Reborn as Danzō’s Grandson, Must I Offend the Entire Ninja World?

As Yami entered the village, a large crowd of onlookers surged toward the Hokage Building as well.

Along the way, many people were still buzzing about the battle that had just taken place.

Tsunade had used all her strength, and Jiraiya hadn't held back either, aside from not entering Sage Mode. Yet, it was precisely this contrast with the two Sannin that cemented Yami's strength in everyone's hearts.

A powerful Hokage didn't just represent individual combat power. He elevated the morale and unity of the village's shinobi, serving as a stabilizing force in times of political unrest.

Otherwise, the Third Hokage wouldn't have shamelessly revised the academy textbooks to praise himself as the strongest Hokage of all time.

After this battle, not a single voice of opposition remained.

Those knowledgeable Jōnin were thinking even deeper. Their focus wasn't just on Yami himself, but also on the four Kage-level shinobi who had activated the Four Red Yang Formation.

Nara Shikaku slowed his steps and walked alongside Kakashi, who was bringing up the rear. "Kakashi, you're on good terms with Yami. Got any inside info? Who were those four?"

Kakashi shook his head slowly. "What could I know? Of the four, the only one whose identity I can confirm is Pakura of the Scorch Release, since she's already been revealed."

"As for the other three..." Kakashi glanced at Shikaku. "If you're really curious, why not ask Hiashi-san? He's Yami's father-in-law, so their relationship is definitely closer than mine."

News of Yami and Ino's engagement had already spread.

It finally made Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura understand why the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, who had always followed Hiruzen's lead, suddenly turned to support Yami.

Hyūga. Ino–Shika–Chō. That was a solid foundation. These clans had thousands of shinobi altogether, enough to sway most of the mid-level forces in the village.

Even if the Hokage election were a public vote, Tsunade would have stood almost no chance.

As the founder of Konoha's medical system and one of the legendary Sannin, her status added significant weight. But she'd been away from the village for too long and lacked direct influence or power.

An hour later, after simple preparations, the inauguration ceremony for the Fifth Hokage officially began.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Shimura Yami stepped onto the Hokage Building's platform, wearing the divine robe embroidered with "Fifth Hokage" and the Hokage hat.

Mitokado Homura, acting as host, began introducing Yami's impressive resume:

> "Shimura Yami. Graduated at age seven. Became a Chūnin at age eight. Killed nearly 300 enemy shinobi on the Kumo battlefield. Infiltrated deep into the Land of Lightning, causing immense damage.

> He is the youngest Jōnin in Konoha's history and was awarded the title 'Konoha's Shinigami.'"

> "Later, he led the Third Battalion of Konoha's Special Assassination Squad. During that time, he completed 35 S-rank missions and 153 A-rank missions. One month ago, he suppressed the riots with Wood Release."

With each line of Homura's introduction, the crowd gained a clearer understanding of Yami's achievements. The cheers grew louder and more passionate.

A powerful Hokage, only 18 years old. If nothing went wrong, he could guarantee Konoha's stability for at least the next 30 years. This was a huge comfort to the villagers, who had just endured the Konoha Crush.

Yami didn't say anything unnecessary. He removed his hat, looked out at the crowd below, and declared:

"From this moment on, I am the Fifth Hokage of the village. My will is the Will of Fire."

After a moment of silence, the atmosphere instantly exploded.

"Shimura Yami!"

"Shimura Yami!"

"Fifth Hokage!"

Yami gazed at the roaring crowd. A thought crossed his mind.

Hokage isn't a title granted to the most recognized person. It's only after becoming Hokage that others begin to recognize you.

This was the power of status.

He had never longed to be a lone wanderer, nor did he ever want to be a "salted fish."

"Salted fish" are people who've given up on the future, who accept reality because they know they won't be rewarded even if they work hard.

But if you have a bloodline, a background, and true ability—who would willingly choose to rot?

Yami had already climbed to the top of this world. Now, he had to secure the position and influence that matched his strength.

Only with power can you truly enjoy life. A single command could send countless people to fight and die for you, while also causing enemies to lose sleep in fear.

From this moment forward, he was Konoha's number one.

And soon, every corner of the world could be called Konoha.

In short—

Shimura Yami wanted to grow even more!

"That kid..." Tsunade, standing quietly behind him, chuckled softly. "To understand the Will of Fire so well, you're really something..."

"But he's not wrong."

If the Hokage's will isn't the Will of Fire, then whose will is it supposed to be?

The will of those stubborn old fossils?

Why is selecting a Kage such a serious matter? Because they represent the will of the entire village.

In an unnoticed shadowed corner, Danzō stood leaning on his cane. A bright smile appeared on his weathered face—something that hadn't happened in decades.

Hokage… the Shimura clan finally has a Hokage!

Tobirama-sensei, although I never got the chance to prove I was better than the monkey… Yami will do it. Once I die, I'll report to you in the Pure Land.

The obsession that had weighed on Danzō's heart for so many years quietly faded. In the future, he would remain the root beneath the surface, doing whatever it took—no matter how shameful—to eliminate any obstacles in Yami's path.

