Chapter 136 — Orochimaru, the Fourth Hokage
Jiraiya's House
Ever since Sarutobi Hiruzen relinquished power, Jiraiya had completely embraced his true nature.
With his teacher no longer around to restrain him, Jiraiya's greatest passion now was maintaining a strict daily routine of "research" and writing.
But this morning, during his usual fieldwork, he was nearly caught by Tsunade—and narrowly avoided a direct punch fueled by her monstrous strength.
For the sake of his own survival, Jiraiya began seriously considering whether, after tomorrow's Hokage inauguration ceremony for Orochimaru, he should take his art and share it with the world.
After all, art knows no borders. If the people of Konoha didn't appreciate his "art," he could always bring it to those who did.
Just thinking about the countless hot springs beyond the village—filled with long-legged, busty young women—caused his nose to erupt with blood.
Jiraiya quickly wiped it away and glanced around, slightly paranoid. Thankfully, he was still at home. It would have been a disgrace to be seen like this.
He really had grown fond of this free and easy lifestyle. Compared to the task-filled days under Sarutobi's leadership—where every moment was devoted to missions—this was paradise.
With a sigh of satisfaction, he muttered, "Orochimaru really is the better Hokage!"
Then, remembering he'd need to get up early for the ceremony tomorrow, he decided to call it a night.
He closed the manuscript he had been writing and headed to bed.
Bathed in the moonlight streaming through the window, the title of the book was clearly visible:
"Icha Icha Paradise."
---
Uchiha Clan Compound
Ancestral Shrine
Inside the solemn Uchiha Shrine, Uchiha Fugaku stood before the ancestral tablets, his expression grave. Behind him stood hundreds of clan members, each having awakened their Sharingan.
Those who hadn't awakened it had no right to enter.
Fugaku bowed deeply toward the tablets, and the clansmen behind him followed suit, bowing to their ancestors in unison.
Ancestors, bless us. My clan and I are filled with ambition. Though our path is paved with the bones of the fallen, we have finally succeeded.
"Father, I've fulfilled your wish. After tomorrow, the Uchiha Clan will formally step into the village's upper echelons."
"Shisui and Gotan have already assumed important positions within the village."
"Rest easy. The Uchiha Clan will only grow stronger under my leadership."
Fugaku's Mangekyō Sharingan spun rapidly as he stared at the tablet bearing Uchiha Syōma's name, his voice tinged with pride.
And he had every right to be proud.
Ever since Uchiha Madara's betrayal, the clan had been marginalized and ostracized.
Even with two generations' efforts, they couldn't break free from their predicament.
But now, under his leadership, the goal of three generations had been realized.
He had led the clan out of isolation and into prominence—now even poised to claim a place in the village leadership.
All of it was thanks to his efforts.
Fugaku turned around, his eyes glowing crimson with the Mangekyō as he faced his clansmen.
"Tomorrow marks our clan's first step into the village's upper circle. From now on, we must ******, for the future ******, and someday, the Uchiha shall produce a Hokage of our own."
His voice trembled with emotion as he looked at the gathered Uchiha, their Sharingan glowing red in unison with his.
"Shisui, Gotan—from now on, the clan will give you full support and resources. I trust you won't disappoint us."
Fugaku stepped forward, placing a firm hand on both of their shoulders.
With great resources came great responsibility.
"Don't worry, Clan Head. We won't let the clan down." x2
Both Shisui and Gotan nodded seriously, responding with determination.
Unlike in the original timeline where Shisui was manipulated by Danzo, this Shisui held the clan above all else. His dream was to become strong—just like Fugaku—and lead the clan to greatness.
Standing silently behind them, Uchiha Obito clenched his fists, making a quiet vow to himself:
I want to be someone useful to the clan, too.
The cruelty of war had made him realize how laughable his old dream of becoming Hokage had been.
He had always lived for the sake of others, chasing validation.
But now, Obito wanted to live for himself—for the future of the Uchiha Clan.
