"Come on, the ceremony's about to start! This is the first live broadcast in our station's history—nothing can go wrong!"
"Dong Dagu! Why are you dragging your feet? Get over here and guide the newcomers—set the camera positions properly! Every angle must be covered. Do NOT miss the best moments!"
"Listen carefully. When I call for a cut, you switch immediately. Audience reactions, VIP guests, the leaders of the major villages—their expressions, every detail. If it's interesting, send it to the secondary screen. I'll choose what goes to the main feed."
"Why are you all so tense? The ceremony hasn't even started yet! First time or not, pull yourselves together!"
"Everyone, focus! This is the first live broadcast in history. It's going to be written into television history. If you mess this up, you'll be nailed to the pillar of shame!"
Karin's heart was pounding wildly.
But her face was calm and composed as she directed the Red Sun TV staff with authority, coordinating equipment across the high platform of the Hokage Building.
Her voice rang out clear and commanding, her presence dominating the scene.
The Red Sun TV logo on her outfit stood out sharply.
The initially flustered staff gradually settled into rhythm under her command. Everyone became careful, focused, and fully engaged.
This wasn't just another job.
It was history.
The Fifth Hokage's inauguration was already a world-shaking event—but the first-ever live broadcast made it even bigger.
Firsts always carried a special magic.
"Those people… Red Sun TV?"
"How did they get in here?"
"I heard Uzumaki-sama invited them. What's a live broadcast anyway?"
"Probably some TV thing. Hey, don't mess up—maybe we'll end up on TV!"
On the rooftop, ANBU stationed around the platform whispered among themselves, eyes full of curiosity and envy as they watched the TV staff operate unfamiliar machines.
The influence of television was already spreading—even elite ANBU felt proud at the thought of appearing on-screen.
Right now, there was only one TV station in the ninja world: Red Sun TV.
Few programs, massive attention.
Appear once—and you could become famous overnight.
Gaara was proof of that. His name was known everywhere.
In fact, some factions had already started trying to build their own TV stations—but with no experience and terrible equipment, nothing usable had come of it yet.
All cameras were in place.
Karin entered the dedicated broadcast control room—one massive main screen, four secondary displays surrounding it.
Live feeds streamed in. Staff selected angles for the side screens, while Karin made the final call on what went to the main broadcast.
"That girl—is she the director of Red Sun TV? She's so young!"
"How do you know?"
"Didn't you hear them calling her 'Director'?"
"That's the top position! She's incredible."
In a corner of the control room, Sakura and Ino stood watch—assigned to monitor the TV staff.
After all, Red Sun TV wasn't part of Konoha.
But both girls had completely forgotten their duty, staring at Karin with sparkling eyes like devoted fans.
Time passed.
Villagers gathered below the Hokage Building, chatting excitedly.
VIP guests arrived on the platform.
The leaders of the other four great villages took their places.
Even Rasa and the Fourth Raikage, now released, stood there stiffly, faces dark as cheers thundered around them—cheers not meant for them.
"Kazekage-sama…"
"Raikage-sama…"
Chiyo and Cee stood nearby, finally relaxing after seeing their leaders alive.
Chiyo quietly transmitted to Rasa:
"I'll switch you with a puppet later and get you out. Don't resist."
Negotiations were one thing—but if she could save him outright, she would.
Rasa shook his head, eyes tired.
"Don't act. You can't escape."
Under Uzumaki Naruto's gaze, escape was fantasy.
Raikage A also refused Cee's suggestion.
After facing Naruto directly, both men knew better than anyone how hopeless resistance was.
Better to stay put. Maybe another path would appear.
Then—
A wheelchair rolled forward.
Pushed by Asuma.
Seated in it was the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He was awake—but completely immobile, only his eyes able to move.
He looked far older now, the weight of years heavy on his face.
Sadness lingered in his gaze.
He would have preferred to fade away quietly.
But the transition of Hokage demanded his presence.
Then—
Naruto stepped forward.
He wore the red-and-white Hokage robes, just like the Fourth Hokage once had.
Blond hair slightly messy. Sharp, handsome features. Calm, commanding eyes.
With a single step, an overwhelming pressure spread across the plaza.
Villagers. Shinobi. Visitors.
Everyone fell silent.
Utter silence.
"Close-up! Fifth Hokage-sama—yes, that's it!"
"Capture the crowd's reactions! Which camera has the clearest expressions? Report!"
"Don't miss the guests—especially the Kazekage and Raikage. They're prisoners under watch; their expressions are priceless!"
"Camera five, move forward!"
"Drone nine—bird's-eye view!"
Inside the control room, Karin was drenched in sweat, eyes darting between screens, mind racing as she stitched together the perfect broadcast.
Across the ninja world, people stood frozen before their televisions.
Red Sun TV had announced the broadcast early—viewers were everywhere.
This was Konoha's Hokage inauguration.
A once-in-a-lifetime event.
And they were watching it live.
"He's incredible… just standing there and the whole crowd is overwhelmed."
"That's Sarutobi Hiruzen? He looks terrible—serves him right."
"This feels so good. Years of resentment finally gone."
"I'm waiting… waiting for Hokage-sama to announce the Uchiha's return."
"When that happens, the whole world's expressions will be amazing."
"And Sasuke—his face is going to be priceless."
"Haha, now I'm curious too."
"Itachi, why are you so quiet?"
Inside a spacious hall of the Hokage Building, Uchiha shinobi in full clan attire watched the broadcast with excitement.
Shisui was tense. Expectant.
Itachi's expression was the most complicated of all.
Uchiha Fugaku rested a hand on his son's shoulder, sighed softly—and said nothing.
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