shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 17: Regret and Shadow

Uchiha Setsuna's gaze grew even sharper, his voice heavy with conviction. "Tsukiko, as the heir to both the Uchiha and Senju bloodlines, if you become Hokage, you can change the fate of our clan entirely."

"No longer will we be oppressed and discriminated against. We will reclaim our rightful place at the top of the village. You have the potential to lead the Uchiha out of this predicament."

Uchiha Tsukiko took a deep breath, understanding the weight of Setsuna's proposal.

Becoming Hokage meant bearing the responsibility for the entire village. It meant facing countless challenges, opposition, and even betrayal.

It was not just a personal decision—it was one that would shape the future of the Uchiha and all of Konoha.

Setsuna observed him carefully, his tone softening slightly. "Tsukiko, if you choose this path, the hawkish faction of the Uchiha will fully support you. We possess power and resources. If you are willing, we will ensure your ascension to the Hokage position."

Tsukiko fell silent, his mind racing.

Setsuna's offer was tempting, but it carried enormous risks.

If Tsukiko accepted, he would be thrust into Konoha's political battlefield, facing not only rival clans but also the village leadership, including Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura.

"Why me?" Tsukiko finally asked. "There are many powerful figures in the Uchiha. Why choose me?"

Setsuna smiled slightly, as if expecting this question. "Because you are unique. You possess the blood of both the Uchiha and the Senju. You have awakened Hashirama Senju's Wood Release. Your very existence symbolizes the reconciliation of the two greatest clans in history. Moreover, your talent is unparalleled. Your potential is limitless."

Tsukiko nodded, understanding Setsuna's reasoning.

His bloodline did grant him a special status in Konoha, making him an ideal candidate.

However, he disliked being manipulated.

He was not a mere pawn for the Uchiha's ambitions.

He needed to tread carefully.

"Elder Setsuna, I appreciate your trust and support," Tsukiko finally said. "But becoming Hokage is no simple matter. I need time to consider my path, and I must continue to grow stronger before I can bear such a heavy responsibility."

Setsuna nodded approvingly. "You are wise to be cautious. That only makes me more confident in you. The Uchiha will always stand behind you. If you choose to pursue the Hokage seat, we will support you. If you walk another path, we will respect your decision."

Tsukiko felt the sincerity in Setsuna's words.

This was more than an attempt at manipulation—it was an acknowledgment of Tsukiko's importance to the clan's future.

"I won't let the Uchiha down." Tsukiko said solemnly. "No matter what path I take, I will fight for our future."

Setsuna nodded in satisfaction, rising from his seat. "Tsukiko, you are the hope of the Uchiha. No matter what happens, I trust you will make the right decision."

As Setsuna departed, Tsukiko's mind remained restless.

This meeting had been far more consequential than he had expected.

But unbeknownst to either of them, figures hidden in the shadows had observed everything.

Root operatives had been watching.

Danzo's Response

The intelligence regarding Setsuna's meeting with Tsukiko was swiftly delivered to the head of Root—Danzo Shimura.

Danzo studied the report, his expression darkening.

Setsuna was the most dangerous Uchiha elder, a radical who had once plotted to assassinate the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.

And Tsukiko…

He was an anomaly.

A child of both the Uchiha and the Senju, wielding Wood Release, a power thought lost with Hashirama.

A deep frown formed on Danzo's face. "Setsuna and Tsukiko… this meeting was no coincidence."

His paranoia flared.

Tobirama had always warned of the Uchiha's instability, of the danger they posed to Konoha.

And now, an Uchiha with Senju blood had awakened Wood Release?

"If Tsukiko's power falls entirely under Uchiha control… that would be disastrous for the village."

Danzo's mind worked quickly, formulating a plan.

He needed to act before the Uchiha turned Tsukiko into a weapon against Konoha.

Meeting with Hiruzen

The next morning, Danzo strode into the Hokage's office unannounced.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up from his paperwork, raising an eyebrow. "Danzo, what brings you here?"

Danzo placed the intelligence report on Hiruzen's desk. "Read this."

Hiruzen picked up the document and skimmed through it.

His expression shifted subtly, but he remained calm.

After a long pause, he looked back up at Danzo. "Setsuna has been quiet for years. And now he's reaching out to Tsukiko?"

Danzo's voice was sharp. "It's more than that, Hiruzen. Setsuna is trying to groom him into the Uchiha's new leader, maybe even a Hokage. If they succeed, do you know what that means? The Uchiha will have unchecked power over Konoha!"

Hiruzen exhaled slowly, setting the report down. "Tsukiko is still young. We shouldn't jump to conclusions."

Danzo's patience thinned. "Hiruzen, you're too soft. This is exactly why Tobirama-sensei feared the Uchiha. We need to act now. Tsukiko's Wood Release must be brought under our control. We should recruit him into Root."

Hiruzen's expression hardened. "No."

Danzo scowled. "You're making a mistake."

Hiruzen leaned forward, his voice firm. "Tsukiko is not a tool. I will not hand him over to Root like one of your expendable soldiers. If we are to guide him, we do it through trust, not coercion."

Danzo's anger was barely restrained. "Your idealism will doom this village."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "And your paranoia will destroy it."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Danzo finally rose to his feet.

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen."

Hiruzen's voice was cold. "I am Hokage. And I have made my decision."

Danzo's expression twisted in frustration, but he knew he would gain nothing from arguing further.

With a sharp turn, he left the office, his mind already formulating alternative plans.

"If the Hokage won't act… then I will."

As Danzo disappeared into the shadows, he resolved himself.

Tsukiko's power could not be left unchecked.

If he could not be controlled…

Then he would have to be eliminated.