Naruto: I am the Hokage

"Peace is difficult!" Orochimaru sighed.

War… From Senju Hashirama to their generation, many people in every era have explored and sought ways to achieve peace. Because everyone has suffered the pain of war. However, the one who came closest was probably Senju Hashirama back then. He used a military force so powerful it was nearly invincible in the world, making it so that no one could even think of resisting or invading.

Although the current Orochimaru had long forgotten his original self, deep in his heart, he still hoped for world peace, but… it was precisely because he had seen too much and knew too much that he felt it was impossible. However, he turned his head, a slight smile on his face. "Kyohiko-kun, perhaps you can bring peace to the world for a while, just like Senju Hashirama back then."

"An era of peace is not bad either," Kyohiko chuckled. That was still several decades! For a person's life to guarantee decades of stability was already an incredibly remarkable feat. It's just… he sighed. "What I fear is the whale fall after the whale dies."

"Whale fall?" Orochimaru thought for a moment. "I remember this is a phenomenon after a whale dies. After their death, they are dismembered by various predators in the sea…" He quickly understood Kyohiko's meaning. The fall of a strong person could bring about an even more terrible turmoil! Just like after Senju Hashirama died, the shinobi world actually experienced more than a decade of continuous turmoil. Although there were a few years of relative stability in between, there was still a lot of friction and fighting during that time. It's just… the scale had not yet developed to the level of "war." The fall of a hegemon is often accompanied by long-term resource competition, different from a whale fall but somewhat similar.

He sighed with emotion. "Kyohiko-kun's words are often thought-provoking. According to what you said, the appearance of a strong person brings temporary peace, but it will cause the shinobi world to be tightly compressed like a spring…" Then, once the spring is released, the force it brings will also be very powerful.

"This is still not peace!"

As Orochimaru spoke, his heavy tone suddenly changed, his voice and emotions rising. "Kyohiko-kun, if your teacher heard these words, he would surely jump up and down in anger, then fly into a helpless rage."

Initially, Orochimaru thought he understood Kyohiko. He thought Kyohiko was like him, a person pursuing the mysteries and fundamentals of ninjutsu. Later, he found that was not the case. This child's ability and wisdom were extraordinary; he should be someone similar to Senju Tobirama. And now, he vaguely felt that no one could compare to Kyohiko. This child was unique, with infinite possibilities, with a vision and forward-thinking wisdom that surpassed imagination and was difficult for ordinary people to understand.

"I'm leaving." Orochimaru waved his hand, a slight smile on his lips. But after walking a few steps, he stopped. "Kyohiko-kun, I am betting my future on you. I believe you can lead us to a better peace." After Orochimaru finished speaking, his figure disappeared.

Kyohiko was a little surprised. For Orochimaru, such words could almost be considered—a declaration that he would stand on his side!Kyohiko was stunned for a moment, then chuckled softly. This is an unexpected joy!

---

[You have brought a brand-new Kekkei Genkai to the village!]

[Konoha's future grows stronger by the day.]

[Reward: Wood Style: Amber Jutsu (Beginner)]

Amber…Kyohiko was slightly surprised, but soon came to a realization. That's right. The crystals of Crystal Release and amber, although completely different, had similar properties. There could be some common techniques between the two. The system's replacement was indeed clever.

Amber—this thing was worth researching! If he could master the Amber Jutsu to proficiency, or even to Expert or Master level, it would definitely be of great use in future battles. However, based on the properties of amber, this thing's weakness might also be very obvious—flammability! If used appropriately, this could also be an advantage.Kyohiko already had several ideas in mind.

But the key at the moment was the interaction between the mother and daughter. Mami smoothed her hair, her eyes red and moist, and bowed deeply while holding the girl. "Thank you, Kyohiko-sama! We mother and daughter can never repay you."

"There's no need for repayment. Living well and growing up well in Konoha is the best repayment for the village," Kyohiko said with a smile.

