are comrades from the same village. We both uphold the Will of Fire and would never fight over meaningless disputes."
Minato Namikaze himself affirmed this sentiment, agreeing warmly with Aoba's words.
Thus, the small but lively debate over who was stronger gradually died down, drowned by the two men's easy camaraderie.
Although the conversation seemed like harmless village gossip, Aoba knew better. He sensed that someone from behind the scenes was stirring the pot, trying to sow discord between him and Minato.
The goal was clear: provoke a conflict between two of Konoha's elite. Even if it only led to a friendly spar, it would bring trouble and unrest to the village.
However, Aoba and Minato had anticipated this and made sure their actions were in sync, refusing to take the bait.
In the end, the hidden agitator's efforts were wasted — like a punch thrown into empty air.
"But still... it's strange," Aoba muttered to himself, his voice too soft for anyone else to hear. "So many days have passed, yet the ninja world remains so calm.
Is Madara Uchiha really unconcerned with his reputation after all?
And the Third Hokage's behavior is odd as well. He arranged for my assassination, but hasn't made a move since.
Is he just patient... or is he waiting for me to make the first move?"
As Aoba pondered, Kabuto Yakushi — his young assistant — entered the room.
"Brother, an ANBU officer is outside asking for you," Kabuto said respectfully.
Aoba waved his hand nonchalantly. "Let him in."
After returning to Konoha, Aoba's standing in the village had risen significantly. His position hadn't formally changed, but now even the ANBU treated him with greater respect. In the past, they would have appeared without warning to deliver their messages; now, they actually knocked.
Soon, Kabuto led the masked ANBU agent into the newly assigned apartment Aoba now lived in — a detached and newly built residence, a rare privilege.
In all of Konoha, only Minato Namikaze enjoyed similar treatment.
Standing at attention, the ANBU said respectfully,
"Lord Aoba, the Hokage has summoned you to a high-level meeting."
Summoned? High-level meeting?
Aoba was intrigued. Although it wasn't entirely unexpected, it piqued his interest nonetheless.
After leaving instructions with Kabuto to look after the house, Aoba followed the ANBU to the Hokage's office.
As luck would have it, he ran into Minato just as they entered the building.
Minato had also been summoned.
When they arrived at the large conference hall, Aoba immediately understood:
This wasn't a truly high-level strategic meeting.
With so many people — some familiar, some not — it was obvious that the real discussions had already taken place among the top leadership, the so-called "Konoha F4" (the Hokage and his trusted advisors).
Still, Aoba was pleased with the seating arrangements.
He was placed just behind the heads of the prestigious Ino, Nara, and Akimichi clans (the Ino-Shika-Cho trio) and ahead of the heads of smaller families.
He had no cause for complaint.
The meeting room settled into silence, everyone waiting patiently.
After some time, an ANBU officer approached the Hokage and whispered urgently into Hiruzen Sarutobi's ear.
Those sharp enough could see the Third Hokage's face darken slightly.
Without addressing the matter aloud, Hiruzen simply signaled for the meeting to begin.
It was impossible not to notice the empty seat beside Hiruzen's deputy — a seat reserved for Orochimaru, who was notably absent.
"The reason I have gathered you all," Hiruzen said in a solemn voice, "is to discuss information vital to the future of Konoha — and perhaps the entire shinobi world."
At his signal, a clerk ninja began distributing documents to everyone present.
Receiving the folder, Aoba lightly skimmed the pages. Thanks to his sharp senses honed on the battlefield, he understood immediately:
These were the images he had captured during his previous battle — images of the destroyed landscape, the craters, and traces of a massive clash between himself and... Uchiha Madara.
Photos of the battlefield ravaged by colossal meteor showers and devastating jutsu.
"What in the world...?" one of the minor clan heads gasped, staring at the documents in disbelief.
Some looked completely bewildered. Had it not been for the seriousness of the meeting, they might have thought these images were fantasy.
However, the major clans — the Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka — remained calm, betraying no surprise.
Clearly, they had known in advance.
Aoba smirked inwardly. As the original source of the intelligence, he knew how many times these images had already been traded through the underground black market.
He would be a fool to believe the major clans hadn't seen them before.
After feigning a casual review of the documents, many attendees turned their gaze toward Uchiha Fugaku — the newly appointed head of the Uchiha clan.
Fugaku stiffened under the weight of so many eyes.
Only recently promoted, he was still adjusting to the responsibilities of clan leadership. He had returned to Konoha merely to attend his predecessor's funeral — and suddenly found himself thrust into a far larger stage.
Nevertheless, as Fugaku's eyes fell upon the photograph of a Complete Susano'o — an enormous armored giant with wings — a spark of pride flickered in his heart.
This was the true might of the Uchiha.
