Konoha.
On the Hokage's desk, a large crystal ball displayed a vivid scene.
Inside a room, there was a woman with ordinary features and long red hair, tenderly caressing her abdomen with a loving expression.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, four aged faces stared intently at the scene through the observation jutsu projected by the crystal ball.
"Hiruzen, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki being pregnant at this time is not a good thing."
Shimura Danzō, wrapped in bandages, showed clear dissatisfaction upon seeing the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki's pregnancy.
"During wartime, this means we've effectively lost a powerful combatant. Moreover, the Uchiha are watching us like hawks. Hiruzen, this is an incredibly foolish decision on your part..."
Faced with Danzō's complaints, Sarutobi Hiruzen, seated calmly at his desk, exhaled a puff of smoke. For once, a faint smile graced his face.
"No! I believe this is a good thing."
Hearing this, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged puzzled glances, while Danzō frowned deeply.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, glanced at the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki in the crystal ball, who radiated a gentle, affectionate aura. With a tone full of emotion, he said:
"A Nine-Tails Jinchūriki with a husband and child demonstrates that she has truly taken root in Konoha. Now that the war is turning in our favor, and negotiations with Kirigakure are progressing smoothly, we've reached a pivotal moment.
Kirigakure has even sent an emissary. The war is about to end. Our focus is no longer on the battlefield but on Konoha's future development!"
As he spoke, Sarutobi Hiruzen fixed his gaze on Danzō and the others. With a heavy tone, he continued:
"A woman with a husband and child—don't you think she'd want her husband to advance further? To lay a solid foundation for their child's future? For example, making the father of her child the Hokage..."
This statement immediately infuriated Shimura Danzō. He glared at Hiruzen with displeasure.
He had fought so hard during the Third Shinobi World War for what? To finally grasp the chance to become Hokage! Yet now, Hiruzen was essentially telling him that he was paving the way for some yellow-haired brat!
"Danzō, Hiruzen has a point. Right now, we're facing an unprecedentedly strong Uchiha! Backed by the Aburame, Kurama, Hatake clans…and even Senju Tsunade!"
When Sarutobi Hiruzen mentioned "Senju Tsunade," Danzō's expression turned livid. Despite all he'd sacrificed for Konoha, no clan ninja wanted to associate with him.
Damn it!
Mitokado Homura let out a long sigh, his expression heavy as he gravely addressed Danzō:
"This time, the Uchiha pose a greater threat than ever before. Even if we manage to suppress them, what if Senju Tsunade ascends to power?"
At this, even Danzō's face showed a trace of apprehension. The mere mention of "Senju Tsunade" weighed heavily on him like a boulder.
"If Tsunade becomes Hokage, how would that be any different from the Uchiha taking over?!"
Utatane Koharu slammed the table in anger, her face filled with wrath.
"Tsunade has already been tainted by the Uchiha's corrupt influence! As the granddaughter of the Second Hokage, she dares to fraternize with the Uchiha and has even stood against the village…"
"Enough!"
Finally, Sarutobi Hiruzen slammed his hand down on the desk, silencing the room. His sharp gaze swept over the three of them as he said firmly:
"This is the time for us to unite, just as we did when we first took over Konoha. The war is about to end. Minato is already heading to the Land of Rivers...
With Jiraiya assisting him, Minato will establish his reputation. What we need to do now is to build momentum around selecting a new Hokage. Koharu, you will head to the Land of Fire's Daimyō's residence and explain that the village requires stability, not chaos…"
Listening to Hiruzen's instructions, Danzō's anger gradually subsided, and he began to understand. Initially furious at the notion of not being considered for the Fourth Hokage position, he soon saw the bigger picture.
"Release rumors about the Fourth Hokage candidates. Danzō, ensures that Root operates discreetly. Spread information about the human experiments involving Wood Release…"
Hearing this, Danzō smirked coldly and replied hoarsely:
"Understood. Root will leak this information through Iwa's spies. After all, the other four great nations wouldn't want a Senju to become Hokage again…"
This plan was designed to tarnish Tsunade's reputation. Accusing her of conducting human experiments based on the First Hokage's DNA might not be enough to destroy her completely, but it would be sufficient to discredit her nomination at the Daimyō's court.
"Hiruzen, this is a brilliant plan. After all, there are still many Senju clansmen in the Daimyō's residence."
Utatane Koharu smiled. The Senju clan had split into different factions long ago, and those in the Daimyō's residence might not necessarily support Tsunade—especially after the scandal spread.
However, Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head. "This is not enough. We must use this opportunity to emphasize that Konoha needs a young and powerful Hokage."
