UCHIHA JOURNEY TO MULTIVERSE

**Timeline:**

- Year: 51 of the Hidden Leaf Calendar

- One year before the attack of nine tail and Obito

- Minato Namikaze: 22

- Orochimaru: 27

- Jiraiya: 33

- Tsunade: 33

- Danzo Shimura: 45

- Hiruzen Sarutobi: 57

- Itachi Uchiha: 5

- Shisui Uchiha: 7

- Uchiha Mali: 6

Rumors swept through Konoha like a summer storm: the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was preparing to abdicate. The village, still healing from the scars of war, now faced a new uncertainty—who would wear the hat of Hokage next?

In the bustling market, whispers grew louder with each passing day. "Did you hear?" a merchant muttered, "The old Hokage's stepping down." Children repeated the news with wide eyes, and shinobi gathered in quiet corners, weighing the possibilities.

### The Council's Chamber

Within the stone-walled council chamber, the air was thick with tension. Hiruzen Sarutobi, his once-black hair now streaked with gray, sat at the head of the table. "The time has come," he announced, voice steady but heavy with age. "Konoha needs new strength."

Danzo Shimura's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. For years, he had dreamed of this moment, believing only his iron will could protect the village. "The next Hokage must be decisive," Danzo declared, "and unafraid to make sacrifices."

Across the table, Homura and Koharu exchanged wary glances. "The village needs hope, not just strength," Homura countered.

### The Sannin's Return

Word of the coming election drew the legendary Sannin back to the village. Jiraiya, ever the wanderer, returned with a rare solemnity. "Sensei's stepping down, huh?" he mused, gazing at the Hokage Monument.

Tsunade, her eyes sharp as ever, joined him. "Konoha's wounds haven't healed. Whoever leads next will face a storm."

Orochimaru, pale and enigmatic, watched from the shadows. His ambition was a quiet, coiling thing. "A new era," he whispered, "and perhaps, a new opportunity."

### Minato's Resolve

Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash, stood in the training grounds, watching young shinobi spar. At twenty-two, his reputation was already legendary. Yet the prospect of leadership weighed on him. "Can I protect them all?" he wondered, glancing at Kushina, who watched from beneath a cherry tree, her hand resting gently on her stomach.

Jiraiya approached, clapping Minato on the shoulder. "You're the village's hope, kid. Don't let the politics get to you."

Minato smiled, but determination shone in his eyes. "If I'm chosen, I'll do everything to keep Konoha safe."

### The Uchiha Compound

Inside the Uchiha compound, the news was met with cautious optimism. Uchiha Fugaku gathered the clan's elders. "A new Hokage may mean a new start for us," he said. Yet, beneath the surface, suspicion lingered.

Uchiha Mali, just six but already a force among his peers, listened to his grandfather's quiet counsel. "Watch, learn, and wait," Raigen advised. "The world outside is changing. We must be ready."

Itachi, only five, watched Mali from a distance, his young mind already wrestling with pride and envy. Shisui, older and more perceptive, sensed the tension in the air.

### The Election

The day of the election dawned clear and bright. The council, the Daimyo, and the Sannin gathered in the great hall. Each candidate was called forth.

Danzo spoke of security and sacrifice, his words cold and calculated. Orochimaru, when nominated, declined with a thin smile, his ambitions hidden beneath layers of politeness. Jiraiya, ever the free spirit, refused outright. "I'm not cut out for paperwork," he joked, but his eyes lingered on Minato.

When Minato's name was called, the room fell silent. He spoke simply: "I will protect Konoha with my life. I believe in the will of fire, and in all of you."

The votes were cast. The Daimyo stood, voice ringing out: "By the will of the council and the people, Minato Namikaze is chosen as the Fourth Hokage!"

### Reactions

A cheer erupted in the hall. Jiraiya grinned, Tsunade nodded approval, and even Orochimaru's lips curled in a faint, inscrutable smile. Danzo's eyes narrowed, but he bowed to the decision.

In the Uchiha compound, Fugaku sent a formal message of support. The ANBU incident was quietly closed, with Minato meeting Fugaku privately to assure him of a new era of cooperation. Mali and his grandfather faded into the background, their ambitions hidden for now, but their resolve only growing.

### Quiet Ambitions

As the sun set over Konoha, Minato stood atop the Hokage Monument, cloak billowing in the wind. In the shadows, Danzo watched, already plotting. Orochimaru disappeared into the night, his curiosity piqued by the new order. The Sannin departed, each carrying their own hopes and doubts.

And in a quiet corner of the Uchiha compound, Mali and his team prepared for the future, their dreams sharpened by the promise—and threat—of change.

**[End of Chapter 19]**