Tomorrow marks a new beginning.
Fugaku, hearing the assured responses of the two rising stars, turned his gaze toward the distant Hokage building.
Tomorrow, he would stand there as well.
---
Hokage's Office
Orochimaru stood by the window, gazing out at the brightly lit village of Konoha. Behind him was a mountain of documents.
Tomorrow, he would officially become Hokage. He felt… conflicted.
Even uncertain—could he really do this?
At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen silently emerged from the shadows of the room.
Unhurriedly, he walked to Orochimaru's side. The two stood shoulder-to-shoulder, silently watching the village below.
Hiruzen finally asked, "Orochimaru… do you feel lost?"
"You're here, Sensei."
Orochimaru didn't voice his inner turmoil—but he didn't deny it either.
Hiruzen's eyes glistened with tears as he looked out at the village he'd devoted his life to.
Was it nostalgia? Or memories?
He spoke to Orochimaru, voice filled with complexity: "When Lord Tobirama entrusted the village to me, I felt lost too. I even doubted whether I had the strength to lead.
"I'm sure you've sensed it—this position isn't just about power. It's a responsibility."
"As Hokage, you must bear the duty of protecting Konoha."
"We protect each villager's smile… ensure peace… shield the village from harm… make it flourish… and let every citizen have food and warmth."
"Starting tomorrow, that burden is yours."
"Orochimaru—I believe in you. You're stronger than I am. I know you'll lead the village to a brighter future."
Looking at the village he had guarded for decades, Hiruzen finally voiced the words he had kept buried in his heart.
His sincerity touched Orochimaru.
He turned to his teacher, seeing the graying hair at his temples, the once-straight spine now bent.
A whisper escaped his lips:
"Sensei…"
Wiping the tears from his eyes, Hiruzen turned and patted Orochimaru's shoulder.
He spoke solemnly:
"Orochimaru, from now on, Konoha is yours to protect. You are the Fourth Hokage."
Then, he removed the Hokage's ceremonial hat and placed it on Orochimaru's head.
No matter the mistakes Sarutobi Hiruzen had made in the past, his contributions to the village were undeniable.
Without him, Konoha might have crumbled after Tobirama's death.
---
Dawn
Hokage Building
The sun had yet to rise, but the village square was already packed.
Layer after layer of villagers surrounded the Hokage Building, forming a sea of expectant faces.
All eyes were locked on the man standing atop the Hokage Building—clad in ceremonial robes, wearing the hat that symbolized the Hokage, his face sharp and cold.
Even Kazane broke his routine of morning training. He dragged Kakashi and Jiriku along to the rooftop early in the morning.
Though the sky was only just lightening, the village's entire leadership was already gathered on the rooftop.
Orochimaru stood at the edge of the platform, gazing down at the villagers. Tsunade and Jiraiya stood beside him, arms crossed.
To their left and behind them were Sarutobi Hiruzen and the two former elders—Koharu and Homura.
To their right stood the new elder Uchiha Fugaku and the heads of the village's departments.
A little farther behind, Kazane, Kakashi, Might Duy, and others stood in silence.
Below, at the front of the crowd, Kazane saw familiar faces: Jōnin Sasaki, Rin Nohara, Might Guy, Obito Uchiha, Genma Shiranui, Inoichi Yamanaka, Hiashi Hyuga, Shisui Uchiha… and many, many more.
Everyone watched Orochimaru with eyes full of hope.
This man was their future Hokage—the one who would lead Konoha into a new era.
The morning sun broke over the horizon, shining directly onto Orochimaru's face.
He raised a hand and removed his hat, letting everyone see him clearly.
Then, lifting the hat high above his head, he proclaimed:
"From this day forward, I will govern Konoha—I am the Fourth Hokage!!!"
Bathed in sunlight, Orochimaru's usually pale and sinister features appeared dignified—even kind.
Seeing this, Kazane and the others couldn't help but smile—sincere, heartfelt smiles.