UCHIHA JOURNEY TO MULTIVERSE

The summer air in Konoha was thick with rumors. Whispers of the Third Hokage's abdication spread through the market and training fields. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Professor, had led the village through war and peace, but now, his age showed in the lines on his face and the weight in his eyes.

The council convened, joined by the Daimyo and the legendary Sannin. The village braced for change.

The Election and the Sannin

In the council hall, Hiruzen's voice was steady. "It is time for a new generation to lead. I nominate Minato Namikaze as the Fourth Hokage."

Jiraiya, usually irreverent, stood tall and proud. "He's my student. No one is more deserving."

Tsunade, arms folded, nodded. "He has the heart for it."

Orochimaru's smile was thin, his eyes unreadable. "A fascinating choice, sensei."

Danzo, ever the shadow, eyed Minato with silent calculation. But the vote was swift and decisive. The Daimyo's decree echoed: "Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage!"

Uchiha Mali's Meeting

The Uchiha compound was quieter than usual. Mali, just six, trained alone in the courtyard, his movements sharp and precise. He was a prodigy, but unlike his peers, he showed no interest in the academy or missions. His grandfather, Raigen, watched with a knowing smile.

A shadow fell across the stones. Minato Namikaze, now Hokage, approached with his trademark warmth. "Uchiha Mali, I've heard of your talents. May I join you?"

Mali nodded, eyes wary but curious. Minato observed his kata, then spoke gently, "You're not enrolled in the academy. May I ask why?"

Mali sheathed his wooden sword. "I don't like the ninja profession. I only like to practice and get stronger. Fighting for others isn't my path."

Minato smiled, not with suspicion, but with understanding. "That's honest. Strength comes in many forms. The village needs all kinds of people. If you ever change your mind, the doors are open."

Mali only bowed slightly, and Minato left, feeling a quiet respect for the boy's conviction.

Meeting the Sannin

Later that day, Mali wandered near the Hokage's office, where the Sannin lingered after the election. Jiraiya, noticing the boy's Uchiha crest, grinned. "You've got the look of someone who doesn't follow the crowd."

Tsunade eyed Mali, her gaze sharp. "Another prodigy? Konoha's full of them lately."

Orochimaru's interest was more unsettling. "The Uchiha always produce fascinating subjects. What is it you seek, young one?"

Mali simply replied, "I seek my own path. Not the village's, not the clan's."

Jiraiya laughed, Tsunade smirked, and Orochimaru's eyes glinted with curiosity. The Sannin moved on, leaving Mali with a sense of unease—and a spark of pride.

Kakashi's Burdens

Elsewhere, thirteen-year-old Kakashi Hatake stood atop the Memorial Stone, lost in thought. His silver hair caught the breeze, but his eyes were shadowed. He remembered his father, Sakumo, whose honor had been broken by the village's judgment. He remembered Obito, crushed beneath the rocks, and Rin, whose life he could not save.

Now, as a young Jonin, Kakashi bore the weight of his losses in silence. He watched the village bustle below, wondering if anyone truly understood the cost of being a ninja.

Shadows of the Past

In the darkness beyond Konoha's walls, a masked figure watched the village. Obito Uchiha, presumed dead by all, nursed his hatred and plotted revenge. The world believed him gone, but his story was far from over.

A New Era Begins

As the sun set, Minato stood atop the Hokage Monument, his white cloak billowing. He looked down at his village—at the children training, the Sannin departing, the Uchiha compound quiet in the dusk.

He thought of Mali's words. Not everyone was meant to be a ninja, and that was all right. Konoha's strength lay in its diversity, in its willingness to accept even those who walked a different path.

In the Uchiha compound, Mali trained into the night, his resolve unshaken. He did not seek glory or recognition—only strength, for himself and for those he cared about.