The courtyard of the Uchiha compound was filled with an electrifying anticipation. Souta Kazuki stood at the center, facing the Twelve Young Warriors of Konoha, his gaze sweeping over each of them. The moment had finally come to unveil the grand surprise he had hinted at before.
Naruto and Sasuke stood side by side, their fists clenched in excitement. They had speculated endlessly about what Souta's secret could be, but never in their wildest dreams did they imagine something of this magnitude. For a moment, their excitement nearly turned into fear—because this surprise was beyond belief. It was almost too terrifying to be true.
The others weren't any less shaken. Every shinobi had secrets, but Souta Kazuki had willingly chosen to share his most powerful one with them. And not just any secret—one that defied life and death itself. He had gone so far as to summon the legendary Second Hokage and ask him to teach them. The weight of such a revelation was overwhelming.
For a brief moment, the entire group felt something stir deep within them—an emotion far beyond gratitude. Souta's selflessness, his vision, and his sheer audacity made them believe that there could be no other rightful leader for Konoha's future. If the next Hokage wasn't Souta Kazuki, then perhaps they would take matters into their own hands. If necessary, they would walk away from the village, start anew, and build a ninja village under his rule.
Even Naruto, who had spent his entire life dreaming of becoming Hokage, hesitated for the first time. A small voice in the back of his mind whispered that perhaps it would be better to let Souta take the title of Fifth Hokage first. He could always become the Sixth later.
Souta took a step forward, his chakra flaring within the psychic space. He turned to the towering figure before him.
"Second Hokage, are you ready? These brats are beyond excited. After all, seeing you—alive, in the flesh—is something no one in the village has ever experienced."
Tobirama Senju scoffed, his sharp crimson eyes narrowing. "Hmph! You troublesome brat, I will keep my end of the deal. But let me make one thing clear—I am only responsible for training these kids. If Sarutobi Hiruzen or that snake Shimura Danzo find out about this, I will not involve myself in the consequences."
Souta smirked, unfazed. "Don't worry, Second Hokage-sama. I have no intention of letting them interfere. Besides, my two teachers weren't summoned just to sit around doing nothing."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted toward the two figures standing nearby—Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.
Tobirama followed his gaze and immediately frowned. His elder brother and the Uchiha menace were both standing side by side, their presence alone suffocating. The Second Hokage sighed deeply, shaking his head. This brat has the most powerful Senju and the most dangerous Uchiha as his mentors. What in the world does he have to fear?
A strange feeling twisted in Tobirama's chest. He had always believed in the natural superiority of the Senju, but looking at Souta now—who carried no Senju blood—he felt a sense of unease. This boy had gathered power beyond imagination. Hiruzen… Danzo… You may have been my students, but if a conflict arises, I will have to persuade my brother to show mercy. But what about that wretched Uchiha Madara? I doubt he would be so forgiving...
On the other side of the courtyard, Hashirama was happily shaking Madara's arm.
"Madara! Let's go out and have some fun! Come on! This place is nice and all, but I really miss Konoha Village!"
Madara sighed in exasperation. "Tch. Hashirama, must you always be this childish? Why should I concern myself with those weaklings? If I go out, I might just kill Danzo on sight."
Hashirama pouted, tightening his grip on Madara's arm. "Pleeeaase? Just for a little while? It'll be fun!"
Madara groaned. "Fine, fine! Just let go of my arm before you dislocate it, fool."
Souta watched their exchange with a knowing smile. He could already imagine the reactions when the Twelve Young Warriors saw not just Tobirama, but also Hashirama and Madara. Their jaws were bound to hit the floor.
With that thought, he turned back to the gathered shinobi and raised his hands. "Alright, everyone. Time for the moment you've all been waiting for. Let me introduce you to the greatest shinobi in history."
He clapped his hands together and slammed his palm onto the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
A massive wave of chakra erupted from the summoning circle. Smoke billowed out, obscuring the figures within. The very ground beneath them trembled from the sheer force of the summoning.
When the smoke cleared, three towering figures stood before them.
Naruto, still jittery with excitement, blinked in confusion. "Huh? Wait a second, Souta! I thought you said you were only summoning the Second Hokage! Why are there three people?! Who are these two uncles?!"
The others were already frozen in place, their eyes wide with shock.
They knew these faces.
Every shinobi in Konoha had seen these faces carved into the Hokage Monument.
One was the legendary Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
The second was the founder of Konoha himself, the First Hokage—Senju Hashirama.
And the last…
With his long, dark hair and the crimson glow of his Sharingan burning in his eyes, his presence was more terrifying than any enemy they had ever faced.
Uchiha Madara.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even Shikamaru, usually unshaken by anything, felt his mind go blank.
Sasuke's breath hitched. He stared at Madara with wide, unblinking eyes. His entire body tensed, his thoughts racing. He had seen portraits of his ancestor in Uchiha Clan records, but to see him in person…
Is this really… Uchiha Madara?
Seeing their stunned expressions, Souta chuckled. "No need to be nervous. These three are legends of Konoha." He turned to the group, gesturing to each figure. "This is the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, known as the God of Shinobi. He is considered the strongest Hokage in Konoha's history."
Hashirama grinned widely, waving enthusiastically. "Hello, little ones! You all look like a promising bunch!"
The group immediately bowed. "Hello, First Hokage-sama!"
Just as they were starting to process their shock, Naruto muttered something under his breath.
"The strongest Hokage? Huh? But… isn't the strongest Hokage the Third Hokage?"
Silence.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Hashirama's bright smile froze in place.
Tobirama's eye twitched violently.
Madara scoffed, crossing his arms. "Hmph. No wonder this generation is so weak if they believe nonsense like that."
Souta nearly choked on his own breath.
Sakura turned and decked Naruto straight in the head.
"You idiot! Shut up!"
Naruto clutched his head. "Ow! What was that for?! The Third Hokage told me himself that he's the strongest!"
Tobirama exhaled sharply, massaging his temples. Monkey… You absolute fool.
Souta sighed, rubbing his forehead. This is going to be a long day…