In other words, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya would all be eliminated from contention right from the start.
"That leaves only two candidates among the younger generation. If it's the Uchiha, they'd be far easier to handle than the Senju."
Hearing Hiruzen's clever strategy, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged glances, their expressions revealing newfound admiration.
"Hiruzen, this is why you're our leader."
Meanwhile, Danzō felt utterly defeated. He had never imagined that the Hokage selection process could be manipulated in such a way.
First, put forth several candidates. Then, let public opinion eliminate the more troublesome ones, leaving only Uchiha Shirou and a civilian-born candidate like Namikaze Minato.
Although the Uchiha had improved their reputation in recent years, it would take much longer for them to shed their dark history.
With equal support from the backers of both sides, Minato's popularity among the civilian populace would give him the upper hand.
"Hiruzen, if this plan fails, the village may face unrest. If the Uchiha and Senju join forces, their influence could be overwhelming!"
Danzō frowned, worried that things might spiral out of control if the two clans invoked their shared history of founding Konoha and tore apart the village's fragile balance.
But Hiruzen had already prepared for this. Lowering his Hokage hat slightly, he said calmly:
"The initial Fourth Hokage nominees will include Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Uchiha Shirou, and Namikaze Minato. Once public opinion has taken shape, I will personally step in as the Third Hokage to finalize the process!
In the end, I will declare Uchiha Shirou and Namikaze Minato as the most suitable candidates. However, I will emphasize that the Hokage selection process requires a long period of observation and training. The village will still need us to maintain stability during this time…"
What a masterstroke!
Hearing this, all three advisors' eyes lit up. Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, in particular, looked at Hiruzen with newfound respect.
A delaying tactic!
Not only would this avoid direct conflict, but it would also ensure that they retained power while observing and training the Hokage candidates.
"So, you're saying that Minato, with our backing, wouldn't lose to the Uchiha in terms of influence!"
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked at Hiruzen with admiration. Even if Senju's glory was a thing of the past, Hiruzen's thirty years of leadership had left a lasting legacy. His decision to step down voluntarily to take responsibility for the war's mistakes would greatly diminish public dissatisfaction. Nature was predictable. When people resent those in power, a sincere apology followed by stepping down could erase much of that resentment.
Moreover, people would inevitably remember the good times under Hiruzen's leadership—the twenty-plus years of Konoha's prosperity under his guidance.
"Not only that, but Minato's greatest advantage is something none of us have."
Hiruzen scanned the room, his expression confident.
"He comes from a civilian background. With just a little effort, we can promote this narrative to Konoha's thousands of civilian ninjas. They will wholeheartedly support someone who shares their humble origins.
The first civilian-born Hokage in Konoha's history—how does that sound as a headline?"
After hearing Hiruzen's plan, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged a glance before bursting into admiration.
"Hiruzen, you're truly exceptional!"
...
Inside the Hokage's office, as the Konoha Elders continued their internal strategy discussions—completely inept when it came to external matters—Uchiha Obito had already arrived outside the village.
"Obito, Konoha's barrier, and the current Nine-Tails Jinchūriki are both heavily guarded by the ANBU…"
Black Zetsu's hoarse voice echoed, causing Uchiha Obito, wearing a tiger-striped mask, to reveal an angry expression. In a raspy tone, he said:
"I hope this will be the last time!"
Facing Obito's warning, Black Zetsu, with his black-and-white dual-toned figure and a sinister smile, nodded and replied, "Understood, Lord… Madara."
The drawn-out syllable made Obito snort coldly. At this moment, he was acting as the embodiment of Uchiha Madara in the shinobi world.
"The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is protected by the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques and is within Konoha. To ensure success, the best opportunity is during the Jinchūriki's childbirth. That's when it will be easiest to strike…"
Obito spoke in a solemn tone. After all, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was not weak, and releasing the Nine-Tails was no simple task.
During childbirth, the Jinchūriki's powers are focused on suppressing the tailed beast, leaving them highly vulnerable. Furthermore, the seal becomes significantly weaker at this time.
This was precisely why he had chosen Minato Namikaze's wife, rather than Uzumaki Kushina.
"Keep a close eye on her. This will be my first grand gift to the shinobi world."
Uchiha Obito, consumed by darkness and twisted in nature, carried a chilling gaze devoid of any emotion—even toward his former mentor's wife, who had once treated him with great kindness.