Mami was stunned for a moment, then nodded lightly. "Yes, I understand what you mean. But if it weren't for you, Guren's situation might have been completely different…"

"Just live a good life." Kyohiko looked at Guren. The current Guren was still very young. At six years old, she was neither too old nor too young. With some arrangements, it was the right age to start school. "In a while, you can apply to the Hokage-sama to let your child enroll in school. As for yourself, although there is a certain subsidy, you still need to find a way to survive as soon as possible," Kyohiko said. Given Mami's personality and experiences, she probably wouldn't become a ninja again.

Mami bowed gratefully. She knew these were already very good conditions. In fact, for the past period, she had been enjoying the benefits of Konoha without having to pay anything. She thought for a moment. "I know some basic ninjutsu. I heard Konoha sponsors an orphanage, right?"

"Yes, a not-so-large orphanage, mainly taking in orphans who lost their families in the war," Kyohiko nodded.

Mami said, "I hope to become a part of them. After all…" She looked down at Guren. Her own family had also suffered the pain of war; she hoped to help more people.

A brilliant smile appeared on Kyohiko's face. "Ma'am, you already understand the Will of Fire!"

"Ah? Me, how could I…" Mami was flustered.

Kyohiko smiled. "The so-called Will of Fire has its great side, but when applied to an individual, it is the empathy of not wanting others to suffer the same pain after suffering oneself, and the determination to sacrifice oneself to protect others. Don't you have such a determination?" he asked back.

Mami immediately nodded. "Of course! If I can become a part of the orphanage, I will do everything I can to protect those children with all I have!"

"That's right. The Will of Fire is not that complicated. As long as everyone has a common goal and belief, they are truly a part of Konoha," Kyohiko said seriously. "Welcome, ma'am. Spiritually, you are already a person of Konoha."

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" At this moment, Mami suddenly felt a strong sense of identification with Konoha. This feeling was very subtle, partly from the fortunate encounter of herself and her child, and partly from the "Will of Fire." After suffering, not wanting others to experience the same pain… so well said! Mami's heart was surging with emotion.

"Guren, do you support me?"

"Of course, whatever Mom does is right."

---

At night in the Uchiha clan's territory, Obito opened the scroll and, using the method he had learned from Shisui, quickly undid the seal on it. Although he had heard the method for "peace" from that "Madara," he was still not at ease. He wanted to see it with his own eyes!

A few seconds later, the jutsu formula spread out, and a symbol appeared on the scroll. One by one, characters emerged. On the other side of the scroll was a book, a rare book of ninjutsu insights handwritten by Uchiha Madara himself, which he had borrowed to compare with the scroll. This was a method Obito had thought of after cramming all day at the Ninja Academy.

A dozen seconds later, Obito's eyes widened, his heart pounding. It was real! Through his Sharingan, he could observe every detail of the characters. Obito could determine that the difference between the two sets of characters was very small. According to ninja handwriting analysis, it could be determined that they were written by the same person. The scroll was really Uchiha Madara's legacy!

But the remaining text on this scroll was shocking. The Infinite Tsukuyomi plan! To put everyone in the world into the Infinite Tsukuyomi's genjutsu, where everyone would live in peace and happiness, without conflict. Then there would be no more war and death in the world. This was truly an insane plan!

Obito licked his lips but couldn't help but tremble all over, his brain unprecedentedly active. A world in a genjutsu, with no war and chaos, everything is beautiful. Does such a world really exist?

"Perhaps Madara back then was just crazy. There is no such world, nor is there such a plan. It's all just his fantasy!"

"I should hand it over to the clan head, or to Shisui."

"The clan head and Shisui are definitely smarter than me and can better distinguish the authenticity of what's on it. If it's really like this…"

Obito's brain worked rapidly. That "Madara" couldn't leave the Naka River, so he didn't have to worry about being discovered after reporting it, and maybe that guy would even be eliminated later. But the hand holding the scroll trembled slightly, unable to put it down. If I really hand it in… can the clan head and the others make good use of it? Perhaps it would bring disaster to the Uchiha instead. Madara back then probably thought the same, which was why he chose to leave and fight alone, leaving the Uchiha in the village. This way, Madara's actions were purely personal and would not implicate the clan.

