"Shatterspace… and Dimensional Slash, huh?"
Inside the Hokage's office, Fujimoto Tōma absentmindedly traced cutting motions through the air.
Once the main body had perfected those techniques, it naturally meant his spirit shadow clone had inherited them as well. That said, Dimensional Slash itself remained out of reach for the clone. Not just because of the weapon requirement, but because its body simply couldn't withstand the strain. No matter how special it was, a shadow clone was still a shadow clone.
Dimensional Blade, on the other hand, was different. As a pure ninjutsu, the clone could use it without issue, and its chakra cost was even lower than large-scale techniques like Lightning Kirin or explosive Truth-Seeking Orbs.
Just then, the door burst open.
"Hokage-sama! Emergency intelligence from Kumogakure!"
A member of the Intelligence Division rushed in, breathless. Nara Shikaku raised an eyebrow and accepted the scroll, passing it straight to Tōma.
"The Raikage is calling for a Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron," Tōma said after a quick glance. "Topic: the Akatsuki."
Shikaku stiffened. "A Five Kage Summit?! That hasn't happened in years."
"It seems the Eight-Tails has likely fallen into Akatsuki hands," Tōma replied calmly. The fate of a certain rapping jinchūriki didn't weigh on him in the slightest.
"I see… Hokage-sama, should we attend?" Shikaku asked.
"Of course," Tōma nodded. "This kind of gathering is rare. It's worth seeing firsthand. Besides, for once, we all share a common enemy."
Shikaku agreed, though his expression turned subtle. After all, two of Akatsuki's original founders were currently living quietly in Konoha. Nagato and Konan's identities still had to remain buried. If the other villages learned the truth, Konoha would immediately become the target of suspicion.
Fortunately, very few people knew who they really were.
Tōma finished his reply and handed the scroll back to be sent to the Raikage.
"Who will you take with you to the summit?" Shikaku asked.
"Naruto and Sasuke," Tōma answered without hesitation. "It's a good chance for them to see how the other Kage operate."
Shikaku paused, then nodded. The implication was clear. Jinchūriki or Uchiha heritage meant nothing here. In Tōma's eyes, the future Seventh Hokage would come from those two.
If it were him choosing, Shikaku honestly leaned toward Sasuke. Naruto's instincts were sharp, but his… decision-making could be questionable.
Tōma, unaware of Shikaku's inner monologue, didn't care either way. He already knew where their paths led.
"Naruto is finishing a mission," Shikaku reported. "Sasuke is still in seclusion."
"I'll handle Sasuke myself," Tōma said. "You arrange Naruto."
"Yes."
"Not in a rush," Tōma added, stretching as he glanced at the finally cleared desk. "The Land of Iron is close. Come on, walk Konoha with me."
Shikaku blinked. "Now?"
"I've been Hokage for nearly two years," Tōma said lightly. "I don't think I've ever actually strolled through the village."
They stepped outside together, ANBU shadows quietly forming around them.
The reaction was immediate.
The streets erupted.
Villagers swarmed from every direction, enthusiasm bordering on chaos. Cheers, greetings, gifts forced into his hands. Young women froze on the spot, staring as if struck by lightning. Young, powerful, and sitting at the top of the village—it was almost unfair.
Tōma felt his head ache.
So this was why he avoided public strolls.
He'd assumed the excitement would fade after two years. Apparently not.
Nearby shinobi weren't surprised. If anything, they wanted to rush over too. This was their Hokage. Their strongest shield.
From a distance, Konan watched quietly.
"He's popular," she said.
"It makes sense," Nagato replied calmly from his wheelchair. "This village is one of the few places in the world where people can live like this. They trust him."
Konan nodded. Her own life now felt unreal. Compared to Akatsuki days filled with fear and uncertainty, this exhaustion was comforting. There was hope here.
Back in the crowd, Tōma finally managed to extract himself, looking genuinely worn down.
"You're not good with crowds, Hokage-sama," Shikaku said with a rare chuckle.
"I can't reject them, can't teleport away, and everyone means well," Tōma sighed. "Strength doesn't help here."
"That's because you don't come out often," Shikaku replied. "If you did, people wouldn't react like this."
"I'll pass," Tōma said immediately.
Shikaku laughed under his breath. He couldn't blame him. Still, it was impressive. Even the Fourth Hokage's popularity hadn't been this overwhelming.
As they returned, Tōma shook his head with a rueful smile.
"Next time I want to walk the village," he muttered, "I'm using a Transformation Jutsu."
The first Hokage who needed a disguise to patrol his own home.
...
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