After returning to the Hokage Office from the Senju compound, the Third Hokage sat down heavily in his chair, as if he had aged a decade in the span of an hour.
Even now, his fingers were trembling slightly.
The oppressive aura of Uzumaki Mito still lingered in his soul, reminding him just how terrifying that woman could be when angered.
"She's really preparing for that kid Ren Takashi to rise…" the Third murmured, lighting his pipe with a bitter chuckle.
This time, he had truly misjudged.
He had originally believed Uzumaki Mito was nearing her end, and that her power and influence would wane with her health. He never expected she would remain so domineering—so sharp. She hadn't weakened in the slightest.
And more importantly, she'd chosen to personally support Ren Takashi.
He had wanted to come here today to pressure Uzumaki Mito… and left feeling lucky to be alive.
"Uchiha Ren Takashi... what a terrifying child."
The Third exhaled slowly. "With Mito, Tsunade, and now even the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki at his side… The Uchiha's reputation and political capital have already begun to shift."
"No," he clenched his pipe, eyes narrowing, "it's not just the Uchiha. It's him."
If this boy weren't an Uchiha, he would have already named him successor.
Unfortunately, that surname was too dangerous.
Even now, the upper echelons of Konoha—Hokage, elders, and the heads of clans—still feared a repeat of the past. Of Madara.
"…But if I push too hard now, it may backfire."
The Third Hokage could only suppress his desire to act for now. The stakes were too high. Too delicate.
He would need to consult Jiraiya soon.
The following morning, in Konoha's training fields, Tsunade stood with her arms crossed as she watched Ren Takashi instructing his small group: Shikaku, Choza, Inoichi, and now Minato.
Her gaze was unreadable.
She had watched them for nearly an hour now, and in that time, Ren had methodically corrected their stances, offered individual pointers, and demonstrated several new sparring combinations he had devised based on chakra flow and leverage.
"Not bad," Tsunade muttered to herself. "His teaching ability is almost as good as his comprehension."
The boys clearly respected him—and not just because of his strength. Ren Takashi's leadership was subtle. Natural.
He didn't command attention; he earned it.
"Yo, Tsunade!"
Jiraiya arrived, lazily stretching as he walked up.
"Why the sudden interest in watching your students train?" he teased. "Or is it that our little genius has finally won your heart?"
Tsunade didn't even bother glaring at him. "I'm trying to see how far he's really come. Also…"
She paused, then lowered her voice, "Hiruzen wants to talk. It's about Ren Takashi."
Jiraiya's smile faded.
"That serious, huh?"
Tsunade nodded. "He's rattled. Mito-sama showed her hand."
"…And we're being asked to choose a side?" Jiraiya asked quietly.
Tsunade didn't answer. She didn't need to.
They both understood what it meant.
The age of the Sannin was coming. And the balance of Konoha was shifting—one quiet move at a time.