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Naruto: New Adventures (Web Novel) - Chapter 180 Roots of the Leaf, Part 8
Chapter 180 Roots of the Leaf, Part 8
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Time moved forward, but the pain of Madara’s departure lingered in Hashirama’s heart like an old wound that refused to heal. Days passed into weeks, weeks into months, yet the memory of their last clash still haunted him. Despite the solace of Konohagakure’s peace, there was an emptiness within him—a sorrow over the path that Madara had chosen and the dream that had turned into a battleground.Konohagakure, however, prospered. The village expanded, its walls fortified, and new generations of shinobi trained within the Academy. Hashirama dedicated himself fully to the role of Hokage, tirelessly working to nurture the bonds between clans, to build a community where children could grow up without the burdens of past wars. Yet, even as Konohagakure flourished, there were challenges on the horizon that he knew he would have to face.
One evening, Tobirama came to his quarters, a look of concern in his eyes. Hashirama motioned for him to sit, sensing that his brother’s visit was not a casual one.
“What’s troubling you, Tobirama?” Hashirama asked, setting aside a scroll he had been studying.
Tobirama leaned forward, his gaze serious. “There’s something we need to discuss, Brother. With the growth of the village, and the responsibility that falls upon the Hokage, it’s time to consider a stronger governing structure. We cannot rely solely on the Hokage to make every decision. I believe we need a council—a group of trusted advisors who can support you and, if necessary, help choose a successor when the time comes.”
Hashirama nodded, considering Tobirama’s words carefully. “You may be right. This village is larger than I ever imagined it could be. The responsibilities of the Hokage are great, and there should be a structure to ensure the village’s stability if anything were to happen to me.”
Tobirama’s face softened, though he looked away for a moment, reluctant to voice his next thought. “We should also discuss the role of the Uchiha clan.”
Hashirama’s gaze became solemn. “The Uchiha… they have lost much, Tobirama. Madara’s departure left a wound that still hasn’t healed. I fear they see us with distrust.”
Tobirama’s expression darkened. “That’s precisely why we must be vigilant. Madara’s ideology still resonates with some of them. I suggest we place certain restrictions on the Uchiha, for the sake of the village’s safety.”
Hashirama shook his head, feeling a pang of guilt. “If we isolate them further, we only deepen the divide Madara left behind. We should focus on building trust, not driving them further from us. Remember, Tobirama, we are here to protect, not to control.”
Tobirama looked frustrated, but he nodded. “As you wish, Brother. But I urge you to be cautious. Madara’s influence is not something that will fade easily.”
Hashirama sighed, recognizing his brother’s concerns but also knowing that suspicion could become its own form of poison, one that might harm the very peace he sought to protect.
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Several months later, as Hashirama continued his work, he felt the weight of age and fatigue creeping into his body. Though he was still strong, he could sense the toll of years spent leading and defending the village. It was during this time that he began considering the future, contemplating the kind of legacy he would leave behind.
He spent more time with the young shinobi of the village, watching them train, speaking to them about their dreams, and offering guidance. One child, a bright and determined boy named Hiruzen Sarutobi, caught his eye. Hiruzen had an unshakable spirit and a quick mind, and he listened intently whenever Hashirama spoke about the values of the village.
One day, after a long session with the young trainees, Hashirama knelt down beside Hiruzen. “Hiruzen, do you know why we work so hard to protect this village?”
The boy nodded, his young face serious. “To keep everyone safe and to create a world where no one has to be afraid.”
Hashirama smiled, placing a hand on Hiruzen’s shoulder. “Exactly. And someday, when you’re older, I hope you’ll carry that dream forward, just as I have.”
Hiruzen’s eyes shone with determination, and he nodded. “I will, Lord Hokage. I promise.”
Hashirama felt a glimmer of hope as he looked at the young shinobi. These children, free from the burdens of clan warfare, were the true legacy of Konohagakure. He had built this village for them, for a future unshackled by the violence of the past.
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As the years continued to pass, Hashirama’s health began to falter. He could feel his body slowing down, the energy that once fueled him waning. He knew that his time as Hokage was coming to an end, and the thought filled him with a bittersweet resolve. He had given everything to this village, poured his soul into its foundation. Now, it was time to ensure that Konohagakure would endure even in his absence.
One evening, Hashirama called a council meeting, his face calm but determined. Tobirama and the other clan heads gathered around him, their faces filled with a mixture of respect and anticipation.
“As you all know, my time as Hokage is nearing its end,” Hashirama began, his voice steady despite the gravity of his words. “I have dedicated my life to this village, but Konohagakure must endure beyond any one leader. We must ensure a strong future.”
The council members exchanged glances, their expressions somber. Hashirama continued, his gaze moving to Tobirama.
“My brother, Tobirama, has been by my side through every trial, and he understands the heart of this village. I believe he is the one who can carry forward our dream, guiding Konohagakure with the same dedication and vision.”
Tobirama looked down, humbled, but he met Hashirama’s gaze with a sense of duty. “I will uphold our ideals, Brother. I will protect this village, just as you have.”
Hashirama nodded, feeling a mixture of pride and relief. He knew Tobirama would be a strong Hokage, one who would safeguard Konohagakure with vigilance. But he also knew that his brother’s approach was different, more cautious, more pragmatic. He only hoped that Tobirama would remember the value of trust, the foundation upon which the village was built.
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On the night of the formal ceremony marking his retirement, Hashirama wandered the village, taking in the sights and sounds of the place he had called home. The streets were alive with laughter and the glow of lanterns, children chasing each other through the alleyways, their carefree joy a testament to the peace he had fought so hard to protect.
As he walked, he found himself at the edge of the village, overlooking the hill where he and Madara had once shared their dream. He stood there in silence, his heart filled with memories—the hope, the camaraderie, and the bitter end. He could almost see Madara standing beside him, the two of them gazing out over their village, the vision they had once held together.
A quiet voice broke the silence. “Do you think it will last?”
Hashirama turned, surprised to see Hiruzen Sarutobi standing nearby, his young face filled with curiosity and wonder.
Hashirama smiled, resting a hand on Hiruzen’s shoulder. “I believe it will, Hiruzen. But it won’t be easy. The path of peace is fragile, always vulnerable to those who would seek power over unity. But as long as there are those who believe in this dream, who are willing to protect it, Konohagakure will endure.”
Hiruzen looked up at him, his eyes filled with admiration. “Then I’ll protect it, too, Lord Hokage. I’ll protect it with everything I have.”
Hashirama felt a surge of pride as he looked at the young shinobi. “I know you will. And when the time comes, you’ll lead with the same dedication. This village is yours to protect, Hiruzen.”
With one last, lingering glance at the village he had built, Hashirama turned and began walking back toward the Hokage’s residence, leaving Hiruzen to gaze out over Konohagakure. He felt a quiet peace settle over him, a sense of closure that softened the weight of his grief.
As he returned to his quarters, he knew that his legacy was safe. Konohagakure would stand, not because of any one person, but because of the dream that bound them all—a dream worth fighting for, worth sacrificing for.
And as he lay down to rest, Hashirama closed his eyes, content in the knowledge that, even in a world where peace might always be fleeting, he had given everything he had to build a foundation that would carry on. The future of Konohagakure was secure, held in the hands of those who would rise to protect it, to defend it, and to keep alive the vision he and Madara had once shared.
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Thus, the era of the First Hokage came to an end, leaving behind a legacy etched into the very heart of Konohagakure—a legacy that would endure through the trials of time, in the spirits of those who called the village home.
