NARUTO: SECOND GOD OF SHINOBI

---

Riasu stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat as she stared at the man before her.

Disbelief clouded her mind as she whispered, "Hokage of Konoha... but how? How are you the Guardian?"

Hiruzen remained reclined on the tree branch, his eyes still closed, a serene expression on his face.

"Are you thinking of backing out now?" he asked calmly. "If that's the case, it seems I made a fool of myself."

Without hesitation, Riasu hurried forward, her cheeks puffed up in frustration. "No! Never! You are mine from the moment I said it. I don't care who you are—you can never get rid of me now or ever!" she declared with fierce determination.

Hiruzen opened his eyes and smiled. With a graceful motion, he dropped down from the tree and landed softly on the nearby cliff. Riasu eagerly sat beside him, her heart still racing.

Summoning his skill, Hiruzen activated Creation Skill, drawing on the surrounding natural energy.

A ring began to materialize—a perfect blend of green and black in color, with both of their names intricately engraved upon its surface. He gently took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger.

"From this moment onward, we are bound for eternity," he declared, his voice steady and warm. "Even your destiny is tied to mine."

Riasu stared at the ring, astonished by its beauty and the craftsmanship behind it. Joy sparkled in her eyes as she whispered,

"Yes... from today onward, I am yours—till eternity." Her gaze met his, filled with emotion.

Time passed as they talked for hours.

Riasu asked every question she had ever wanted to ask, and Hiruzen patiently answered each one, resting his head on her lap.

As night descended, she reluctantly got up to pack her belongings for the coming journey.

---

Meanwhile, Hiruzen arrived at the Uzumaki Council, where the elders and the newly appointed Uzukage, Kazuki, awaited him. Kazuki rose and spoke respectfully.

"Hokage-sama, we would like to propose the full integration of the Uzumaki Clan into Konoha. In gratitude for Konoha's support, we also offer sealing jutsu as a gesture of goodwill. What is your decision?"

Hiruzen nodded, having anticipated this outcome.

"Uzushiogakure and Konoha have always been steadfast allies. We gladly welcome the Uzumaki Clan into Konoha," he announced, reassuring the gathered leaders.

---

As midnight approached, Hiruzen commanded the ANBU to ready the ships. One by one, villagers boarded, guided by ANBU operatives and Uzumaki ninja.

When all was settled, Riasu returned to Hiruzen's side. He smiled, gently taking her hand.

Activating the Flying Thunder God mark, they vanished in an instant, reappearing on the distant shore.

With another pulse of chakra, they teleported directly into the Hokage's office.

"Is this... Konoha?" Riasu gasped as she approached the window, taking in the bustling village below. "It's so different from Uzushiogakure... so lively."

Hiruzen silently allowed her to absorb the scene before leading her toward a newly purchased mansion located on the village's outskirts.

Upon entering, they were greeted by an expansive lawn stretching on either side of the grand residence.

The mansion itself was magnificent, boasting more than ten bedrooms, two kitchens, a large dining hall, an underground wine cellar, and an extensive library.

At the back was a serene yard meticulously designed by one of Hiruzen's clones.

Rows of blooming sakura trees framed a vast pond spanning nearly a kilometer in diameter.

A gentle hill rose near the water's edge, crowned by a towering sakura tree that provided a perfect spot for rest and reflection.

"Will this be our home?" Riasu asked breathlessly.

Hiruzen nodded with a warm smile.

"It's... magnificent! Even in Uzushiogakure, I've never seen anything like this!" she exclaimed, joyfully running across the backyard.

Later, they settled into the master bedroom. "From now on, you will live with me," Hiruzen said softly.

"Yes... husband," Riasu replied tenderly.

Soon they kissed and sealed the deal, and began to consummate their marriage.....

Ten thousand words omitted........

---

Time passed, and after a week, the Uzumaki Clan's large caravan finally arrived in Konoha. Hiruzen's clone had already assigned a spacious area for them to settle.

Meanwhile, in the past week, the village's high officials and clan leaders gathered for a meeting, having been informed of the Uzumaki relocation. The first to raise his voice was Homura Mitokado.

"Hiruzen, we are at war with four villages! How could you leave Konoha along with the ANBU without informing anyone? You even took valuable supplies meant for the war effort!" Homura's voice rose in anger.

Many clan leaders and elite jonin exchanged uneasy glances at his accusatory tone.

"Are you implying that helping the Uzumaki, our staunch allies, against a three-village invasion was the wrong decision?" Hiruzen's tone was calm but carried an unmistakable edge.

More uneasy murmurs rippled through the room as glances shifted toward Mito Uzumaki, whose expression grew colder.

Realizing his misstep, Homura stammered, "No... no, I didn't mean that... I only meant that you should have informed us... so that we could have arranged additional supplies."

Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "So you believe that as Hokage, I must seek your permission before deploying our forces to aid our allies? Do you think I need your approval to lead Konoha's ninja into battle too?"

The room fell silent, tension hanging thick in the air.

Homura swallowed nervously. "No... what I meant was that we should all contribute to the effort—"

"It seems you believe yourself more suited to lead," Hiruzen interrupted icily. "Perhaps I should relinquish my post and appoint you as Hokage instead."

"I misspoke!" Homura quickly backtracked, panic creeping into his voice.

"The burden of the Elder's position must be too great for you," Hiruzen continued coldly.

"I should ease it up a bit, you are relieved of both your position as Elder and your post as Head of the Logistics Department, Effective immediately."

Shocked gasps erupted from the gathered leaders.

"The Logistics Department will fall under my direct supervision, along with the Finance Division, which was already under my control," Hiruzen declared firmly. "Does anyone have anything else to add?"

The room remained deathly silent.

"Then this meeting is concluded," he announced.

And so, another challenge was decisively dealt with, leaving no room for further dissent.

---