"Oh, by the way, we've uncovered some interesting news. Since Danzo Shimura's return, the Root has started making moves against the Uchiha clan—particularly targeting the young clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku…"
White Zetsu's playful tone echoed. Hearing this, Obito's expression turned icy, and he sneered coldly:
"Danzo! A rat hiding in the shadows!"
"But don't bother with him. Our most important target right now is Nagato with the Rinnegan. Yahiko is already dead, and the Akatsuki has fallen into Nagato's hands…"
When Obito mentioned Nagato with the Rinnegan, a deep wariness flickered in his eyes.
"Danzo is utterly useless. Last time, he had such a golden opportunity and yet failed to harm Nagato."
Because of Shirou's intervention, Nagato with the Rinnegan had developed his ambitions and was no longer as close to Yahiko. This meant Obito had no way to manipulate Nagato easily.
A fully functioning Nagato was far stronger, which was why Obito was so cautious around him.
In the original timeline, Nagato's physical weakness and injured legs could have been treated or alleviated by White Zetsu over the years.
And yet, it wasn't done. The only explanation was that they feared the overwhelming power of the Rinnegan.
After the Third Shinobi World War, Obito took charge of everything. More precisely, it was Obito who feared the immense power of the Rinnegan.
In the depths of Black Zetsu's eyes, a trace of disdain flashed. Uchiha Madara had chosen a very poor successor. Even so, Black Zetsu feigned a sinister smile and rasped:
"Lord Madara, isn't it better for Nagato to grow stronger? After all, in the past, you seemed quite satisfied with him. A Nagato who wields the Rinnegan appears to agree with the idea of using great power to rule over the shinobi world…"
Black Zetsu's raspy voice carried an undertone of excitement rather than fear regarding Nagato's development—especially from Uchiha Madara's perspective.
Shirou sought to control Konoha, using it as a springboard to bring peace to the shinobi world.
Nagato, on the other hand, had a similar ideal but believed in bringing peace through the overwhelming power of the Tailed Beasts.
Both paths relied on power, but their means differed—one focused on domination, the other on deterrence.
Ultimately, their goals aligned. It was merely the process and methods that diverged.
"Be careful that Nagato doesn't become so powerful that Madara's resurrection plan fails in the end!"
Obito snorted coldly before activating his Sharingan. Space ripples appeared around him, and he disappeared.
As Obito left, Black Zetsu's raspy laughter echoed in the air. However, in the depths of his eyes, there was nothing but disdain.
No wonder Madara disdained Obito—he was truly a failure.
He could never compare to Uchiha Shirou. It was no surprise that Madara admired Uchiha Shirou so much, even viewing him as a younger version of himself.
Obito was merely a pawn, while Uchiha Shirou was the true inheritor of Madara's will.
Under Shirou's influence, Nagato's evolution had brought even Madara to lament. If not for Nagato's plans clashing with his own, Nagato could have been an exceptionally useful tool.
What a pity!
From beginning to end, Uchiha Madara never truly saw Obito as worthy.
A true Uchiha faces their opponents with the confidence to surpass them, not by hiding in the shadows and playing petty tricks.
...
In the 50th year of Konoha, the course of the shinobi world's wars underwent significant changes.
First, Kirigakure launched a surprise attack on Konoha. Then, the Three-Tails appeared in the Land of Bears, sparking a conflict between Sunagakure and Kirigakure. The two sides eventually tore apart their alliance completely.
The Four Great Shinobi Village Alliance became nothing more than a scrap of paper.
Sunagakure's Pakura had just seized the Three-Tails and was on her way out of the Land of Bears when Kirigakure intercepted her at sea, reclaiming the beast. The ensuing bloody battle left both sides devastated.
Despite being separated by the Land of Fire, Sunagakure and Kirigakure became bitter enemies. Their ninjas launched frenzied retaliatory strikes against each other across the shinobi world.
This gave Konoha a temporary reprieve from their war with Kirigakure. Shortly after, Kirigakure sent emissaries to Konoha to negotiate a ceasefire agreement.
Thus, the Four Great Shinobi Villages' war against Konoha crumbled.
Meanwhile, Minato Namikaze appeared behind enemy lines in the Land of Rivers, destroying numerous supply lines. He also teamed up with Jiraiya on the battlefield to deliver several crushing defeats to Sunagakure.
It was clear that Sunagakure was already contemplating retreat.
As for Kumogakure and Iwagakure, their leaders were furious. However, Konoha's large-scale troop movements made it evident to all that the end of the war was in sight.
PS: The Daimyo of the Land of Fire are just a group of normal people but somehow they rule the land of fire. Jp culture always follow bloodline heirarchy unlike in CN only stronger people on the top of the food chain.