Naruto: Clan Simulation and Bloodline Evolution from Scratch

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*****

In Konoha, even ordinary people have the opportunity to request an audience with the Hokage.

However, due to the Hokage's busy schedule, civilians must first fill out a long series of forms and then wait for the Hokage's office to review and respond.

In most cases, these applications vanish into a void, never to be heard from again. But Ximen Zhen was completely confident he would meet the Hokage.

The reason was simple: in one of his simulations, the Third Hokage had shown great interest in Ximen Zhen's "The Uchiha Chronicles" series.

Ximen Zhen had repeatedly reviewed that part of the simulation, and with his understanding of the original series' plot, he was confident he had grasped the Third Hokage's mentality.

And he was right.

He had only been waiting in the reception area of the Hokage's office for a single morning when a ninja came to inform him:

"Ximen Zhen, correct? Please come with me. The Hokage is waiting for you."

Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was flipping through the documents in his hand with interest. The file contained everything there was to know about Ximen Zhen.

It included not just the lives of his parents and his own 13-year life story, but also the recent incident where he had been assaulted by Sango Ichijo and rescued by Guy's team.

Looking at this otherwise unremarkable civilian record, Hiruzen couldn't understand how Ximen Zhen had managed to write The Uchiha Chronicles.

What baffled him even more was that most of the book's plot was purely fictional—yet the Third Hokage found it captivating. That made him realize where Ximen Zhen's true talent lay.

He had made up his mind: he had to meet this child in person.

The moment he saw Ximen Zhen, a glint appeared in Hiruzen's aging but sharp eyes.

He could tell that Ximen Zhen was far from wealthy, but the boy's spirit was no weaker than that of any clan heir.

Could it be that the brush with death had awakened some hidden talent within him?

Setting his pipe on the table, Hiruzen gave a kind smile and said, "Zhen, is it? You wrote this book? It's quite good, though riddled with inaccuracies."

"Can you tell me why you chose to write this book?"

Hiruzen got straight to the point. He believed he could see through the boy's every thought, so there was no need for small talk.

Ximen Zhen bowed his head slightly, pretending to avoid Hiruzen's gaze, while calmly speaking words that would normally be considered outrageous.

"I miss the days when the Uchiha clan still existed. If they were still in charge of public safety, I probably wouldn't have been attacked, right?"

Hiruzen's smile froze slightly.

He could tell this was the complaint of a child who had suffered injustice, but it still stirred irritation within him.

Since when did even a child feel qualified to criticize Konoha?

If Danzo had been here, Ximen Zhen might already be on a path to destruction.

Still, Hiruzen's expression became even gentler on the surface. "Come, have a seat. I'd like to hear more of your thoughts."

"Can you tell me where you learned about the Uchiha clan's history, and why you believe their presence would have been better for the village?"

After sitting down, Ximen Zhen seemed encouraged by the Hokage's welcoming tone. His expression relaxed, and he said:

"I heard it from the neighborhood elders. Back when the Uchiha clan was around, those stiff and unsociable ninjas always handled things strictly by the rules."

"The troublemakers only dared to grumble behind their backs, but never dared to break Konoha's laws."

"But now... it feels like some people have lost their fear of the Konoha Police Force."

Ximen Zhen's words swiftly answered all of Hiruzen's questions.

The Hokage immediately shifted into a more official tone and said, "I've already received a report about your case. The two who attacked you will be dealt with appropriately."

Ximen Zhen reacted with exaggerated joy and gratitude, thanking him repeatedly.

Hiruzen smiled in satisfaction and smoothly steered the topic back to the book.

"So tell me—what's your understanding of Uchiha Madara now?"

Hiruzen's tone was casual, but his question was sharp enough to strike at the heart.

According to Konoha's official records, Uchiha Madara defected after the village was founded, later fighting the First Hokage in a climactic battle where he was killed. That battle severely injured Hashirama Senju, leading to his untimely death.

So, despite Madara's strength and achievements, openly admiring him as a Konoha citizen was strictly taboo.

This was Hiruzen's way of testing Ximen Zhen.

The details of Ximen Zhen's story could be inaccurate, but the message and ideology it conveyed had to align with Konoha's current needs.

That was the only condition under which Hiruzen would support him—otherwise, not detaining him on the spot would already be an act of leniency.

But what Hiruzen didn't know was that Ximen Zhen had grasped this very point from the simulation.

In fact, to emphasize his ideological stance, Ximen Zhen had deliberately filled his current draft of The Uchiha Chronicles with obvious errors—to highlight his growth and correct understanding when questioned.

Now that the opportunity had come, he wasn't about to let it slip.

Without hesitation, he answered with his prepared response:

"In my eyes, Uchiha Madara was a defiant and arrogant man."

"He believed only in strength, not in comrades, and thought he could solve everything on his own. But he didn't realize that a hero who doesn't understand people's hearts only inspires fear."

"In fact, this seems to be a flaw common to the Uchiha, though his was the most extreme."

Ximen Zhen scratched his head and added, "Of course, Hokage-sama, this is just my opinion. If I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me. You don't need to spare my feelings."

Hiruzen's eyes lit up—why would he think Ximen Zhen was wrong?

What the boy said was absolutely right!

In today's era of ninja villages across all nations, personal strength alone was no longer enough.

Only those who could win the trust and support of many could become a true Hokage.

Like himself… Ahem, like the Fourth Hokage—Konoha's former hope, the radiant and smiling Minato Namikaze.

Unfortunately, he had sacrificed himself for the village.

Hiruzen let out a sigh. More people needed to understand this principle.

His own words often fell on deaf ears—adults ignored them, and children found them annoying.

But if someone like Ximen Zhen could convey this truth through his stories… everything could change.

The more he thought about it, the more excited Hiruzen became—but outwardly, he remained composed.

"No matter, it's just fiction after all. I understand—even if it doesn't match reality, that's okay."

"Zhen, if I were to support you in continuing your story, how would you portray the Uchiha clan from this point forward?"

Once again, Hiruzen handed him a potential death sentence in the form of a question.

(End of Chapter)