Chapter 100: Guilt
Masahiko walked slowly through the streets of Konoha, his thoughts in turmoil.
From Uchiha Izuya, Masahiko had learned what had happened over the past month.
In Konoha, everyone only knew that a month ago, Masahiko and Tobirama were besieged by elite ninjas from Kumogakure, resulting in a fierce battle. In the end, only the former Raikage's aide, now the Third Raikage (A/Ei), escaped back with heavy injuries and announced that Kumogakure would close its doors to recover.
Because news of Masahiko and Tobirama had been lost, Sunagakure's offensive became extremely fierce, causing panic in Konoha. At the critical moment, Mito turned the tide and fiercely deterred the ninja villages surrounding Konoha.
Not long after the First Great Ninja War began, it strangely came to a halt. Except for Iwagakure and Kirigakure, the other villages had actually calmed down.
"They probably heard about Mito's strength. The era of Jinchuriki warfare is probably approaching..."
However, precisely because there were no external worries, internal chaos arose in Konoha. With Masahiko and Tobirama missing for a full month, the selection of the Third Hokage was put on the agenda.
"Konoha Event: The Great Hokage Race is officially open..." Masahiko muttered.
Currently, the most promising candidate for Hokage was Uzumaki Gensuke, followed by Tobirama's disciples. Besides them, the Inuzuka and Hyuga clans also stuck a foot in.
"Konoha doesn't need a Third Hokage right now because Tobirama isn't dead... but it seems we need an Acting Hokage."
Masahiko also had a headache. If Tobirama needed a long time to recover—nearly a year—without a decision-maker for such a long period, big problems would likely arise...
For example, after Sunagakure was crushed by Mito, Konoha didn't send anyone to collect "protection fees," which was not ideal.
"And Kumogakure. It wouldn't be right if we didn't demand an explanation from them this time." Masahiko frowned, completely forgetting that he was the one who provoked Kumogakure first.
"Who should be this Acting Hokage?"
Masahiko's first reaction was Sarutobi Hiruzen. Because after becoming Acting Hokage, even if Tobirama returned later, Tobirama was already nearly fifty. Ten years later, this Acting Hokage would likely become the Third Hokage. But now it was only Year 13 of Konoha. Hiruzen was only 22 years old, a bit too young, and his strength hadn't reached the level of an S-rank ninja.
"Gensuke..." Masahiko sighed. In his heart, he was actually very reluctant to let an Uzumaki become Hokage because there were too many Uzumaki. If the Uzumaki Clan Head became Hokage, Konoha would likely become unrecognizable. This was probably a sentiment in his heart as well.
"Besides those two, Tobirama's other disciples won't do either. As for the Hyuga and Inuzuka..." Masahiko shook his head, feeling they were unreliable.
"So in the end, it still has to be Hiruzen?" Masahiko considered everything but couldn't reach a conclusion.
"Why am I thinking about this?" Masahiko shook his head. "In Konoha right now, there's someone with even higher prestige than me."
Masahiko made a few turns and arrived at Hashirama's house, a place he hadn't visited in a long time.
Since the Battle of the Valley of the End, Hashirama had always come to find him. He rarely took the initiative to come here; occasionally, he visited just to check on Mito.
Just as Masahiko was about to knock, the door was pushed open, and a familiar face smiled at him. "Great-Uncle, you're back..."
Masahiko entered, sighing with emotion. "It seems you really have perfectly mastered the Nine-Tails. You probably sensed me the moment I entered the village, right?"
Mito nodded. Masahiko asked in confusion, "Aren't you anxious to ask me about Tobirama's situation?"
"Given your strength, returning after so long must be because of Tobirama. Tobirama should be recuperating somewhere right now, right? He should be out of danger."
Masahiko smiled bitterly. "Being this smart will leave you with no friends."
"No matter how smart I am, I can't understand the strange words you say from time to time. It's been like this since I was little."
Masahiko's expression froze. In front of Mito, he always felt seen through. He quickly changed the subject.
"Tobirama still needs a long time to rest, so Konoha needs an Acting Hokage. Who do you think is suitable? Will Hiruzen do?"
Mito shook her head. "Little Monkey is still too young..."
Masahiko's mouth twitched. Little Monkey...
"By the way, not a single Senju stood up to compete for Hokage this time. Kenji's strength and qualifications are sufficient. Was this your idea?"
Mito nodded. "The Senju have held the Hokage position for two consecutive terms. It's not good to fight for the third, and we shouldn't."
Masahiko understood. Konoha was a village belonging to everyone. Because of Hashirama, the Senju had held the Hokage position twice consecutively. If the third was also a Senju, even the most unambitious clans would harbor resentment.
"What about the Uzumaki? Why didn't you and my big nephew stop it... You must know that if Gensuke becomes Hokage, Hashirama's original intention for establishing Konoha won't be achieved. Konoha will become the Uzumaki's village."
Mentioning this, Mito's expression actually became downcast, and Masahiko's heart sank.
"My father hid back in the Uzumaki territory... And I, it's not that I don't want to stop it, but I cannot stop it."
"Great-Uncle, war brings pain and sacrifice. In this war, besides your two disciples, the Uzumaki clan sent eight other people to fight. One of them died."
"Who was it?" Masahiko asked urgently, having a bad feeling.
"A young man named Uzumaki Ashina."
The familiar yet strange name stunned Masahiko slightly. He couldn't remember where he had heard it.
"Seeing your reaction, you can't remember who he is... He was the husband of your disciple, Yiko."
Masahiko felt as if he had been struck by lightning, standing there dazed.
"Yiko's... husband?"
"So, now that Gensuke is competing for Hokage, everyone thinks Nanako is leading the support, but in reality, it is Yiko who is advocating for it. And I..."
Masahiko didn't listen carefully to what Mito said afterward. He was immersed in an inexplicable self-blame.
"I killed him..." Masahiko murmured, his heart filled with remorse.
Although Masahiko had stirred up wind and rain during this time, making things turbulent, his ultimate goal had been achieved. Tobirama was successfully saved, and Masahiko had been somewhat complacent.
Hearing this news, Masahiko realized that his every move could affect many people. At the very least, the war between Konoha and Sunagakure must have been completely different from the original story.
"Maybe he didn't have to die..." Masahiko murmured, looking up at Mito. "Who did it?"
"It was a Sunagakure Elder. I already killed him. If this hadn't happened, I wouldn't have gone to the front lines personally. After all..."
Masahiko nodded. He had felt it was strange for Mito to go to the battlefield personally, especially since she was pregnant. Konoha hadn't reached that point of desperation. Now, he understood completely.
"I understand. I'll go see Yiko..."
Masahiko, who had always been heartless and carefree, felt true guilt this time.
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