"Hmph." Danzo coldly snorted, slamming his cane heavily on the ground. He was the first to attack Fugaku Uchiha, saying:
"Fugaku Uchiha, regarding this information, do you have anything to say? Your Uchiha clan should give the village an explanation."
"Explanation?" Fugaku replied calmly, his eyes cold. "Madara Uchiha abandoned Konoha decades ago. From the moment he turned his back on the village, he severed all ties with the Uchiha clan.
Even the First Hokage was still alive at that time, and the entire village knows this."
He looked directly at Danzo without flinching. Though Fugaku was newly appointed as the Uchiha clan head, he showed no sign of weakness. For the pride of the Uchiha, he could not bow his head before Danzo.
"Heh," Danzo sneered. "It is true that Madara Uchiha defected decades ago—and that he was defeated by the First Hokage at the Valley of the End. But now there are signs he still lives.
After all these years, can you say with certainty that your Uchiha clan has had no contact with him?"
Danzo's words dripped with suspicion and malice, seeking any opportunity to stain the Uchiha clan's name.
Such blatant scapegoating left even some attending elders speechless. It was hard to believe that the Uchiha, already distrusted, would harbor Madara in secret.
If they had, Madara would likely have destroyed Konoha—and Danzo—long ago.
Fugaku's face darkened. Danzo's baseless accusations made it difficult to respond without escalating the situation.
Just as Fugaku was about to rise in anger, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been quietly observing, tapped his pipe against the table with a clack and said in a stern tone:
"Enough, Danzo. The Uchiha are a cornerstone of this village. We cannot allow baseless suspicion to divide us."
Rebuked by Hiruzen, Danzo fell silent for the moment, though resentment simmered beneath his stern expression.
Fugaku, who had nearly slammed the table in outrage, restrained himself with effort. Hiruzen's intervention cooled the anger that Danzo had stirred in him.
At least Hokage-sama doesn't completely side with Danzo, Fugaku thought, unaware of the fleeting, subtle eye contact that passed between Danzo and Hiruzen.
The sudden death of the previous Uchiha clan head had left Fugaku little time to grasp the full political landscape. He had no idea that, despite appearances, Hiruzen and Danzo were not as divided as they seemed.
After gauging Fugaku's reactions, Hiruzen moved to the main topic.
Regarding Madara Uchiha—the living legend from the Warring States era—and the emergence of two unknown super-powered individuals, the leaders of the five great shinobi villages had reached a fragile consensus.
Hiruzen produced three photographs: one depicting Madara Uchiha, one showing a mysterious masked figure in a smoky haze (the Smoker persona of Kawaki Aoba, if this is your OC), and another capturing a colossal Susanoo.
"You have all seen the reports," Hiruzen said, his voice heavy. "Anbu operatives have verified the site at Kusagakure: devastation spanning tens of kilometers.
This destruction was caused by the battle among these three individuals."
He paused, letting the grim reality sink in.
"One is our former S-rank rogue ninja—Madara Uchiha. The other is a rogue agent manipulating the dead... even seizing control of the reanimated Third Raikage."
His words caused unease to ripple through the room.
"Such threats cannot be left unchecked. After consulting with the other Kage, we have agreed to convene a Five Kage Summit—to discuss measures against these hidden forces."
Everyone present understood: the five great villages had temporarily set aside their rivalries. Their priority was simple: no power greater than their own could be allowed to exist unchallenged.
As for Kawaki Aoba, he listened in silence. (If Kawaki Aoba is your OC, you can clarify earlier.)
Whether it was Madara Uchiha or him, the Five Kage Summit would hardly change their paths. At their level, few could challenge them. Among the five villages:
Sunagakure had been weakened after internal strife.
Iwagakure had suffered heavy losses.
Kumogakure's A and B were strong, but still no match for true super-Kage threats.
Kirigakure... well, let their Kage first free themselves from potential Sharingan manipulation.
Thus, Kawaki Aoba found the Kage Summit a mild amusement at best.
However, Hiruzen's next announcement caught even his attention.
"Ahem, in addition to preparing for the Five Kage Summit," Hiruzen said, clearing his throat, "I also intend to step down as Hokage—and elect a younger Fourth Hokage for Konoha."
This declaration electrified the room.
Talk of electing a Fourth Hokage instantly awakened the sleepy or indifferent.
Only Danzo Shimura, seated at Hiruzen's right hand, looked as though he'd been slapped. His good mood from harassing Fugaku evaporated.
Younger? Danzo thought, teeth grinding in silent fury. Why must youth be the requirement? Can't veterans still serve Konoha?
Under the table, Danzo's fists clenched tightly.
Hiruzen, seemingly oblivious to his old friend's silent protest, continued:
"Choosing the next Hokage is not a decision to be made lightly. I propose that after the Five Kage Summit, we open a Jonin Council vote to decide.
Surely, no one has objections?"
No one dared object openly. As long as Hiruzen stepped down—and Danzo was not the next Hokage—few would complain.
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