The death of the Third Kazekage had sparked the Third Ninja World War—something no one could have predicted.
Yet that event was merely the fuse. Without the Kazekage's death, there might have been another Mizukage; whatever the spark, war had long since become unavoidable.
Hayashi could not reveal these thoughts to the Third Hokage; any warning would be dismissed as mere speculation. In prosperous times, claiming that war would erupt in two years was considered madness.
All Hayashi could do now was strengthen himself as much as possible.
Noticing the boy's distant expression, the Third Hokage cleared his throat. "Next, let's discuss the Uchiha issue."
Hayashi focused, meeting the Hokage's gaze.
The Third Hokage weighed his words carefully. "The Uchiha Clan Head's suspicious death will be investigated thoroughly. The Village will not allow any culprit to go free. I had planned to put you in charge—you have the status and strength to handle it. However, due to certain groundless rumors, you must avoid suspicion. So I will assign it to Orochimaru; you, as his disciple, will assist him."
"…Unwilling?"
"No… I will help my sensei find the cause of the Clan Head's death as quickly as possible."
Inwardly, Hayashi grumbled: Investigating yourself—classic Third Hokage. With strategies like that, it was no wonder he held his title.
Seeing the Hokage reach for his pipe, Hayashi sprang up, fetched it, and offered, "Allow me to light it for you."
The Third Hokage accepted calmly. After two puffs, he shook his head. "That isn't the worst of it… Uchiha Fugaku has returned—were you aware?"
"I heard from Lady Tsunade."
"He returned at the perfect moment, just as the clan meeting proclaimed you as the new clan head. In name, however, he remains the young head; with the former head dead, he should inherit the post. Consequently, the clan is in chaos, split into two camps. One supports Fugaku; the other, led by Fourth Elder Uchiha Hikari, supports you. Grand Elder Uchiha Yun backs you, but to prevent division, he has temporarily assumed headship with a three-year term."
"Three years?"
"Exactly. In three years, all Jonin of the clan will vote to elect the head."
The Third Hokage paused. "This isn't unprecedented. When Uchiha Madara left the Village, the headship remained vacant for a long time. Later, when your father competed with Uchiha Yama, they also had a three-year agreement. For various reasons, Kagami ultimately lost. Do you understand?"
"You wish me to become Uchiha Clan Head?"
The Third Hokage said solemnly, "Yes. What your father could not complete, I hope you will."
Hayashi nodded.
The Third Hokage smiled. "I will not interfere in clan affairs; it is entirely up to you. So… do you know what to do?"
Hayashi thought for a moment, then grinned. "What will I do? Nothing. I'll return to the clan and live quietly, focused on being a ninja. I'm joining the Military Police Force. The head promised me a squad-leader post; with him gone, that promise still stands, right? The clansmen all respect me. In my spare time, I'll take Mikoto to the training ground and guide talented youths in Sharingan usage. As for Fugaku… I won't compete actively against him."
The Third Hokage clapped happily. "Exactly what you should do. Once your prestige spreads through the Uchiha and every clansman acknowledges you, the headship will naturally fall to you."
The Third stood, patting Hayashi's shoulder. "You must be tired. Go home and rest. I have high expectations—don't disappoint me."
"Yes, sir."
When Hayashi stepped out, the heavy snow had stopped. He stood in the drifting white, staring at the muted sun.
Truthfully, he disliked the Village's intrigue, but once involved, escape was impossible. From the moment his talent was revealed, he had walked a single log bridge—turning back was not an option. Behind him, countless hands, intentional or not, pushed him toward their desired outcome. Once it had been Uchiha Yama; now it was the Third Hokage.
Without sufficient strength, he could only endure and bide his time until he became clan head, Hokage, the strongest in the Ninja World…
"But Hayashi, never forget why you refuse to be as carefree as Tsunade."
Standing in the snow, he murmured to himself, "I want to make this world a better place!"
Just then, a commotion arose in the distance.
"Hey, kid—yes, you with the black hair."
Hayashi looked up, glaring.
"Tired of living? I'm in the middle of training and you dare interrupt?"
Looking up, he realized it was two Anbu Ninja. The one wearing a wild-dog mask, ignoring Hayashi's murderous stare, said flippantly, "We suspect you of colluding with Sunagakure to attack Lord Third Hokage—come with us."
Hayashi rolled his eyes. "Help! Anbu brutality in broad daylight—somebody—"
The blond Ninja in a calico mask intervened, clapping a hand over Hayashi's mouth. "Keep it down. If the captain hears, Nawaki and I will be scrubbing floors again."
"Did you even wash that hand?" Hayashi spat, tugging off the mask.
"Minato, long time no see."
"Haha—Hayashi, I've missed you!" Ignoring Anbu protocol, Minato spun and hugged him.
Nawaki removed his mask, laughing. "Hey, watch the PDA—save hugging for tonight at home."
Hayashi punched Nawaki lightly, circling them. "Two years and you're still the shortest of us three—hah!"
"Up yours—I'm a late bloomer," Nawaki snapped.
The three joked around a while, then strolled down the street together.
"Seen Mikoto and the others?"
Nawaki nodded. "While you visited the Hokage, we checked on Mikoto and company."
Minato teased, "You clearly visited Nono first, saying you didn't care if you saw Hayashi—he could wait…"
Hayashi clicked his tongue. "Knew it—Nawaki values girls over pals. Minato's the one who cares."
Nawaki suddenly asked, "Hey, where's Kushina? She said she'd come see you."
Hayashi shook his head. "Before I left, she promised to visit once she became Jonin. I'm back, she isn't promoted yet, and she's too embarrassed to face me. We'll see her eventually. First round's on me?"
Minato's eyes lit up. "Deal. On a day this cold, drinks first. Tonight we'll grab Mikoto and the others for barbecue."
Nawaki nodded, hurled his mask skyward, and yelled, "The Three Heroes of Konoha—ASSEMBLED!"
Hayashi watched a flock of crows scatter, deadpanning, "What the heck is 'The Three Heroes of Konoha'?"
"Our team name! Konohas Three Sannin is already taken by Jiraiya's gang, so we're claiming the title first."
Hayashi nodded. It sounded reasonable; all greats had "Three Heroes" titles.
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