shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 8: Konoha's Turmoil

At that moment, the system's notifications began flooding in:

[You have received recognition from Hyuga Mina. Heaven's Mandate Points +30.]

[You have received recognition from Yamanaka Haiichi. Heaven's Mandate Points +40.]

[You have received recognition from Akimichi Toudou. Heaven's Mandate Points +30.]

[You have received recognition from Uzumaki Kushina. Heaven's Mandate Points +100.]

[You have received recognition from Namikaze Minato. Heaven's Mandate Points +100.]

…

Uchiha Tsukiko's heart was filled with excitement and accomplishment.

Hyuga Mina, Yamanaka Haiichi, and Akimichi Toudou were all prominent young ninjas in the academy, and earning their recognition was significant.

This was more than just gaining Heaven's Mandate Points—it meant that his strength and abilities had been acknowledged by his peers.

It was a tremendous honor, filling him with pride and satisfaction.

However, what truly made his heartbeat accelerate was the recognition from Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato.

These two future legends of Konoha now acknowledged him.

Kushina and Minato were powerhouses in their own right, and gaining their approval was both a motivation and a validation of his growth.

At this moment, Tsukiko knew that he had truly set foot on the path of becoming a great ninja.

And these recognitions would serve as valuable support for him moving forward.

Watching the endless stream of notifications, Tsukiko realized something.

His Heaven's Mandate Points had now reached 1,260.

Considering that he had already spent 1,000 points unlocking Wood Release, these new points were all from his recent battles in the Ninja Academy.

This confirmed his theory—becoming publicly recognized was the most efficient way to farm Heaven's Mandate Points!

However, it wasn't long before this incident reached the higher-ups of Konoha.

The ANBU immediately reported Uchiha Tsukiko's awakening of the Wood Release bloodline limit to the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The news spread rapidly among Konoha's leadership, sparking serious discussions.

---

Hokage's Office – High Council Meeting

Inside the Hokage's office, a high-level council meeting was in session.

Sarutobi Hiruzen sat at the head of the table, his expression serious, pipe smoke curling around him as he pondered the situation.

Seated around him were Shimura Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, all of whom had equally stern expressions.

The table in front of them held a detailed report—a full account of Uchiha Tsukiko's awakening of Wood Release.

"A Uchiha-Senju hybrid, awakening Wood Release at such a young age… this is no trivial matter," Danzo finally broke the silence, his voice low and calculating. His sharp eyes gleamed with hidden intentions.

"Wood Release was a bloodline limit unique to Senju Hashirama. Anyone who wields such power must be closely monitored."

Sarutobi Hiruzen gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable.

"The power of Wood Release is indeed extraordinary, but Tsukiko is still a child. The fact that he's an Uchiha makes this situation even more complex."

Koharu Utatane frowned. "If left unchecked, this power could be exploited by the Uchiha Clan. It might further escalate tensions between the Uchiha and the village."

Homura Mitokado added, "Exactly. His parents are already deceased, leaving him as a child with both Senju and Uchiha bloodlines. We cannot afford to ignore this."

Sarutobi took a deep breath, his gaze heavy with thought.

"Tsukiko is still young, but we must take this seriously. If not handled properly, unforeseen consequences could arise."

Danzo's expression turned cold.

"Then the solution is simple—place him under Root's direct control. I will personally train and monitor him."

His tone left no room for argument, and his hidden agenda was clear.

"The power of Wood Release is too valuable to leave unchecked. It must remain under Konoha's control."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression darkened.

"I refuse to let a child be swallowed by darkness so early, Danzo."

Danzo's gaze hardened.

"You're too soft, Hiruzen. This isn't about talent—it's about containing a potential threat. If we don't control him now, he could become something we cannot manage later."

The room fell into heavy silence.

Sarutobi Hiruzen closed his eyes for a moment, then looked at the other advisors.

"Koharu, Homura, what do you think?"

Koharu spoke first. "Tsukiko is undoubtedly a potential threat, but we also cannot overlook his potential contributions. Perhaps a balanced approach is needed—close monitoring without immediate restrictions."

Homura nodded. "Agreed. We should watch him closely, but also give him the opportunity to prove his loyalty."

Sarutobi exhaled deeply, then turned back to Danzo.

"Very well. Root is allowed to monitor him, but you will not take direct action."

Danzo's expression twisted in dissatisfaction, but he said nothing.

The meeting adjourned, but the storm surrounding Tsukiko had only just begun.

---

News of Tsukiko's Wood Release awakening spread quickly among Konoha's major clans, sparking discussions and strategic evaluations.

The Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans met in private.

Nara Shikaku adjusted his glasses, his tone calm but firm.

"Uchiha Tsukiko awakening Wood Release is a game-changer. This isn't just about power—this is a political statement."

Akimichi Chōza crossed his arms.

"A Senju-Uchiha hybrid awakening Wood Release… that's practically unheard of. But he's still a child. We should observe before making decisions."

Yamanaka Inoichi added, "His growth could disrupt the balance of power in Konoha. We need to monitor the situation carefully."

Meanwhile, within the Hyuga Clan, the topic dominated discussions.

Hyuga Hiashi and Hizashi personally reported their battle with Tsukiko.

Hiashi said, "His Wood Release abilities are overwhelming. Even when we fought together, he had the upper hand."

Hizashi added, "It's not just his power—his tactical awareness and calmness in battle are also incredible."

The Hyuga Elders exchanged serious glances.

"An individual like him must be handled carefully. We must ensure that we do not make an enemy of him."

Within the Uchiha Clan, Tsukiko's awakening triggered shock and pride.

The Uchiha Clan Leader convened an emergency meeting.

"Tsukiko is not just another Uchiha—he is a symbol of both our bloodline and Senju's legacy."

Some elders suggested elevating him as a figurehead, while others worried that he might become too independent.

"We cannot allow the village to take him from us," the clan leader decided. "We must secure his loyalty."

Even remnants of the Senju Clan took notice.

Some among them murmured, "Perhaps this is the revival of the Senju's legacy within Konoha…"

---

Uchiha Tsukiko's awakening had shaken the village.

To some, he was a weapon.

To others, a threat.

And to some, he was a beacon of potential.

As he stood at the crossroads of fate, carrying both Senju and Uchiha's legacy, one question remained—

How would he carve his path through this world of power and intrigue?