shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 18: Will of Fire

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi had rejected Danzo's proposal, the latter's ambition remained undiminished.

As Danzo left the Hokage's office, his heart burned with resentment and cold determination.

"Hiruzen, one day you'll understand that I am the one truly fit to lead this village." Danzo thought darkly. He knew that while he couldn't openly move against Tsukiko for now, there were many methods he could employ from the shadows.

"Uchiha Tsukiko, I won't allow your power to grow unchecked. If Hiruzen refuses to act, then I will take matters into my own hands."

From that moment on, Danzo intensified surveillance on Uchiha Tsukiko. His Root operatives closely monitored Tsukiko's every move, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Meanwhile, although Hiruzen had dismissed Danzo's suggestion, the conversation had planted a seed of concern in his heart. Tsukiko's actions had indeed earned widespread goodwill—he funded orphanages, helped villagers, and showed extraordinary kindness.

Moreover, Tsukiko's relationship with Uzumaki Mito reassured Hiruzen. As one of the village's most respected elders, Mito's endorsement spoke volumes about Tsukiko's character.

However, Tsukiko's dual heritage of Senju and Uchiha made him both unique and politically sensitive. Hiruzen recognized the boy's potential, but he also understood that such potential could either become Konoha's greatest asset or its most dangerous threat.

To resolve his doubts, Hiruzen devised a plan. He decided to personally assess Tsukiko's ideology, ensuring that the boy aligned with the village's core principle—the Will of Fire.

Thus, during an upcoming academy exam, Hiruzen personally selected the essay topic: "What does the Will of Fire mean to you?"

The Will of Fire, the ideological foundation of Konoha, symbolized the spirit of selfless sacrifice to protect the village and future generations. Through this exam, Hiruzen hoped to discern Tsukiko's true thoughts.

---

When Tsukiko learned of the exam topic, he immediately realized its deeper implications. This wasn't just an ordinary test—it was a political evaluation.

"Hiruzen wants to know where I stand," Tsukiko mused, understanding that his answer could shape how the Hokage viewed him in the future.

Determined to navigate this carefully, Tsukiko decided to craft his essay based on future knowledge from his past life—specifically, Hiruzen's iconic speech about the Will of Fire.

In his essay, Tsukiko wrote:

"Wherever the leaves dance, the fire burns. The shadow of the fire will continue to illuminate the village, nurturing the new leaves that sprout."

He elaborated further, emphasizing how the Will of Fire wasn't blind sacrifice but a responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity for future generations. True strength, he argued, lay not in domination but in protecting those who could not protect themselves.

---

When Tsukiko's essay reached Hiruzen's desk, the Third Hokage read it carefully. As he finished, a rare smile crossed his face.

"This... this is remarkably well-written," Hiruzen murmured, deeply impressed. "Tsukiko's understanding of the Will of Fire aligns perfectly with my own philosophy. It's almost as if I wrote this myself."

Hiruzen decided to incorporate some of Tsukiko's phrasing into future academy textbooks, believing that the boy's words could inspire the next generation of shinobi.

His trust in Tsukiko grew. Still, to solidify his judgment, Hiruzen decided to summon the boy for a personal meeting.

---

Tsukiko received the Hokage's summons with calm resolve, fully aware of its significance. This wasn't just a casual conversation—it was a final evaluation of where he stood in the eyes of the village leadership.

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen sat behind his desk, pipe in hand, studying Tsukiko as the boy entered. There was no hostility in his gaze, only quiet scrutiny.

After a long moment, Hiruzen smiled. "Tsukiko, your essay was exceptional. Your understanding of the Will of Fire shows a maturity beyond your years. The future of Konoha needs people like you—people who understand responsibility and duty."

Tsukiko remained composed, though internally, he couldn't help but feel ironic amusement. After all, Hiruzen had once praised Itachi Uchiha similarly, calling him a shinobi who truly embodied the Will of Fire.

And Itachi had, in turn, massacred his entire clan for the sake of that very ideology.

"The Will of Fire seems to turn Uchiha into disposable lighters," Tsukiko mused wryly. "Praise from Hiruzen is often a prelude to tragedy."

Yet outwardly, Tsukiko maintained an impeccable demeanor.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," he replied with a respectful bow. "I will uphold the Will of Fire and contribute to the village's prosperity to the best of my abilities."

---

Satisfied with Tsukiko's response, Hiruzen leaned forward, his tone shifting from praise to curiosity.

"Tsukiko," he asked casually, though his gaze sharpened, "what are your dreams for the future? As a shinobi, what do you hope to achieve?"

Tsukiko immediately recognized the question for what it was—a test.

Hiruzen wasn't just making conversation; he was probing Tsukiko's ambitions, seeking to understand whether they aligned with the village's interests or posed a threat.

Without hesitation, Tsukiko smiled confidently and gave the answer he knew Hiruzen wanted to hear:

"Hokage-sama, my dream is to become Hokage."

Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly, but his surprise quickly turned to approval. He gestured for Tsukiko to continue.

"I want to become Hokage so I can ensure that the village remains strong and peaceful," Tsukiko explained earnestly. "I want every child to grow up without fear, every family to live without the shadow of war. Only by standing at the top can I protect everything I hold dear."

Hiruzen nodded slowly, his heart settling.

"A boy who dreams of becoming Hokage is far less likely to turn against the village," the old man thought. "Especially one who speaks so passionately about protecting the next generation."