It had been a few days since I first started at the Academy, and I was already discovering some harsh truths.
For example: Hiruzen Sarutobi apparently had way more free time than any leader of a hidden village should. He managed to run the place, come to the Academy almost daily for "inspirational" speeches, and—according to some not-so-subtle rumors—keep tabs on the women's bathhouse through his crystal ball.
I'm starting to suspect the man is half-assing his Hokage duties.
Today was another one of his famous "Will of Fire" sessions—a.k.a. daily doses of state-sponsored brainwashing. Azula and I sat near the back of the rooftop terrace, the sun beating down while our classmates clustered in neat rows. Obito, in contrast, sat up front like a puppy waiting for treats, his whole face lit up with admiration.
The crowd quieted as the old man stepped forward, his robes fluttering slightly in the breeze. He had that warm, grandfatherly smile that probably took years of mirror practice.
"Children of Konoha," he began, voice smooth and warm like tea you didn't ask for. "This village was built on bonds—bonds of trust, of friendship, and of sacrifice. The Will of Fire is what guides us. It is the flame in our hearts that drives us to protect the village and everyone within it."
Right. The flame that will happily roast us on the frontlines when the time comes.
Azula leaned toward me. "Translation: we're free security guards in training."
I smirked. "Nah. More like free disposable security guards in training."
Hiruzen spread his hands, gazing dramatically toward the horizon like it was contractually obligated to be inspired."Every generation inherits this will from the last. Our parents protected us, and when the time comes, you will protect the children who follow after you."
I bit back a chuckle. So the whole point is to make sure the cycle of unpaid labor never ends.
Azula muttered, "Sounds less like inheritance and more like an unpaid family business."
"Exactly. Except the family business involves pointy weapons and a high mortality rate."
He kept going, blissfully unaware my attention had wandered somewhere between sacrifice and destiny."It is our duty as shinobi to place the needs of the village above our own. To put Konoha before self."
I tilted my head. "Wow. Imagine saying that while still cashing a Hokage paycheck."
Azula grinned. "Imagine saying that while spying on the women's bathhouse with a crystal ball."
I almost snorted. Careful, old man, your Will of Fire might steam up your crystal ball.
"Some of you will become great warriors," Hiruzen continued, chest puffed like he'd just invented the concept. "Others may become leaders. But no matter your path, you are all Konoha's future. And the Will of Fire is the spirit that will ensure our village remains strong, united, and eternal."
Yeah, eternal—because we'll all be too dead to object.
Azula gave a quiet sigh. "You think he writes this stuff himself or has a speechwriter?"
"Probably writes it himself. Explains why the Will of Fire keeps sounding like the Will of Free Child Labor."
Hiruzen smiled warmly again, clearly pleased with himself."Remember, a shinobi's true strength comes not from jutsu or weapons, but from the love they hold for their comrades. As long as that flame burns within you, no enemy can truly defeat you."
Bold of you to assume love stops kunai to the face.
Azula's lips twitched. "Guess the Will of Fire also doubles as central heating during suicide missions."
"Efficient," I whispered.
Finally, he wrapped it up with a grand flourish."Now, return to your studies, and grow strong. One day, it will be your turn to stand where I stand now."
I leaned back. "If I ever start talking like that, just throw me off the roof."
Azula smirked. "Deal."
The speech ended, the students clapped like they'd just been promised free dango, and Hiruzen left in that slow, dignified walk all leaders perfect when they want to look wise.
Most of the kids left buzzing with inspiration, chattering about how they'd protect Konoha. Obito looked especially bewitched. His eyes were shining like Hiruzen had just handed him the Hokage hat.
The village was founded to protect children, I thought. Under Hiruzen, Danzo, and the other elders, it's become a place where children protect the village.
I had to admit, though… the man's skill at this sort of thing was impressive. Even I could feel the pull in his words, that careful rhythm and phrasing. It made you want to believe him. I glanced sideways at Azula, wondering if she might be getting drawn in despite herself.
She caught my look. "What?"
"Just checking you're still you."
She rolled her eyes. "Elder Setsuna told me not to listen to him, remember? I'm not that easy."
"Good," I muttered, though I still wasn't sure.
We filed back down the stairs to our classroom, where Sarutobi Shin, our homeroom teacher, was already waiting. Like most Academy instructors, he was a Sarutobi. And the ones who weren't? They were so loyal to Hiruzen they might as well have been adopted into the clan.
Gotta hand it to him—Hiruzen's done some fine work here, I thought. Most of the Academy staff are Sarutobi, and the rest are so thoroughly brainwashed they probably recite the Will of Fire in their sleep.
Today's lesson was on Konoha's history. Or, more accurately, Hiruzen's version of it.
Shin opened one of the Academy-issued textbooks, and I flipped mine open too—though not because I expected to learn anything. I'd already compared these with the Uchiha clan's own records. Let's just say the differences were… interesting.
How Was the Village Formed?
Uchiha Clan Books: After Madara lost to Hashirama, Hashirama offered an alliance between the two clans. Madara and Hashirama were like lovers—there's no way Hashirama would have killed him. Together, the Uchiha and Senju formed the village, and later, other clans joined for shelter. At least the Uchiha version was honest: Madara lost. No sugarcoating.
Ninja Academy Books: "All the clans came together in unity to form the village." Not entirely false, but neatly minimizes the influence of both Senju and Uchiha. No mention of Madara at all. A clean, non-threatening story for kids.
Who Was the Strongest Hokage?
Uchiha Clan Books: Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi. Wood Style, Sage Mode, limitless chakra. His only rival was Madara. And honestly in my opinion, Madara probably only lost because Hashirama had more chakra than a small ocean.
Ninja Academy Books: The strongest Hokage is the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the "Professor," master of all five chakra natures. Right. And I'm secretly the Daimyo of Fire Country.
Pretty sure Hiruzen wrote this part himself, I thought. According to what I know from canon, he's the weakest Hokage, and the "Professor" title? Self-proclaimed. Most titles are given by enemy villages in the bingo book, but Hiruzen rarely fought. First Great Ninja War? He fought, sure, but as soon as it ended, he became Hokage. Second Great Ninja War? He didn't even fight—just sat in his office, "commanding the troops."
I flipped through a few more pages, each one more sanitized than the last. The past wasn't history here—it was marketing material.
Classes eventually ended, and I walked back toward the Uchiha compound with Azula and Obito. The streets glowed gold under the setting sun, the air cooling as shadows stretched across the village.
When we passed the Hokage Building, my gaze lingered on the topmost tower.
Hiruzen was probably up there now, sipping tea, patting himself on the back for another day of keeping the youth "inspired." He was getting old, but he clearly had no intention of stepping down. And neither did his supporters.
The man's clinging to power like a tick he has glued his ass to the Hokage chair. All his allies are aging alongside him, and none of them want to let go either. The village council isn't a leadership body anymore—it's a retirement club.
I shoved my hands in my pockets, eyes narrowing at the Hokage Monument. Power makes you greedy. Old age makes you desperate. Desperate people make mistakes.
Azula pov:
She'd never cared much for the Academy. At first, she only wanted to join the Uchiha Police Force. The only reason she came here was because her best friend Kazuki enrolled, and life was more fun with him around. Elder Setsuna had warned her not to listen to Hiruzen's speeches, so she didn't care about the Will of Fire.
Obito pov:
He didn't hear manipulation in Hiruzen's voice—only a promise. Work hard, believe in the Will of Fire, protect the people you care about, and you could become Hokage. When Hiruzen's eyes swept the crowd, He felt like the strongest Hokage was speaking directly to him.