---

[Ding! Congratulations to Host for becoming Hokage and establishing the highest bond with Fire (Land of Fire).]

[Host has obtained a special title: Will of Fire Maker.]

[Will of Fire Maker: Within the Land of Fire, Host's training speed increases by 200%, chakra recovery increases by 200%, "Flash of Inspiration" chance increases, and 500 bond points are received each month.]

[Ding! Highest bond with one region detected. Opening Ninja World Bond Progress.]

[Current Regional Bonds: Fire (20%), Lightning (5%), Earth, Wind (3%), Water (1%)]

[Once all bonds are maxed out, the Host's chakra doubles, and all talents and skill levels increase by one level (can exceed ninja limit).]

A string of system prompts echoed in Yami's mind. While the cheers continued, he skimmed through the updates quickly.

The gist was: go form bonds with other villages and nations. The rewards were immense.

Good. He had no more worries now.

Yami had been concerned that after dealing with the Ōtsutsuki Goddess's family affairs, if more Ōtsutsuki arrived, he might not be strong enough to face them.

But now he had a path forward.

Once all his abilities broke through another level and his chakra doubled, his power boost would be far beyond just two times.

He'd have a true edge against those aliens.

Yami was in a great mood, a faint smile on his lips. When the cheers gradually died down, he raised his right hand, and the crowd quickly fell silent.

"Next… I will issue my first order as the Fifth Hokage."

Everyone held their breath, watching Yami intently. They were eager to know what the new Hokage's first decree would be.

A retaliatory move against the hidden villages?

A round of promotions for those who fought bravely during the Konoha defense?

Finally, under everyone's gaze, Yami announced:

"Starting tomorrow, foot massage services will be included in Konoha's medical insurance system. Reimbursement caps: 10,000 ryō per month for Genin, 30,000 for Chūnin, and 100,000 for Jōnin."

Boom!

The crowd erupted!

No, more accurately, all the male shinobi and a good portion of the female shinobi exploded with excitement!

Kakashi stood like a javelin, a sharp gleam in his eye.

Yami…

These benefits are for both the future and the present!

There were many like Kakashi. Even Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi, married middle-aged men, were no exception.

At this moment, they all had only one thought:

"Gratitude! Loyalty!"

Just for this, Yami was already the greatest Hokage in Konoha history. As long as he didn't want to step down, who else could take the position?

Mitokado Homura finally recovered from his daze and looked at the youth in the Fifth Hokage robe like he was seeing a ghost.

Do you even realize how much pressure your decree will put on Konoha's finances?

He wanted to object, but this was Yami's very first Hokage order. Objecting would be a public slap in the face.

Even Namikaze Minato, with his good temper, wouldn't tolerate that.

And this was Yami... Homura figured if he spoke up, he'd get pounded into paste by the Wooden Golem before he finished his sentence.

"…Forget it. He'll retire someday anyway. Let him run wild. He'll stop once the money runs out."

Homura gave himself a mental excuse and closed his eyes, pretending not to see.

In this chaotic, rowdy atmosphere, the Hokage inauguration ceremony came to an end.

The contents of the Hokage office would be cleared tomorrow and replaced according to Yami's plans.

Yami drank some tea in the lounge. Once most people had left, he exited the Hokage Building.

To his surprise, Tsunade and Shizune had followed him the whole time.

Yami stopped and looked back, confused. "Why are you following me?"

"What do you mean 'following'? I'm going home too."

Tsunade answered as if it were obvious. Yami remembered that his estate used to be Senju land, so it made sense for Tsunade to live nearby.

Tsunade walked up and draped her arm around his shoulders with a grin. "My house isn't ready yet. How about I crash at your place for a day?"

"So that's what you meant."

"Well, it's totally normal for a sister to stay at her little brother's house, right?"

Yami thought for a moment. "You can come over, but you have to do me a favor."

"What favor?" Tsunade asked, curious.

Yami leaned in and whispered, "I need the First Hokage's Wood Release scroll... and the Wet Bone Forest summoning contract."

The first request was expected, and Tsunade agreed readily. But the second caught her off guard.

"Didn't you already sign with Ryūchi Cave?"

Yami didn't hide it and explained, "I want to gather senjutsu training methods from all three holy lands and create my own Sage Mode."

"You've already mastered Sage Mode?" Tsunade was shocked.

Among the Sannin, neither she nor Orochimaru had the aptitude for senjutsu. Jiraiya could barely use it, but complained it made him ugly and refused to use it.

"Yeah. I've already mastered Ryūchi Cave's senjutsu. Now I need the ones from the Wet Bone Forest and Mount Myōboku."

Yami didn't plan to contract with Mount Myōboku, but he had alternatives. The Wet Bone Forest, however, was different. Only Tsunade in the entire shinobi world had access to its Summoning Technique.

"…So you really held back during our fight. Fine, I'll give you the scroll when we get back."

Realizing how strong Sage Mode made a shinobi, Tsunade suddenly felt a bit disheartened.

Even after going all-out, she still couldn't win.

What a monster.

(To be continued.)

***

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