Konoha was growing more and more lively.
A flood of outsiders had begun arriving—some seeking work, some doing business, others simply gathering information.
The current Konoha was beginning to resemble not a ninja village, but more like the capital city of the Land of Fire, bustling with commercial energy.
Many residents, seeing the rising crowds and housing shortages, spontaneously discovered a new talent: becoming landlords. They remodeled empty houses into inns, practically overnight.
Some didn't even wait for the houses to be vacant. They simply converted them into multi-person dormitories—flexible, profitable, fast.
Everyone in Konoha was now feasting, literally and figuratively. The major clans had finally understood why nobles and the wealthy stayed rich.
This kind of profit was practically effortless!
Of course, the higher-ups in Konoha understood that this couldn't go on forever. After all, Konoha's core function was still a military stronghold for ninja. If they focused solely on making money and neglected their original purpose, it wouldn't be long before they fell—other villages certainly wouldn't hesitate to take advantage.
So, the previously shelved "New City Project" was launched ahead of schedule.
Hiruzen Sarutobi tossed the prestigious task—guaranteed to bring immense acclaim—onto his student Tsunade's lap. His plan was clear: once she oversaw the successful completion of the project, he would step down and hand over the Hokage title.
Why didn't he claim the credit himself?
Well, perhaps the plan was already designed so that the glory would still land within his administration. Just because Tsunade was overseeing it didn't mean it had nothing to do with the Third Hokage.
Come on, in a feudal-style society , no matter what accomplishments are made below, unless a coup or insurrection occurs, the leader always shares in the fame and recognition.
Right now, Hiruzen Sarutobi was at the peak of his career. He'd led Konoha to victory in the Shinobi World War, ushered in a new era of prosperity, and now stood at the brink of a major development phase. Konoha's future was blindingly bright.
To retire at this moment meant his achievements and legacy would rival even those of the First Hokage. It would cement his place in Konoha's history books—a dream come true.
And Sarutobi's desire to retire wasn't a spur-of-the-moment whim, either. It was a well-considered decision.
As the changes brought by Uchiha Kei grew more profound, Hiruzen found the situation increasingly complex and difficult to grasp.
Because he didn't understand it, he naturally began to fear it. He wasn't sure if the path they were on was truly good or bad, or whether he could keep it all under control.
If he made a misstep in this golden age and damaged Konoha's development, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.
So after much reflection, he decided Konoha needed a more proactive Hokage—someone open to new ideas. When Tsunade expressed willingness to take on the mantle, he didn't hesitate.
It wasn't about shirking responsibility. He truly believed it was the best decision for Konoha.
Today, Sarutobi walked through the village joyfully with his youngest son, Asuma, by his side. They strolled through the crowded streets and busy shops filled with laborers and travelers.
They even went to visit the New City Zone outside the village, watching the ongoing construction. His face radiated satisfaction and joy.
Ten-year-old Asuma was thrilled. At this point in life, he wasn't yet the rebellious youth he would one day become. He still admired his long-serving Hokage father.
So, being brought along on a walk around Konoha with his father was a moment of pure happiness. In the past, Hiruzen's duties left him no time for such things. Even birthdays and special moments were missed or delayed, leaving Asuma deeply disappointed.
It was eerily similar to how Boruto once felt about Naruto.
This was precisely why Asuma's future rebellion came so late—only after growing into adulthood did he choose to leave Konoha and work as a personal bodyguard to a daimyō.
But history had now changed. With the Third Hokage stepping down early and the Nine-Tails incident unlikely to occur, young Asuma could finally feel his father's love.
Even just walking around Konoha, watching its transformation alongside his father, made him happy.
"Asuma, do you see this? All these changes represent Konoha's brighter future."
Hiruzen smiled warmly at his young son.
Asuma nodded seriously. "Yes, Father! I'll work hard to protect Konoha. I won't let this future be destroyed!"
Hearing this, Sarutobi's smile deepened, filled with pride and joy. The Will of Fire burned strong.
But then… Hiruzen suddenly sensed something.
He turned his head sharply.
It was the road leading into Konoha's old city center. Many travelers were lined up to enter, and some were heading out as well.
Under the guidance of Konoha's ninja, everything proceeded in orderly fashion. From above, it looked like a flowing river of people and carts.
This was now the norm in Konoha. It happened every day.
Normally, Hiruzen wouldn't have cared. But just now, he'd felt a sharp gaze pierce his back—chilling, almost instinctual. He turned abruptly.
But whatever it was… had vanished.
Asuma, noticing his father's reaction, asked, "Father, what's wrong?"
Hiruzen paused briefly, then shook his head. "Perhaps it was just my imagination…"
Though he said that, the seasoned Hokage didn't believe it for a second. Ninja instincts were crucial—and his had never failed him. Just now, someone hostile had definitely been watching.
Still, he wasn't overly concerned. Despite being disguised, he knew full well that many ninja possessed unique eyes or perception skills capable of seeing through such trickery.
Foreign ninja arriving and displaying hostility was nothing new. Besides, today marked the launch event for a new game by Konoha's Game Association. It was only natural that a few enemies might try to slip in.
But Konoha had long been prepared. Countermeasures had been planned and confirmed well in advance. The Uchiha clan and other major ninja clans had all stationed elite fighters ready to respond.
Even if someone pulled a stunt like Orochimaru's "Konoha Crush," it would be crushed mercilessly. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⚫𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦⚫𝘯𝘦𝘵
With Tsunade taking the lead—and accompanied by Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Minato Namikaze, and all the clan heads—Konoha had developed an airtight defense plan for the launch.
In fact, Hiruzen was even a bit excited. For the first time in a long while, he hoped someone *would* try something, just so he could enjoy the show.
With everyone united by shared interests, even the clans who used to slack off were now fired up. They had sworn to obliterate any enemy who dared interfere.
Even if a Jinchūriki went full-tailed-beast and tried a suicide attack, they'd be subdued before they could cause chaos.
With that kind of strength, Hiruzen couldn't imagine anyone being a threat to Konoha today.
Unless… the First Hokage and the Asura of the Shinobi World came back to life.
Barring that? Today's Konoha was unstoppable!
And so, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Asuma left the scene.
Meanwhile, within the long line of people entering Konoha, an old man with spiky white hair, leaning on a cane, walked step by step.
Though aged, he exuded a terrifying presence. His eyes were sharp as blades, and no one around him dared meet his gaze.
The malicious intent Hiruzen had sensed earlier—came from this man.
His name was—Madara Uchiha.