Naruto: I am Uchiha Seiryu

"Of course," Black Zetsu nodded. "In Uchiha history, Madara was outstanding, and he came closest to the peace I desired.

"But he made a fatal mistake—he believed Hashirama, who inherited Asura's will. He abandoned his convictions and helped found your current village.

"When he realized his mistake, it was already too late. You know the rest."

"After Madara and the First Hokage died, the ninja world fell into war again…" Seiryu sighed. "So, you chose me?"

"Yes, and your talent surpasses even Madara's," Black Zetsu said temptingly. "Madara had power, but you have not only power but also the mind and methods I seek."

"Go, evolve your eyes to the Eternal Mangekyō, then return. This tablet will give you the answers," Black Zetsu said.

Seiryu pondered, then looked at Black Zetsu. "I understand."

He left, but at the door, he turned back. "By the way, even if you really are my ancestor's will, don't just enter people's houses uninvited. Boundaries, please."

Without waiting for a response, Seiryu left the basement.

…

Back home, Seiryu wrote down the method for using Sage Jutsu to upgrade the Mangekyō.

After some thought, he summoned a small snake from Ryūchi Cave to send a message to Orochimaru.

Soon, a reverse summoning brought Seiryu to Ryūchi Cave.

Orochimaru was already waiting.

"Lord Seiryu, what brings you here so late?" Orochimaru asked respectfully.

"I need you to test this technique's feasibility." Seiryu handed Orochimaru the copied scroll.

"I see," Orochimaru replied after reading. "A training method combining natural energy and Sharingan power?"

"To test this, I'll need suitable materials," Orochimaru said.

Seiryu looked at him carefully, saw his expression was normal, then took out a sealing scroll and, entering Sage Mode, activated his Mangekyō.

He sealed some ocular power and Sage chakra into the scroll and handed it over. "This should be enough for your research."

"Of course. Thank you for your generosity," Orochimaru replied.

…

A few days later, after sitting at the police department for a while, Seiryu headed to the Hokage building.

After the jōnin vote, Seiryu was already as good as Hokage in the village, and Hiruzen began handing over duties.

On the way, Seiryu noticed some villagers avoiding his gaze.

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen greeted him and waved others away.

"Seiryu, there's a hiccup with your inauguration as Fifth Hokage," Hiruzen said.

Seiryu frowned.

"Look at this," Hiruzen said, handing him a letter with the Fire Daimyō's seal.

"The Daimyō had agreed to your appointment, but some officials and nobles have petitioned against it," Hiruzen explained.

"Officials and nobles?" Seiryu frowned. "I don't recall offending them."

He looked at Hiruzen suspiciously.

"Don't look at me like that, Seiryu. This has nothing to do with me. I've already handed over the ANBU and jōnin squads. I want to retire," Hiruzen insisted.

Seiryu nodded. It really didn't seem like Hiruzen's doing—otherwise, he wouldn't have handed over his private forces and command.

At that moment, Kakashi hurried in.

"Seiryu, let's go back to the police department," Kakashi urged, glancing at Hiruzen.

"If there's something, say it here," Seiryu replied.

"These days, several fortune tellers from the capital have come to the village. After they arrived, rumors began circulating against you," Kakashi said.

"Rumors? Like what?" Seiryu asked.

"For example, that you have a bad omen, and if you become Hokage, the village will suffer misfortune," Kakashi said, glancing at Hiruzen.

"Hey, Kakashi, this really has nothing to do with me!" Hiruzen protested. "You've had the police watching me; I had no chance."

But Hiruzen knew too well—this sort of rumor-spreading was his faction's trademark.

"Don't worry, Kakashi. I doubt it's the Third's doing. Using a bad omen as a rumor is just funny. Ninja risk their lives every day—who'd believe this stuff?" Seiryu laughed.

Kakashi: …

Kakashi wanted to remind him there was someone in the police department who believed in that nonsense, but then figured Seiryu had a point. Ninja only believed in the kunai in their hands.

"But this kind of rumor does sound like something those bored nobles would do. Kakashi, please go to the capital and investigate who's really behind this."

"Understood," Kakashi said, taking his leave.

"Third, I'll go handle things," Seiryu said, and left for the police department.

Back at the department, he checked the patrol roster and called Uchiha Zaito.

Zaito entered, greeted him, and asked, "Deputy, your orders?"

"I heard some special people have come to the village lately," Seiryu said, brewing tea.

"You mean those fortune-tellers? The police already sent people to handle it," Zaito replied.

"Good," Seiryu nodded. "Remember to treat our guests well—they have powerful backers."

"I understand," Zaito nodded and turned to leave.

"Hey, what's the rush?" Seiryu stopped him, handing him a cup of tea. "At least have some tea."

"Thank you, Deputy!" Zaito smiled, gulped down the tea, and scalded himself.

"Sigh…" Seiryu sighed. Clearly, educating the next generation of the clan was a long road.

…

In the village's commercial district, a new shop with a fortune-telling sign was bustling, with long lines outside.

"Sister Yoshinaga, are you here for a reading too?" A middle-aged woman greeted a friend in line.

"Yes, I heard this master is really accurate."

But soon, a team of police in uniform arrived, led by squad captain Sakurai.

The crowd fell silent.

"Go home. We received reports this shop is spreading superstition and must be investigated," Sakurai said, dispersing the crowd and leading his team inside.

Inside, customers panicked and tried to flee.

"What are you doing? Why disrupt my business?" the fortune-teller demanded.

"We're Konoha police. We heard you're good at face reading, so we'd like a reading," Sakurai said.

"Please line up outside, then," the master replied.

"We did," Sakurai said.

"Fine," the master relented. "What do you want to know?"

"Please tell us if this man can become Hokage," Sakurai said, placing a photo of Seiryu on the table.

The master looked at the photo, recognized the target, and said, "His face is inauspicious. I don't think he'll make it."

"Look again," Sakurai said coldly, word by word.