Obito's gaze gradually became clear. Regardless of whether what was said on it was true or false, he wanted to go and see, to try! Madara's legacy… If he could obtain that person's legacy, he would have the power to realize his own goals and ideas, so Rin would no longer have to be busy in the hospital. And there were more kind people like Rin.

"Peace is the only way to save the world!"

"Rin, I will become a greater person than Kakashi. I will let you see…"

"My change!"

Obito's heart was resolute. He put away the scroll, then seriously read the book he had borrowed, his mind thinking about what to do next. Leave Konoha? He thought of the Naka River. Perhaps he should go there and see! Obito got up, and under the cover of night, quietly left the clan compound and headed for the Naka River.

---

The starlight was like water. Obito felt as if he were running wildly towards his ideals. Apprehensive yet firm. A very contradictory state of mind. "I feel like I'm walking on the path that Madara once walked. Did he also feel like this at the time?" The current Obito was incredibly chuunibyou. He muttered to himself in the wild.

In the dark, Black Zetsu's mouth curled up, and he chuckled lightly. A chuunibyou teenager is so much easier to control than a calm, smart one like Shisui!

However, Shisui's ability also shocked him. Awakening his eyes before the age of six and skillfully mastering the use of the Sharingan—such talent was even more monstrous than Obito, who had directly awakened two tomoe. If Uchiha Shisui received Madara's guidance, he might become a true second Uchiha Madara, just like Konoha's Wood Style kid… although he didn't have Senju Hashirama's guidance, under the ideological guidance of generations in Konoha, the Wood Style kid's thinking was almost similar to that of the Senju brothers back then, like a wonderful inheritance. He wanted a well-controlled puppet, not a true second Madara.

He tailed him all the way to the secret room at the Naka River. Obito shouted, "Madara, are you there?"

"I am listening." A voice echoed in the darkness. Without any candles lit, the scene was rather spooky.

Obito swallowed. "Senior, after I unsealed your scroll, I already believe what you said is true. So what should I do next?"

"In Konoha, you will never get what you want. Only by leaving Konoha is there a glimmer of hope," Black Zetsu replied faintly.

Obito thought for a moment. "But I'm still very weak, and I'm just an ordinary student. How can I leave Konoha?"

"Don't worry, I naturally have a way," Black Zetsu chuckled.

Obito breathed a sigh of relief. "I knew you would have a way, so I came to you for guidance!"

"I can reside in your body, and then, with my power, you can sneak out. We can go find the real Uchiha Madara together!" Black Zetsu replied.

Obito's eyes widened, first in shock, then in fear. "What do you mean? Aren't you…"

"Of course I'm not. I am just a special mass of chakra, a spiritual entity formed by combining some of the ancestors' special powers. I can't even be considered a living being. How could I be the real Uchiha Madara?" Black Zetsu replied.

Obito's brain worked rapidly, but it was clear that his limited knowledge and thinking could not fully comprehend Black Zetsu's words. After scratching his head, he said, "I don't really understand."

"You can consider me a part of Madara, equivalent to a clone, but not the real him. And I can feel his presence. I can be certain he is not yet dead!" Black Zetsu said. "I can lead you to find them!"

"Alright!" Obito nodded emphatically.

"Then, next, you must follow my command. I need to reside in your body."

"What do I need to do?" Obito was a little nervous.

Black Zetsu thought for a moment. "Do you know contract jutsu?"

"No."

"What about summoning jutsu?"

"Don't know that either." Obito shook his head honestly.

Then I can rest assured! Black Zetsu thought to himself. He then sighed. "In that case, there is only one way. Drip your blood on the stone tablet, and I will use the power of the stone tablet to merge with you."

"It can be done like that? Okay!" Obito sighed in relief, immediately bit his finger, and smeared it on the stone tablet. Soon, he saw the blood on the stone tablet being absorbed by a black shadow. Then—the black mass formed into a human shape and then quickly entered his body.

What's going on? He was extremely surprised, but then, a voice sounded beside him.

"Let's go."

"You, you're in my body?"

"Yes."