Naruto: Life as Kagami Uchiha

"Hu..."

Uchiha Kagami let out a breath of relief.

Of course, he wanted to kill Ginkaku—he understood the principle of eliminating threats at the root.

However, that last move wasn't actually an illusion technique but rather his Mangekyō Sharingan's unique dōjutsu, [Genmetsu], an enhanced version of [Tsukuyomi].

This technique not only drags the enemy's mind into a mental space where he controls everything—including time, location, and density—but also transfers the injuries suffered in that space directly to their real body.

A truly terrifying ability.

Tsukuyomi alone already consumed a significant amount of chakra, but the chakra cost of transferring injuries from the mental space to reality was nearly doubled.

So, defeating Kinkaku in an instant wasn't as effortless as it seemed.

Uchiha Kagami reflected to himself, "That was a bit reckless… I need to increase my favorability score and improve my strength as soon as possible—especially my chakra reserves."

And besides…

The Eternal Mangekyō needed to be obtained soon.

Otherwise, if he kept overusing his eyes, going blind would be a disaster.

[Ding! System Notification!]

[Favorability from Senju Tobirama +20. Relationship upgraded from "Close Friend" to "Brotherly Bond." Gained 200 chakra points and the Edo Tensei technique.]

"Not bad, not bad—I've already reached five thousand points."

"My chakra reserves are now at a Kage-level standard, and I even obtained Edo Tensei. This proves the risk was worth it!"

Uchiha Kagami was quite pleased.

Still, it was a shame he didn't get the Flying Thunder God technique.

He set those thoughts aside, helped up the pale-faced Tobirama, and asked in deep concern, "Lord Tobirama, are your injuries serious? My medical abilities are limited—I feel ashamed that I can't do more for you…"

"The injuries aren't severe, don't worry. But when did you awaken your Mangekyō?" Tobirama asked with a hint of doubt.

"Just now," Kagami replied, straight-faced. "When I saw Lord Tobirama's life hanging by a thread, I thought I was going to lose you forever."

He continued solemnly, "At that moment, I felt immense pain and despair… My eyes hurt, but I didn't think much of it. I just rushed to save you."

"You weren't worried you wouldn't awaken the Mangekyō?"

"I never worried. Lord Tobirama, you not only recognized my talent but have always placed great trust in me. I don't just see you as a mentor—I see you as an elder brother."

"Whether or not I awakened the Mangekyō didn't matter. I've never feared death. To me… protecting Konoha and my loved ones is what's truly important."

As he spoke, Kagami forced a few tears from the corners of his eyes, his voice trembling as if overcome with emotion.

"...Kagami," Tobirama muttered, visibly moved.

He had no reason to doubt Kagami's words.

The young Uchiha had always been an ambitious and determined shinobi, someone who had never been shackled by the clan's ideology.

And now, Kagami had risked his life to save him. Their bond had deepened far beyond even his closest student, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Brotherly bond" wasn't just an empty phrase.

"You mustn't be so reckless in the future," Tobirama said, patting Kagami's shoulder. "I'm not young anymore. You're only twenty-five—Konoha's future needs you. Dying here would be a waste."

"Lord Tobirama…"

"In private, just call me 'big brother.'"

"...Big brother," Kagami said, before his expression turned serious. "I know you're willing to sacrifice yourself for Konoha's future. Whether Hiruzen and the others can bear the burden is another matter, but your death… would only make Konoha's future worse."

Tobirama frowned. "Explain."

"Because something has changed within Kumogakure," Kagami stated, his eyes sharp. "That's why Kinkaku and Ginkaku suddenly betrayed the alliance meeting. The Second Raikage was completely unaware of their intentions—he was ambushed and killed on the spot."

"My personal guess? The shinobi world has been at peace for nearly twenty years. The hotheaded Kumogakure shinobi likely wanted to start a war, but the Second Raikage refused to be their pawn. The leadership became divided."

"Kinkaku and Ginkaku, as war hawks, couldn't convince the Raikage. So they decided to kill him at the alliance meeting. His death is bound to shake the entire shinobi world."

"If you also die here, Lord Tobirama, then both the strongest shinobi village's leader and the Second Raikage will have fallen. The other villages won't sit still. War will break out instantly—perhaps even escalating into the Second Shinobi World War."

Tobirama narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning sharp. "Your reasoning is sound. But with Konoha's current foundation, we do not fear war. And the village is not lacking in Hokage candidates. The other villages will only suffer worse losses."

"But what if Konoha's strength is depleted? What if Konoha declines?" Kagami asked.

Tobirama scoffed. "Impossible. Hiruzen may not be perfect, but he wouldn't fail to grow new talent."

"Hiruzen is passionate and motivated, but he is indecisive," Kagami commented.

"That's why I left Koharu, Homura, and Danzo to assist him. Koharu and Homura have strong analytical abilities, while Danzo is ruthless toward outsiders. This is the ideal leadership structure—why would Konoha decline?"

"On the contrary," Kagami said firmly, "this will only accelerate Konoha's downfall. Power always breeds conflict, and Danzo and Hiruzen will never see eye to eye."

"Koharu and Homura's counsel will make Hiruzen waver. And if he makes the wrong call even once… Konoha's decline will be several times faster."

"Especially during wartime, the impact will be magnified. Konoha might win the Second Shinobi War, but by the time of the Third, even if we win, our strength will be nearly exhausted."

"When Konoha is no longer the strongest, Hiruzen's indecisiveness will lead him to surrender to enemies—perhaps even sacrificing Konoha's people to avoid conflict!"

"He wouldn't dare!"

"I'd break his legs myself!" Tobirama growled, fury flashing in his eyes.

He had considered the possibility of Danzo and Hiruzen's rivalry affecting Konoha.

But he had underestimated Danzo's jealousy of Hiruzen and his obsession with the Hokage title.

Now… it was clear.

Neither Hiruzen nor Danzo was fit to lead.

Tobirama's sharp gaze locked onto Kagami. He narrowed his eyes.

"Kagami… since you see things so clearly, why don't you become the Third Hokage?"

"...Huh?"