Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 317 A Gaze Across Eras: Welcome to the Zhang Family!

Uchiha Kagami's breathing froze for a moment.

That understated remark, mingled with the rich, irresistible aroma of Ichiraku Ramen's broth, is like a pebble thrown into the river of time, stirring up a profound echo that spans decades.

Grilled fish between the pillars.

In this world, there is no one else but the living legend before us who can speak of the God of Shinobi in such a familiar, almost complaining tone.

That was not the younger generation's admiration for the pioneers, nor was it a contest or judgment between arch-rivals.

It's more like an old friend who's been away from home for a long time, casually complaining about another old friend's terrible cooking skills in a moment of inattention.

Uchiha Kagami quickly composed himself, his gentle voice still filled with unwavering respect.

"Ichiraku Ramen's flavor is loved by everyone, and if our seniors like it, that's the best thing."

"..."

The boss was wiping the warm porcelain bowl with his hand, but his ears were secretly perked up.

He felt that the white-haired old man's aura was too unique tonight. It was a kind of majesty that seemed to compress time and space, and even the Uchiha clan leader beside him, who was always gentle and kind, was more reserved than usual.

Madara Uchiha remained silent and slowly rose to his feet.

He stepped out of the shop, and the curtain he lifted released a warm fragrance.

Uchiha Kagami quietly placed a few silver coins on the table, then bowed slightly to the shopkeeper as a farewell.

The night grew deeper.

The bustling Hokage Avenue during the day is now empty and quiet.

The moonlight was so bright that it illuminated the road, and the clear footsteps were like the steady heartbeat of the village as it slept.

In the window of the flower shop in the mountains, several pots of late-blooming lisianthus present a tranquil purple hue in the night.

The moonlight flowed and shone on the shop signs on both sides of the street.

Several late-blooming bellflowers spread a tranquil purple hue in the night, creating an atmosphere of unbelievable peace.

His steps halted once again in front of a shop.

—Uchiha Dessert Shop.

The family crest of the round fan, which he knew so well that it was etched into his soul, was meticulously carved onto a round wooden plaque.

The Uchiha's fan, sharp and proud, symbolizes power and discipline.

Uchiha Kagami noticed his pause and stood quietly to the side without making a sound.

He could sense that the legendary ancestor beside him was engaging in a silent dialogue with this new Konoha in his own way.

The streets, shops, lights, and even the scents floating in the air are all part of this conversation.

"The security forces," Madara suddenly spoke, his voice like sand scattered by the night wind, "now, it's not just the Uchiha anymore?"

His questions were bland, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

"Yes, senior."

Uchiha Kagami replied, "The Third Hokage implemented reforms, and the current security force recruits from all ninjas and villagers. Anyone can join as long as they pass the test, and together we will protect the village's order."

"snort."

Ban made an unintelligible syllable from his nasal cavity.

That's something Tobirama's disciple would do.

But... he's different from her.

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought even further ahead.

He diluted the power of the Uchiha clan, and entrusted them with the responsibility of the entire village. He made the fan no longer a clan crest isolated outside the village, but truly integrated into the very fabric of Konoha's order.

The methods are more sophisticated, yet also more gentle.

The two continued on their way, gradually deviating from the bustling main road and embarking on a path leading to the back of the village.

The path to Hokage Rock.

As they ascended the terrain, the entire night view of Konoha Village unfolded slowly beneath their feet like a magnificent painting.

The lights converged to form a dazzling galaxy.

In the distance, upstream of the Nanhe River, the outline of a magnificent dam reflects a faint silver glow under the moonlight, like a lurking beast guarding the lifeline of this land.

That was Danzo's masterpiece; it was about to become a unique engineering marvel in the ninja world.

A well-organized road network divides the village into distinct functional areas.

The hustle and bustle of the commercial district had long since dissipated, and the lights in the residential area were gradually going out. Only the direction of Konoha Hospital and the headquarters of the Security Forces was still lit by patches of light, symbolizing protection and responsibility.

Madara Uchiha stopped in his tracks.

He stood halfway up the mountain, overlooking the land he and Hashirama had created together.

In my memory, this place was more like a heavily guarded fortress, with a perpetual sense of tension in the air.

But now, what he sees is a real home.

There are schools, hospitals, commercial streets, and residential areas. Behind those flickering lights are vibrant families, and the boundaries between ninjas and villagers are being blurred and merged by something new called "life."

This vitality, this cohesion...

It was far more resilient and warmer than he and Hashirama had initially envisioned.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, in his own way, turned that seemingly unattainable dream into the tangible reality before our eyes, bit by bit.

"Let's go."

Ban withdrew his gaze, his voice devoid of emotion, and continued walking upwards.

When they finally stepped onto the open platform at the top of Hokage Rock, the fierce wind from the mountaintop instantly filled their robes, making them flutter loudly.

In the wind, a figure stood still.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in the white robes of the Third Hokage with red trim, stood with his back to the path he had come from, quietly looking down at the village below.

His silhouette blended into the mountain rocks, the night, and the fiery river of lights beneath his feet, a landscape known as Konoha.

It was as if he was born to stand here, with this rock, and with the entire Leaf Village.

Uchiha Kagami subconsciously stopped, and then quietly retreated.

He left this space, which belonged to the powerful figures of two eras, completely untouched.

I could feel my heart pounding violently in my chest.

He is witnessing history.

Madara Uchiha slowly stepped forward, walked to Hiruzen Sarutobi's side, and stood shoulder to shoulder with him.

He followed Hiruzen's gaze and, once again, most thoroughly, took in the entire panorama of Konoha, capturing it all within those Rinnegan eyes that had witnessed so many dramatic changes.

No one speaks.

At the mountaintop, only the wind howled.

This is a gaze that transcends eras, and even more so, a silent clash between two ideologies.

Ban could clearly sense that the young junior beside him showed no fear or tension whatsoever.

It was an absolute confidence born from the trust between the land beneath their feet and every family in the village.

It is a quantity unique to the shadow.

He was no longer the young man who needed Tobirama's protection.

He was a true Hokage of Konoha who carried the fate of the entire village on his shoulders.

For a long, long time.

Ban finally spoke slowly, his voice hoarse from the wind, yet carrying an unprecedented calm.

It was as if he were simply giving a very ordinary greeting to an old friend he hadn't seen in a long time.

"Long time no see... Konoha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly turned around.

His face showed neither the arrogance of a victor nor the awe of a legend, but only a gentle and calm smile from the bottom of his heart.

He extended his hand to the old man before him, a figure who had been a part of the entire Warring States period of ninja history.

It was an equal stance, devoid of any hostility or probing.

"Welcome home, Uchiha Madara."